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Articles German Shepherds are considered the best working dogs around the world. Similarly, the Pomeranians are excellent working dogs and were initially bred as sled dogs. Imagine what will happen when we combine these two unrelated working buddies of dissimilar sizes to give a German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix. Also known as the Pomeranian Shepherd or the German Shepherd Pom, you will soon find out that this fluffy medium dog breed is adorable and playful despite being loud and aggressive. In this article, I will let you know about the world of these fun-loving buddies, and I will let you know about their life span, their temperaments, and how to take care of them. German Shepherd Pomeranian Mixes can grow up to 15 inches tall. The average height they can reach is 12 inches tall and is expectedly bigger than that of a Pomeranian but less than that of a German Shepherd. For their weight, a German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix can weigh between 15 to 20 lbs. Hence, this mixed breed falls under the medium-sized dog breed category, and its size will lie between a German Shepherd and a Pomeranian. In other words, the weight of a German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix is often greater than that of a Pomeranian. However, it is also less than that of a mature German Shepherd. So if you are looking for a miniature-sized pooch that looks like a German Shepherd, you should go for a German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix. In addition, it is for this reason that a Pomeranian is never used as the female when breeding a German Shepherd Pom. This is because the female Pomeranian will not be able to carry the weight of many German Shepherd Pom puppies. Image from Instagram: princesspommom Physical Appearance The physical appearance of German Shepherd Poms depends on the characteristics they inherited from their parents. Their coat color and patterns also depend on this. If their fluffy coat is well inherited from their German Shepherd parent, their coat appears smoother and less fluffy. However, if their fluffy coat is inherited from their Pomeranian parents, they have a more fluffy and long coat. For their coat color, if it is inherited from a German Shepherd, it will be tan, sable, dark red, or black. On the other hand, if their coat color is inherited from a Pomeranian, it will appear red, orange, cream, sable, or black. German Shepherd Pomeranian Mixes typically can live between 12 to 14 years. During their lifespan, they may get affected by common health issues that will impact their quality of life. Here are some common health issues affecting this mixed breed. Collapsed Trachea Some canines are genetically susceptible to collapsed trachea. Since a genetic factor is involved, a German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix will likely get affected. When it does happen, the tracheal rings of cartilage that support your doggie windpipe become slack, and it collapses. Hence, your furry friend finds it difficult to breathe. It is accompanied by a lack of strength and reduced stamina because the heart can not pump enough blood to the tissues. Faulty heart valves, like the mitral valves, are the major cause of this disease. Another cause of this disease is irregular heart rhythm and narrowing blood vessels. In a situation where you observe your furry friend coughing persistently, you should consult your veterinarian. Diabetes Diabetes affects dogs, especially German Shepherd Poms. It influences how their body uses glucose for energy. It occurs when there is no glucose-insulin connection in the body. This may be due to insufficient insulin production or resistance to the insulin produced. Some of the symptoms are increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, and increased appetite. However, it can still be managed by visiting your veterinarian if you observe that your canine buddy has any of these symptoms. Other health issues affecting German Shepherd Poms to note are hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and cataracts. Due to their high-energy nature, taking care of the German Shepherd Poms requires proper nutrition, sufficient exercise, and the use of dental water additives to keep them in good health. Exercise Routine We recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise for your German Shepherd Pom every day. This can be in the form of a slight jog and walk in between. If the exercise will take longer than 45 minutes, ensure that your canine buddy has breaks to regain its energy. Alternatively, there are canine games your furry friend can participate in canine games, such as ball fetching and weave pole exercise for sprinting. To strengthen your German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix hip muscles, we also recommend that you include 5 to 10 minutes of canine squats daily in your exercise routine. This canine squat exercise is good for preventing hip dysplasia. Food containing meats, vegetables, fruits, and grains provides your canine buddy with a wholesome diet. Most commercial dog foods meet this requirement. More so, they are approved by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition as a safe and healthy option for feeding pets. One such example we recommend is the Pet Plate. It is made with human-grade ingredients and supplies your canine buddy with a balanced diet containing proteins, multivitamins, and minerals. Many of these things are harmful and can cause infections in the mouth and plague the teeth of your doggie. Having your canine buddy wash their mouth and brush their teeth with dental water additives kills these germs and prevents the growth of plagues on their teeth. For this reason, we recommend using dental water additives for the safe oral health of your dear buddy. Ideally, you should brush the teeth of your canine buddy every day. With a barking tendency, the German Shepherd Poms are an ideal candidate for being a watchdog and can alert their owners of any intruders. But do they show any aggression towards such intruders? Aggressive Yes, the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mixes display moderate aggression, especially towards strangers who intrude their living spaces or the house. They can be aggressive towards strangers and those whom they are not familiar with. Early socialization training is required for this mixed breed, especially when there are children in the household. Image from Instagram: finnthedawgg Separation Anxiety Just like their parents, the German Shepherd Poms can deeply suffer from separation anxiety when left unattended for more than 6 hours. Leaving them alone for a long time causes them to be frightened. Hence, they show destructive behaviors such as tearing shoes apart, chewing furniture foams, and barking aggressively. There are many reasons why your Pomeranian Shepherd can suffer from separation anxiety, some reasons include a change in its owner, a transition into a new home from a shelter home, or the loss of one of its loved relatives. There are many treatments for separation anxiety. For instance, rewarding your canine buddy with a special treat just before you leave the house will make it get excited, especially when it sees you leaving. This is because it knows it will have a special reward. Letting your canine buddy have its room and teaching it to be alone even when you are at home will also help in curbing its separation anxiety. Involving your pooch in crate games and exercises can relieve its stress and may help with separation anxiety. Having your pooch in dog day care centers or taken care of by a dog sitter in your absence will also relieve its stress. Though it takes time for your dog to learn to be alone, alternatively, using the above treatment options will enable it to better adjust to its new lifestyle. Besides being loud and aggressive, German Shepherd Poms can be thought to be fun-loving, playful, energetic, and courageous. Be it indoors or outdoors, and you will definitely be enjoying every moment and interaction with this mixed breed. They replace their coats seasonally, twice a year. To keep your German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix clean and have a shiny-looking coat all through the year, you should brush, trim, and wash its coat on a regular basis. Hypoallergenic The German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix is not considered to be hypoallergenic due to its moderate shedding levels. Therefore, to reduce its shedding levels, its coat should be brushed 3 to 4 times every week and trimmed once every six weeks to retain its shape and fluffiness. Grooming Having grooming tools keep their coat length moderate and clean. A clean-looking German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix is the goal of every pet parent. This tool is safe on the skin of your German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix, gently rolling to remove any loose hair and trimming off excessive hairs. Removes loose hair: reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without cutting skin or damaging the.FURejector button: just push the button to release hair with ease. Check Price on Amazon Bathing In addition to brushing and trimming your furry friend, you should also bathe them with the appropriate shampoo products. The product is specially formulated using oatmeal as an active ingredient to prevent itching and irritation on sensitive and dry skin. Because of its rarity, German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix is considerably expensive. However, if you choose to adopt it, you should expect its price to be much lower. Yes, a German Shepherd can breed with a Pomeranian. However, as both breeds greatly differ in size, crossbreeding is a challenging process. During the breeding process, do ensure that the German Shepherd is the female and the Pomeranian is the male. This will enable her to carry the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix puppies. Alternatively, artificial insemination serves as a safe method for crossbreeding. Yes, a German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix can swim just like how both their parents, the German Shepherd and the Pomeranian, are great swimmers. However, you should never leave them to swim unsupervised. Always be there to guide and play with them during swimming. What is a Pomeranian German Shepherd Mix? However, this hybrid is definitely a very recent development. The first designer breed, the Labradoodle , emerged in .Since then, people have been captivated by creating new designer breeds. These crossbreeds are often very cute, but there is a deep concern among animal welfare professionals that this trend is not a good thing. Designer Dogs -What's the Problems For example, puppy mills take advantage of this consumer craze and flooding the market with puppies that were created in squalid, inhumane conditions. Many puppy mill puppies are riddled with health issues and temperament problems due to poor breeding practices. However, people are so desperate to have these fashionable puppies that they buy them anyway. There is also a real concern that people will get tired of these puppies after the craze dies down. However, unlike a fashion item or a tech gadget that can be cast aside, these dogs will end up neglected or abandoned. This scenario has already played out with other breeds that became wildly popular for a short period of time. A few years after the trend fades away, thousands of dogs end up unwanted in animal shelters. If you are considering getting one of these dogs, please think hard and long about this decision. Keep in mind that this is a living creature, and if you get one, you must commit to loving it and caring for it for its whole life. Also please make sure that you get one from an ethical source and you are not supporting a cruel and exploitative industry by putting money into a puppy mill. We will talk more about how to acquire a dog from a responsible source later in the article. The GSD was developed in Germany to herd and guard sheep. Today, German Shepherds are primarily kept as companions, but some are still used for working purposes including herding, protection, and scent work. German Shepherds are often used by the police force and the military. Some are even used as service dogs for people with disabilities. German Shepherds require a lot of exercise, training and mental stimulation. They are not the best dogs for novice dog owners. They do best with experienced handlers who can channel their energy into constructive outlets. Check out this article for more information about the German Shepherd Temperament. Meet the Pomeranian The Pomeranian, on the other hand, is a very different type of dog. Pomeranians originated in Europe for the sole purpose of companionship. Pomeranians were popular lap dogs for European royalty. These dogs are loving, joyful, playful, and cuddly. They love to be near people at all times. They do not require an excessive amount of exercise, and they usually do fine in city apartments. On the downside, Pomeranians are known for being vocal, anxious and hard to housetrain. You can learn more about Pomeranians in this article about the Pomeranian temperament. As you can see, Pomeranians and German Shepherds have very different temperaments. Therefore, there can be a lot of variability in the traits of German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes. In general, German Pomeranians tend to be intelligent, active, alert, lively and loyal. They have fluffy coats and they definitely shed a lot! These dogs are usually medium-sized, although their height and weights can vary widely. German Shepherd Pomeranian mix colors are likewise highly variable. They can be black, tan, red, brown, or a combination of these. Their coats are usually thick, and they require a lot of grooming. We will talk more about German Shepherd Pomeranian grooming in the next section. Grooming This is a breed that has a lot of hair and requires a lot of grooming. You will need to stock up on basic grooming supplies such as combs, brushes, nail trimmers, wipes and scissors. Brushing your Pomeranian German Shepherd mix every day is a must. This helps to prevent the coat from matting. You will also need to take your Pomeranian German Shepherd mix to a professional groomer a few times per year for a haircut. Otherwise, the coat will become extremely tangled and dirty. Shedding Does the German Shepherd Pomeranian mix shed? Yes, this hybrid is definitely a shedder! Both the German Shepherd and the Pomeranian are known for shedding heavily throughout the year—especially during shedding season. You should invest in a very good vacuum cleaner! If you are not a fan of dog fur in your house, this mix is probably not the right dog for you. No, this mix is not hypoallergenic. If you are looking for a breed that is hypoallergenic, check out this article for a list of hypoallergenic dog breeds. German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix Training If you are thinking about getting one of these dogs, you are probably wondering what is the best way to train your German Shepherd Pomeranian mix? Research shows that positive reinforcement training is the most effective and humane form of obedience training. If possible, sign up for a positive reinforcement obedience class or puppy socialization class in your area. Classes are a great way for your dog to be exposed to other dogs in a safe, supervised setting. Once you have gone through basic obedience, there are endless opportunities for more advanced activities with your German Shepherd Pomeranian mix. For example, you can try out agility, nosework, rally obedience, and much more! This online resource has hundreds of fun informative dog training videos that can help you learn the basics and more. Luckily, mixed breed dogs tend to be a bit healthier since they come from a larger gene pool. However, it is still a good idea to be familiar with the genetic health conditions that are common in German Shepherds and Pomeranians. Talk with your vet about the symptoms and treatments for the following conditions:. Photo by wearesunnycoco IG Authorized and reputable breeders of Pomeranian German Shepherd mix puppies are hard to come by, especially in the United States. Aside from the controversies about intentional crossbreeding, many breeders are discouraged from producing German Shepherd Pomeranians because of the difficulty in making them. Luckily, there are still some reputable places where you can find German Shepherd Pomeranian puppies for sale: Puppies. You can find the essential information about their puppies on their website, including the puppy prices. Petango — Petango is one of the largest pet advertising websites in the United States. Their website contains comprehensive details about the puppies on their listings. You can also use their filter feature to find the nearest German Shepherd Pomeranian puppy for sale near your area. PuppySpot — This online pet website lists hundreds of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, including the German Pom. You can also try your chances on Pomeranian and German Shepherd breeders. They may be producing this mix from time to time. You should check out their website as they regularly update their listings. They are a foster-based rescue that provides medical and emotional support to the dogs they rescue. You might luckily find a German Shepherd Pomeranian mix in their listings. Aside from the rescues listed above, you can also review our directory of German Shepherd and Pomeranian rescues. But before you do, read our ultimate dog adoption guide first! Before taking home a Pomeranian German Shepherd mix, you should first know all of these so you can weigh if it is the right dog for you. Here are some of the pros of owning a German Shepherd Pomeranian mix: Unique appearances: German Sheperd Pomeranian mixes truly have astonishing appearances. They can come in different coat colors, and they can boast the unique features of their parent breeds, such as the German Shepherd mask and the Pomeranian mane. Highly intelligent hybrids: Because of their innate intelligence, German Pomeranian mixes are not that difficult to train. They also love pleasing and obeying their owners. Good family dogs: Properly socialized German Shepherd Pomeranians can get along pretty well with children and other pets. They are also good watchdogs because of their vigilant and watchful traits. Meanwhile, here are some of the cons of owning German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes: Unpredictable growth: Since this hybrid is relatively new, no established growth guide is available yet. Hence, the growth of a German Sheperd Pomeranian is very difficult to predict and monitor. Not suitable for people with allergies: German Sheperd Pomeranians have double coats, which they shed throughout the year. They also blow their undercoats heavily twice when the season changes. Tend to bark a lot: Unfortunately, German Pomeranians tend to bark a lot. They howl and bark more frequently than other dogs. Highly energetic: If you are a busy person, the German Shepherd Pomeranian mix might not be the right dog for you. This hybrid requires regular exercise and stimulation. If you think that the pros of owning a German Shepherd Pomeranian mix outweigh the cons, nothing should stop you from taking home one. However, I also suggest that you assess first whether your bank can shoulder the financial responsibility of owning this hybrid dog. You should know that having a dog as a pet is a lifetime commitment. Are you considering adding a unique and exciting pet to your family, like the German Shepherd Pomeranian mix? This rare designer breed blends the bold characteristics of two popular purebred dogs into one package. Understanding the Pomeranian German Shepherd Mix Diving into the world of hybrid dog breeds can be quite fascinating, especially when dealing with a unique mix like the Pomeranian German Shepherd. This rare combination results from artificially inseminating a female GSD with a male Pomeranian, due to the size disparity between these two purebred breeds. The resulting breed embodies characteristics from both parent breeds, presenting potential owners with an intelligent, alert and active canine companion. Because this crossbreed is not common in nature, it may prove difficult and expensive to acquire one owing to demand exceeding supply — sparking concerns about unethical breeding practices at puppy mills. Just like any pet adoption process, commitment to lifelong care for your furry friend should take precedence over novelty or aesthetics. Origin of Pomeranians Pomeranians, a purebred breed recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC , have an intriguing history dating back to the 15th century. Towards the late 19th century, these endearing dogs made their way to America where they quickly became a favored pet breed among dog lovers across the nation. Their distinct appearance and charming temperament endeared them to all who encountered them. Over years ago, these dogs were meticulously developed for their exceptional herding and guarding capacities. As versatile workers, they swiftly gained recognition for their intelligence and strength. These esteemed traits extended beyond the pastures, finding use in various roles such as police work and search-and-rescue missions. Their popularity spread globally, solidifying them as one of the most loved breeds today. Characteristics of Pomeranian German Shepherd Mix Breed Pomeranian GSD mixes are medium-sized dogs with a mix of traits from both parent breeds, including an attractive appearance and a friendly temperament. Appearance and Size The German Shepherd Pomeranian mix is an enchanting designer breed that combines the distinct characteristics of both its parent breeds. With the signature pointy ears and upright posture inherited from the German Shepherd dog, paired with the small size and thick double coat reminiscent of the Pomeranian, they are undeniably eye-catching. Their coats can be straight or curly and come in various colors such as black, white, and brown. The unique appearance of these mixed-breed dogs is sure to turn heads wherever they go. Temperament German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes have a wide range of temperaments, as they inherit traits from both parent breeds. Generally, German Pomeranians are intelligent, active, alert, lively, and loyal dogs. They are known for their playful nature and enjoy being the center of attention. These mixed breed dogs often display a strong sense of loyalty towards their families and can be protective when it comes to guarding their loved ones. Despite their small size compared to purebred GSDs, these mixes can still possess some herding instincts and may try to round up family members or other pets. Common Health Issues The German Shepherd Pomeranian mix dog is generally a healthy breed, but there are some common health issues that potential owners should be aware of. These include: Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition where the hip joint is improperly formed, leading to arthritis and pain. It can cause lameness and difficulty in walking. Luxating Patellas: This condition occurs when the kneecap slips out of place, causing discomfort and difficulty in walking. It can range from mild to severe and may require surgery. Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a progressive disease that affects the spinal cord and leads to weakness and paralysis in the hind legs. It is more common in older dogs. Hypothyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, which can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. Epilepsy: Some Pomeranian and German Shepherd mixes may be prone to seizures due to an inherited neurological disorder. Medication can help control seizures in most cases. Dental Disease: Both German Shepherds and Pomeranians are prone to dental issues such as gum disease and tooth decay. Regular dental care, including brushing their teeth, is essential for their overall health. Lifespan The German Shepherd and Pomeranian mix has an average lifespan of 10—14 years. By providing them with a balanced diet, regular exercise, grooming, and veterinary check-ups, you can give your furry friend the best chance at living a long and healthy life. So make sure to take good care of your Pomeranian GSD mix, so they can enjoy many happy years by your side! Training and Exercise Needs of Pomeranian GSD Mix To ensure a well-behaved and physically fit Pomeranian Shepherd, consistent training using positive reinforcement techniques is essential along with regular exercise to meet their high energy needs. Training Techniques Here are some training techniques that can help you in successfully training your dog: Start early: Begin training your German Shepherd Pom mix as soon as you bring them home. This will help establish a strong foundation for their obedience and behavior. Consistency: Be consistent in your training methods and commands. Use the same cues and gestures every time you want your dog to perform a specific action or behavior. Rewards-based training: Use treats, praise, and rewards to reinforce positive behaviors. Rewarding your dog for following commands will motivate them to repeat the desired actions. Short training sessions: Keep the training sessions short and focused, as Pomeranian German Shepherd mixes have shorter attention spans. Aim for minute sessions multiple times throughout the day rather than one long session. Socialization: Expose your Pomeranian Shepherd to different people, animals, environments, and situations from an early age. This will help them develop confidence and prevent behavioral issues. Basic commands: Teach basic commands such as sit, stay, come, down, and leave it using consistent cues and hand signals. Leash training: Practice leash walking with your German Shepherd and a Pomeranian mix to ensure they walk calmly on a leash without pulling or reacting to distractions. Positive reinforcement only: Avoid using punishment or harsh methods during training as it can cause fear or anxiety in your dog and hinder their progress. Exercise Requirements German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Here are some key points to remember when it comes to their exercise needs: Daily exercise: Aim for at least one hour of exercise each day to keep your German Shepherd Pomeranian mix physically and mentally stimulated. Physical activities: Engage in activities like brisk walks, jogging, or running together. These high-energy dogs will benefit from vigorous exercise sessions. Mental stimulation: Besides physical exercise, provide mental stimulation with puzzle toys, obedience training, or interactive games to prevent boredom. Playtime: Allow them ample playtime in a safe and enclosed space. Fetch, tug-of-war, and hide-and-seek are great ways to keep them entertained. Training classes: Consider enrolling your German Shepherd Pomeranian mix in obedience classes or agility training. This not only adds variety but also helps channel their intelligence and energy in positive ways. Socialization: Regularly expose your dog to different environments, people, and animals from a young age. This promotes good behavior and helps prevent behavioral issues. Weather considerations: Be mindful of weather conditions when planning outdoor activities. Extreme heat or cold can be uncomfortable for these dogs due to their double coat. If they appear tired or show signs of exhaustion, take a break and provide plenty of water for hydration. Consistency: Establish a routine for exercising your German Shepherd Pomeranian mix, as consistency is key for their physical health and overall well-being. Grooming and Care for German Shepherd with a Pomeranian Mix Grooming and care for a German Shepherd and Pomeranian mix is essential to maintain their healthy coat and overall well-being. Regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting and reduce shedding, especially during seasonal changes. Shedding and Coat Care The Pomeranian Shepherd is known for its thick coat, which requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and manageable. Shedding is a common occurrence with this breed mix, so owners should be prepared for some extra cleaning around the house. Regular brushing sessions can help minimize shedding by removing loose hairs and prevent matting. Diet and Nutrition Proper diet and nutrition play a crucial role in the health and well-being of your Pomeranian German Shepherd mix. These hybrid dogs have specific dietary needs that should be met to keep them healthy and happy. As an active breed, they require high-quality dog food that is rich in protein to support their energy levels. Regular feedin g schedules with portion control are recommended to prevent obesity, as this can lead to various health issues such as joint problems. Consult your veterinarian to determine the best diet plan for your German Pomeranian based on their age, activity level, and any specific dietary requirements they may have due to potential health concerns like hip dysplasia or hypothyroidism. By providing them with the right nutrition, you can ensure they thrive both physically and mentally. German Pomeranian can make excellent family dogs due to their affectionate and loyal nature, as well as their potential for being good with children and other pets. Compatibility with Children and Other Pets German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes are generally compatible with children and other pets, making them great additions to family households. Due to their friendly and sociable nature, they often form strong bonds with children and enjoy playtime together. When properly socialized from a young age, these mixed breeds can get along well with other pets in the household, including cats and smaller dogs. Remember that proper training and positive reinforcement techniques will contribute to a harmonious environment between your German Shepherd Pomeranian mix and your family members or furry companions. Adoption and Rescue Options Adopting a German Pomeranian is possible through various rescue centers and animal shelters. They have a network of foster homes where you can find a loving companion. Although they primarily deal with purebred Pomeranians, they occasionally have Pomeranian mixes available for adoption. Websites such as Petfinder. You can filter your search criteria to find specific breeds or mixes like the German Shepherd Pomeranian mix. This guarantees that you are getting a well-bred puppy with proper care and socialization. Reputable breeders prioritize the overall welfare of their dogs and conduct necessary health tests to minimize genetic issues. While the initial costs may be higher compared to other designer breeds, choosing a reputable breeder ensures that you are making a long-term investment in a healthy and happy companion. Websites like Puppies. Remember, when bringing home your new furry friend, always pick quality over convenience or cost-cutting measures! Estimated Costs The cost of owning a healthy German Shepherd Pomeranian puppy can vary depending on various factors. Additionally, there are initial expenses to consider when bringing home your new furry friend. Are you ready to handle the high-energy levels and exercise needs of a Pomeranian German Shepherd mix? Pros Cons A German Pomeranian can exhibit a blend of the intelligence and loyalty of the German Shepherd and the affectionate and playful nature of the Pomeranian. Acquiring a German Pomeranian can be difficult, expensive, and controversial due to concerns about unethical breeding practices and puppy mills. These hybrids can potentially be adapted to a variety of living situations — from apartments to houses with yards, given the right amount of exercise and mental stimulation. The breed is not officially recognized by major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club, which can bring legitimacy and health concerns. If socialized and trained correctly, they can get along well with children and other pets, making them a potential choice for families. The differing temperaments of the parent breeds can make the Pomeranian German Shepherd mix a wildcard — they can be loving and playful, or perhaps vocal and anxious. With the right care and regular vet visits, these dogs can lead a healthy life. They are prone to certain genetic health problems inherited from their parent breeds, necessitating regular vet visits and preventive care. They can make great companions for experienced dog owners who can manage their exercise and training needs. German Shepherds are not recommended for novice dog owners due to their high exercise, training, and mental stimulation needs. To Sum Up In conclusion, the Pomeranian Shepherd is a unique and fascinating hybrid breed that combines the intelligence and athleticism of the German Shepherd with the compact size and charm of the Pomeranian. However, potential owners must be aware of the challenges associated with acquiring this rare breed and ensure they are committed to providing lifelong care for their furry companion. By choosing a reputable breeder or considering adoption from rescue groups, you can give these special dogs a loving forever home. 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. Lifespan Sociability Generally speaking, crossbred dogs are less expensive than pure breeds. On top of this, German Pomeranians are a relatively new and unknown breed. Because both parents command a high price, German Pomeranians do as well. These pups need lots of exercise and space, therefore it is probably best you have a yard. It is also important to be able to spend time with your dog, so consider things carefully before choosing a breed. The Pomeranian parent must be male. The strangest thing about this crossbreed is the massive size difference between the parents. There can be more than an pound difference in weight between German Shepherds and Pomeranians. So, how exactly do they breed? The Pomeranian must be male. A Pomeranian male can mate with a female German Shepherd, even though the logistics still seem a little off. The Pomeranian is likely to die from the attempt. They can be difficult to housebreak. You can get puppies from the same litter that take after different parents. Both parents were bred to work. Most people know that German Shepherds were bred to work. But fewer people know that the Pomeranian was also bred to be a working dog. Pomeranians are part of the Spitz family of dogs, which includes canines like Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. But Pomeranians were thrust into prominence when Queen Charlotte got two of them in the 18th century. German Shepherds are known as some of the most easy-going and laidback dogs of all time. These dogs are joyous, loving, loyal, and endlessly happy. Are These Dogs Good for Families? A few of these dogs might bond closely with just one person, but most German Poms are going to bond with every member of the family. Your German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix is unlikely to chase or attack smaller dogs. German Poms are often filled with more confidence than their little bodies can hold, which often results in them acting much larger than they are. Of course, with proper socialization starting at an early age, your German Pomeranian should be able to get along great with just about everyone. They need a lot of exercise. Try a toy specifically for mental stimulation to help with boredom. But this will be dependent on which parent they take after more. If your dog takes after the Shepherd side more, then their coat will be shorter and easier to care for. These dogs will only need to be brushed once or twice a week with occasional baths thrown in when necessary. For German Pomeranians that take after the Pom side more, you can expect to spend twice as much time grooming at least. These pups will have tons of hair that will need brushing nearly every day. Forgo the brushing and you can expect a matted, tangled dog. And these dogs shed quite a bit as well. In the case of German Shepherds and Pomeranians, the list of health problems that are commonly associated with these breeds is extremely long. Minor Conditions Luxating Patella : Simply put, a luxating patella is a kneecap that can move out of place. If you see these signs, you ought to have your German Pom checked out just to be safe. Serious Conditions Hip Dysplasia : This is one of the most common health conditions that faces dogs today, particularly large breeds. German Shepherds are known to be highly vulnerable to hip dysplasia. Because of this, they rub together, causing pain, limiting motion, and eventually resulting in lameness. Elbow Dysplasia : Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is when the elbow joint grows incorrectly, resulting in pain and limited motion. It results in unprovoked seizures that can happen at any time. Given the numbers above, it can be assumed that a Pomeranian German Shepherd cross would fall somewhere in the middle of the two breeds in terms of size and weight. Females GSD Pom mixes can be expected to stand around 14 — 17 inches tall and weigh between 26 — 39 pounds. Whereas males can be expected to stand between 15 — 19 inches tall and weigh between 34 — 49 pounds. Coat German Shepherds have a double coat of medium to long fur with an undercoat. The Pomeranian is also a double-coated breed with an undercoat; however, their fur is longer and fluffier. Accordingly, the coat of a Pomeranian GSD mix will largely depend on which parent the pup takes after. If the pup takes after their GSD parent their coat will be smoother whereas if they take after their Pomeranian parent, their coat will be longer and have more fluff. This mix will shed year-round. If they take after the GSD parent they are more likely to be sable, black and tan, all black, blue, or liver. Whereas, if they take after their Pomeranian parent they can be, red, orange, cream, sable, black, tri-colored, brown, or blue. Grooming The grooming needs of a GSD Pomerania mix will be a little more involved, especially if the pup takes after their Pomeranian parent. Between grooming visits, they should be brushed twice weekly, and their face should be cleaned at least every other day, as they are prone to get eye stains. Teeth cleaning and nail clipping requirement are in the same frequency as any other dog. Since German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes will have erect ears , they should be cleaned once a month, and more often if they are prone to ear infections. Strength As larger more muscular dogs German Shepherds are definitely stronger than the Pomeranian. German Shepherds have a bite force of around psi whereas Pomeranians bite force has not been documented. One could expect a mix between these breeds to lead to a medium-sized dog of average strength with a bite force ranging somewhere in the mid s. Speed German Shepherds have been documented to run at a top speed of up to 30 miles per hour. The Pomeranian being smaller obviously runs slower at speeds of up to 12 miles per hour. A mix between these breeds would likely result in a dog that runs at speeds between 19 — 21 miles per hour. Exercise Requirement Although German Shepherds and Pomeranians are energetic dogs, a mix between these two will be easier to manage exercise wise. Thirty to forty minutes of exercise a day should be sufficient for a German Shepherd Pomeranian mix. However, monitor your dog as this can vary from dog to dog. If you find your dog is starting to exhibit some destructive behaviors you may need to increase their daily physical activity. Since both Pomeranians and German Shepherds are really smart , a mix from these breeds will also benefit from engaging their minds regularly. This can be done with puzzle toys and learning new tricks. Trainability Both German Shepherds and Pomeranians are very trainable , meaning a mix between the two will be trainable as well. German Shepherds rank as the 3rd most intelligent dog breed, and Pomeranians rank as 23rd most intelligent dog breed. Accordingly, a Pomeranian German Shepherd mixed breed would be a dog of excellent intelligence making for a very trainable dog. Temperament German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes are fun-natured, active dogs with a spunky unique personality. Expect this dog to be vocal and like to bark, whine and maybe even howl. With proper socialization and training, this dog can be friendly with both their family as well as people outside their circle. You will need to focus on socialization around other pets from a young age, as sometimes these dogs can be less friendly with larger dogs and animals as they feel threatened because of their size. These dogs are better with older children but can be trained on how to interact with younger children if that is needed. Overall, these dogs will have a confident eager to please attitude and will show their family lots of love and affection. Health The Pomeranian German Shepherd cross can be prone to hypothyroidism, diabetes, cataracts, collapsed trachea, and congestive heart failure most commonly. All dogs have genetic predispositions to certain ailments, however, having a good vet and going to regular visits helps catch any potential problems that may arise early enough for them to be addressed. Lifespan Pomeranian typically live between 12 to 16 years, while German Shepherds tend to live between 12 to 14 years. A cross between these two would most likely have an average lifespan around 13 to 15 years. It is important to remember that the best way to increase the odds of your dog living longer is to provide them with a healthy lifestyle containing high-quality dog food and regular exercise and vet visits. The AKC only maintains a registry of purebreds. German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes are very rare and so are not very popular. Usually, this mix is a result of an accidental mating situation. However, there are some breeders that are intentionally mating these two breeds via artificial insemination to create this dog. When this occurs, the female is usually the German Shepherd and the male is usually the Pomeranian for safety since the size of the puppies may be too large for the tiny Pom to carry to term. Final Thoughts The German Shepherd Pomeranian mix is a medium-sized dog with a fun-loving spunky temperament. They are extremely intelligent, easy to train, and loyal to their family. This mix needs proper socialization and training to be well balanced around other dogs, small children, and strangers. The mix of these two breeds are opposites in so many ways but they make up for it by being a harmonious blend whose personality traits range from active to stable! The German Shepherd is a popular breed, ranking second in the world. However, it does not hold that position for long when compared to other breeds like Pomeranians who are the 23rd most common according to The AKC rankings! When it comes to personality, the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix is a cuddly animal. They have so much fur and are typically very friendly with everyone they meet! German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix is a man-made creation that cannot occur naturally. To make this designer dog, you have to fertilize the female with sperm from another species of a small breed like Poms or Gizmos; however, it is illegal for them to receive gametes outside their own kind breed. The process does not work vice versa because if there was no artificial intervention then these large puppies would never exist! They might be more expensive than purebreds too. Pomeranian and German Shepherd Mix are so popular because they have a friendly demeanor, above-average intelligence for canines, and an easy-going personality. Intersections of breeds are usually safe, but veterinary experts are deeply concerned that this practice may not be safe for animals. It might be difficult for your puppy to understand you but with love and affection they can learn better than others. Do You Love Reading Ebooks? A male German Shepherd will not mate with a female Pom, but the reverse situation may end in tragedy for both parties involved with this experiment gone wildly wrong! They may find it challenging to get into the house: Designer breeds like the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix are unpredictable. You will not have invented it from the small body structure, but this model weighed over 30 pounds [30 kg] when used to trailer snowboards in frosty weather! Their height varies depending on their parentage. Pomeranian and German Shepherd Mix can be either medium to large in size with the larger specimens weighing anywhere around lbs. The height varies depending on whether they take after their Shetland Sheepdog or Pomeranian parent, but it is usually not too much taller than 15 inches at the shoulder. Height: This breed is less than normal tall in height. A male dog is 7 — 12 inches tall whereas the female dog has the similar height to the male breed. Weight: The German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix has some variations in weight depending on diet and nutrition provided. The normal weight seen until now is lbs. Lifespan: Their expected life duration or time is years. These dogs are trusted and happy companions. They can even smile moodily like their adorable faces would suggest — but only if they inherit some of that joyousness from both parents which is most likely! German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix comes with endless happiness and can be taught to do tricks! The reason why so many folks love owning one? It comes down largely due to their wonderful temperaments which include strong loyalty towards family members. These dogs are like gentle warriors, always ready to fight for their owners. Pomeranian and German Shepherd Mix are not as high-strung or intense as their more doglike parents. Can families adopt these dogs? This small yet lively breed can be found bonding closely with their human companions in many different ways; some might only bond with one person while others could easily become best friends with every member of your household! A few tiny Pommy buddies may like to stay close by you on Allen factions though most will prefer interacting through play , making this furry friend perfect for families looking forward to having kids around too. .Can this dog get along well with other pets? The German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix is an energetic, bold breed that loves to explore the world. However, this pup needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation because they can be quite dominant around other dogs — even if yours are bigger! With its friendly demeanor and gentle nature, the Pomeranian is a great choice for families with children or other dogs. The German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix is not one of the larger breeds, but they still have an abundance to offer. These dogs are always on their feet and will do anything for some playtime or activity time — even if it means running around like crazy! Necessary Trainings: Pomeranian and German Shepherd Mix are the perfect choices for those who want a highly intelligent, but also easy-to-train pet. They have an excellent sense of smell and hearing which will benefit their human companions greatly in any kind of profession where these skills come into play! However this will depend on which parent they take after more: if your dog takes after Shepherd side with its short coat then these little dogs only need to be timely brushed one or two times a week while regular baths can fit perfectly well into their schedule too! Some scientists argue Pomeranian and German Shepherd Mix breeds suffer from just as many genetic diseases as purebreds. However further study has shown low numbers in certain breeds skew results when looking at hip dysplasia rates which makes it difficult for us to get accurate information about what type or combination may lead an animal into difficulty later on down the road with their mobility; therefore preventing any unnecessary pain and suffering! Final Thoughts German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix — Breeding Mixed breeds have become increasingly popular in recent years as people look for dogs that combine the best qualities of different breeds. One mixed breed that has gained a lot of attention is the German Shepherd Pomeranian mix. As the name suggests, this mixed breed is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Pomeranian. This mix was first bred in the United States in the s and has since become a popular choice for families looking for a loyal and loving pet. While mixed breeds can sometimes be unpredictable in terms of personality and physical appearance, this mix is generally considered to be a good-natured and even-tempered dog. These dogs typically stand between 18 and 22 inches tall and weigh between 35 and 60 pounds. These pups have a thick, fluffy coat that can be straight or curly. The most common coat colors are black, white, and brown, but there is a wide range of colors and patterns that these pups can come in. One of the most distinctive features of this mixed breed is their curled tail. This tail is covered in the same fluffy coat as the rest of their body and gives them a playful and friendly appearance. While they may be small, these pups are full of energy and love to play. If you are looking for a fluffy little companion to add to your family, the German Shepherd Pomeranian mix is the perfect pup for you! The German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix is a popular crossbreed that is known for being an excellent guard dog. They are loyal and protective of their family, and will bark to warn of any strangers or perceived threats. This mix is a popular choice for families looking for a guard dog, as they are both loyal and protective. However, it is important to note that they will need proper training in order to prevent them from becoming too aggressive. This hybrid mix can be found in most animal shelters, and they make excellent pets for families willing to invest their time in training them properly. The German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix — Training Needs If you have your heart set on a German Shepherd Pomeranian mix, be prepared to put in the time and effort required to properly train your dog. Providing proper training for your German Shepherd Pomeranian mix will help ensure he becomes a well-behaved, well-mannered member of the family. German Shepherds are notorious for being difficult to potty train, and Pomeranians can be stubborn as well. This generally means that this mix will also be difficult in this area. Be patient, consistent, and use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats or praise when your dog goes potty in the proper place. Crate training may also be helpful in Potty training this mixed breed. This will give your dog his own space where he can feel safe and secure and will help teach him that he needs to hold it until he is taken outside to do his business. This is a powerful, energetic dog with a strong prey drive. Without proper obedience training, your dog may be difficult to control and could present a danger to himself and others. Start obedience training as early as possible, using positive reinforcement techniques such as treats or praise. With time and patience, your German Shepherd Pomeranian mix will learn what you expect of him. Proper socialization is also important for this breed. German Shepherds are naturally distrustful of strangers, and Pomeranians can be territorial. This will help your dog learn to trust and accept new people and situations, and will make him a well-rounded, confident adult dog. With proper training, socialization, and obedience training, your German Shepherd Pomeranian mix can be a wonderful companion dog who is loyal and loving to his family. No, the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix is not aggressive. However, they do have a strong prey drive and may not be the best choice for families with small children or other pets. They need daily exercise to burn off their high level of energy. This mixed breed can occasionally show signs of aggression, but this is usually due to lack of socialization or training. Typical situations that may result in aggression include: — feeling threatened or cornered — perceiving a family member to be in danger — being startled or surprised With proper socialization and training, this mix should show minimal signs of aggression. This mix breed is a popular one among dog lovers. They are known to be very loyal and loving dogs. But how much exercise do they need? The German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix is a high-energy dog. They need at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise every day. An active family that can provide plenty of exercise is the best fit for this breed. Daily exercise is important for this breed, so regular walks, runs, or hikes are a must. If you are not able to provide this amount of exercise, then this is not the right breed for you. The German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix — Mental Stimulation This crossbreed is an intelligent family pet that requires a lot of mental stimulation. They are easily bored and can become destructive if not given enough to do. You can do many simple things to keep their minds active and engaged. Try hiding their food around the house for them to find, or teaching them new tricks and commands. You could even create an obstacle course in your backyard for them to navigate. Whatever you do, just ensure your dog gets the mental stimulation they need to stay happy and healthy. A variety of toys, puzzle feeders, and daily walks or play sessions will help keep their minds active and happy. Training is also important for this breed, as it gives them something to focus on and builds the bond between you. Agility courses, obedience classes or simple tricks at home are all great ways to give your German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix a mental workout. When it comes to grooming your German Shepherd Pomeranian mix, you need to keep a few key things in mind. Coat — Their coat can be either long or short, depending on the parentage. If your dog has a longer coat, you must brush them regularly to prevent matting and tangles. A shorter coat will require less brushing, but you should still brush them occasionally to remove any loose hair. This will help to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. You can use a doggy toothbrush or a finger brush designed for dogs. If you do not keep them trimmed, then they can start to grow into the pads of their feet, which can be very painful. This is because their long ears can easily become infected if they are not kept clean. By following these simple grooming tips, you can keep your German Shepherd Pomeranian mix healthy and looking their best. Some of these health issues are more common than others, and some may be more severe. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common health concerns for German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes. Another common health concern for German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes is elbow dysplasia. One of the more serious health concerns that this mixed breed can develop is degenerative myelopathy. Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive spinal cord disease that leads to paralysis. These are just a few of the common health concerns that German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes can face. Of course, every dog is different and will not necessarily develop any of these conditions. As with all dogs, the German Shepherd Pomeranian mix should have a high-quality diet that is balanced and nutritious. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to this particular breed. This mixed breed is a high-energy dog. They need a lot of exercise, which means they will also need a lot of food to fuel their bodies. High-quality dry dog food is the best option for this breed. Look for brands that are high in protein and low in fillers. The other thing to keep in mind with this breed is that they are prone to weight gain. Avoid giving them too many treats and make sure they get plenty of exercise. Are they good with other Dogs? The German Shepherd Pomeranian mix should be friendly and good with other dogs, as both parent breeds are generally good-natured around other canines. With the right training and socialization, this mixed breed should be a great companion for another dog in the family. Are they Child Friendly? Fortunately, this dog tends to inherit the best qualities of both parents, which means they can make great companions for children of all ages. They are typically friendly and playful, but also loyal and protective, so you can rest assured knowing that your kids will always have a furry friend to watch over them. Do they drool? German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix dogs may drool when they are excited or nervous. However, with proper training and socialization, most GSPOMs will learn to control their drooling instinct. They can help you determine if there is a medical reason for the increased drooling and make recommendations for treatment. In terms of barking levels, German Shepherds are known to be one of the most vocal breeds, while Pomeranians are relatively quiet. They are bred to be smaller in size than their German Shepherd parent and have a thick, double coat that helps protect them from cold weather. While they do well in colder climates, this dog can also adapt to warmer weather. However, they will need access to shade and water to stay cool. If you live in an area with hot summers, keeping your dog inside during the hottest hours of the day is best. Life Expectancy German Shepherd Pomeranian mix dogs have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. Also, keep in mind that puppies from reputable breeders are more likely to be healthy and have longer lifespans. However, both parent breeds have long been recognized. The German Shepherd was recognized in , and the Pomeranian was recognized in .This is because this mixed breed is a relatively new hybrid dog breed. When it comes to finding a reputable breeder, make sure you do your research. A good breeder will be able to provide you with health clearances for both of the parent breeds. Occasionally, you may find this hybrid breed in animal shelters or rescue organizations. However, because they are still relatively rare, it may be difficult to find one that is up for adoption. They are loyal, loving, and make excellent protectors. However, they do require a fair amount of exercise and may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners. The joint for the bone of their elbow or hip will not fit properly together, and this can cause friction, destruction of the joint, and more. This becomes more and more pronounced with excessive use and will often need pain medication, physiotherapy, and other professional services. Luxating Patellas From their Pom parent, this is another common health concern. It involves the patella their kneecap moving out of place without warning. It can be occasional or regular. As they age, it can be more frequent. This will lead to abnormal walking and even reluctance to exercise if it happens a lot. Epilepsy Caused by unknown causes, this is when the body starts to shake uncontrollably. It is often hard to treat and will require professional consultation from experienced veterinarians who can make treatment recommendations. Disc disease This is a condition where the discs start to degrade and cause pain in the nerves and spine in general. This condition is primarily due to the Pomeranian parent, but it can happen in larger dogs. Surgery is often a treatment recommendation, but it would depend on how severe it is and where the discs are in the back. Cancer Just as with humans, cancer is prominent in dogs. It can be any kind of cancer and any kind of security. Proper vet check-ups and good health are vital criteria for helping keep your dog as healthy as possible and catching any potential cancer early in life. Degenerative myelopathy This comes mostly from their German Shepherd genes. When the nervous system starts to degrade , it leads to progressive weakness and eventually paralysis, mostly of their hind end. They will need some sort of wheelchair or harness to help them walk and move comfortably. It can lead to difficulty eating and powerful jaw and tooth pain. Proper dental hygiene is, of course, a great way to help prevent this. What is the temperament of a German Pomeranian? One of the reasons that these dogs are so popular is because of their excellent temperament. These sweet dogs tend to be alert, loyal, friendly, and active members of the family. They have a lot of energy but tend to get along with everyone. They often will get along well with kids, other pets, and more. They can sometimes be territorial if their German Shepherd traits allow it, so if you have another alpha dog, it may take a while for everyone to figure out their turf. These dogs may not always adapt well to newcomers or strangers, however. While polite and attentive to your guests, they might not like to be handled by them specifically. This is also the case with new pets or visiting pets. Are German Pomeranians good family dogs? In most cases, yes! German Pomeranians are excellent family dogs because they tend to be perfect playmates for your child. They get along well with kids and teens and will enjoy being in the thick of things. If you are a family that likes to walk, hike, or go camping, your German Pomeranian will be a great companion for the adventure. If you have a dog with especially strong German Shepherd traits, you may notice that they act similarly to a watchdog. What is the German Shepherd Pomeranian mix price? They are hard to find from reputable breeders outside of Europe, which drives the price point up. This crossbreed takes a lot of effort to design, especially with artificial insemination. All of this comes at a literal price! Pros and cons of a German Pomeranian Of course, part of doing your research on your new furry addition is going to be in weighing the pros and cons of this adorable and fluffy breed. Here they are for you to take a look at: PROS Great for apartments or small homes Blend well with active families All things considered, German Pomeranians are easy-going dogs. They enjoy being around their humans and are great additions to active families who want a dog to participate in camping trips and hikes. They adapt well to apartments and small homes. While they will need exercise, it will be much easier to exercise them properly, even with smaller spaces available instead of large dogs. They are lovely additions to families that want a loving and attentive family dog that will be a great companion to kids, other pets, and parents, too. CONS Can be difficult to house train Need 60 minutes per day or more Lots of health conditions Thanks to their Pomeranian heritage, these dogs can be challenging to house train. You may want to consider looking at crate training where you can place pee pads, just so that they contain their messes in one area, at least. These are active dogs that, despite their size, will require 60 minutes of activity a day. Many will need 90 to minutes even. Many families will choose to exercise their Pom before and after work specifically because they can destroy things out of sheer boredom if left alone all day. Another option is to get them distraction toys or consider doggy daycare. Lastly, the list above will be something to consider when it comes to possible health conditions. These will require vet visits and specialist appointments if necessary when you are looking for a way to help them feel at their best as they get older. How to take care of a German Shepherd Pomeranian mix From daily maintenance to long-term care for their health, there are several areas that you can focus on for their benefit. These areas are primarily around their beauty routine, weirdly enough, since both breeds will have some essential cosmetic needs to consider. Get used to a groomer Since they are long-haired, they will need to have regular trips to the groomers. Most will aim for weeks. Going longer means that you will need to prioritize their grooming at home with a brush. Skipping these grooming habits means that you will end up with tangled fur that can be loaded with bacteria, cause skin irritations, mats, and more. Even with a groomer, you will need to help them stay comfortable with brushing their fur at home every few days. This will help prevent any mats and can help them relieve themselves of loose fur as they shed their coats during shedding season. This is fine, but you can also look at blending it with their grooming specialist care too. These are the professionals who will know how to properly cut them down to help with wear and tear to your home and their health. Think of it as a trim at home between appointments. This is often done with cotton balls and a bit of warm water if you need it. In case of infection, you will have antibiotics to use, so the sooner you get your dog used to the attention, the better. Brush their teeth, too, so that they can avoid issues like dental decay and other common complications that can lead to a lot of health conditions as they age. You can do this through actual teeth brushing and even toys that are all about shaking plaque loose. Face washed every other day Another thing to get used to doing at home is caring for their face! Due to their Pom parent, they are prone to eye issues. On the whole A mix between a German Shepherd and a Pomeranian, these tend to be fluffy and medium-sized dogs. While they can vary in size greatly due to genetics from each parent, most end up to be inches cm high and weigh between pounds kg. Some will have German Shepherd markings, and others will have Pomeranian colors and combinations. They have long hair and cured tails. They can be prone to many health conditions, so proper care is needed for their best quality of life. German Pomeranians are beautiful and attentive family dogs for those that like to be on the move. While caring for them will be a little different than many may be used to, it will be a lifetime full of fun for those families who love a medium-sized dog. If you know someone who will love one of these, consider sharing this with them to spread the love further!
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Is there anything cuter than a two-month-old Golden Retriever puppy? At eight weeks old, they are absolutely, impossibly, unbearably adorable! At two months old, a Golden Retriever is ready to leave their mother and littermates to join their new family. Some breeders will keep a puppy for a couple more weeks before sending them home, but eight weeks is very typical. Puppies at this age are usually playful and curious, with brains like little sponges. This usually only lasts a day or two, and then their true personality will shine through! They are in the prime socialization window here, which is the time between three and sixteen weeks when puppies are most open to learning about the world. Proper socialization can help you buffer against potential behavior issues as your pup matures, and teaches them how to feel and act in different situations and environments. It helps them feel confident and self-assured. A two-month-old Golden Retriever puppy is constantly learning! Make sure your puppy is learning that they are safe and that they can trust you both at home and out in the world. A fear period is a temporary span of time where a puppy may be more sensitive to things like strange people, strange dogs, inanimate objects, sounds, etc. It usually lasts about a week and you may notice your puppy showing signs of fear such as cowering, running away, growling, or barking. It can be a little scary as the owner of a puppy to see them acting this way. The good thing is that a fear period is short-lived and will pass. If they are concerned about something or someone, help them get more distance so they can observe the thing while feeling safe. They have a lot of needs and are totally dependent on you to meet those needs. Be patient as you help them learn how to live in our human world, and you can develop a strong, positive bond with your new companion. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! This is heavily influenced by genetics, but is not always the best indicator of their adult weight. Some lines of Goldens are bigger or smaller than average, so puppy size will reflect that. Your vet can help you make sure that your puppy is at an appropriate weight if you have any concerns. Eight-week-old Golden Retrievers need around 18 hours of sleep each day. Oftentimes, a puppy that is wild and bitey is in fact overly tired and in need of a nap. It may seem like they need more exercise to drain that crazy energy, but they actually need sleep. Using crates and pens can help ensure that your puppy is getting enough sleep at night and throughout the day. Many two-month-old Goldens are not good at putting themselves down for a nap, even when they really need it. So, you may need to step in and help your puppy settle in for some sleep. Make sure that their crate or pen is nice and comfy before you put them in for a nap, so they are more able to relax and fall asleep. Every puppy is different, so yours may prefer a nice cushy bed , or they may actually like laying on the bare floor. You can take note of what kinds of surfaces your puppy lays on around the house and then recreate that in the crate or pen. Covering the crate or pen with a blanket can also help make sleep easier for a two-month-old puppy, as it cuts down on the visual stimulation. Products like Adaptil spray or diffuser , and the Snuggle Puppy toy can also help a puppy settle in for sleep. Chewing and licking are naturally calming behaviors for puppies, so it can also help if you offer something like a stuffed kong , which can assist in transitioning the puppy from awake to asleep. Playing Classical music can also help a puppy feel more calm and able to sleep. At this age, most two-month-old puppies are ready for sleep after about an hour of awake time, so by following these tips, you can help make sure your puppy is getting enough quality rest. Instead, you can give them a break and see if they choose to get up, or simply scoop them up and walk home. Sometimes people get a Golden Retriever to be a running or biking companion, which can be a great thing when the pup is a fully grown adult, but is too much exercise for a young puppy. Playing with toys in the house or in the yard can be a great way for young pups to burn some of that puppy energy. If you have a yard, letting your pup safely explore and run around outside can also be a nice way to get in some exercise. You may also find that your puppy needs more sleep on some days, and on other days, they need more playtime and exercise. Golden Retrievers as a breed can also vary a lot in terms of exercise needs. Some are pretty laid back and chill and others are up for anything and want to go hard. These differences can be reflected in how much energy your puppy has, as well as in what kind and how much exercise your puppy needs. Training is an excellent way to build a positive bond with your puppy and create a way to communicate with each other. Group puppy classes can be a good option for getting started with training, as the trainer will help you learn how to train your pup. You can also hire a certified, professional trainer to come to your home and provide personalized training guidance for you and your puppy. Before you sign up with any trainer, be sure to ask them what kind of training methods and tools they use, to avoid causing any physical or mental distress for your puppy. Potty training is definitely a top priority for two-month-old puppies. They have small bladders and bowels and will need frequent trips outside to help them learn appropriate potty behavior. Crate training can also be started at this age, as learning how to be okay with confinement is an important life skill. Eight-week-old Golden Retriever puppies eat about a half cup of food three times per day. There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to feeding your two-month-old Golden. Puppies at this age need more frequent meals than adult Goldens, so three meals a day is recommended. Because two-month-old Goldens are undergoing so much growth at this stage, feed them high-quality food that can support them as they mature. Most Goldens have big appetites and will happily gobble down their meals when you serve them. Using slow feeder bowls like this bowl on Amazon , or other food dispensing toys, such as the Planet Dog Snoop , can help slow down their eating and provide them some mental stimulation while they eat. Puppies like to put things in their mouth as a way to learn and play. Unfortunately, it can be pretty painful for humans, as those puppy teeth are needle-sharp! There are, however, some things you can do to minimize and deal with the biting. First, ensure that your two-month-old Golden is getting enough sleep. Overly tired puppies tend to get super bitey and frenzied, so naps are key to preventing your puppy from turning into a piranha. Your floor might look a little cluttered, but it helps to keep toys within reach for a quick redirection. Third, you can simply give the puppy a break if they are on a biting spree. You could step on the other side of a baby gate or put them in their pen to calm down a bit, and then resume the play. This communicates to the puppy that when they bite, they lose access to you and the fun stops. A common piece of advice when dealing with puppy biting is to yelp in response to their nip, as if you were another dog. This is actually not a good way to handle puppy biting and can actually make it worse. Other puppies will be further excited by the yelp sound and come at you with even more intensity, resulting in harder bites. Good Beginnings Bringing a two-month-old Golden Retriever home is a very exciting thing. It can also feel pretty overwhelming as you figure out how to care for and train them. You might be sleep-deprived and have a couple scratches on your hand from those sharp puppy teeth, but try to keep in mind that this is the beginning of a special relationship with an incredible animal. Focus on bonding with your puppy, teaching them about the world, and creating good habits from the start. Have any questions about raising eight-week-old golden retrievers? Let me know down in the comments! Read the rest of our Golden Retriever puppy series here:. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun!
Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Limiting water in the evening will help limit your pups need to toilet in the night. However, if a crate is not used correctly, a dog can feel trapped and frustrated. Never use the crate as a punishment. Puppies under six months of age shouldn't stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time except at night. They can't control their bladders and bowels for that long. Normal Puppy Behaviours Your puppy is a baby. Jumping, nipping or biting, chewing, toileting accidents, limited attention span, grabbing objects and running off, not listening, etc. It is our job to teach our puppies how to live in our world, according to our rules, in a gentle and positive way. If you and your pup are struggling with some of these behaviours, please check out some of the resources noted below for tips on how to address them. Behavioural Issues Obedience issues and behavioural issues are not the same thing. Sometimes our pups need more one-on-one focused effort to address behavioural issues. Often the best way to deal with behavioural issues is to hire a trainer or behaviourist to come to your home for a one-on-one consult. We recommend trainers that use positive training methods. As an intelligent, trainable breed, Labradoodles do not respond well to strong aversive training. Positive reinforcement and clicker training are far more successful and fun for Labradoodles. Formal Training To best teach your pup how to live in our world, through socialization and training, it is important to understand the developmental phases of puppies. Their reaction to similar stimuli will be different depending on their stage of development. Socialization is the first step in creating a well-behaved dog. Once the pup has had a negative experience, you need to work harder to turn it into a positive experience. Present them in a way that your pup can draw confidence from you, without coddling them. Once your pup has had its second set of vaccines DAP , it can attend puppy socialization classes. It lists the situations to expose your dog to for optimal socialization. They also provide an opportunity for your dog to interact with other dogs in a controlled and supervised environment. You can find information at this link below:. But in the early days, we recommend keeping them close to you at night. It will help them feel safe and cared for — leaving their litter is quite a big step, after all. Your puppy may be unsettled and will most likely need at least one toilet break through the night. It will all be okay in a few weeks time, though. The crate should be a cosy warm den for your puppy. Soft blankets and a cuddly toy should do the trick to help them settle. It is also a good idea to cover over the sides but keep the front uncovered so your pup can still see out. Just before bed, take your pup out for one last toilet stop. With that beautiful voice of yours, gently reassure them and rest your hand in the crate so they know you are there. When your puppy wakes up in the night they definitely will at some point , listen to see if they are settling back down. Expect to be out at or am to take them straight to the loo. They will be bursting! That just about covers the first steps of Labradoodle sleep training. Very tired. But early mornings, late nights and disturbed sleep are all part of owning a puppy. As they mature emotionally and settle into their new home they will be happy in other parts of the house, and even outside of their crate. Having them in your room does not cause separation anxiety later on. Stick to a routine! Consistency is everything. It will backfire on you. Check out our guide on how to get a puppy to sleep through the night for more tips. Alone Training Labradoodles are very sociable. That can mean two things — they will always be happy to see you and that being alone can be challenging for them. This will help them feel at ease without you and also help them love their crate a little bit more too. While they are eating, go and do something close by. No need to go completely out of sight, but try not to focus on your puppy either. Labradoodles love to eat, so use this time wisely to distract them away from you. Just a few seconds is good enough in the early stages. Repeat: Practice makes perfect! Do this exercise at least once a day to build up alone time, and check out our guide to puppy separation anxiety. We expand on our little secret in our puppy toilet training article. Every 30 minutes, after eating, sleeping or playing. Socialization Exercises to do This Week Early socialisation is important for all puppies. It gives them confidence and teaches them to view the world in an optimistic way. Here are some puppy socialisation exercises to do with your Labradoodle. Let your Labradoodle Puppy Explore the Garden The garden is a great way to introduce your puppy to the great outdoors. They will also get used to walking on different types of surfaces such as your tiled, wet lawn or open flower beds. To get them there, here is a quick exercise you can run through: Exploring different surfaces exercise Have plenty of treats ready. Only use safe surfaces, nothing too slippery. Gather surfaces such as: A piece of carpet A large tray with a thin layer of water A large piece of tin foil or cardboard, something that makes a noise. Put the surfaces out on the floor and let your puppy investigate. Let them take their time and go at their own pace. In our experience Labradoodles are quite food motivated, and you can probably use a low or medium value treat for this. You can even try to use their kibble as many will be delighted to work for their food. For more info on what rewards to use check out our article on rewards and treats. Teach your puppy their name One of the first things your puppy will learn from you is their name. Fortunately, teaching a Labradoodle puppy their name is rather simple. Pretty easy, right? Practice this a few times everyday until they start flipping their head at you every time you call their name. Make sure everyone in the family uses the same name too! Teach your puppy to sit Labradoodle training is often started by teaching them how to sit. We call this a marker word. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow with a tasty treat. Bits of smelly sausage or cheese will definitely do the trick. If this happens, try to keep it simple at first and just use their own kibble if they are motivated to work for it. Save the big guns in treat terms for when you really need it! How to do it Always begin training at home. The outside world is far too exciting at the moment, and your puppy will probably not focus on you. Stand in front of your pup with a treat in your hand and place the treat on their nose, then bring it up to your waist. Recall — How to teach your Labradoodle puppy to come back when called Your puppy should have a good grasp of their name by now, which should make recall training pretty straightforward. Pun intended. How to do it You will need plenty of those high value treats and your best cheery voice. Call your puppy only once! This is super important as you want them to learn that their name only has to be called once for them to react to it. How to do it Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Once they are interested in the toy, throw it a short distance away from you. With that lovely singing voice of yours, encourage them to bring it back to you. When they do, swap the toy in their mouth for another identical toy. Repeat about 5 times and practice everyday. Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Prevention of Resource Guarding This part of Labradoodle training is important — it will prevent resource guarding by teaching your puppy how to give up items willingly. Resource guarding is this thing that happens when dogs are unwilling to give up items back, or when they get protective over something from humans or other dogs. From the training tips above, preventing resource guarding always comes down to a good swapping. Resource guarding starts when we force our dogs as puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. To avoid that, resist your temptation to reach deep inside their mouths to get whatever it is they have. Ultimately, we want our puppies to be willing to give things up when we need them to. What we really mean is care, handling, health and grooming. Start by just showing them the brush and running it over them with the flat side so they get used to the sensation minus the bristles. Hand Touch and Handling If you handle your puppy too roughly or grab at them, not only are they going to have a bit of a fright, but it could make them feel scared about being touched in the future. Use plenty of treats, and remember to stop if they walk away. Touch should be a pleasant thing not forced. Week 2 — Training your Labradoodle puppy Week 2 already! Socialisation exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. Fatigue Behavior changes loss of appetite, reluctance to engage, etc. If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet so they can perform screenings such as chest x-rays, blood tests, and an echocardiogram an ultrasound of the heart and nearby blood vessels to assess the issue. The condition can be serious if left untreated, but thankfully there are many treatment options available, such as diet therapy and medication. What To Feed a Labradoodle To live a long and happy life, Labradoodles must consume the proper amount of high-quality dog food and have access to fresh water. A balanced diet will help your pup maintain a healthy weight and avoid health conditions such as heart disease and hip dysplasia. If a pet parent is willing and able to cook for their dog, Whittenburg suggests a fresh, homemade diet that has been formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Boutique brand and grain-free foods should be avoided. That includes servings of food in the right amount that provides more than 40 nutrients that pets require in their respective life stages, including proteins, fats, carbs, and vitamins, minerals, and independent amino acids, according to the Pet Food Institute. While there is no one-size-fits-all way to feed a Labradoodle and a consultation with your vet is recommended, Whittenburg says Labradoodle puppies under 6 months old should generally be fed a minimum of three times a day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day. Unless recommended by a veterinarian, dogs fed a complete and balanced commercial food diet should not need any nutritional supplements. However, Labradoodles that are fed a homemade diet may require supplements to ensure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals necessary to thrive, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and a variety of antioxidants. Behavior and Training Tips for Labradoodles Labradoodle Personality and Temperament The high-energy, attention-seeking, intelligent Labradoodle requires frequent exercise, interaction, and play. While every Labradoodle is different, proper socialization is a must for helping your dog become a well-behaved companion. These dogs are not known to be excessive barkers, but the right amount of training and exercise is required to ensure they learn to behave appropriately. Labradoodle Training Because Labradoodles are a hybrid of two highly intelligent breeds, they are eager to please and highly trainable, according to Philippou. They can be taught to excel at everything from basic tricks like sit, stay, and roll over to running agility courses. Always use positive-reinforcement techniques, like using treats to reward good behaviors, during training. Due to their gentle and sharp-witted nature, Labradoodles can even be trained to become service dogs. Fun Activities for Labradoodles. Training We Recommend: A Great Beginning: We start to train and work with our puppies from the first day, socializing as well as following the suggested guidelines of the best trainers in the US. We have a well researched program of using sounds, small tasks, toys and other materials to influence and help your puppy be an easy going, fun loving, social and well trained adult. Trainers tell us that the most important time for your puppy is between 8 and 11 weeks so we work with you to understand what you can do to continue to prepare your puppy for the world. Training: We recommend training your puppy as much as possible. The best puppies know their boundaries and are taught what is expected with love and devotion. The sooner your puppy is trained the sooner it is given more freedom. Therefore, strict training results in big rewards for puppy and owner. Labradoodles are easily trained. They should be completely potty trained within 4 to 6 weeks after pick up. Most are sitting, staying, shaking paws, and retrieving by 3 months of age, many can get the newspaper and more by then with proper attention. Puppies will jump up and it takes time and consistency to break this habit early. Crate training or room training is recommended: First I will cover crate training then room training. Crate Training: First get over the fact that to you it is a cage, to them it is a safe place when they are alone, safe from outside things and noises puppies have yet to become fearless of. They view it as their cave, a place they can sleep with the peace of mind. The crate should be just big enough for them to stand up, walk in a circle, and lay down. This is a different size at 8 weeks as it is at 4 months. Therefore I like something like the Life Stages Ultima Triple Door Folding Dog Crates from Petsmart where there is an additional wall that can be adjusted to increase the crate size as the puppy grows. It should contain toys. Bedding is typically used to pee on so do not use bedding until later once the dog can easily go all night without "going". I think the crate should be in a room, a selected safe room that later when the crate is no longer used becomes the place that when visitors come over who are not "dog people", the dog would stay in while these visitors are there. The first night the crate can be in a bedroom close to people and then later moved into the safe room if you desire. Some puppies pee in their crate at first and some don't, have patience. The point of the crate is to discourage peeing for a period of time. First crate the puppy for an hour or two and at night, then gradually longer. The point is to take the dog out before it has to go to the bathroom and as time goes by it can hold it longer and longer. Never more than 4 hours except at night when at first I recommend you get up twice during the night and let the puppy out, after two days wait and let the puppy out once in the middle of the night, gradually extend the wait time an hour until finally they have gone all night. After a few months I recommend graduating to room training. Remember to remove food and water an hour or more before leaving the dog in the crate, the puppy should be let outside and empty when left in the crate. Room Training: Select a safe room that when visitors come over who are not "dog people", the dog would stay while the visitors are there. For example, an extra bathroom or utility room. It should contain a wee pad if needed and toys. Bedding is typically used to pee on so do not use bedding until later. Some puppies pee in their space at first and some don't, have patience. This is the reason for the wee pad, see "wee pad" for how this is used and gradually removed. The point of the room is to discourage peeing for a period of time and keep them out of trouble. First confine the puppy for an hour or two and at night, then gradually longer. The room should be used up to a year when you are gone and at night. The sooner the puppy is trained and you can trust them the sooner they have free roam of the house. Remember to remove food and water an hour or more before leaving the dog, the puppy should be let outside and empty when left in the room. Wee pads: We put wee pads in the utility room when the puppies move into there, the wee pad is placed to one side. They have some chemical that draws the puppies.Take them out as much as possible; the point of the wee pad is an emergency situation only. Eventually they only use the wee pads at night. I suggest the wee pad be placed close to bed, in their "room" or at the back door in case someone doesn't notice them at the door. It works like this, and please don't punish them for using the wee pad but don't congratulate them either, congratulate them when they go outside. Eventually they select to please you versus the wee pad and then they just stop using the wee pad. When it is dry for a few days take it away.Food: We recommend free food and water all day if you are home. We use the best puppy food available. We do not feed people food to our dogs ever, some things you would never imagine are actually toxic listed below. When you pick up your puppy we give you a bag of food so you can continue it or mix it with whatever you desire slowly decreasing the amount of our food over time. But understand what you are feeding your dog. To find a good food read the first 5 ingredients on the bag. Now ask the following questions: What are the protein sources? We believe the primary source should come from quality animal protein, not vegetable protein or grain. Foods that list 2 or more grains in the first 5 ingredients may have more vegetable protein than animal protein. We prefer Chicken as the main ingredient. What about grains? Two or more grains listed in the first 5 ingredients means your food may have more vegetable protein than animal protein. Grains such as soy, corn, corn gluten and wheat gluten can be difficult to digest, which means less nutrition, possible allergic reactions and more clean up. Wheat, barley, rice, corn and oats are all man-raised crops that a dog would never eat in the wild. These ingredients are not properly digested and in many situations cause a dog to show allergy symptoms. Are there by-products? Some manufacturers consider by-products inferior sources of protein and, depending on the source, they can be difficult to digest. These ingredients contain meat sources that are typically unsuitable for human consumption. What are the fat sources? Some fats are better than others. We believe the primary fat source in dog food should be animal based because animal fats contain a profile of fatty acids that are easily metabolized and thus are generally more available to the body. 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 Labradoodle Highlights Friendly and intelligent: Labradoodles are known for being friendly and intelligent dogs. They are good with children and other animals, and they are easy to train. Hypoallergenic: Labradoodles are often considered to be hypoallergenic, which means that they do not shed as much as other dogs. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Active and playful: Labradoodles are active dogs that need regular exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and swimming. Loyal and devoted: Labradoodles are loyal and devoted dogs that make great companions. They are always happy to see their owners and they love to cuddle. Versatile: Labradoodles are versatile dogs that can be trained for a variety of tasks, including therapy work, obedience, and agility. They can be expensive to purchase and maintain. They require regular grooming, especially if they have a curly coat. They are prone to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Overall, Labradoodles are wonderful dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. If you are looking for a friendly, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog, a Labradoodle may be a good choice for you. Labradoodle History Wally Conron, who was in charge of the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, purposefully crossbred a Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever in to develop the Labradoodle as a hypoallergenic guide dog. The first cross produced Sultan, a dog with a hypoallergenic coat, aptitude, intelligence, and personality suitable for being an effective guide dog. Sultan worked successfully with a woman in Hawaii. Other breeders saw the merit of crossing these two breeds, and the Labradoodle quickly rose in popularity like its Labrador Retriever parent. These dogs are often produced by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle, but multigenerational breeding has begun in an attempt to produce a viable and recognizable breed. The Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association are taking steps to move this designer breed into registered breed status in the next few years. These groups have made great efforts to bring breeders together so that they are working to achieve the same standards through multigenerational breeding. Labradoodle Size The Labradoodle comes in three size variations, depending on the size of the Poodle used for the first-generation breeding. The three sizes are Standard, Medium, and Miniature. The Standard Labradoodle should be 22 to 24 inches in height for a male and 21 to 23 inches in height for a female, while both can range in weight from 50 to 65 pounds. The Medium Labradoodle should be 18 to 20 inches high for a male and 17 to 19 inches high for a female, with both weighing from 30 to 45 pounds. The average size for a Miniature Labradoodle is between 14 to 16 inches and 15 to 25 pounds. All of that said, there is a lot of variation in Labradoodle sizes. Some can be smaller or larger than expected. Labradoodle Personality The Labradoodle is an intelligent dog who can make the ideal family pet if properly trained. They are friendly and accept and treat everyone like their best friend. They can be gentle, but they can also be joyful, showing their happiness through exuberant jumping and playing. They also tend to be easygoing, since the Labradoodle was bred not to be aggressive. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings, parents, or other relatives of the dog is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when they grow up. Socialization helps ensure that your Labradoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking them to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. Here are a few conditions to watch out for: Ear Infections: These can plague Labradoodles because of their floppy ears. The ears trap moisture and should be regularly checked. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : Similar to hip dysplasia, this is also a degenerative disease. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simply develop arthritis, or they could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior—such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding—or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Labradoodle is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Diabetes Mellitus: This is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. The dog will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Symptoms of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and the administration of insulin. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Hypothyroidism : This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It is treated with medication and diet. They require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day and would do better with a fenced yard in which to expel some energy. Some Labradoodles, especially in the first generation, can require even more exercise. The Labradoodle makes an excellent jogging companion but also needs some time off-leash to burn off steam. The Labradoodle is an intelligent and eager-to-please dog. Training should be easy as long as consistency and positive reinforcement are the methods. Socialize them from puppyhood, since they tend to hurl themselves headlong into canine situations without regard to the feelings of other dogs. This can lead to some problems if the unknown dog is aggressive. Despite their activity levels, a Labradoodle can adjust to living in suburban or city environments and can do well in rural settings. A crate is also a place where they can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will help your Labradoodle accept confinement if they ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. Never stick your Labradoodle in a crate all day long, however. Labradoodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 2. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on their 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. Keep your Labradoodle in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at them. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Labradoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Labradoodle Coat Color And Grooming Although a Labradoodle can have one of a range of coat types, the desired length is four to six inches. They have a single coat with hair ranging from straight to loose curls. There are three types of texture: The Hair coat, which is similar to fur in shedding breeds, is the least popular. Hair coats shed and usually have a normal doggy odor. This coat is seen in first generations, although breeders try to avoid it. The Fleece coat has a silky texture often described as an Angora goat texture. This coat ranges from straight to wavy. Labradoodles are considered to be non- to low shedders, especially those with a Fleece or Wool coat. Hair coats tend to shed just as they do in other breeds, ranging from very low to average shedding. The Labradoodle comes in a wide variety of colors. They can also have parti-colored coats, which consist of brindles, phantom, patched, or sable colors. Grooming requirements vary depending on the length and type of coat the dog has. Generally speaking, you can expect to brush a Labradoodle about once or twice per week. Some can be clipped or trimmed every six to eight weeks to keep the coat easy to maintain. Like Labs, Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections, so take a little extra time caring for their ears. Dry and clean them after a swim, and check them once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. Then wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding—and your dog may not cooperate the next time they see the nail clippers come out. Handle their paws frequently—dogs are touchy about their feet—and look inside their mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Labradoodle Children And Other Pets The Labradoodle does well with children and can be an affectionate and gentle companion for any child. They can also be exuberant and might knock down smaller children, but they will love them with all their heart. As with every breed, you should 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 friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Labradoodles usually get along well with other dogs and pets. Like most dogs, they need training and socialization for optimum success at living with and visiting other animals. Labradoodle Rescue Groups Labradoodles are often brought home without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. Many end up in the care of shelters or rescues because of this. It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Labradoodles because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. We use Madden pin brushes on our labradoodles and have found this brush to be excellent quality. If you catch them in play mode during the day, you will only be reinforcing that brushing time is something to get all riled up about. Nail Clipping Clipping their nails is also a good exercise to do when you find them tired out. They tend to care a lot less about things. You can start by just clipping the nails on one paw. This way your pup learns this is quick and no big deal. It also gives you the opportunity to practice this exercise 4 days in a row, rather than once and then having to wait for them to grow again. When clipping, clip just the tip of the nail where it starts to curve downward, holding the nail clippers parallel to the bottom of the paw. Be careful not to clip too much, otherwise it will hurt and the nail will bleed. Lean towards clipping little bits more often than trying to get a lot off all at once. Ear Cleaning Ear cleaning is something that labradoodles need since they have those long ears that trap and hold in moisture. Check their ears every few weeks and if you notice they look dirty, then get a cotton ball or makeup remover pad, etc. Never push anything down in the ear, you could damage the ear and cause your puppy pain. Do the other side, and finish with an ear drying powder. In fact, over bathing can harm this quality in their coat, and actually cause you to need to bathe more often. If they get dirty, let them dry and simply brush the dirt right out. It is good to get them used to getting wet though, and when you do use shampoo, we recommend a tearless shampoo specifically designed for dogs as their PH balance is different than humans. A good minute walk daily will meet this need your new family member has. Up until then, their joints are developing and jogging on pavement would not be good for their joints. However, this does not mean you have to limit their activity. Running across the yard chasing a ball at their own pace and will is good for their developing body, and talking walks through the neighborhood is an excellent way to meet their exercise needs. Follow this labradoodle puppy care guide to help with the transition. A few things you might want to have with you when you pick up your puppy are a bottle of water, some baby wipes, and a towel or a blanket. If you are meeting your puppy at the airport, your puppy may be thirsty from the trip. We put a frozen dish of water in the crate, but it is usually long gone by the time your puppy arrives. The wipes are needed in case the puppy may have soiled the crate. The towel or blanket also, in case the puppy has soiled the crate, is for you to hold your puppy or to put in the crate. Using a Leash to Bond with Your Puppy When your puppy first arrives to your home, we suggest you keep the puppy on a leash for the first couple of days. Do your best to have the primary caregiver be the main person handling the leash. We also suggest you not have outside visitors to the home for the first couple of days. Give your puppy some time to adjust to her new family first before she meets your world. Your puppy is going to be a little confused at her new surroundings. From the beginning your puppy needs to learn that she is at the bottom, below even the youngest child. She needs to learn who her main leaders are and what the boundaries are in her new home. Labradoodles are people loving dogs! Your puppy will want to bond. Your puppy is smart and will quickly learn that the person attached at the other end of the leash is important to her. Your Labradoodle will look to you for example and comfort. She will learn that you are her source of not only example and comfort, but also food! Using the leash these first few days will help your new puppy learn who to trust and who to please. Other Advantages of Leash Training Your New Puppy Even if you are not holding onto the leash, you can control where she goes easily by stepping on the dragging leash. This is much more comfortable to a dog than having you lunge over her to get her. Keeping her on a leash also allows you to monitor where your puppy is in the house, and help her learn which rooms you would like her to be in and where she is not allowed. Lastly, having her on a leash helps her adjust to the idea of a leash so that she is ready to be trained to heel on a leash. A crate can be a useful and comforting tool or it can be an overused source of misery for your puppy. We suggest using a crate for very short periods of time during the day and for your puppy to sleep in at night. During the day there will come short periods of time where you have a task to do that requires your full attention. While your puppy is still in the house training stage, the crate can be very valuable to you. By putting your puppy in the crate for short amounts of time during the day, say an hour, maybe two, you can accomplish what you must do and also help puppy control her bladder. As soon as you let her out, immediately take her outdoors to relieve herself. Using the crate this way will encourage her to only go to the bathroom where it is appropriate to go. If your puppy is not crate trained already, you will have to work up to the hour or two hour mark. By the time your puppy arrives, she should be able to sleep around 7 hours through the night in a crate. Of course all puppies are individuals and so the time can vary. Your Golden Xpress Labradoodle puppy is used to being in a crate, but she is also used to smelling and hearing her siblings nearby. She may have adjustments to make in her new home because of this. Another factor in labradoodle puppy care is that their little tummies often get upset over the first couple of weeks in their new homes. To help her adjust to your home atmosphere and sleeping during the night, keep her crate in your bedroom at night. Keeping your hand down by the wire door is comforting to her. Responding to her cries with talking or tapping encourages your puppy to cry and whine more. Tapping on the crate lightly is ok, but not in response to her noise making. Another thing to think about with regard to labradoodle puppy care is if your puppy starts to wet her crate, you need to first check and see if her crate is too big. Generally, dogs do not relieve themselves in their sleeping places. If so, either use a smaller crate or block part off with a box. If her crate seems the right size, you may need to take out anything like blankets or soft materials. When your puppy has successfully kept her crate dry for a couple of weeks, try putting the bedding back in. Feeding Your Puppy At first, your puppy will need to be fed 3 times a day. Once they have adjusted, offer food to them all day so they learn not to gorge at meal time, and always make sure your puppy has clean, fresh water available to her. Feed your puppy in a quiet place, free from distractions. Put a good amount of food in her bowl and let her eat as much as she would like. After about 20 minutes or so, remove the food. Repeat this morning, mid-day and evening. It helps keep teeth and gums in better shape than wet food does. DO NOT feed your puppy people food. Your food does not provide the nutrition that your puppy needs. She will choose to have the people food and not eat her own. Feed your dog people food and you will have one unhealthy puppy. Just make sure you choose high quality dog treats with some nutrition. At Golden Xpress Labradoodles we give our dogs and puppies different kinds of treats: dog biscuits, dog turkey or chicken jerky. The jerky is good for a training aid around the house — to teach the puppy to come or to sit, or down. They are very intelligent and very willing to learn, and this makes them easier to train. Just remember that they are puppies so be patient. Lots of Loves Above all labradoodle puppy care requires lots of love. Make sure you pet her and hold her so she knows she belongs to your family. Labradoodles are loyal, loving dogs — give your puppy your love and she will return it tenfold. We recommend at least 3 times a week. During this time, they are extremely likely to mat without being brushed. You might notice that after you brush your pup, their coat seems much smoother and has a great shine to it. The oils help protect their coat from damage and breakage, just as they do with human hair. Brushing also gives you a chance to look over your dogs more closely; checking their skin, ears, and nails. Finding dry patches, cuts, or even ticks early on can prevent minor issues from escalating into something much worse. Shampoo It was recommended to us early on to use a soap-free and alcohol-free shampoo that also contained natural conditioners. Alcohol is harsh on their coat and skin, breaks down the natural oils they have, and really drys them out. Shampoo containing soaps causes build-up on their fur and gives them a nasty feel. Conditioner We use a detangler and conditioner, called Cowboy Magic Detangler and Shine , that was originally formulated to be used on the tails and manes of show horses. It makes brushing so much easier, smells great, and can be used on both wet and dry fur. First, it can be unsafe to use heated air to dry your pup. To do so without burning their coat or skin, you need to keep the blow dryer a certain distance away from them and keep the dryer in motion. We use the old towel-dry method. Labradoodles, by the nature of their coat, tend to dry pretty quickly as it is. Just make sure you have plenty of towels, pat them down right after they come out of the bath, and give them a quick brushing to prevent tangles after they dry. You will save you time, money, and loads of frustration…take my word for it! Get Your Copy Today! When the ends of their hairs begin to damage, they may split, causing your pup to have a more fuzzy appearance. Many times, this damage can be caused by over-brushing or using poor shampoos and conditioners. The best remedy for this is to get them a slight trim to remove the damaged ends. If you notice breakage while brushing, you might consider applying a spray-on conditioner before and also try switching to a metal pin comb instead of the brush. A brush tends to be a bit more aggressive than the comb. Dunn, Jr. But to thrive and not merely survive, dogs should have a source of animal protein — MEAT! Now, while dogs need meat in their diets, you want to avoid an all-meat diet as that can be dangerous. You should also avoid foods where the main ingredients are grains. This is commonly the case with cheap dog foods. When a dog eats too much grain corn, barley, soybean their body stores the excess as fat. That way you can ensure that it has good protein content. Protein can come from meats like chicken, duck, beef, lamb, or from fish like salmon and herring. Also, try to ensure it contains only natural preservatives commonly vitamins C or E. This food is usually dehydrated so you simply mix water with it before you serve it. So a 10lb box should yield lbs of food, depending on the brand you choose. If your dog has known allergies, you need to take this into consideration when choosing the right food for them. Many breeds, including Labradoodles, can have sensitive stomachs. This can make digesting certain ingredients, like grains, difficult. Ingredients To Avoid In A Dog Food Try your best to avoid foods containing any of the following ingredients: Corn, Soy, and Wheat — these are low-quality ingredients with little nutritional value. They are commonly the main ingredient in cheap foods. Start by adding just a small amount of the new food to the current food. Increase the amount over time weeks until they are fully transitioned. Healthy Treats Much of what we covered above regarding quality food holds true for treats as well. But there are some ingredients that are more commonly seen with dog treats than food. And a lot of this has to do with the nature of treats. For example, to differentiate their products, companies will make the treats resemble a burger, piece of bacon, or shape them like a bone. To achieve these characteristics they will add non-nutritional and other additives. Organic Ingredients — The chances of organic ingredients to be tampered with or contaminated is generally less. And the certification process these ingredients go through adds an extra layer of inspection and safety. The more organic ingredients you can find in a treat, the better. Natural Sweeteners, if any at all — Use of sweeteners like honey, molasses, or dates Ingredients To Avoid In Dog Treats Food Dyes and Colors — These are much more common in treats than dog foods, because of the desire to make the treats resemble other food items. A safer alternative would be vegetable glycerin. Safer alternatives are tocopherols vitamin E , citric acid vitamin C , and rosemary extract. Here are just a few: Sweet Potatoes — A good source of fiber not sure if dogs actually need additional fiber , low in fat, and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, and manganese. Their naturally sweet flavor is appealing to pups, too. These are also super easy to make at home! Peanut Butter — In moderation peanut butter can be a great treat for pups. Put some inside a Kong toy, freeze it, and you have yourself a healthy treat that will occupy them for a while, too. Peanut butter is usually stuffed with added salt and sweeteners. Green Beans — Nutritious, packed with vitamins, and low in calories. Just be sure to use fresh beans and not the salty canned ones. Carrots — Packed with vitamins, low in calories, and has a good crunch with is satisfying to dogs and helps clean their teeth Apples — Another crunchy snack filled with vitamins A and C, sliced up apples are a favorite of many pups. Just be sure to remove the seeds as they contain naturally occurring cyanide. Asparagus — Asparagus is another healthy veggie choice for dogs. Try freezing them for a cool treat during the summer or to soothe a teething pup. They also contain high levels of beta carotene which is connected to skin and hair health. Some even call it a skin superfood. Liver — Served raw or cooked, liver boosts healthy skin. Its jam-packed with vitamins and nutrients, including: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, vitamins A, C, D, E and eight B vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, and biotin. Salmon — Cooked wild salmon contains Omega-3 fatty acids which are great for increasing the health a dogs coat and skin. Consider Dietary Supplements While a good quality food is the foundation for your pup, you may want to consider enhancing their diet with some of these supplements known for their coat-health benefits. Dogs eating imbalanced diets or diets with very low fat content may be deficient in some areas, which in turn effects the look and feel of their coat. Salmon Oil For Omega-3 These help increase overall health and shine of a coat. They can be found in plant-based oils, like sunflower and flaxseed oil, as well as in salmon oil. Salmon oil is usually preferred because it contains high levels of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are EPA and DHA. Salmon oil can be given to a dog in liquid form or by capsule. Many prefer the liquid form because it allows you to control the dosage much more easily. The recommended dosage is usually printed on the label of the fish oil. You should introduce salmon oil into your dogs diet gradually and I speak from experience here. Not pretty. Vitamin E Often an ingredient in dog shampoo and conditioner, Vitamin E has great benefits for the skin and coat of dogs. Lacking Vitamin E can make them more susceptible to skin problems such as dry skin, dandruff, rashes, and even skin infection. Disclaimer: This information is solely for educational purposes and is not intended to replace or substitute the advice of a veterinarian. Related Posts:.
This dog is a cross between the German shepherd and the Golden Retriever. Crossbreeding entails incorporating the best qualities and attributes of two pure breeds to bring about new breeds commonly referred to as crossbreeds, hybrids, and designer dogs. Taking care of Golden Shepherds is not daunting, as long as the pup gets placed with a vibrant family who can assure them company and match their energy levels. The German Shepherd and the Golden Retriever dogs are friendly, loyal, intelligent, playful, and full of energy. These two breeds are well-known and make the most loyal dog breeds in the entire animal kingdom. So what happens when you mix the two? Mixing the two integrates exceptional qualities from both parents, bringing about this large, robust, and charming bundle of joy. To get a more profound understanding of this mix, it is imperative to learn more about the parent breeds. Origins of The German Shepherd The German shepherd is one of the most common and recognizable breeds that have been in existence for more than years. These dogs began as sheepherders in Germany and were highly esteemed for their work ethics more than their appearance. Towards the beginning of the 20th century, an effort was established to create a specific dog of Germany. The first German shepherd breed club was started by Max Emil Frederick von Stephanitz, where he came up with a club to maintain and control the breed standards. He also purchased a stud that he perceived as the perfect German shepherd, which he then went ahead to breed. His continuous efforts led to a dramatic surge in the popularity of German Shepherds. This breed later gained back its popularity with the public during the s and has been used more by the police and the military. The breed was started by a British aristocrat known as Lord Tweedmouth. Although the breed is known to be of Scottish heritage , Tweedmouth bought the first Retriever in Brighton, England, where he later coached the dog to retrieve birds. As time progressed, he decided to breed the dog with a type of water spaniel that is non-existent today. Eventually, the Golden Retriever was bred to be a sporting dog. Since the dog is extremely intelligent, it is usually used to track and sniff out contraband for law enforcement and carry out charity tasks such as guiding the blinds. However, it began becoming popular amongst breeders in .It is a crossbreed of purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred German shepherd. The Golden shepherd appeared as a designer dog during its initial stage but eventually found its way into the shelter and rescue organizations. This pup has no dull days as they are fun, energetic, boisterous, a great companion, and exhibits so much affection to all family members, including small kids. They also blend so well with strangers and outsiders. Contrary to the nature of his GSD parent, German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix, is patient, attentive, eager to learn and work, and does not cause trouble. Apart from being social and friendly, they are loyal and highly devoted to their master and will always offer protection in case of any danger. Since they get a deep connection with their immediate family, they have an increased potential risk of developing extreme separation anxiety. Therefore, it is not advisable to leave them alone for more than a few hours. This dog can make a great exercise partner if you love hiking and other more adventurous activities. They Require a Healthy and Balanced Diet Depending on their age, weight, and activity level, ensure to feed this pup with a quality diet rich in protein, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Also, refrain from incorporating additives, fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives in their diet. They are Typically Easy To Train German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix responds exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training since they are always eager and quick to learn. When training this dog, involve more praise treats and allow them to relax when you realize they are getting tired, bored, or overwhelmed. They are Not Pure Breeds Like the Individual Parents German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is not a pure breed like their individual parents but rather a recently developed hybrid involving breeding a purebred golden retriever with a purebred German Shepherd. They are Not a Good Choice for Owners with Allergies The individual parents are highly known for their picturesque double coats. As a result, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix has thick, double-coated fur that sheds heavily. When this pup blows his coat, it ends up losing a lot of hair. Unfortunately, it is not advisable to shave its hair, leading to heatstroke and skin and hair problems. Therefore, if you suffer from allergies or one family member has allergies, this is not the perfect dog for you. Its Average Lifespan is About Years Numerous factors can affect the overall lifespan of your dog, including a healthy diet, regular vet visits, the right exercises, genetic factors, and others. However, others can exceed this age. Some will simply refer to them as a German Sheperd Golden Retriever mix but there are other names for the breed as well such as the Golden German Shepherd, German Retriever, Golden Shepherd, or much more. More on Dog Knowledge:. Furthermore, since they have deep ears, these dogs accumulate ear wax quicker than the other dogs. These dogs need 45 — 90 minutes per day of exercise These activities also reduce the chances of having health issues in the future. This said trait may result in an unintentional aggressiveness to strangers. To fix this issue, these dogs should have proper training and enough socialization in their early years. Note sure the Golden Shepherd is right for you? Ever wonder what a Golden Retriever Corgi looks like? These dogs are very loyal to their owners and are also intelligent which prevent the dogs from causing trouble. They are generally patient, attentive, and eager to learn and work. They are an affectionate and a great companion 2. Guarding Ability Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs are large and muscular dogs due to the genetics of the parent breed German Shepherd. These features allow you to have dogs that can protect you and the people around you. Environmental Adjustments With proper training, these dogs are remarkably adaptive. This characteristic gives you an easy time particularly if you move around frequently to regions with many changes in the weather and environment. So, If you want to travel with your pet, this breed is the one for you. Their body is longer than it is tall. Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs weigh from 60 lbs to 80 lbs while their height can range from 20 inches to 25 inches. This breed has variations in coat types and colors. Their coats are commonly long, dense, thick and doubled; resulting in a higher chance of constant shedding. These energetic dogs like outdoor activities such as swimming, long walks, and jogging but you need to be wary of extreme heat because of their thick coats. Early socialization training for these dogs is valued. This breed tends to be reserved and nervous towards strangers. Nonetheless, they can learn to be friendly immediately by going out regularly. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix dogs usually express extreme loyalty and a loving personality to their owner and the family they belong to. The German Shepherd mixed with Golden Retriever is not an official dog breed yet; however, the following organizations recognize them as a designer mixed-breed. A reliable breeder should provide you with valuable documents. If everything checks out, a contract that shows clear briefing of the conditions is essential. Doing research and exploring your community is the best way to find reliable breeders. Remember, adopting a dog will always cost less. Visit your local animal shelter to ask about the availability of this dog breed. Moreover, try looking into the private dog rescues as some dogs may be transported there. Grooming Your Golden Retriever German Shepherd German Shepherd mixed with Golden Retriever dogs require regular coat brushing because their coat tends to be tangled and matted together. Regular brushing promotes a shiny and healthy fur for this mixed breed. Here are some products that you might need for this pet. Pro Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats This slicker brush either has a flat or curved head with lots of thin wire pins which help to untangle and shed loose fur. This mixed breed features a double-coat that requires constant brushing making this item a must-have for all dog owners. Dog nails can hurt other people or animals when they get playful. Sometimes, dogs snap their nails off unintentionally, and the pain can be excruciating for them. To use, gently hold their paws and snip off small bits of the toenails. Promptly discontinue if any bleeding occurs. Apart from the items suggested, bathing is one of the most important steps in pet care to remove unpleasant odors and dirt on their coat. When giving a bath, make use of dog shampoo to avoid accidental allergy attacks and fleas. This dog breed typically has large ears that can accumulate wax. Observe your dog for symptoms of ear problems; healthy dogs do not habitually bother their ears. Wax, dirt, and other elements may cause ear infections. For better cleaning and disinfection, use liquid ear cleaners and cotton balls. Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs need regular trimming, so make it a habit to schedule appointments with your veterinary clinic at least once or twice a month. Make sure they get trimmed around the eye area for better vision , around the anus for hygiene , and the chin for easy eating. Mixed-breed dogs are ordinarily healthier than their parent breeds, yet this specific breed is more prone to certain health conditions than others. Most of these health problems are seen as the dog gets older. This breed enjoys being active and playing which can cause a harmful impact and damage on their bones and joints. Receiving an average level of activity would prevent them from having these problems. Here are some more health hazards that you need to be aware of: Allergies Both parent breeds are prone to allergies and German Shepherd Retriever Mixed dogs share this trait. Their common allergies mainly affect their skin and flea bites or certain foods typically cause these. Fleas are tiny parasites that dogs can accumulate from outdoors. You can prevent this by avoiding physical contact with environmental allergens. The symptoms include mouth or nose bleeding, blood in the urine, and excessive bleeding, and unfortunately, there is no cure yet. Joint Dysplasia In dogs with joint dysplasia, the joints fail to develop correctly, scraping and grinding upon each other instead of sliding smoothly. Bloating Bloating in humans and bloating in dogs are different. It is harmless in humans, however, in dogs it is deadly. Immediate treatment for bloat is needed. It would be best to take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible because there is no first aid that you can do at home. Learning some first aids for this breed of dogs can also help. Awareness over these usual problems of the Golden Retriever crossed with German Shepherd breed will result to their proper care. Your furry friend should get the best, so pick their food wisely. You can find lots of options in the best dry dog food list. Whelps need energy to be active, which means lots of proteins too. Food that gives them everything their body needs is on the best puppy food brands list. Older canines have different requirements, so skim through the best senior dry dog food list. It will help them stay healthy and show off proudly. Steer clear of the worst dry dog food at all costs. You can also find some ideas on the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food lists, which may contain some food that your pooch will love. Because of their energetic personality, these dogs need a diet that can fulfill their nutrition needs. Dogs may be omnivores, but they highly rely on protein to survive. It is also the building block of their muscles. Although dogs love fat in their meals, it is necessary to maintain the amount of fat that you give them. Too much fat is harmful to their well-being and too little creates skin problems. Make sure that your dogs are hydrated, especially if you live in a hot place. Ingredients and supplements for joint and bone development are also needed to prevent possible injuries for this very active dog. Giving your dogs vegetables, fruits, and other minerals is proper for their growth. However, you need to be wary of the portions since it varies depending on their age and body size. Avoid products that contain these ingredients since they are not good sources of carbohydrates for dogs. The Golden Shepherd tends to be a friendly, energetic, and affectionate dog that is loyal to their family and tends to be protective of them. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more. A Golden Shepherd tends to bring the all-around friendly personality of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and devotion of the German Shepherd into one dog. They love their families and tend to get along with everyone including children. These dogs are not necessarily suspicious of strangers, but they are alert and will tend to bark if they see something they feel you need to know about. Golden Shepherds are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they are high-energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as plenty of time is dedicated to giving them the daily exercise they need. They tend to do well in most climates. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because Golden Shepherds are devoted to their families and thrive on spending time with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health issues common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. As a larger, barrel-chested dog breed, the Golden Shepherd, like their parent breeds, is also at a higher risk for bloat. The Golden Shepherd is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. This makes them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes can still be a great idea because they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy while also strengthening your bond with them. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long or causing issues. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can get the vet before it gets more serious. Because many dog owners overlook this, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. The Golden Shepherd comes from two high-energy dogs, so they require a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are the minimum. But, a Golden Shepherd will likely be up for more activity if you are. A trip to the dog park for some off-leash time, playing frisbee or chasing a ball, hiking, swimming, running, and more can all help this dog expend some extra energy. You want to keep their activity low-impact as they are still growing, but once they finish growing, try different activities to see what you both love doing together. You could even try training them for dog sports! A fully-grown Golden Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Golden Shepherd generally lives for years. Currently, we do not have any Golden Shepherd puppies available, but we can alert you when new Golden Shepherd puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Golden retrievers and German shepherds are two of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Both medium-to-large dogs that are highly intelligent, easy to please, and great with families, it was only a matter of time before someone created the golden shepherd by mixing these two breeds. But what can you expect if you decide to adopt one of these amazing dogs into your family? Read on as I take you through exactly what you can expect from a golden retriever-German shepherd mix, including their size, appearance, temperament, and the care they need to thrive. Is the golden shepherd the right dog for you? Learn more below! Essential Statistics Breed: Mix of golden retriever and German shepherd Height: 21 — 26 inches Coat Type: Medium-long high shedding coat Colors: Black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, liver Lifespan: 7 — 12 year lifespan Temperament: Highly intelligent, easy to train, playful, friendly, does well with families Exercise: High energy and exercise needs History Of The Breed Golden retrievers were first bred in the United Kingdom to retrieve shot waterfowl. Their soft mouths allow them to retrieve ducks and other game without damaging them. As a highly intelligent breed that is eager to please and with a naturally good nature and understanding of how to act around children, goldens have been popular working dogs since the s, and you will often see them working in search and rescue and disability assistance. German shepherds , also known as Alsatians, were first bred in Germany just before the start of the 20th century as herding dogs. When natural sheep predators began to die out in Germany at the start of the 20th century, German shepherds were taught to do other kinds of work. While German shepherds are not an aggressive breed, they developed a bad reputation in the 20th century when the German Nazi army started using them as working dogs. The breed was also adopted by gangsters and bootleggers in the United States. Fortunately, today, their reputation is largely recuperated, and they are often seen working with police and in roles such as search and rescue. Golden shepherds were first bred around .The intention with this mixed breed was to create a dog with the courage, quickness, and alertness of the German shepherd but also with the good nature of the golden retriever, which is also intelligent, highly trainable, and easy to please. The results are excellent working dogs and family pets. Golden retrievers are usually 21 to 25 inches tall and will usually be the mother in a first generation golden shepherd coupling. They weigh 55 to 75 pounds. German shepherds are slightly larger, measuring 22 to 26 inches tall and weighing 50 to 90 pounds. As you would expect, their golden shepherd offspring measure 21 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 90 pounds on average. Both parent dog breeds have medium-to-long coats that are known to be high-shedding, so you can expect the same from a golden shepherd. Being a mixed breed, they can come in an extensive range of colors, including black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, and liver, and they will often be bicolor. The color of their coat tends to be highly unpredictable in the first generation. Because they are high-shedding, they do need regular grooming, which means brushing at least once a week to keep shedding under control. Still, there is no escaping all that dog hair, and you will definitely need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner. The way their facial features will develop is less predictable, since they are still a new breed and breeders are still learning to control for desirable features. They can also either have the pointed ears of a German shepherd or the drooping ears of a golden retriever. Either way, they are sure to be a gorgeous pup! Golden Shepherd Temperament And Intelligence Golden retrievers are known for being playful and friendly dogs that love everyone they meet and therefore make terrible guard dogs. They are playful and loyal to the family with whom they have developed a bond. While they can be wary of strangers or anything that seems out of place, they are more likely to alert you with a bark than attack. You can expect a golden shepherd to be playful and friendly, but a little bit warier of strangers than your standard golden retriever. Both parent breeds are highly intelligent and also eager to please. German shepherds, in particular, are also independent thinkers and problem solvers. This means golden shepherds are easy to train, as they learn new commands quickly and enjoy the rewards that come with completing them, but they are also good at knowing what is required of them in new circumstances. Golden shepherds, like both of their parent breeds, are incredibly loyal and will want to be around their people all the time, whether that is out and about, or curled up on the couch at home. This can lead to frustration and destructive behavior. They are naturally protective of children, and despite being large breed dogs, they are very aware of their own size and strength and know how to play gently with children. However, it could be a struggle to have this breed with very young children, as they have lots of playful energy, and this can be overwhelming for smaller folks. Golden Shepherd Energy And Exercise Golden shepherds, like both their parent breeds, are high-energy dogs. Additionally, golden shepherds need at least an hour of fairly intense exercise each day. This means running around the dog park and sniffing everything, playing catch, and going for a swim rather than just a casual walk. They should be getting less exercise as puppies, despite their apparent energy, as too much exercise can undermine their proper development. While they are growing, they should have about five minutes of exercise per day per month of age. So at four months, they need 20 minutes of exercise each day, and at six months, they need half an hour. As adult dogs, they will love joining you on longer adventures, such as hikes and boat trips and will have no problem keeping up. Bear in mind that, while they are natural swimmers, if you go out on a boat, they should be wearing a flotation vest. As well as formal exercise, they need to be able to move around and play throughout the day, and a decent-sized backyard is the best thing for this. Golden Shepherd Health Concerns Of course, when you adopt a dog into your family, you will want to closely monitor and care for their health. This means ensuring they are vaccinated for all the most transmissible canine diseases, such as Parvo , protection against fleas and ticks , and proper dental care, which ideally means daily brushing. But certain dog breeds are also more susceptible to certain health conditions than others. With mixed breeds, they could be less susceptible to some of the most common ailments of their parent breeds, or they could be more susceptible to certain conditions. The best thing to do is inform yourself about the common health issues for both parent breeds and monitor your puppy for all of them. This means for golden shepherds, you will want to be on the lookout for: Elbow and hip dysplasia, common in both parent breeds Eye conditions, common in both parent breeds Bloating gastric dilation volvulus , common in both parent breeds Epilepsy, common in German shepherds Allergies, common in golden retrievers Hypothyroidism, common in golden retrievers Degenerative myelopathy hemangiosarcoma, common in German shepherds Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, common in German shepherds Of course, just because some dog breeds are more susceptible to these conditions does not mean they will get any of them, and your golden shepherd could pass their entire 7-toyear lifespan without being affected by any of these. But if you know the symptoms, you can catch any problems early and ensure a better quality of life for your dog. One other health concern with both the parent breeds of golden shepherds is obesity. They love their food, and we love to reward them with delicious treats. Remember, every treat you give them also contains calories! Also, never feed them off your own plate. They already tend to think they are human, and this can just lead to begging at the table and food theft! Plus, a lot of the foods humans eat are toxic to dogs. This not only includes chocolate and fake sugar, but also common kitchen staples such as onion and garlic. Invest in good quality food for your dog and avoid giving them table scraps. No doubt having read my guide you are interested in bringing a fantastic golden shepherd into your family. These are the questions you should ask yourself to determine whether you are a good fit for this unique breed. Do you have an active lifestyle? Your dog is going to need lots of exercise and is happiest when they can accompany their humans in energetic activities. Are you out of the house a lot? Golden shepherds love company and need to be around their people most of the time. They need a home where there is usually someone about or where they can accompany someone to work. Do you have much space? Golden shepherds thrive when they have space to use their energy, and they are fairly big, so they can make a small apartment feel claustrophobic. Are you willing to accept dog hair as a part of life? Are you a first-time owner? Golden shepherds are easy to train and control, so they are actually great choices for first-time owners. Do you have kids or other pets? Golden shepherds are great around kids and other pets if they are properly socialized. But these big dogs with lots of energy could be challenging if you have very small children. Let these questions guide you as to whether a golden shepherd is the right dog for you. In short, if you are low on space, time, or energy, a different breed might be a better match. If you find a breeder selling for less than this, be wary, as you may be dealing with a puppy mill. You may also find golden shepherds in your local shelter , because despite being amazing and pliable dogs, their energy and attention and exercise needs often prove too much for some owners. What do you think of the golden shepherd? Does it mix the best aspects of the German shepherd and golden retriever? Is this the kind of dog you would like to adopt? Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.
We are a northern California breeder near Sacramento that prides itself on choosing our breeding dogs for top health, temperament, and beauty that conforms to the breed standard. Our dogs are selected from champion lines with health clearances. We will only breed dogs that pass all of these tests, so we can continue reaching to improve the breed through imposing high standards for our dogs. We breed dogs from these lines to continue a heritage of excellence in the breed. This standard is different from the AKC standard for golden retrievers, but both are accepted and licensed. The English type should have a blockier and fuller head, shorter muzzle, lower ear set, rounder eyes, stouter body structure, as well as a lighter color than the American type see comparison figure below. As an adult, it has been a pleasure to now show and selectively breed these beautiful English Golden Retrievers. Raising our English Golden Retrievers is a family endeavor that includes everyone from the youngest to the oldest. It is wonderful to make family memories with our dogs and children together. Our English Goldens are first and foremost pets who live and play among our family. Our children are involved from showing our dogs to whelping the puppies. Our puppies go home to their new families very loved and well socialized. In Northern California, we are located in Newcastle which is at the base of the Sierra Mountain foothills; close to Sacramento, and about miles from San Francisco or about miles from San Jose other cities near us are Roseville, Loomis, Folsom, Orangevale, Auburn, Lake Tahoe about an hour , and Reno about 2 hours. We can deliver our puppies to you if you are out of state, and personally travel with the puppy to bring your puppy to you. We cordially invite you to visit us and meet our beloved puppies and amazing dogs. We're located in the California Gold County just 25 miles east of Sacramento. Surrounded by golden foothills, we offer the perfect place to meet and enjoy the dogs. Expect to be greeted with wagging tails and wet noses during your visit, as our dogs are always excited to meet new people. Please let us know when you would like to visit by booking an appointment. The care and love you, Heather, and all at Classic Heritage devote to these pups is remarkable. The efforts taken to ensure pups are matched with their new happy forever home are excellent. Everyone I met was equally professional, educated, loving, kind, and a lot of fun. All of the dogs are beautiful and happy.We have had the best experience and have the most loving pup so anything we can do to help Classic Heritage we would. We have recommended you to everyone who has asked. Breed Standard GRCA Finding a Puppy Finding just the right puppy or adult for your household takes some homework, as not all puppies or breeders are created equal. Not all households can handle raising a puppy it can be a LOT of work!! After You Get Your Puppy Socialize Socialization is about safely exposing your puppy to as many things as you can, at least to those things that will be a part of their life with you. This will help them develop resilience. Exposure should be done in a way that makes the puppy as comfortable as possible. The video below has some great information about socialization. Train There are a wealth of resources available for training your puppy these days. On-line classes are great for exercises you can teach at home and while out and about. In-person classes are great for learning manners and social skills around people and other dogs. Teaching tricks is a fun way to build a relationship with your puppy, and give them a repertoire of skills. Interested in doing more with your puppy? There are all sorts of dog sports to try, and our area has classes available for pretty much all of them! Join Find like-minded people that share your interests in Golden Retrievers. These clubs host events in which you and your dog can participate. Golden Retriever Club of America Resources are provided as a convenience for our members and the public.
View All Articles in Training When to Start Training Your Pup While training may not be the first thing you think about when collecting your cute new bundle of floof from the breeder, it should certainly be up there on your priority list. Chances are, if you picked a good facility, your puppy will already have a leg up on the training ladder. Either way, the very best way to quickly make your new pet feel at home is to establish the boundaries of their behavior in a firm but fair manner. Take them outside to pee frequently and praise them when they do what you want them to do, but never punish any accidents. Every dog learns at their own speed, and training takes patience. Yet, the rules need to be in place from day one. If you let your pooch sleep on your bed one day but banish them from the bedroom the next, they are going to end up very confused. Routines that are established in these first few weeks will stick with your Berne. After all, these super-intelligent dogs learn fast. Compared with more excited, energetic Doodles, they can be a breeze to handle if you pick the right teaching method. Here are four of the best as recommended by canine experts: Positive Reinforcement Early ideas on dog training focused heavily on the owner asserting dominance over their pet through positive punishment shouting, hitting, and hurting. We have moved far away from these today. Such treatment often backfires, creating an anxious, aggressive dog that is liable to lash out when provoked. Now, most trainers make use of positive reinforcement methods. Instead of reacting to unwanted behaviors, they focus on rewarding the wanted ones. They do this through the use of attention, praise, toys, and treats. The idea is that if the dog associates a particular behavior with a reward, they are more likely to repeat that behavior. A potential issue with this technique is that sometimes bad behavior is its own reward. Say your dog likes to steal food from the counter or escape from the garden. In these instances, a negative punishment removing a favorite toy, treat, or simply your attention is recommended to let them know this is not acceptable. Clicker Training Based on the same principles as positive reinforcement, clicker training is the method most often utilized by doggy trainers. Secondly, it can be used at the exact moment your pup displays the wanted action. In this way, the positive behavior is very clearly marked. Of course, with this method, you first have to train your pal to associate the clicker with a future reward. Do this by encouraging them to obey a command they are already familiar with, using the clicker, and promptly feeding them a treat. With time a link will form between the two. Eventually, the clicker may even become the reward itself — the signal of a job well done for your dog. This desire to mimic as a way of pleasing the leader is a natural behavior among pack animals in the wild. They are given the freedom to engage in dog-like behaviors within reason. Training often occurs off the leash and focuses on promoting actions associated with hunting, defending, and retrieving. Socialization plays a crucial role in mirror training. Owners are encouraged to include their pooch in all aspects of their lives so as to build a strong bond with them. Getting out and about with other dogs is also vital. Pack-animal mentality means that positive behaviors are also acquired this way. Relationship-Based Training As the name suggests, relationship-based training is also highly focused on the bond between pet and owner. The idea is that any training built on a solid and trusting relationship is likely to be far more effective. You are looking to learn everything you can about your pup and their specific needs. The aim is to be in tune with their emotions, be able to accurately interpret their body language, and understand what motivates them. Positive reinforcement methods are then used to shape behavior. At the same time, the environment is closely controlled to set the dog up for success. So, for instance, you try not to leave temptation in their way if it can be avoided. This training takes a little longer than other kinds but can offer more success in the long run. Training Items You Absolutely Need for Your Doodle Depending on the method you opt for, you will need a few tools to guarantee success. For instance, with each one, you will require reward items such as treats and toys. Here are some toys that will work for Bernies. Aside from that, you will want a good quality collar or harness and leash for outside training. Opt for a harness if your puppy likes to pull. These are generally better for bigger, more powerful dogs such as Bernedoodles, anyway, as they give you a little more control. Many owners also choose to crate train their pup. This has a number of advantages, including giving your dog a place that is all theirs, a place where they can feel safe and secure. Check out our dedicated articles on leash training and crate training for more specific advice on each one. However, it also increases the likelihood of them snatching food from tables and counters if not closely supervised. When they obey, offer pets and praise, and they will soon get the hang of it. Avoid mixed messages by never feeding your pup from the table. Jumping While Bernedoodles tend to be cautious with strangers, the opposite is true with those they love. They may demonstrate their enthusiasm by jumping up to say hello — not ideal if your Bernie is on the larger side. It can be challenging for owners who appreciate all the loving to discourage such behavior, but not everyone enjoys being sent flying. While the natural response might be to push your pup down, they will likely view this as part of the game. Instead, the best thing to do is withdraw your attention. Turn away from your dog without a sound and cross your arms over your chest. If they keep jumping up, then simply turn around and leave the room. If you are having problems with a noisy hound, try to identify what might lie underneath the behavior rather than simply trying to control it. Barking can signal an array of issues — everything from boredom to anxiety. So, pay attention to when it occurs. Bernedoodles, being highly sociable dogs, are prone to separation anxiety, so if your pup is disturbing the neighbors when you are away from the house, this is likely the problem. Find out what you can do about separation anxiety here. Early and thorough socialization is the best preventative measure for this. Pulling on the Leash A common issue among most young pups, pulling on the leash can be a serious problem with Bernedoodles, though — especially when they are on the larger side. This behavior usually occurs simply because your pup is excited to be outside, and that enthusiasm translates to them wanting to get to the dog park as quickly as they can. Mastering walking on the leash mostly just takes practice. You need to be firm and not let them get away with doing it at any time. If your Berne starts to get ahead of you, simply stop, make them sit if you can, and begin to walk again only when they are a bit calmer. See here for more leash training tips and tricks. Digging Just like barking, digging tends to be a symptom of an underlying problem like boredom. The thing with Doodles is that incredible intelligence makes them less likely to be satisfied with merely hanging out in the yard all day. They need to be kept both physically and mentally stimulated. If they are not… bring on the destructive behaviors! Digging is a firm doggy favorite. The trick is to divert their attention to something else. If they are getting enough walks and plenty of affection, try throwing a few toys into the mix. Puzzle toys have been designed specifically to keep clever canines entertained for longer. Finally, try giving your dog a designated space in the garden to dig far away from the fence and your favorite plants and flowers. Biting and Mouthing While common in young pups, especially when teething, aggressive biting is not a Bernedoodle trait. Herding dogs such as Bernes might nip to get you to go where they want to go a behavior they can easily be trained out of. Still, if your pup is getting a little vicious for no reason, you could have a problem. If it is just puppy teething — not fun in any way when they are having at you with those needle-sharp teeth — consider investing in a high-quality teething toy such as one of these. They could be feeling particularly anxious about something — a new person or other kinds of changes in the household. Alternatively, they might be sick and in pain. If you are confident that they are getting enough nutrition for their weight and life stage, chances are your hound is just looking for something fun to chew on and taking it to the extreme. Again, chew toys are the best answer. They will keep your pet occupied and help them to fulfill their natural instinct for mouthing. This is what keeps their teeth clean and their jaws healthy, after all. The issue should resolve itself in no time at all. Especially because most breeders begin this process long before you pick your new puppy up. Just keep things consistent, and you will get there fairly quickly and painlessly. A few things you can do are: take your pup out to the place you want them to go on a regular basis. Designate a specific command and offer lots of love, hugs, and praise when they do what you ask of them. Never punish any accidents — this could actually set your dog back. Some owners recommend crate training for puppies who are having a slightly more difficult time getting the hang of it all. When To Get Professional Help If your pup starts or continues to display behavior issues such as aggression, food aggression, excessive barking, destructive chewing, mounting, or separation anxiety, it is likely that he will need special attention to address them. The best way to deal with Doodle behavior issues is to hire a trainer, or a behaviorist to come to your home for a one-on-one consult. Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible manners and behaviors as well! See Also: Click the image Amy helps you set up your home, get your family all on the same page and teaches you exactly what to do the second your puppy arrives for optimal training success. You can also schedule LIVE! Office Hours for one-on-one help with Amy and participate in weekly online puppy classes right in your living room! Need help with training? We recommend this on top of group classes. By the way, the skills they teach works for any dog at any age. Bernedoodles, with their incredible intelligence and people-pleasing manner, are relatively easy to train compared to other dogs. Keep things light, fun, and interesting, and you should be able to teach your pal to do just about anything within reason. How do you train a Bernedoodle puppy? There are various training methods. The one you subscribe to will be the one that works best for you and your pup. How do you discipline a Bernedoodle? Discipline is a tricky business in the world of canines. Experts agree that shouting and hitting simply do not work in the long run. Bernedoodles are awesome dogs, and you will never regret adding one to your household. However, they do take a fair bit of looking after. If used properly, they can be a wonderful safe haven for your pet. At Premier Doodles, we start this process early on and all of our puppies from weeks will have multiple crates available in their kennel kept in our master bedroom. They learn what we call a Positive Conditioned Emotional Response PCER which means they come to learn that the crate is a great place to be and have to train this. The crate should be big enough for your pet to stand up, lay down and turn around. Don't worry about dividers as most all of our bernedoodles are great in the crate. Should accidents begin to appear on one side of the crate you'll have to creatively reduce the amount of space they have inside the crate. IMPORTANT NOTE: you will need to purchase two crates, one at the back door with a connected x-pen or other type of portable fencing that is clipped onto the crate to make a small play area, and the other next to your bed if you want maximum success. We have a YouTube channel called Premier Doodles where we have a short video showing what this setup looks like. The crate should be used to safely confine your pet when you are away from home, at night and for short periods of time when you are unable to watch them. We do not recommend keeping any type of collar on your pet while in the crate or in your home.It is important that from the very beginning, you never use your crate to punish your pet. You must make it a positive experience from the start. We want to create a PCER. You most definitely can confine your pet for short periods of time when they are misbehaving, but you never want to place your pet in there in a harsh or negative manner. If your pet develops a fear or dislike to their crate, it can be a very difficult situation to turn around. The crate should be a safe haven for your pet. It is an area that they should be able to go to and feel secure and comfortable. Use softer chew toys as they are more quiet at night time especially while you're sleeping. This includes bedding. We will attempt to put old towels or perhaps even an old sheet in my dogs crate but if they start to chew them, out they come. It is not worth the risk to have a pet ingest something that literally can kill them or cost a hefty price to have surgically removed. We usually keep our pets in their crate at night until they are able to hold their potty all night and they understand that we sleep at night, we don't "party". We want our dogs in the bedroom at night so we will then use a baby gate to keep them in there with us at night. They are typically crated during the day while we are gone until they are approximately 2 years of age. That is the average for dogs to mature especially bernedoodles. This may seem like a long time, but it is well worth the patience. Dogs that are well socialized are a pure pleasure to be around. They are far more "stable" than an un-socialized pet. They are much less likely to get themselves into trouble, which could ultimately get you into "big" trouble. This couldn't be further from the truth. They should always be socialized with safe, healthy dogs that are tolerant of obnoxiouspuppies. It is a common misconception that a lot of people believe that in order to have a "protective" dog, you must keep it away from people. You must praise or encourage inappropriate behavior, i. In reality, a dog that is well socialized is every bit as likely to alert you, or perhaps even defend you in the face of danger. The critical difference is: An un-socialized dog is going to assume that every single person, child etc. They have a much higher ability to "perceive" what is a true threat than the unfortunate un-social dog. The un-socialized pet is actually one that is running on fear of the "unknown". The reality is this: You should be getting a pet for a "pet". They should be a well-loved, properly cared for member of your family. To get a "pet" solely for "protection" is usually a recipe for disaster. We all can take comfort in the fact that all dogs usually alert us to something "different" in or around the house. That in itself is a huge deterrent to someone who is up to no good. To rely on a pet to keep us totally safe from harm, is not fair to the dog, nor should it be "their'' responsibility alone. A final note: To allow a dog to pick and choose what they perceive as a threat, to not socialize your dog, to not properly train and provide care for your dog, to not allow your dog to be a member of the family, is almost ALWAYS a disaster in the making. Insurance companies, Boarding Kennels, Hotels, Apartments, etc. There are certain Breeds of dogs that are not "welcome". There are no "bad" breeds in my opinion, but unfortunately, there are literally thousands of "bad" owners. Expose your pet to all different types of people, noises, environments etc. Do not force your pet to accept strangers, nor do you want to coddle fearful behavior. Do be mindful that your new puppy is not fully vaccinated until 16 weeks of age. Until then, you can still get them out and in car rides and with a rubbermaid tote can put into a cart at Lowe's and let them hear and see new people. Do yourself a favor and socialize your pet. You and they will be glad you did! They need to be corrected the instant the unwanted behavior occurs. They live in a world of cause and effect. Dogs live in the NOW. Corrections have to happen in the NOW. The quickest way to teach your dog that you are not trustworthy is to punish your dog with physical violence or to reprimand him for some action that he is not presently engaged in. Abuse is never acceptable, hitting a dog is never acceptable. You cannot use fear as a means of making an animal behave; it doesn't work. Showing an animal strong leadership and giving rules is not the same thing as instilling fear and administering inappropriate punishment. Never correct an animal out of anger of frustration. When you try and correct your dog out of anger, you are usually more out of control than your dog is. You are fulfilling your own needs, not the animals. Negative attention is better than no attention at all This is something that most parents can relate to as well. Whether this is laying down napping, playing with appropriate toys, sitting before being allowed outside, greeting people, etc. My number 1 rule for solving behavioral problems is to NOT reinforce them. Extinguish them or better yet work to not let them creep up into their pattern of life. Simply put, if your dog is acting out inappropriately and you react to it, you are very likely reinforcing that behavior. You may be reacting negatively, but you are reacting. However; if you re-direct your pet to something appropriate and then reward them for that, you will usually end up extinguishing the behavior that you do not want. For example: If your dog is jumping on you and you scream, yell, push or otherwise acknowledge the pet, you are reinforcing that behavior. Have you ever seen a "sane" dog repeatedly attack a telephone pole for no reason???? Having said that, you must also use common sense. If "Fido" is chewing on an electrical cord, you can not simply ignore it. What you should do is very quickly but calmly get up and with a sharp "NO" correct the pup and then immediately re-direct the pup to something appropriate. Reward for correct behavior. But it doesn't have to be! And with our Premier bernedoodles you'll find them to be one of the easiest puppies to housebreak because we have already started this process well before you bring your new puppy home. The following tips are helpful, if followed, in making a great and fun time less stressful for you and your pup! Once your puppy is a little bit older, they almost always can hold their potty overnight. The crate should be big enough for your puppy to standup, turnaround, and lay down. Our bernedoodle puppies do great in a Midwest XL wire crate. Puppies should be fed 3 times per day, at the very least they need to be fed 2 times per day. Please talk to your Veterinarian about your abilities to feed your pet and follow their advice. We personally do not recommend "paper'' training a puppy. No matter how you look at it, it is giving the puppy permission to use the bathroom in the house. It, of course, is a personal choice and some people's work schedule does not allow for anything different. Just keep in mind, it will be more difficult to change the "way of thinking" for the older puppy and you need to be patient Young puppies need to potty much more frequently than older puppies. Take that into consideration when housebreaking. We typically take our puppies out every minutes the first week after coming home, whether we think they need to go or not. This will be increased to hours after a few weeks. The first order of business should always be to potty when first going outside. Take your puppy to the area you want them to go and give them just a short amount of time to take care of business. When they are outside we start using potty commands Go Potty for 1 and Go Poo Poo for 2 at about 4 weeks of age and we even start using these phrases the first weeks. We repeat these phrases until they posture to do their business, at which time we shut up. As soon as they are done like the millisecond! We also do this in the wee hours of the morning but without this excitement and never with the lights on. Then take them back out to the potty area and try again. Once they have pottied, they have earned some time to play, explore, etc. Puppies are like small children, they need to be watched at all times, they need to learn right from wrong and they need a chance to be puppies! Get the puppy outside immediately while somebody else is cleaning up the mess. We use OdoBan to take all odors out so that it does not become a place that smells like an area to relieve themselves. You must use common sense when taking water away. If it is hot, the puppy has been playing hard, etc. You can also give ice cubes. Make sure you take your puppy outside right before you go to bed. If they immediately start crying you need to ignore them - they are seeking attention, and giving it to them even negative is teaching them that "this is the way to get attention". Place the puppy down and let them take care of business. Again we are saying quietly "Go Potty". Once they've gone potty, quietly praise them "Good potty" and take them right back to their crate. Do not play with your puppy, or otherwise encourage them to "wake" up, or that very well may be their incentive to "party" at 3 a. Once your puppy has developed a little more control, you will find that they start sleeping throughout the night in no time. In the beginning, they physically cannot hold their potty all night, once they can however; it is not in their best interest to get up in the middle of the night unless it has been made "rewarding"to them. We always get our puppies out immediately after eating and drinking. If after 15 minutes they don't go potty we will bring back inside and place in a crate. About 5 minutes later we will take back outside and repeat this process until they have relieved themselves. This is so common that most puppies will go through this at some point in their early part of their life. The best thing you can do is to try to avoid doing those things that seem to bring this behavior about. This is normal. If this behavior continues best to have a veterinarian check for a UTI. Here are some tips to help: Use a crate when you cannot supervise. Put his crate near a door allowing him to get outside quickly, potentially avoiding an accident. Keep quiet but relaxed. Ignore his behavior. Build up gradually to new things. Do basic obedience training. Make it fun and confidence building. Using lots of obedience commands and praises helps distract. Take him out regularly to do his business so his bladder will not build up pressure every 15 minutes. Do not go straight to his crate when entering a room. Allow him to calm down first, before letting him out. Just ignore the dog and walk past. When you go to the crate to let him out do so quietly. When out in the yard, do not call him up to you but walk slowly around with him. Give him a command to urinate and praise him calmly using voice only when he does. Do everything slowly and work at making your body language calm and unconcerned. Keep verbal volume low. Get down at ground level. Or sit on a low chair. Be non-threatening. Spend time sitting with him by your side on a leash. Take him for walks where he can gradually be exposed to the situations that trigger his urination. Ask friends to practice no touch, no talk, no eye contact around him. Avoid situations and people that you cannot control until your dog is learning to control himself and gain confidence. Submissive urination can be annoying, but exhibiting your frustration to your dog only makes it worse way worse as this is the very reason why they will sometimes do it. With a little planning and adjusting your attitude, you can minimize and overcome the problem which will disappear anyways but mine as well help along the line. However,there are rules that must be followed. If you ignore the rules, you should not play at all. If played properly, these games are some of the best anti-aggression exercises you can practice with your dog. Rule 1 While playing tug-of-war, most dogs will make a mistake and grab fingers or a hand instead of the toy. Because we are playing a game and feel that the mouth or bite was accidental, people tend to ignore it. This is a BIG mistake! If you allow rough housing or tug-of-war, you MUST never allow the dog to mouth or bite for any reason. The very instant the dog's tooth or teeth touch you or your clothing, you must immediately reprimand the dog and STOP playing. Dogs are very capable of controlling their teeth. Rule 2 The dog should never be allowed to initiate the play session or grab for the toy without invitation. Only when you give a command such as "take it". Especially with puppies, if you allow the dog to grab things without invitation, then you can find yourself playing while trying to get dressed, put on socks etc. You start the game, you end the game. Rule 3 It is always a good idea to stop the game every 30 seconds or so. When you stop the game, give your dog the command to "give or drop it". Make your dog sit or down. Praise and release. If you want to continue to play, give the dog the command to "take it" and continue. If the dog does not respond to the commands to give, you must immediately take the toy away and stop playing. This would clearly tell you that your dog either does not understand the command, or you are absolutely NOT in control. If you are not in control, you should never play this game with your dog. What may be a "soft" bite to you very well may not be to a child or an elderly person. When bites occur in play, in greeting or as an accident, we tend to ignore or excuse it dogs are very capable of controlling their teeth. What happens is the dog learns that they can act recklessly around us. We have taught them that there is no need to exercise caution around us or be respectful. They learn that biting is acceptable. Dogs do not do this to each other. They don't rationalize or make excuses. Biting and disrespect are swiftly and effectively reprimanded and it very rarely, if ever, happens again. Puppies are going to mouth you.We want them to learn an appropriate ABI or in other words how much force can they bite down that is deemed acceptable ie doesn't hurt. We need to first work with this component and then work on reducing the frequency. But bite force first. As you're playing with your puppy just keep screeching "OUCH" when it's too hard and at the moment they cease or bite softly praise them big time. This will go back and forth and forth and back like a ping pong match well at least played by two competent players! This will not be a one session deal. This will take weeks and weeks of being very consistent in your "OUCH" every time they either bite you or your clothes too hard. We do want to promote gentle bite behavior as this reinforces the bonding and teaches them an appropriate ABI which is imperative for producing a stable adult dog. DO NOT take the mouthing behavior away but lets just shape it so that the puppy knows when it's too hard. If your puppy is clearly highly energized and not responding then the play session is over and you walk away. That's it. Never ever hit or smack your dog to correct or thump them on the head as this will only produce head shy dogs. Remember…It is natural for dogs to bite, it must be understood that biting human flesh is the problem and will never be tolerated when it's too hard. The good news is that puppy mouthing behavior aka puppy biting almost always goes away between months even if you let it go. We just prefer the process of teaching boundaries early on while still allowing for some gentle mouthing behaviors. Just remember this will take a LONG time and will make up a big part of your early puppy training. Remember, dogs repeat behaviors that are in some way, shape or form rewarding to them. If you can remove the reward negative punishment , the behavior usually will decrease and then disappear. You need to figure out what the "reward" is and then remove it. Obviously, some behavior will not be able to be extinguished. For example, if the dog enjoys rolling in feces or mud, chewing, barking or anything that in and of itself is rewarding and you cannot "remove" it, it will continue. Yes there are some more invasive ways to extinguish these behaviors thru negative punishment e-collars, putting dog feces in holes being dug in the backyard and filling it, etc. Extinction can work great for nuisance behaviors such as barking, whining for attention, jumping, begging, controlling play, etc. If you attempt to use extinction, be prepared for the behavior to escalate before it starts to decrease. For example: If your dog is used to jumping on you and receiving attention and you decide to ignore it, the dog will become confused - "Hey.Very often, they will try harder to get the desired attention. If you stick to your guns and refuse to acknowledge the dog, the behavior will usually decrease and eventually stop. If you pay attention or reward it even one time or even slightly, it will be all the more difficult to extinguish in the future. The only thing you will accomplish is to have the dog work harder to get what they want. The type of reaction depends on the individual personality of the puppy, his overall resilience, and your reaction. We do fear recovery response training during the first 8 weeks to make sure they have a fast recovery to new novel noises and objects and situations. The how and when of fear periods also depends on the individual puppy, so you may or may not see it in your puppy as described. Generally speaking, puppies go through two potential fear periods during puppyhood. The first fear phase comes when the puppy is just months of age. This also coincides with a very critical socialization period. Your puppy is coming into a new home, leaving behind his mother, and litter mates, and is being introduced to a new family. What you have to do is just keep everything FUN! Puppies look to you as a security buffer and want to see how you react in a situation. Carry super yummy treats with you everywhere you go. Ask people to give your puppy a treat. Give treats with lots of praise in situations where you see your puppy is a little unsure. Carry a favorite toy with you and play squeaky toys or tug of war. This helps a puppy feel more comfortable. It is important to be upbeat and excited about new things and encourage your puppy to feel the same way. The second fear phase comes later in puppyhood. These puppies normally become worried about novel things, or you may see your puppy express fear over something that never bothered them before. The key to this phase is to not force your puppy into situations, and just like before, remember to keep it fun. Instead, give a few treats, talk to him, and then YOU walk up to statue and touch it. YouTube is littered with videos of dogs being forced to interact or even being chased! This type of interaction can be seriously distressing for your puppy. Remember to keep it fun and positive, and he will move through the phase without any problems. A More Thorough Response.There are windows of time when certain types of behaviors e. We have done our part, but this training must continue long after they go to their new homes. Fear-based periods can include fearful responses to noises, dogs barking, music, really anything that could be interpreted as a threat. Although dogs have been domesticated for a long time, they still carry DNA from their wolf lineage and that includes protective puppy behaviors such as quickly scampering to cover when a threat is perceived. Between months these types of responses can be manifested by cowering behavior but can also include barking, growling, ears back and tail down, and in some cases just a bit of unsureness about the stimulus causing this reaction. Keep in mind that these behaviors manifest from a genetic basis that likely came with wild populations of dog ancestors e. Well, there are several key socialization periods as well and the first one occurs during the first 8 weeks, and this is when puppies begin to bond and trust their human family. Without a thorough socialization program, you will be battling that on top of puppy-fear based responses at a whole new level. Trust me fear-based training does make a difference when started in the first 8 weeks and research corroborates this and that early puppy training the first 8 weeks helps to temper these responses, but every puppy is different, and every home and environmental conditions are different as well. Just keep all of this in mind during the training period that these genetically programmed responses helped the puppies survive before becoming household pets that we have today. Unfortunately, they carry the genetic baggage from their past ancestors, and we just need to work around this. Understanding this is the first step toward puppy training… Ok so what to do!? Is there hope? Absolutely and the above information just sets the stage for how to train the puppies and help them thru these two fear-based periods. This can be extremely overwhelming and can manifest itself in many ways wanting to be with you all the time, depressed immune responses, etc. The main thing is to use the first fear-based period between weeks to absolutely bond to your new puppy and make sure they feel secure, protected, and not frightened. Many families have young kids and although they were raised with kids of all ages this first 8—week fear-based period can kick in and when chased by a young child, grabbed, pulled, or petted and handled can induce a fear-based response that may be hard to detect at first but can slowly creep in. Make sure that whoever is interacting with the puppy is doing so in a very friendly and non-threatening way. But remember kids can induce a fear-based response as can other dogs during this initial fear-based period. Allow the puppy to initiate contact with new people. Early traumatic experiences to a hostile child or dog can have a lifelong impact on the puppy and in many cases, this can cause permanent behavioral changes and why we do not advocate for dog parks or other situations where lots of dogs are together without proper supervision. You can also use a Bluetooth speaker and occasionally play novel noises during the day search in YouTube for Puppy Culture noises. During these very positive training episodes you can again play novel noises but very brief and have lots of treats ready to redirect their behavior. Such as they are fearful of going into the back seat. Your job is to create a positive experience by getting into the back seat. Maybe get some raw meat and put into a Ziplock bag and let your dog smell it. Then if they put one foot up onto the back seat treat them. Then two feet only gets a treat etc. Keep it fun. But you must be abundantly patient during this time. Dogs that routinely go thru basic obedience training school during this time seem to fly thru it with flying colors, but patience and praise is the key. The bottom line is that training and socialization is going to happen the rest of their lives. Certainly, it gets easier! Your investment now will have a lifelong impact on the well-being of your fur baby. February 7, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? When it comes to having the best of both worlds, Bernedoodles are it! These mixed breed designers pups were bred to be the perfect companion dog and quickly rose up in the ranks of popular puppy breeds over the last two decades! How do you know if a Bernedoodle is a right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Bernedoodles! Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels claims to be the very first breeder that purposely cross-bred two purebreeds: Standard Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog. Since this breed is only approximately two decades old, the American Kennel Club still does not consider the Bernedoodle a purebred. Nevertheless, the rise in popularity has also led to many more breeders producing these pups. If you were interested in bringing a Bernedoodle home, while there are many reputable breeders that specialize in these pups, you can also find these pups in shelters or rescue groups that focus on Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs, to potentially find these mixed pups! What are Bernedoodle Breed Characteristics? When it comes to range, few breeds can beat the Bernedoodle! These pups come in a variety of sizes and coat colors. Bernedoodles come in a few different sizes: tiny, miniature, medium, and standard. They can range in weight from ten pounds in the tiny category all the way to ninety pounds in the standard category. Along with variety in sizes, their coats can be within a range from completely black, black and white, black and brown, or tri-colored with patches of either black, white, or brown. Probably the most common coat and markings people seek when looking for a Bernedoodle puppy is the tri-color variety that is in closer resemblance to the Bernese Mountain Dog. Depending on which side of their genetic makeup your pup takes after, some Bernedoodle pups coats can be curly, or wavy like the Standard Poodle and not shed as much making them a good candidate for parents who suffer from allergies. Other Bernedoodle pups can have straighter coats that have a tendency to shed more and are not hypoallergenic. What are Bernedoodles Personalities like? The Puppy Academy student, Hamilton! Goofy, smart, loyal to their families, and friendly, these pups have the best personality traits from both sides! Most Bernedoodles parents pick these pups because of their good demeanors and temperaments. Your puppy may lean toward the Standard Poodle side, depicting traits of high intelligence, hard-working, and loyal. Or your puppy can lean toward the Bernese Mountain Dog which is good-natured, confident, and affectionate. Some Bernese Mountain Dogs can be stubborn, in particular during their adolescent phase, and a bit aloof or standoffish toward strangers. With good basic obedience and early socialization, any Bernedoodle can make a great fit for a family and develop friendly demeanors toward new people. While these pups are considered to be working dogs and do require daily exercise, they are also content with hanging out with you at home. Moderate exercises such as one to two longer walks, with play sessions in between, a day is sufficient to burn off energy and keep your pup content! Tiny and Mini Bernedoodles are better equipment for urban environment living whereas Medium to Standard sized Bernedoodles would need more space to exercise and play. No matter the size of your Bernedoodle puppy, they are going to need adequate exercise, which is why they do really well with active families! Tiny and Mini Bernedoodles will require a bit less activity and can adapt to tighter living spaces that come with urban environments such as apartments or condos. As for Medium to Standard-sized Bernedoodles which are taller and wider and can grow upwards of ninety pounds, they may be bumping into more coffee tables and have trouble fitting in the same hallway as you in smaller dwellings! For all sizes, access to either a fenced-in yard or a nearby park you can take them to is ideal for this breed! How to Care for Your Bernedoodle Puppy! When it comes to caring for your new Bernedoodle puppy, start off by scheduling a first veterinarian visit within the first week of bringing your puppy home! Like many large breed working dogs, Bernedoodle may suffer from joint dysplasia. Bernese Mountain Dogs have been known to suffer blood disorders, some cancers, and progressive retinal atrophy. Generally, Bernedoodles are healthy and sturdy especially if they come from a reputable breeder. General care for your Bernedoodle puppy will include brushing their teeth to avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Floppy ears means they may be susceptible to ear infections so regularly check and clean them to avoid these from happening. Because their coat types can vary, depending on your puppy, if they have a curly coat you may need to frequently brush them to avoid matting. We recommend that you take your puppy to a professional groomer every few months to get their fur trimmed. The Puppy Academy student, Cali! Create a Daily Puppy Training Schedule Bernedoodle puppies are smart and easily trained but they can have a stubborn streak as they get into their adolescence. Creating early structure at home can help mitigate this stubbornness by establishing daily routines your puppy can expect and also establish you as leader. Since Bernedoodles are made up of two intelligent hard-working breeds, basic obedience training with food positive reinforcement will benefit their behavioral growth! Socialize Your Bernedoodle Puppy with People, Children, and Other Pets Bernedoodles have friendly dispositions and make great family dogs, however, they can be standoffish to new people as they get older. Use Play to Help Train Them Tap into their playful nature and use your playtime sessions together to teach good manners! For example, use Fetch to teach your Bernedoodle how to come to you, Drop-it to give the toy back, then ask them to sit to teach polite manners as they learn to wait until you toss the toy again for them to get. Although Bernedoodles love to work, they sometimes need a bit more motivation! This can come with the aid of food rewards, and providing variation to their training routines to keep them engaged. Enrolling your puppy in training classes, or working with them by yourself at home using a program like our online puppy school will give you a plan to follow with basic training routines to teach your Bernedoodle good manners, as well as keep challenging them along the way so they never get bored, and advance their skillset! Did you recently bring home a Bernedoodle puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. Therefore, this article is dedicated to establishing some Bernedoodle training ground rules to make training as smooth for both you and your dog. Even though they are designer dogs, they are not meant to be trained for dog shows. If you like partying, you can have your Bernedoodle accompany you. If you like lying around, you can have your Bernedoodle accompany you. The breed is moderately active. Therefore, they can take on any activity you would want them to take on, as long as you give them enough rest. Since a Bernedoodle will always want to accompany you, it is best to train them according to your schedule and lifestyle. If you lead a super active lifestyle, we suggest you train your dog to be docile in the outdoor environment. However, if you like to stay at home, you can teach them basic household chores such as bringing a towel, etc. Try not to put too many irrelevant commands in their minds because their goofy minds might end up getting confused. Train Them Early Train them early to reap the fruits in the long run. Bernedoodles tend to get too comfortable in their surroundings and, as quick learners, adapt to habits in no time. Before getting a puppy, we suggest you plan a mini-vacation for the first week of your companionship. You can devote this first week to bond with your Bernedoodle puppy and training them diligently. Teach them a few obedience commands right when you get them. When a puppy is given too much time to themselves before training, they pick up naturally bad habits and are generally crate trained. Therefore, they get stuck learning only the basic commands for most of their life. However, if you train your puppy early, they will adopt a curious and adventurous mind. Therefore, they will learn how to do advanced tricks and abbey special commands in no time. After all, a Bernedoodle is a companion dog and will adapt to the way you live. Therefore, if you live a train dedicated to active training, they will live that way too. However, if you get lazy with training, they will slack off in picking up commands. Always Use Positive Reinforcements Dogs are sensitive to your behavior — so tread carefully. Something to be careful about — not only with Bernedoodles is how sensitive they can be towards your behavior. If you show them anger — they will either reciprocate it or feel stressed about your negative emotion. Dogs — like humans — cannot learn and perform while they are under stress. Therefore, it is best to make them feel welcome during their training session. Many dog trainers in the past used to punish dogs for not performing the desired command. However, doing that to a Bernedoodle can lead to anxiety and long-term bonding issues. The best way to train a Bernedoodle is to use positive reinforcements. Positive reinforcements are the act of awarding your dog for good behavior instead of punishing him for bad ones. Positive reinforcements allow the dog to create a stronger bond with you. Moreover, it allows the dog to be happy with his training sessions instead of dreading them. Laser-Sharp Focus Dogs get distracted easily, but they will not learn any complex commands unless they can focus. Much like humans, dogs need to be idle to focus on the task at hand. Whether you want to teach your dog new commands or want them to stay quiet for a while, they cannot do it until they are focused. The best way to teach your Bernedoodle to focus is to teach them the sit and stay command combination. Once your dog knows how to sit on command, move a little away from him and continue commanding him to sit. Add the stay command and slowly increase the duration of each stay session. When your dog knows how to stay until further notice, they will learn how to do nothing even when there might be some distractions around. Unless the dog learns not to do anything, he will never learn how to stay focused and learn new tricks. Take Them Outdoors — Learn from Experiences Outdoors is the perfect place for your dog to learn many visual cues and boost their sensory development. When you take your dog outdoors, two things happen — they interact with the world around them other than you, and they get physical exercise. When a dog gets to interact with a world other than you and your house, they learn several visual cues. Moreover, being outdoors with your dog is the perfect opportunity for you to gauge how he responds to other animals, strangers, and children. Most Bernedoodles are likely to be friendly and docile with other animals and strangers. Therefore, you will not have to make them undergo extensive training. However, some might get aggressive and will need specialized training to be friendly. Being outdoors also gives the dog the physical stimulation it needs to go about his day properly. If dogs have too much pent-up energy in them, they tend to develop destructive and aggressive behavior. Give Them Mental Games to Play Physical stimulation is important, but so is mental stimulation, which is why brain training for your dog is vital. How well your dog is mentally stimulated makes a huge difference in how well he can be trained. However, the same is true too. The more mentally stimulated the dog, the more intelligence he is likely to develop. The more intelligent the dog, the easier it will be to train him. Bernedoodles, in general, tend to be highly intelligent dogs — therefore, they like to be mentally stimulated and like to learn new things every other day. If a Bernedoodle is not adequately mentally stimulated, he will become sad and aggressive. The best way to mentally stimulate your Bernedoodle to keep his mind sharp enough for rigorous training is simple. You can get your dog to try a new command every three days. This will give them enough challenge to feel stimulated but not too much to overwhelm and distress them — which brings up the next ground rule. Training can be very difficult for your dog to wrap his head around. Therefore, while continuous training sessions are vital, it is necessary to keep each session short. Therefore, it is best to keep them happy about training for only minutes a stretch and let them imbibe the commands you teach them. An overworked dog will end up feeling too tired to obey the commands they have learned. Therefore, the best way to keep them from burning out is to teach consistently but gradually. If you are teaching the basic sit command to your dog, make sure you only make a few repetitions in one go. Too many repetitions will make your dog resist the training and resent the next session. Allow your dog at least two days to learn a command as simple as sit. Reinforce their training with the first few repetitions and slowly do away with the treats once they start to get the hang of the command — even if it takes a few days. Bernedoodles are companion dogs and love to spend all their time with their family. However, they are also very sensitive and need to learn how to be alone at an early age. If your dog is used to being with you at all times as a puppy, not having you around for even a short duration can be a cause of significant distress and sadness for them. When your puppy is only in his socializing stage, make sure you give him time to himself. Therefore, he will learn to feel comfortable in your absence. The best way to do so is to let the puppy move around in your house while you stay out of their sight for a while. Begin with 10 minutes of solitude, and you can gradually increase the time to hours at a stretch. This resonates with the ground rule of training your Bernedoodle in accordance with your lifestyle. If you need to go out to work for most of the day, train your puppy to learn your schedule. When you return home, make sure you spoil him with a lot of treats. This will let the dog understand that even if you leave them alone for a while, you will come back and shower him with love when you return. Use the Leash Wisely The leash is the first and last control you have over your dog. Therefore, it is important to use it accurately. Your dog will learn to associate the leash with training and walking, which should induce excitement in him. You must never use a leash to get strict or punish a dog. Otherwise, he will associate the leash with negativity. Dogs tend to associate places and objects with emotions. Therefore, once they have associated the leash with negativity, they will never be happy to be on a leash even while training and walking. Using a leash while training your dog is very important. This is especially true for Bernedoodles because even as intelligent dogs, they tend to be very distracted. If your dog is not on a leash while training, it will become difficult to keep him in one place. You can start walking your dog on a leash and teach him to stay at your heel. Once you are confident enough that your dog will not run off towards distractions and will listen to you if you call him, you can try walking him without the leash as well. However, the transformation from with to without a leash should be done very slowly and carefully. It is best to start the transformation within the confines of your home so that your dog will still be in reach if he runs off. However, their loyalty can cause problems when not trained properly. However, mixed with Poodle traits, the dog might not have any chill. If your dog is also aggressive in nature, he is likely to be too protective. This leads to them being suspicious of anyone who comes to your house. They might even have a tendency to bite. Therefore, you need to teach him the boundary between loyal and aggressively loyal. Loyalty is an inept trait in Bernedoodles. Therefore, you have to focus on training him not to be aggressive to anyone in your house. The answer is not to tie him up when someone visits — that will only make him more aggressive. You must make sure the dog is comfortable with people entering your house. To do so, you can walk your dog on a leash to the door when guests arrive. When your guest arrives, give the sit command and allow the guest to give him a treat — but only if the dog is sitting and not being aggressive. Once the guest is inside, you can allow your dog to roam freely and give him treats whenever he is not aggressive. This will teach him to trust having strangers in the house in your presence. Biting Training Dogs can nib — but teach them not to bite. As mentioned earlier, dogs are very receptive to your emotions. We will use that dog characteristic to our advantage. You can allow your dog to nib on your hand. This will let your dog know that they hurt you by putting pressure with their jaws on your hand. Eventually, with enough treats and repetitions, the dog will learn not to apply pressure to avoid causing pain. Make sure your dog is well-adept to not apply pressure while nibbling. Once that is done, you can ask your family or friends trusted by your dog to follow the same command sequence. This way, the dog will eventually learn not to bite either you or any other human around him. Every time your dog refrains from putting pressure while nibbling, award him with a treat. You will end up with a fierce dog who is not afraid to scare but will not cause harm unless he senses danger. Summing Up Bernedoodle is an interesting dog breed. With high intelligence, loyalty, and goofiness, they are extremely adorable. Their curiosity also makes them easy to train as long as you start training them as soon as you get them. With the right blend of positive reinforcements, accurate tool usage, scheduling, and patience, you can train your Bernedoodle to be the best companion dog there is. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. This will help temper the Berner side of aloofness. If he takes after the Poodle side, the dog needs outlets for his boundless intelligence and energy. Manners training, retrieving and enrichment activities like puzzle toys can help satisfy his needs and prevent boredom. Dog breeders typically try to cross dogs that have the most appealing characteristics of each breed. Each Bernedoodle is unique and may take on more of the appearance or temperament of one parent breed than the other. Most Bernedoodles have a wavy coat with minimal shedding. Some have a curly coat similar to their Poodle ancestors. They can be pure black, black and white, black and brown or tri-colored black, brown and white. There are three sizes of Bernedoodles The standard Bernedoodle is a cross between a standard Poodle and a Berner. He ranges between 50 to 90 pounds and 23 to 29 inches at the shoulder. The mini Bernedoodle is a cross between the mini Poodle and the Berner. He ranges between 25 to 49 pounds and 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder. The tiny Bernedoodle is a cross between a toy Poodle and a mini Bernedoodle and is between 10 to 24 pounds and 12 to 17 inches at the shoulder. The mini and tiny Bernedoodles may have slightly higher energy levels than the standards do. Bernedoodles can make great family members for people who want an intelligent, easygoing companion. But be aware that your puppy may take after his high-driven, friendly Poodle ancestors or his aloof, headstrong Berner side in appearance and temperament. Start early and use plenty of positive reinforcements. They will be more happy and confident if they understand that you are in charge. Mini Bernedoodle pups are intelligent, and they will quickly learn what is expected of them. Here are a at home training tips for Mini Bernedoodles — there are also many good resources online. This will be home to your MiniBernedoodle pup when they sleep or when you are away. Make sure the crate is big enough that your pup can comfortably lie down, sit, and stand up. Place some comfortable rags or mattresses for them to sleep on and lure them inside with their favorite toys. Every time they pop into the crate willingly, give them a treat or play with them to show your appreciation. Many pups come to see their crate as a safe place to go when they want to rest or need a break. Potty Training One of the most challenging parts of the training is teaching your MiniBernedoodle pup to do their job at the right place. You will need to be patient and use many positive reinforcements while showing them the right place to do their business. Take the puppy out first thing in the morning and after every time that they eat, drink, or play. Make sure you reward them when they poo or pee at the proper place. Socializing You need to start socializing your mini doodle puppy as soon as possible. Although these puppies are quite even-tempered, they can also be anxious around strangers. To avoid unpleasantness later on, when guests come around, start training your pup to socialize when they are still babies. You have to train your pup to socialize with not just humans but with other dogs as well. Many people tend to think that dogs get along with dogs. Frequent walks and visits to doggy daycare and dog parks are great training tools. The more they see and interact with other pups and people the better their social skills will be. A well-behaved, friendly dog is a pleasure to be around since they are safe and loved by all. Barking Training Another problem you might face with your Bernedoodle pup is barking — this is their way of expressing themselved. The will most often do this for food, when they need to go outside, to alert you of strangers, or to get your attention. Try to understand the reason behind their barking so you can find a solution. For instance, if your pup mostly barks for food, have their feed ready at their place at fixed times every day. They will quickly learn that there is a time and will wait more patiently. Again, reward them the first few times they wait patiently for the food without barking. It will help them to understand what they are expected to do. Outdoor Walks - Leash Training Start out by introducing your puppy to their harness or leash. Let her wear in around the house for short periods of time while you are playing. Teach you puppy to come to you for treats around the house when you ask them to. Progress to holding the leash and asking them to follow you for the upcoming treats. Practice inside first, then outside as they become more comfortable. Here is a great leash training article from the American Kennel Club. Discourage Nipping Puppies playing with other pups will nip out of sheer playfulness. Your Mini Bernedoodle puppy might do the same when playing with you. But you have to train them that nipping is not allowed. The point to note here is that nipping is not the same as mouthing, a typical dog trait for showing affection. The difference lies in the force. So, you have to teach your Mini Bernedoodle pup the difference between mouthing and nipping. Eventually, your pup will understand the difference between nipping and mouthing. They will learn that nipping will not get them anywhere and learn to control the amount of force they use when play-biting. Verbal Cues Every dog understands a few human words. You, too, can train your Bernedoodle pup to follow verbal cues of things that you want them to do. For instance, when potty training your pup, you may use the word potty. Just make sure you use the same word every time. When your puppy poos after you say the word reward them, to show that this is what you are asking of them. You can use similar simple words for eating, going out, playtime, treats, and so on. If you are consistent they will learn to associate the word and will follow your verbal cues. Final Words Mini Bernedoodle puppies are a pleasure to be around. They are wonderfully friendly, active, and playful family-friendly dogs. Early and proper training will head off many difficulties. You will have a fantastic companion for life whose love is irreplaceable and completely unselfish. Pleasant Creek Mini Mini Bernedoodles puppies are socialized and positive behaviors are encouraged from the start! Laura: .Sniffing Taking self to a corner or isolated area away from crate or owner There is a chance the puppy can bark. Not all Bernedoodle puppies will bark to indicate they need to use the bathroom. They often learn this will get your attention when they get older. Persistence is everything in how to potty train your Bernedoodle puppy. Each of these cues can trigger a bowel movement or pee — so take the opportunity each and eveytime to educate the puppy about your expectations. Bernedoodles descend from the giant, majestic, and sometimes very stubborn Bernese Mountain Dog! This Step Shows You How To Potty Train a Bernedoodle Properly Now that you understand the physical and time cues, plus have an understanding about the importance of consistency and praise — it is time for the most important step. The key element of potty training a Bernedoodle is creating a schedule and sticking to it. We are blessed with intelligent puppies like Bernedoodle crosses. Their brains and nature primes them to learn how to be house trained to suit our modern lifestyle. All the elements are there from an early age. You need to create a schedule and stick to it. Here are the rules on how to potty train a bernedoodle. We feed on a schedule. There is no grazing or meals on demand for a puppy you want to housetrain. Set a morning and evening meal, and as close as humanly possible stick to this schedule As per the temporal cue list above — after eating and having water it is time to take your Bernedoodle outside to toilet Bedtime and Wakeup time Stick closely to the schedule if possible. Take the puppy to the toilet straight after retrieving from the sleep area Similarly take the puppy to toilet prior to bedtime as well this will eliminate unfortunate accidents in the sacred crate space Puppies Nap — this cannot be planned in detail You need to be acutely aware of when the nap is happening though, as immediately afterwards the puppy should be taken out to toilet Plan regular playtimes as part of the routine Stimulation mentally and exertion physically are both triggers that can lead to toilet time Plan these to keep your puppy entertained and then maximise on the opportunity to potty train immediately after Away for a time? Do this. Try not to let the time you are ware interference with the waking or sleeping time for the puppy. Crate or isolate the puppy see advice above without food or water Limit to as few hours as possible Remember to toilet immediately on return I know, such a strict schedule approach can be inconvenient. However a few weeks of strict adherence is a minor inconvenience once the Bernedoodle is successfully toilet trained. How to Potty Train a Bernedoodle in an Apartment Toilet training in an apartment can be trickier than in a home. It is often easier in a home to give the dog fast access to the outside to use the bathroom. If you need to travel down stairs or an elevator — you will need to be more prepared than most. Routine and schedule is everything for your dog. You are going to need an indoor dog toilet or a porch potty. Most apartment dwellers choose to stick with this option permanently so their dog has no distress if left alone in the apartment. Life is unpredictable, having a safe option is a good idea. Rinse the three layers of the dog potty tray with soapy water and clean-up is complete. Color: Green and Black. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Check out the video. It is self draining, we can wash it with a hose, and our dog loves it! Here we review 7 DIY or affordable porch or indoor dog toilets to consider. Even a well trained Bernedoodle might make a mistake every now and then. It is important to handles these toilet mistakes appropriately. Managing these unfortunate events is a vital part of how to potty train a Berendoodle. These tips let you know how to approach the stinky problem. If you catch your Bernedoodle peeing Act quickly! Move towards the puppy and pick them up. We are alerting the dog that something is not right — not yelling at them. Pick the dog up and move them to the correct spot that you want them to go to toilet. Take the puppy to the toilet area. Even if they finish before you get there — linger at the toilet for some time with the dog. If the puppy does finish in the correct spot, reward your Berendoodle with both the vocal praise pick one phrase and stick with it — see above and also have some treats handy! If you catch your Bernedoodle mid-poo This one is much tougher. If you catch the dog early and the toilet is nearby — you might succeed in moving the dog to the correct location. Usually this is not feasible. Let it happen, then deal with it. Express disappointment in a measured voice. Use the same word when things are not welcome. A sound or consistent word avoids confusion. There is no merit in scaring the dog mid-poop. There is little merit for most dogs in yelling at them or showing them their mistake. Do not make a big deal about cleaning up the mess. Get it sorted and go from there. It can be frustrating, but look for the temporal and physical signs of pooping next time and try to get ahead of the problem. Only an enzymatic cleaner will clean up the hidden smells. When you are trying to figure out how to potty train a Bernedoodle, your first step should be to pick up some cleaning goods. There will be some mess. If not, the dog will return to the same spot and mess there again. This is the single most important product to make house training your dog possible. IF there is a lot of poop to clean off your Bernedoodle, start with a thorough clean using water and dog shampoo. In these circumstances washing the dog in a sink or shower is typically the best bet. Dwelling in a bath is not a great idea! If it is a once off then your regular dog shampoo should do the trick. We took a deep dive and thoroughly reviewed the 5 Best Shampoo For Bernedoodles here. It has rave reviews from the Bernedoodle owners and a groomer! I spoke to. In our test it washed really effectively and lathered up with not too much shampoo required. This type of dog can come in various colors, patterns, and sizes, each more unique than litters before. Although they are intelligent dogs, the Bernedoodle is not without its challenges regarding training and obedience. As a result, some pet owners will find specific struggles with their new Bernedoodle puppy once they bring it home. For example, Poodles are a high-energy breed devoted to their owners, while Bernese Mountain dogs have a calming nature but prefer to keep busy by working on a task, like protecting their yard and home. Anytime two dog breeds cross, there can be challenges. Some challenges of training Bernedoodles can be: Stubbornness Exhibit sensitivity Stubbornness Poodles and Bernese Mountain dogs are highly intelligent animals, making the Bernedoodle a smart hybrid breed. However, even intelligent dogs can be stubborn when going through training. These dogs may push the boundaries to see what they can get away with before receiving a correction from their owners. Unfortunately, this stubborn streak can also appear often if you are inconsistent with their training or if multiple household members use different training techniques. Easily Distracted High-energy dogs can appear easily distracted, especially during training. Bernedoodle puppies have exceptionally short attention spans, making it more challenging to train for long periods. Exhibit Sensitivity Poodles and Bernese Mountain dogs are incredibly social animals and love to please their owners. Although this characteristic can be an advantage for training methods, if you are prone to scolding or using punishment, your pet may exhibit sensitivity and retreat from you, hindering your training efforts. Using proper methods and techniques when teaching your dog how to behave is critical, especially for sensitive Bernedoodles that may cower if you raise your voice or make threatening movements. How To Train a Bernedoodle the Right Way The most important thing to remember when training a Bernedoodle is that each dog is unique and can take anywhere from four to six months to adapt to your obedience commands. Of course, some ways will help make your methods easier for them to understand and follow. Some tips for Bernedoodle training include: Start training as soon as you bring home your new pet Be consistent with commands Enlist in short spurts of training, multiple times a day Ensure your pet receives enough physical and mental stimulation By recognizing some simple tricks, pet owners may have an easier time getting their dogs to follow commands and learn desirable behaviors. How To House Train a Bernedoodle Many dog owners will want to begin house training as soon as they bring home their new Bernedoodle puppy. No one wants to clean up messes that a dog leaves in the house, so having your new pet house trained is vital for sanitary living conditions. Puppies typically eliminate urine approximately every 15 to 20 minutes because of their small, immature bladders. On average, a Bernedoodle puppy will have a bowel movement 20 to 30 minutes after eating a meal and after exercising. One of the best ways to have a headstart on practical house training is to minimize the instances your pup will pee or poop inside. The best way to house train your Bernedoodle puppy is by following these steps: As soon as you wake up, take your dog outside for a chance to go to the bathroom. Provide your pet with water and food for the morning, then set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes for the next outside potty break. Follow a strict 15 to minute schedule for potty breaks throughout the day. In addition, watch for potential cues your pup needs to go, including excessive sniffing or circling in the house. This way, your Bernedoodle has a better chance of going outside than indoors. You should remove any water source from your new puppy in the early evening. This schedule will give them enough time to eliminate their bladders before bedtime and reduce nighttime accidents in the house. Each time your pet successfully goes to the bathroom outside, reward them with treats and praise to provide positive reinforcement for good behavior. If your new puppy has an accident indoors, refrain from punishing them. Tell your dog a stern, No, then pick them up and take them outside. Do not make a big production of any accidents indoors as this gives the dog attention, and they may interpret it as a way to get recognition from you. Avoid eye contact during this time, and clean up their mess quickly. How To Leash Train a Bernedoodle The next phase of training a Bernedoodle will be ensuring that you can take them out for a walk on a leash. Because Bernedoodles are moderately active breeds, they require one to three daily walks ranging from 30 to 60 minutes or more. Nothing is more frustrating than a dog that pulls constantly or gets tangled up in their lead with you or other dogs. Showing your new Bernedoodle puppy how to walk on a leash will give them the structure they need each time they leave the house for daily walks. In addition, proper leash training will come in handy when meeting new people and unfamiliar dogs. Leash training should regularly occur in your home with your new Bernedoodle as they mature and settle into their new family. The best way to leash train your pet will incorporate these steps: Always make leash training a positive activity, so your pet associates its walks with a pleasant experience rather than punishment. Remember to bring high-value treats to reward your dog as you go through the training process with them. Some dog owners find it easier to leash train their Bernedoodle using a harness rather than a collar. You can try both methods to see which works best for you and your pet. However, using a harness can minimize pulling or accidental harm from sharp jerks on a collar if your pet suddenly tries to run or pulls too hard. Keep the leash in both hands with one hand at your hip, providing only enough leash to reach your dog comfortably. Do not allow excessive leash distance where they can roam far from you or tangle up during the walk. Ensure your dog always stays by your side while consistently providing positive feedback and treats to them as they walk beside you. Give your dog lots of eye contact and verbal praise during good leash walking behavior. If your Bernedoodle puppy tries to pull aggressively or tries to wander away, immediately stop walking. By restricting the ability to stray from your side, your pup will soon learn that the walking stops if they are not beside you and paying attention to your cues. Some dog owners find that the short attention span of Bernedoodle puppies can work in their favor during leash training. For example, if your new pet suddenly wants to run off during a walk because it spotted a cat, you can use redirection instead. Rather than stopping and waiting for your dog to look for obedience cues, try switching directions and removing your pet from the area of distraction. This change of scenery may be all your dog needs to reengage into their positive walking behavior. How To Eliminate Nipping or Biting One common occurrence with Bernedoodle puppies is their constant need to mouth, nip, or bite people, other animals, and objects in their surroundings. Puppies are baby dogs that use their nose and mouth to explore the world around them, making nipping or biting an instinctual behavior. Suppose your Bernedoodle puppy does not receive the proper training that discourages nipping or biting early. In that case, it may grow to continue this negative action into adulthood and unknowingly cause harm to people or other animals. Training a Bernedoodle to stop nipping or biting is simple once you recognize some tips to use, including: As soon as your pet mouths your hand, fingers, leg, etc. If you catch your puppy chewing on off-limits items, like shoes or furniture, immediately intervene with a swift no command, remove them from the area and provide an appropriate chew toy to resume their chewing behavior. Offer your Bernedoodle toys that allow treats inside to promote chewing and grab their interest more than your hands or personal items. This way, your dog will want to chew on toys that provide them with treats and reinforce good behaviors. Suppose redirection does not work with your puppy. In that case, some dog owners find that avoiding eye contact and immediately leaving their pet is an effective way to get the message across after biting. If you leave the room every time your dog nips at your fingers, they will soon realize that this behavior sends you away, which does not give them the attention they seek. Remember to never bite or strike your Bernedoodle puppy as punishment for nipping or biting you. Your pet might be trying to get your attention, may smell food on your fingers, or is not aware that this is negative behavior. By following these tips, remembering to use positive reinforcement, and being consistent, your new dog will quickly learn their boundaries and what behaviors are acceptable in your home. You will also like:. Home Info Which Doodle is best for you? This allows you to enjoy the companionship of each other early on. Start your Bernedoodle puppy training from the moment you bring it home. Remember that each dog has its unique traits. No dog is the same. Same with us humans. Even identical twins have their unique characteristics which makes them different from each other. Bernedoodle are loyal companion dogs that require moderate activity. Train them to complement your way of life. Bernedoodles are the cross-breed between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. Both parents are also excellent breeds - intelligent, friendly, and easy-to-train dogs. Just like other pets, no matter how smart they are, they would still require training and guidance. As a pet owner, we collated this guide that would significantly benefit you. Imagine how wonderful would it be to have such an obedient and well-mannered dog right? Learn on! This is an important stage in honing a happy and meaningful relationship with your pet. The best way to jumpstart your Bernedoodle puppy training program is to research your puppy. Training old dogs requires a different set of tricks and a level of patience. Learning would only be different. For example, you are trying to teach a puppy to fetch a ball for about an hour. It won't have the stamina to learn how to fetch a ball for 60 minutes. But, you can still teach them less rigorous tricks such as shaking hands or retrieving their toys. Having to train the puppies at such a young age helps them develop that muscle and mental memory to be able to do the trick. It provides them with the strong foundation that they would be needing growing up. The young age of these puppies is a critical learning period. Their minds are like a sponge, always eager to learn. For those owning Bernedoodle, take advantage of their intelligence and willingness to be trained. Some research suggests that the learning stage for puppies is between 0 to 16 weeks old. It is the most crucial stage in their development. This is also considered the period where they learn to socialize with other canines. The first two weeks are when they still rely largely on their moms. Basic Obedience Training for Bernedoodle Puppies One important thing to remember during Bernedoodle puppy training is to know when to praise them and give them treats and when not to. When it comes to basic obedience training, this is where these canines learn how to sit, stay, come, fetch, walk, and other simple instructions you tell them to. Believe us when we say that your life will be so much easier if your dogs learn how to follow basic obedience instructions. Although Bernedoodles are known to be smart dogs, do not start training them with complex instructions. Start with simple ones that they can easily follow. Remember that consistency plays an important part in their learning. To make the training more fun for them, use positive reinforcement. Give them treats for a job well done. You can also pet them or praise them whenever they can follow your instructions. Make sure to repeat the command using different techniques such as changing environments, adding noises, or other forms of distractions. This will train them to follow instructions despite being in a tough environment. Patience is the key. Do not shout or scold your dogs if they fail to deliver what is expected. Crate Training for Bernedoodle Puppies Crate training is important so that your pets feel that they have a safe space within your home. This could also be used when you are doing your Bernedoodle potty training. During the crate training, you can start by putting their favorite blankets or toys inside the crate. Watch carefully how they would react. Those items should encourage them to walk voluntarily inside the crates. Never force or push them to enter the crates. Once your pet has entered the crate, take short intervals leaving it close. You can slowly extend the duration over time. If you see your pet panicking right away, you can open the door. Repeat the process until your pet gets more comfortable leaving the door closed over a long period. This process should be done slowly and in progression to avoid anxiety and panic for your pets. Remember, the crate should be used to help them potty train and should serve as a secure place for them. Do not use it as a form of punishment. But this roommate of yours is four-legged and could cause trouble and headache if not trained well. If you want to be living peacefully together with your furry friend, make sure to house trained it. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key for a successful Bernedoodle potty training journey. Socialization Training for Bernedoodle Puppies Socialization is vital for dogs, especially for Bernedoodle who enjoy the company of other dogs. Through socialization class, these puppies learn to interact with otter dogs. This is integral in forming their behaviors. This is also helpful for getting them accustomed to dealing with different people, different environments. If you want a confident dog, you will have to let them interact with other animals. Even if it's not their first time interacting with people or other dogs, make sure to watch your pet carefully, they could experience anxiety or discomfort during socialization. This can include off-leash training, advanced commands, and even specialized training such as agility or therapy work. Make sure that you enroll in a reputable training school where you can learn advanced training. This is where more complex and challenging tricks will be taught and can be learned by your pet. This breed can be stubborn at times. Asking it to follow your instruction could be challenging. Breathe in, be patient, and be creative with your training session. Excessive barking. This breed can't bark excessively even if they are happy. Make sure to address this during your training. Understand what triggers them to consistently bark so you can address the issue. These are just some of the problems that you may have to deal with while training your pet. If you are having a hard time resolving them, do not hesitate to ask a professional trainer or breeder. They have years of experience in dealing with this breed. You may also seek the guidance of a vet. Tips for Successful Bernedoodle Puppy Training If you want to be successful in your puppy training journey, follow these tips below. Begin training at an early age: The sooner you start the training, the earlier they can learn and follow your instructions. The better for both of you. Stay consistent: For the puppy to learn faster, be consistent in giving instructions. Established rules which are to be followed at all times. Apply positive reinforcement: Use treats, praise, and play to motivate to reward your Bernedoodle and make training fun for both of you. Never shout or hurt your pet, especially during times of stubbornness. Be patient: it takes time to learn. Humans also learn over time so be patient. Ask for professional help. If things are getting out of hand and you're finding it too difficult to handle, seek guidance from a professional. They will provide you with the knowledge to help you out. Recommended Resources for Bernedoodle Puppy Training To better equip you with information on training your pets, here are some of the resources you can check. Sophia Yin 2. Local Dog Training Classes: Check with your local pet stores, community centers, or dog training facilities for puppy training classes in your area. You can start with one resource first and see if the information aligns with your goal and your way of life. You can slowly progress on the resources as your training progresses too.
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Be ready for your pup to eat, play, and love.Just contact our customer support team. I got to share in their excitement and discovery! There's nothing quite like it. Nicole S. A really good mix of products that are healthy, environmentally friendly and keep my doggo happy, what more could I ask for? Evelyn W. The second and third boxes were just as equally good. I fully recommend this box for large dogs, because my Storm is a husky and still his toys are intact. Thank you Wufwuf! My Storm looks forward to your boxes every month. My dog was actually smiling when he got his little piggy and he loved all his treats I look forward to seeing the boxes each month. Thank you so much. Your customer service is brilliant! Gizmo totally loves these boxes. The toys you get have all been a great hit with him. Overall great first impression on our first package and looking forward to the next box! Definitely recommend guys! Bailey was so excited whilst I was opening the box, and even more when she discovered what was inside. Great value for money, and fantastic quality toys. Many thanks.Quality items in every box Tailored boxes for your dogs Trusted British independent suppliers The Woofbox Why Woofbox is an award-winning dog subscription box company based on the edge of the doggy-paradise Peak District. Everything in our dog subscription boxes is tried, tested, and then carefully examined by our expert dog reviewer, Scrooby, our Jack Russell. We care about your dogs like they are our dogs. This is why we focus on high-quality items and carefully sourced ingredients. Our love for dogs knows no bounds, which is why we run two dog-based businesses, Woofbox and unique dog photography, Bounders! Meet the TEAM.Find the Right Subscription Box for You With a range of options and tailored to your dog, our dog subscription boxes deliver doggy happiness across the UK. Order Your Dog Box Today! Great range of products and quality items inc healthy treats. Definitely recommend! And she loved it! I was even able to customise it according to her preferences e. Will definitely be ordering another. There is always a great selection of toys and treats and the boxes are thoughtfully put together. Customer service is fantastic! We will be happy to recommend you to all our friends and family. .The treats and the stuffed animals he loved it all! He normally doesn't pick a favorite toy but the one toy he got from his box is now his favorite A. The Cinco De Mayo theme was a fun great first box. Dogs loved the toys and the treats. Ebony D. Love it "Thank so much to PoochPerks for the treat box! Jinxy and Popeye can't get enough! Miriam DiazLongtime Subscriber We had a subscription to BarkBox but my miniature dachshund didn't ever like the treats. Also most the toys were too big for her and she just didn't love them. She does love getting the box in the mail so I went out looking for something else. She literally won't stop playing with them and brings one of them with her even to go potty! The option for no treats and mini plush toys made all the difference! Hope it continues!!! Michelle S. Love it!!! Thanks Pooch perks my Lucia and Piper love it! MarciPooch Perks Lover Why Pooch Perks Stands out We hand select the products in our themed boxes from many different vendors which allows for a variety of items in our boxes. At Pooch Perks, we offer a monthly dog box that gives your furry canine friend something new to enjoy every month. Customize Your Box While our team designs the dog boxes each month around a specific theme, there are customization options available. Choose from a mix of toys and treats or a box that contains toys only, making it the perfect gift for dogs with food sensitivities. We take great pride in curating a fun monthly dog subscription box every month so you and your pooch both look forward to what may arrive. Choose the perfect monthly dog box for your furry family member today!
We are dedicated to breeding healthy Labradoodles, and all our breeding dogs undergo comprehensive health tests for eyes, hips, elbows, and at least eight potential genetic conditions. Our breeding dogs live in loving guardian homes and are cherished members of wonderful families. They return to Brasken for delivering and raising their puppies. Our Guardian Home program allows our breeding dogs to stay with their families for their entire lives, ensuring they receive the love and attention they deserve. Labradoodle Puppy Care We believe in providing our puppies with the best care possible. Before coming home, our Labradoodle puppies receive their first set of vaccinations, deworming, and are microchipped. They come with a health record booklet, a familiar blanket, a bag of food, a puppy info packet, and a puppy training book to help you get started on the right foot. Frequently Asked Questions What breeding accreditations do you have? We are accredited by the AFAA, which recognizes us as one of the trusted labradoodle breeders in California. For our puppies we use the Pawprint Genetics Laboratory and ensure our breeding Labradoodles pass health tests for eyes, hips, elbows, and at least eight potential genetic conditions. Do the puppies come with a health guarantee? Yes, all our puppies come with a health guarantee. Can I visit your facility to see the conditions in which your dogs and puppies are kept? We do welcome people to come by to see our facility and the pups which you can do by scheduling an appointment. What is the puppy adoption process? Our puppy adoption process involves filling out a puppy application, reviewing our contract, and placing a deposit to reserve a puppy. Are the puppies trained and socialized before coming home? Yes, our puppies receive early socialization and handling. We start their training by introducing them to basic commands and potty training. What do your Labradoodle puppies come home with? Our Labradoodle puppies come home with their first set of vaccinations, deworming, a microchip, a health record booklet, a familiar blanket, a bag of food, a puppy info packet, and a puppy training book. What size Labradoodles do you breed? We breed miniature, medium, and standard-size Labradoodles. What generation do you breed? We breed multigenerational Australian Labradoodles for sale in California How much do your Labradoodles cost? We also have guardian labradoodles available if cost is a concern. For more information, please visit our website or contact us directly. We are excited to help you find the perfect Labradoodle puppy to join your family! We had researched breeders and liters for over a year until deciding on Brasken. We adopted our love bug a couple months ago and are beyond thrilled. Because Brandon and Kristen run a strict breeding program for health, temperament and beauty their pups are so exceptional. They will thoroughly educate you from A to Z on all things puppy to prepare you for adoption day and puppyhood. Our Frankie Grace is only 16 weeks old and listens to all our commands. I swear she is almost human. She is a dream. She loves hugs, running, playing ball, meeting new friends human and fur. Branden and Kristen were incredible to work with and provided us with all the right tools and information to bring our girl home. They are extremely knowledgable and caring to all puppies and their families. We couldn't be happier and look forward to our continued relationship with Brasken. They are amazing. They are dedicated to this breed and producing the best puppies. We were so impressed on our site visit to meet them and pick up our puppy. Our dog is wonderful, truly a part of our family. Cannot recommend them highly enough. Scroll through their website to see how awesome the dogs are they breed. You will fall in love with their puppies. Beth MacLean. The breeders are dedicated to selective breeding to ensure purebred of the mix of the Labrador and Poodles breed. The breeders breed multi-generational Labradoodles and Mini , Medium, and Standard size Labradoodles. They also specialize in breeding the top-quality breed of American and Australian Labradoodles that are calm , loving, and friendly. If nurtured and trained properly, these dogs are strong enough to accompany while jogging, swimming, and walking. Breeders at Rosebud Australian Labradoodles believe that every dog is a part of their family; hence, they give their dogs away to families with similar loving environments only. They reserve their right to deny any client for adoption if they do not find favorable environments for the Labradoodle puppies to grow in. When it comes to listing out the reasons as to why you should get Labradoodle Puppies in California, it can go long. Starting from being loyal guide dogs to extremely friendly-natured, cute, and adorable dogs, Labradoodles win the love of many families. Great Adaptability: Labradoodle puppies are adaptable to various surroundings you put them in. Labradoodles are flexible with both hot and cold weather. Friendly Temperament: The friendly nature of this breed makes them an excellent fit for families. These are also well behaved around strangers and can play around with other dogs as well. The best trait about them is they are incredibly kid-friendly. Low-shedding: Labradoodles are low on shedding and are hypoallergenic dogs, making it easier to be around them. They need minimal but proper grooming. These dogs are active and can stay away and aware of their daily amount of activity. Easy-to-train: These dogs are easy to train. If trained from an early age, these dogs grow up to be loyal, friendly, obedient, and intelligent service dogs. Final Words Labradoodle Puppies in California are popular and happily accepted by most families. These dogs make good guide dogs as well as service dogs, besides being family-friendly. Given that Labradoodle puppies are easily trained , giving them proper training would be for the best. If not, they may sometimes become destructive, which will be trouble. Sometimes, these dogs become overly exuberant around kids and may even knock them down unintentionally with their relatively larger adult size. Nevertheless, with proper training and grooming, Labradoodles make great family dogs. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. This small, home-based breeder, operated by Lisa Olson, raises quality multi-gen Miniature and Medium Australian Labradoodles as allergy and asthma-friendly pets. She also breeds Australian Goldendoodles and Australian Bernedoodles. All breedable parent dogs get tested for temperament and health issues to ensure they meet the standards set by the Australian Labradoodle Club of America and other breed-specific organizations. Lisa prioritizes desensitizing her Labradoodles to daily household noises, from vacuum cleaners and television audio to children and other pets. Approved applicants can take their puppies home after eight weeks. Each pup has a two-year health guarantee, undergoes a veterinary health check, and receives age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming. New owners also receive essential puppy kit supplies, including a three-day supply of puppy food, a collapsible water dish, and a potty training booklet. Since Labradoodles are a popular designer dog breed, you can expect their price listings to be pretty expensive. You may also try to find a Labradoodle puppy from a breeder in a nearby state. The time it takes to acquire a puppy from a Labradoodle breeder in California can vary, depending on where you look. Then, the puppies stay with their littermates and mother for at least eight weeks. Unlike ethical breeders who raise their Labradoodles in their homes or let them live with a guardian family, backyard breeders confine them to cramped kennels with exposure to the outdoor elements. Before narrowing down your top options, consider asking them as many questions as possible about their breeding practices. Consider stocking up on puppy supplies, like grooming equipment , a puppy bed, treats, and toys, before bringing your Labradoodle home to help you avoid buying everything at the last minute, especially after driving for several hours. Training your Labradoodle puppy takes time and patience, so you should expect accidents when potty training them. Reward them with treats and verbal praise when they show positive behaviors. Conclusion No matter where you live in California, from Fresno to San Francisco, you can find countless breeders throughout the state offering amazing Labradoodle puppies that make excellent companions. Although this process can be challenging for new dog owners, the best ones will be happy to answer your questions. Did this list help you decide which Labradoodle breeder in California you love the most? Leave a comment to let us know about your experience and share our list with anyone interested in adding this amazing breed to their family. Meet our writer Jen Clifford is an animal behaviorist and veterinary technician with more than a decade of hands-on experience working in small animal and specialty veterinary clinics. Leave a Comment. With 17 years of experience in breeding Australian Labradoodles, we pride ourselves on selecting only the best dogs for our breeding program, which in turn ensures that we are producing the best puppies imaginable. We work closely with our licensed vet to perform health testing, including hip and elbow testing; eyes, heart, skin, and patella testing; and a series of genetic tests, on all of our breeding dogs. We provide a temperature controlled, in home my master bedroom environment, with sound therapy to expose your puppy to lifes sounds from an early age. This helps desensitize your puppy to the sounds of life traffic, fireworks, outdoor machinery, crying baby, misc appliances, automobiles, etc. We start crate training at 5 weeks with a soothing heartbeat snuggle puppy to comfort them as they transition to sleeping alone and all the puppies love it and sleep better with minimal crying. We add nutrients and special additives for puppies to their drinking water. We add probiotics to their food for a healthy GI tract and immune system. We make special liver water, gruel, with puppy supplements, dog milk formula to their nutritionally dense food to support eyes, ear, bone, joint, coat and heart health. We expose your puppy to sunlight daily on the deck right outside the puppy nursery area. There is always a plush bedding for their cozy comfort in their play areas for those impromptu naps puppies love. Our puppies are held and played with while being bathed and exposed to water, in our walk-in shower, which builds a positive experience, with water, for their lifetime. Bath time is with a human sitting in this large shower allowing plenty of space for your puppy too roam around and enjoy water in a nurturing experience. The puppies love it instead of being in a sink with a dry human just washing them. Water is actual playtime while they get clean and build positive experiences with being wet. Instead we utilize Puppy Culture, Badass Breeder protocols and tons of love from humans that are passionate and dedicated to what they do. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We look forward to providing you with your fury best friend! When full grown, these health tested, Australian Labradoodle puppies will be approximately pounds with wavy fleece coats, curly fleece coats or the occasional straighter hair fleece coats. Our puppies can go home as early as 8 weeks old. We can also hold back a puppy if you are interested in training services. Sugar Pine Doodles on Facebook. Would you like to be a guardian for one of our breeding doodles? Please click for our Guardian Home Program to learn more. Find the Next Member of Your Family.
british bulldog puppies for sale wales - Prevalence: Common Boxers are stocky, muscular and powerful. Males grow to about 25 inches and weigh from about 65 to 80 pounds 30 to 36 kilograms ; females grow from about 21 to 25 inches and weigh from about 50 to 65 pounds 22 to 30 kilograms. Boxers have regal, distinctly shaped square heads. Their jaw is undershot and the muzzle blunt. They have a broad, deep chest and a relatively short, strong back. Boxer's ears fold over naturally, but traditionally, their ears have been cropped to stand erect. Their tails generally are docked and carried high. Their feet are compact and the toes are arched. The boxer's coat is short and sheds moderately. Some boxers are a rich, fawn color and others are brindle. Their face or mask is usually black, but many have white face markings and white on the chest and paws. Personality: Boxers are intelligent, high-energy, playful dogs that like to stay busy. Their temperament reflects their breeding. They prefer to be in the company of their owners and are loyal pets that will fiercely guard their family and home against strangers. Few boxers bark excessively. If a boxer barks, chances are there is a good reason. Many boxers are vocal, however, and make a growling noise that's really just the dog's way of talking. Living With: The boxer has a high need for companionship and exercise. If these needs are not met, boxers can be destructive if left alone in the house. Boxers are ideal for people who want a canine companion with them most of the time or for larger busy families with homes that are often occupied by someone. They can do well on a country estate or in a city apartment as long as they have the opportunity to romp and expel energy. If you live in an urban area, regular walks are necessary. Boxers are intolerant of hot weather, and care must be taken to prevent them from getting overheated. They also need protection from the cold since they are short-coated. Their coats, however, are very easy to care for and will be shiny and bright as long as they have a good diet, are bathed occasionally, and are given regular rub-downs with a grooming mitt or brushings with a rubber curry. Some boxers drool excessively, and some snort and snore. Like other larger dogs, boxers are not particularly long-lived. Their life expectancy ranges from about seven to 10 years. History: Boxers are descendants of extinct bullenbaiser breeds crossed with mastiff, bulldog and possibly Great Dane and even a terrier. They were developed in Germany in the 19th century, initially as bull baiting dogs and later as butcher's helpers, controlling cattle in slaughterhouses. Some breed historians say boxers are named from the German word boxl, their slaughterhouse designation. Other fanciers contend the name boxer comes from the characteristic way that they use their forepaws to play, sparring much like a human boxer. After the breed rose to become among the most popular in America. Boxers are considered working dogs. They were one of the first breeds employed as a police dog, and they have been used as seeing-eye dogs. But they are also bred to be companion and guard dogs, perhaps best known for being loyal family pets that are especially fond of children. Related Pet Care Articles. Boxer Dog Heat Cycle Overview If you have a female Boxer dog, you will want to understand all that you can regarding Boxer heat information. Smaller breeds such as the Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua and others may enter and leave a cycle without an owner even noticing. However, with a larger breed such as the Boxer, symptoms and care are much different. The heat cycle is the phase that female canines enter when their bodies are ready to reproduce. Menstruation will occur a discharge of blood due to the lining of the uterus shredding off. Here, we'll go over common questions. What are the Symptoms? When your Boxer is in heat, the symptoms will be an enlarged vulva. Sometimes it will turn a dark red. As with most medium and large sized breeds, blood will be noticeable. Puppies can wear "doggie diapers" to keep things clean. Adult dogs can have a towel put down in the areas that they are prone to rest and sleep. Unless you are seriously thinking of breeding your Boxer something that should be only done by professionals , your Boxer should be spayed by the time she is an adult; therefore stopping the heat cycle. When your Boxer is in heat, the main symptom will be an enlarged vulva. Some owners may be surprised to know that a female Boxer can enter heat relatively early. Boxer dogs typically enter the first heat between the ages of 6 months old and 1 year old. However, some may have it as early as 4 months or as late as 15 months old. If your un-spayed female does not have her first heat by the age of 2 years old, you'll want to alert the veterinarian. Since the heat cycle will occur when a Boxer is still a puppy, this means that he is able to become pregnant at that young age. This is just another reason to consider having her fixed. The cycle itself will last anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks. This will happen about 2 times a year. Each dog is different. However, each dog's body generally will follow a pattern. Once your dog has gone through 3 cycles, you should be able to predict how long it lasts for her and how often. Dogs can enter heat for their entire lives; unlike humans it does not always stop as they grow older. Allowing a senior dog to go through the physical stress of heat is neglectful. A female Boxer should be spayed as soon as possible. The majority of veterinarians recommend this even before the first cycle comes. This will keep your Boxer healthy and increase her life span. The answer is no, but beware. An owner may think that their dog's heat cycle is over, when in fact it is not! Some female dogs will experience pain. When a dog is in pain, they will most often want a quiet place to retreat to in order to rest peacefully. It is best to have a dog bed set up in a quiet area of your home. You can line it with a towel. When you take your Boxer outside, keep a close eye out for other dogs. Males dogs, of any breed even a Chihuahua! They will sense this 2 ways: From her smell, up to 3 miles 4. They will also pick up on her scent from any current urine in the yard which will have traces of her blood. Especially for Boxer puppies, it is recommended to limit outside activities during this time. This is prevent any confrontations from un-neutered male dogs. It is not unusual for a female to want to rest a bit more or show nesting behavior during her heat cycle. Should I Spay? Un-spayed female dogs have increased odds of developing ovarian and mammary cancer. Spaying her will also stop her heat cycle and take away this twice a year issue. Spaying her will also stop the chance of unplanned puppies. Since a Boxer will have heat from when she is a puppy to possibly when she is a senior dog, spaying is the responsible action to take for the health of your Boxer. The procedure should be done by an experienced veterinarian. Your Boxer will be sedated and recovery will take a week or so. Female Boxer Dog Overview Boxers are energetic, charismatic, and playful pooches that are also sweet, kind, and gentle yet fiercely loyal and protective. Although differences between males and females are small when it comes to Boxers, there are a few key differences to be aware of that may influence your choice. But how do you know which sex is right for you? While there is no straightforward answer, there are certain aspects that can help your decision. If you want a pooch that is more independent, calculated, and less impulsive, a female Boxer is probably better. These dogs can have an imposing appearance at first glance, but once you spend just a short time with one of these pooches, you quickly see their sweet and gentle side. This makes them great family pooches and ideal playmates for children, but this long puppyhood can also make training a challenge, especially with male Boxers. Males are also more energetic and easily excitable, and since they mature slower than females, they are also more difficult to train. That said, both male and female Boxers are late to mature, so training can be a challenge for both sexes. Males are more attention-seeking than females and are less happy to be alone. They become more attached to their owners and prefer to be around their human family whenever possible. Lastly, male Boxers are also known to be bolder, more outgoing, and more confident than females, making them excellent family protectors. Training Male Boxers are definitely more of a challenge to train than females, as they tend to act out and get easily distracted, and their dominant nature makes them want to be the leader of the pack. These dogs need a ton of patience, consistency, and a firm but gentle hand for successful training. While males can be more of a challenge, in all fairness, the Boxer breed in general is known to be challenging in training. Some of the conditions that only males are susceptible to can be prevented by neutering, and this simple procedure may prevent other general health conditions too. Common health issues include:.
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british bulldog puppies for sale wales - Your pup can enjoy this food for up to 24 months before switching to adult food. This is considered one of the best dog foods for Boxer puppies for the money, and for good reason — you get more bang for your buck. This nutritious dog food features natural fish oil, chicken, and eggs, to name just a few healthy ingredients your pooch is sure to enjoy devouring. Pros Specially made for puppies up to 24 months Made with natural fish oil Features whole food ingredients Lacks in fruit and veggie nutrition compared to other options More expensive than other similar options 3. This puppy food has ingredients like L-Carnitine, meant to support healthy bone growth so your Boxer is less likely to develop health problems when they get older. Most importantly, this puppy food for Boxers is high in quality protein, which is necessary for healthy growth physically and mentally as your puppy grows into an adult. Royal Canin Boxer puppy food also features a wavy shape that makes it easy for the Boxer breed to chew and digest. But this is one of the most expensive options on the market, so it may not be financially feasible for some owners. Luckily, there are other high-quality options to choose from that are more affordable. Pros Designed specifically for Boxer puppies Features an easy-to-chew kibble shape Cons One of the most expensive options on the market The package tends to rip, requiring separate containment Can be tough to transition from this kibble to an adult option 4. Diamond Naturals Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food Check Price on Amazon This is a large breed puppy food that, while not specifically made for Boxers, still delivers all the nutrients your Boxer needs as they become an adult. Diamond Naturals puppy formula is an affordable option that your pooch can eat from puppyhood through adulthood, which takes all the guesswork out of proper nutrition. This food features pasture-raised lamb and includes added vitamins and minerals to help ensure well-rounded nutrition throughout all the puppy years. Made in the United States, it has no filler corn, wheat, or artificial preservatives to worry about either. Pros Made for large breed puppies like Boxers Affordable price tag Not meant for adult nutrition Missing quality ingredients that other options feature 5. It features controlled calcium levels to provide proper bone support. This dog food for Boxers is another good option made in the U. Blue Buffalo Life Puppy Dry Food Check Price on Amazon Formulated with real meat, fruits, veggies, and antioxidant-rich ingredients, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for puppies is another great option for Boxers because it provides all the essential nutrients that this larger breed needs, while offering up a host of additional vitamins and nutrients designed to allow your puppy to thrive and feel their best as they age. Included are essential omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which are necessary for a shiny and soft coat of fur. The kibble pieces are tiny, so your Boxer puppy should be able to start eating quickly. Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food Check Price on Amazon This large breed puppy dog food is an excellent choice for Boxer owners because it features plenty of quality animal protein, as well as calcium and phosphorous that puppies need for strong and healthy bones. Containing DHA, Eukanuba can apparently help puppies better focus their minds so training is easier on owners. Once you choose a puppy food to feed your Boxer puppy, you should stick with it until you are ready to switch to adult food. Changing foods is hard on the digestive system and can result in problems like constipation, diarrhea, and discomfort. You should feed your Boxer puppy food designed specifically for puppies until they are at least a year old before you consider feeding them adult dog food. This will help ensure that your pooch gets all the nutrients they need while growing. What to Look For in Puppy Food When choosing a puppy food for your Boxer, the most important thing to consider is quality. In just a few months, your pup will be able to eat adult dog food. The money you spend now on quality food for your Boxer will result in a more well-rounded, happy, and healthy pooch. So, when choosing food for your Boxer puppy, you should look for real meat as the first ingredient. If grains or meal is the first ingredient, your pup may not get the vital nutrients and quality protein they need in order to thrive. Your chosen Boxer puppy food should have ingredients that include real fruits and vegetables, not just powders and concentrates. Avoid foods that include artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives whenever possible. Any food you decide to feed your puppy might not agree with their digestion at first, depending on what they have been fed up to this point. Offer up just a quarter cup of the food you want to feed your puppy to start. If no obvious digestion issues result, you can go ahead and continue feeding the new food to your new Boxer. If you decide to switch to a new brand at any point during puppyhood, mix the new stuff with the old stuff for about a week to make transitioning easy. You should do the same when it comes time to feed your Boxer adult dog food — mix the puppy and adult food for a few days before switching straight to adult food. Once you are sure your dog can handle the adult food, you can switch over completely. Take the list to your vet to gain extra insight and learn which would be the best option for your Boxer puppy. Final Verdict The type of puppy food you decide to feed your Boxer is up to you. Focus on the options that feature whole foods such as real meat instead of meal. There should never be artificial ingredients in play. Hopefully, our reviews of the best dog food for Boxer puppies has made your job easier. Every bite of food will be detrimental or beneficial to this breed's health. Overview Food is fuel both for a growing Boxer pup and large strong adult Boxer dogs. The type of food that you offer for both meals and snacks has a direct affect on your Boxer's health both now and in the future. Also of importance is a feeding schedule and making sure that you offer the proper amounts. This section will cover everything you need to know in order to provide a well-balanced, nutritious diet for your Boxer puppy, adult, or senior. How Often to Feed a Boxer Puppy or Dog Let's look at a summary and then the details: Puppies under 12 weeks: free-fed Puppies and up to the 2-year mark: 3 meals per day Adults 2 years and up: 1 to 2 meals per day Young pups 8 to 12 weeks old: Very young pups, and particularly those that are a bit underweight, should be free-fed for at least the first month at their new home. This is the method of having fresh food accessible at all times. For a pup still trying to gain their bearings, you may need to lead them to their bowl throughout the day. Note that food should be thrown out and the bowl washed and then refilled several times per day as opposed to just topping off the food since pups may not be interested in stale food. Growing pup to 2 year mark: It's best to get a Boxer onto a feeding schedule as soon as possible. Schedules of anything feeding, exercise, sleep time, etc. Young Boxers often struggle a bit to fill out and during the 1 to 2-year mark Boxers can go through a 'skinny phase', so 3 meals per day, plus snacks, can work well during this time. Adults 2 years and up: Most adult Boxers that have reached their final adult weight and height do well with 2 meals per day, plus snacks. If snacks are regular and of substance, a Boxer may be perfectly content with 1 main meal per day. Note that this breed is prone to bloat, so you want to avoid letting a Boxer get so hungry that he rapidly gulps his food down. If that is the case, increase the frequency of meals or use a slow-feed bowl; stainless-steel is best, something like Mr. How Much to Feed a Boxer Puppy or Dog The exact serving size that is appropriate for each Boxer varies and depends mainly on age and current weight but also is affected by activity level, health status, type of food wet vs dry , and individual metabolism. This said, there are general guidelines: Puppies usually require about 55 calories for each pound of body weight. Young pups might eat a bit over a cup a day, older pups can eat up to 3 cups a day. Adults need fewer calories per pound of body weight than their younger counterparts, about .Depending on an adult Boxer dog's size, food is usually in the 3 to 5 cup per day range. To know exactly how much to give your Boxer, know your dog's weight. Don't guess since that can be wildly off. Then, look at the feeding guidelines on the bag of kibble; these are listed by age and weight and are usually pretty spot on. Dry Kibble vs Wet Canned Though many Boxers may prefer wet canned food, dry kibble is better to maintain healthy teeth and gum and a strong jaw. You'll still have to provide some level of at-home dental care , but the crunch of a hard kibble will work to some extent to remove plaque. Additionally, dry food seems to keep the stools firmer and healthier. If your Boxer is a finicky eater and balks at dry food, try mixing in just a bit of canned stick with the same brand or add just a bit of water or low-sodium chicken or beef broth. Grain vs Grain-free It's wasn't that long ago that putting a dog on a grain-free diet wasn't much of a big deal. Some grains, especially those with gluten, can cause excessive gas , upset stomach, and other issues. And, some dogs are allergic to wheat or gluten which can manifest as itching and other skin problems. But recently, a suspected link between certain grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy DCM, a canine heart disease caused veterinary experts to take pause. And, since Boxers are one of the breeds prone to DCM, it's important to understand where things are on this. Though it was first thought that any grain-free diet may be the cause, the current thought is that it is a BEG diet, meaning boutique small specialty brands that have exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, kangaroo, bison, venison, etc. Many more studies need to be done for conclusive answers to be found. For now, it is recommended to offer healthy grains and this can be done while avoiding gluten if your Boxer has an issue with it. Navigating the Many Choices of Dog Foods What to Avoid: Many brands are guilty of having at least one of these elements that you do not want your Boxer's food to have: No grains at all. Until conclusive studies are complete, play it safe and offer a kibble with some level of healthy grains unless the veterinarian recommends otherwise Boxer needs to be on a specific grain-free diet, etc. Synthetic preservatives. These can be toxic. Butylated hydroxyanisole BHA , butylated hydroxytoluene BHT , and ethoxyquin, just to name a few, are linked to behavioral issues, organ damage, and some forms of cancer. Artificial coloring. Common dyes like Yellow 5 and 6 and Blue 2 are linked to behavioral and health issues. Artificial flavor enhancers. MSG is one of the worst, it is linked to anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and breathing issues. Generic animal digest, meats, oils, or fats. When anything is listed as 'animal', it is derived from a 4-D animal: dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals and can literally be any meat from any animal at all: minks from mink farms, roadkill, zoo animals, expired meats from supermarkets and butcher shops, etc. Fillers are cheap ingredients that are put into dog food to bulk it up but they have little to no nutritional value. The 'food' goes right through their system; a dog will eat but be hungry again soon afterward and this is one cause of coprophagia eating feces. These are the animal parts that are not fit for human consumption and includes such things as spinal tissue, lungs, spleens, hooves, tails, undeveloped eggs, etc. Made outside North America since meats from overseas can be questionable. The kibble will be preserved using a vitamin blend often listed as mixed tocopherals and will be naturally flavored and colored. Some level of grains. Grains that are generally well-tolerated include rice, oatmeal, and quinoa. Wholesome real meats, veggies, and fruits. Some ingredients sourced from Norway are fine; this country has very strict guidelines. If you are not sure what is in your Boxer's food, investigate it. Know about grain content and the presence or lack of additives and subpar ingredients. Recommended Dog Food for Boxers Please note that the following recommendations are formulas with some level of healthy grains; if you did not read the previous ' Grain vs Grain-free ' you may wish to do so before continuing on. This meets all of the requirements of what you're looking for. There are no synthetic preservatives; vitamins are used instead shown as mixed tocopherals. The grains in this formula are generally very well tolerated: quinoa technically a seed , oatmeal, and barley. There are 3 different recipes to choose from: beef, chicken, or lamb. Other ingredients include peas, salmon, carrots, apples, blueberries, and flaxseed. There are good levels of glucosamine chondroitin vital for joint health , antioxidants, and omega fatty acids important for skin and coat health. There are no by-products, fillers, or generic meats or oils and this is sourced and made in the USA. For this one, the base is chicken a very classic tasty protein that most dogs love , along with oatmeal, brown rice, ground barley, peas, flaxseed, carrots, tomato pomace, spinach, sweet potatoes, apples, and blueberries. All other ingredients shown on the label are either vitamins and minerals or natural preservatives. This has no wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and this is made in the USA. This brand offers a top-quality formula that is gluten-free. There is no wheat, corn, soy, by-products, artificial flavors, artificial colors, or chemical preservatives. The base is chicken and brown rice and other ingredients include white rice, oatmeal, rice bran, avocado, flax seed, herring, and kelp. It has good levels of omega fatty acids and antioxidants. The one trade-off for having it be gluten-free is that it does not contain any fruit; however, it does have all required vitamins and minerals and you can always offers a small amount of fresh fruit as snacks. Homemade Vs Commercial Commercial dog food is convenient and, if you choose a superior brand, it will ensure that your Boxer receives all needed nutrients and is on a well-rounded and well-balanced diet. And, home cooked food gives you complete control over what your Boxer eats and does not eat and can be tweaked to satisfy a finicky eater. So, there are pros and cons to each. Whether you opt for a top-quality kibble or you use good cuts of meat and fish and fresh produce in homemade meals, neither option is super-cheap. Because, of course, you get what you pay for. But, if you buy in bulk and lean toward frozen vegetables and fruits, home cooking may be a bit less expensive. That said, when you prepare meals at home, you'll need to offer a good daily vitamin and mineral supplement even good brands of kibble need to add this in because it's nearly impossible for a dog to receive all nutrients just from food alone. Some of the foods that can be incorporated into meals include: Proteins: Chicken, turkey, veal, beef, fish mackeral, haddock, salmon, whitefish, cod, and others , eggs, and certain beans kidney, lima Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli in moderation , potato, sweet potato, sugar snap peas, green beans, spinach Fruits: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pumpkin Grains: Quinoa, oatmeal, rice Related Articles: Best Snacks, Chews, and Treats for a Boxer - A great rundown of the difference between these 3 things and top recommendations. How many calories does a Boxer dog need - Requirements based on age, size and activity level. Recommendations to lower or raise intake. Boxer dog weight issues - This breed can become overweight, usually due to a combination of eating too much and being sedentary. Boxer begging behavior - Boxers are pretty good at playing their humans and it's easy to fall into the trap of giving in to begging. Read how to stop the cycle. Choosing the Best Bowl for a Boxer - Size, height, material and design are all important. Dog Food By Ben Team 13 min read September 6, 9 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. How could you not be? What other breed boasts such a cute little face and tenuous relationship with gravity? Fortunately, there are several commercial dog foods that will help keep your boxer healthy and happy for years to come. Includes angus beef, wild boar, bison, romney lamb, and yorkshire pork as the first five ingredients, and the list goes on! Includes salmon oil and flaxseed for omega fatty acids and is fortified with probiotics. No soy, grains, or artificial additives. Signs of a Good Dog Food: What to Look For Boxers and all other breeds, for that matter , benefit from high-quality foods — as the saying goes, you are what you eat. The very best foods often include nutritional additives. Look for foods that are made in countries with strict quality-control standards. Foods made in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Wester Europe are generally subject to more stringent production methods than those manufactured in Asia, and are not as likely to contain toxic substances or adulterants. Select foods that list a whole protein as the first ingredient. Technically speaking, your dog is an opportunistic omnivore, but like people hovering around a barbeque in the summertime, they want meat. Fruits and vegetables are also important, but they should be listed farther down the ingredient list. Avoid foods that contain unidentified meat-meals or byproducts. Contrary to popular belief, meat-meals and meat byproducts are not necessarily problematic and they can make valuable supplemental protein sources. However, you need to be aware which animal provided the raw materials for the meal or byproduct. Try to avoid foods with added unnecessary additives, such as dyes. He just cares how it smells and tastes — manufacturers color the food to appeal to owners. Dyes are not only unnecessary, they may trigger food allergies. Boxer-Specific Dietary Concerns Boxers are largely a healthy breed, but they do experience a few health challenges. Accordingly, it is wise to keep these health concerns in mind when selecting a good food for your boxer. Some of the most common and important health problems of boxers include: Food Allergies — Any dog can develop a food allergy , but boxers do so more often than many other breeds. To help reduce the chances of this happening, try to limit the ingredients you offer to your pup and only select high-quality foods, that lack artificial flavors and colors. While these are genetic factors that are largely out of your control, it is wise to look for foods containing the amino acid L-carnitine to support heart health. Bloat — Boxers are one of the breeds that is at the highest risk of suffering from bloat. Try to encourage your boxer to eat his food slowly and look for a kibble that encourages them to chew, rather than just swallow, their food some dogs chew larger kibble better than small, but the opposite tendency can also occur. Always keep your boxer calm for at least one-half hour after meals. Consider feeding your boxer with a Kong toy. Joint Issues — By virtue of both their genetic makeup and their propensity for rambunctious play, boxers frequently develop problems with their joints. It may be valuable, in light of these facts, to look for a joint health dog food containing chondroitin and glucosamine , which may help support joint health. Best Dog Food for Boxers: Our Top Picks Each of the following foods should provide the nutrition and calories your boxer needs to stay healthy and happy. Keep in mind that each dog is an individual, so you must be ready to experiment with several different products before determining the best food for your pet. Orijen Regional Red Dog Food This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more Orijen Regional Red Dog Food High-protein low-glycemic food with organ meats Nutritious energy-dense food with raw ingredients rich in multi-animal proteins. See on Amazon About: Orijen Regional Red Dog Food is a high-protein, low-glycemic dog food designed to provide dogs with a nutritious, energy-dense food. Most of the meat contained in the recipe is fresh or raw, which ensures better nutritional content and a fantastic taste that boxers and other dogs love. Although Boxers may experience certain health issues that are congenital and beyond our control, environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet, can influence others. Some of the most common health issues faced by Boxers include the following: Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Boxers. Food allergies in Boxers may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. However, unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. We highly recommend conducting an at-home dog food allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens. Boxers are predisposed to various types of cancer, such as brain tumors, mast cell tumors, and lymphoma. This is a heart condition where the heart muscle thickens and enlarges, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. Boxers are genetically predisposed to this condition, which can result in arrhythmia, decreased oxygen delivery to the body, and fluid accumulation in the lungs. Hip dysplasia. Degenerative myelopathy. This is a progressive neurological condition where the spinal cord deteriorates, resulting in hind limb weakness and paralysis. Boxers are one of the breeds that are predisposed to this condition. Aortic stenosis. A heart condition where the aortic valve is narrowed, restricting blood flow and forcing the heart to work harder. Also known as gastric dilation, this is a condition where the stomach twists and traps air, making it difficult for the dog to breathe and leading to shock and death if not treated promptly. Boxers are prone to bloat, which can be caused by overeating, eating too quickly, or drinking large amounts of water after exercise. Feeding Boxers the right amount and type of food can give them the energy they need to stay active and healthy. Feeding Boxers too much food, especially those high in fat and simple carbohydrates, can lead to weight gain and obesity, which can decrease their activity level. This can also lead to health problems such as joint pain and heart disease, which can further limit their activity level. Boxers are high-energy dogs that require a balanced diet high in protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, while fat provides energy for high-intensity activities. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, are a great source of sustained energy for endurance activities. Additionally, providing Boxers with regular exercise and playtime can help them burn off excess energy and maintain a healthy activity level. Boxer Puppies. Require a diet that is higher in calories and protein to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for bulldog puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial stage. Adult Boxers. Require a diet that is lower in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. Senior Boxers. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. Avoid common allergens. Boxer often develops food allergies or intolerances, so it may be helpful if your Boxer dog food is free from common allergens, such as corn, wheat, chicken, and beef. Boxers can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog Probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Digestibility: Boxers can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food or homemade dog food for Boxers. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs. High-quality protein. Boxers need high-quality protein sources to maintain muscle mass and support their immune system. Look for dog foods that list whole meat sources. Look for dog food containing antioxidants like vitamins C and E, selenium, and carotenoids, which can help support the immune system and may reduce cancer risk. Look for dog foods that contain fruits and vegetables, like blueberries, cranberries, and spinach. Amino acids. Taurine and L-carnitine can support heart function and may help reduce the risk of cardiomyopathy and other heart problems. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can help support heart health, reduce inflammation associated with hip dysplasia, and improve joint function. Look for dog foods that contain fish oil or flaxseed. Omegas may also support brain health, potentially reducing the risk of brain tumors and supporting neurological function in dogs with degenerative myelopathy. Glucosamine and chondroitin. These ingredients can help support joint health and reduce the risk of hip dysplasia. Look for dog foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin. Limited fat content. Boxers are prone to bloat, which high-fat diets can exacerbate. Look for dog foods that have moderate fat levels. Limited sodium content. Opt for dog food with lower sodium content to help manage blood pressure and reduce the strain on the heart, which can benefit dogs with aortic stenosis. Small kibble size. Easy-to-digest ingredients, such as fresh food and high-quality protein sources, can also reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues and bloat. Chapter 2: The Reviews. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Our team went out into the field looking for the best canine nutrition products in the world. Our winner for this year is Pupper, which topped our charts in terms of ingredient quality as well as science backed claims. Looking for the best dog food for your boxer? Look no further! In this article, we will discuss the 25 best dog food for boxers in .We will cover a variety of different diets and price points to ensure that you can find the perfect food for your furry friend. Boxers are a unique breed of dog, and they require a special diet in order to stay healthy and happy. We hope that this blog post helps you find the perfect food for your boxer. Boxers are a high energy breed that needs a lot of exercise. They also have a higher than average metabolism which means they need a food that is high in calories and nutrients. The best food for boxers will be one that is designed for active dogs and contains all of the nutrients they need to stay healthy and fit. When looking for the best dog food for boxers, you should look for a food that is high in protein and fat. Boxers need a lot of protein to maintain their muscle mass, and fat is essential for providing them with the energy they need. You should also look for a food that is low in carbs, as boxers can easily become overweight if they eat too many. The best dog food for boxers will also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants to keep their immune system healthy. Do Boxers dogs need Grain Free food? No, Boxers do not need grain free food, but they can benefit from the nutrients found in grains. Grains provide essential vitamins and minerals that can help keep your dog healthy and fit. However, if your dog is allergic to grains, then you should avoid feeding them grain-based foods. How often should I feed my Boxer? You should feed your boxer twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. This will help to keep their energy levels up and prevent them from becoming overweight. What health issues are boxers prone to having? Boxers are prone to having a number of health issues, including heart disease, hip dysplasia, and cancer. The health issues that Boxers are prone to can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics and poor diet. It is important to feed your Boxer a healthy diet and provide them with plenty of exercise to help prevent these problems. How often should I exercise my boxer? You should exercise your boxer at least twice a day, but preferably three times a day. Exercise is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for Boxers because of their high energy levels. A good way to exercise your Boxer is to take them for a walk or run every day. You can also take them to the park to play fetch or Frisbee. Providing your boxer with plenty of exercise will help them stay healthy and fit, and it will also help to prevent some of the health problems that they are prone to. What is the best way to groom my Boxer? Boxers have short, smooth coats that do not require a lot of grooming. However, you should brush your dog's coat once a week to remove any dirt or debris. You should also trim your dog's nails every few weeks. Boxers are relatively low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming, but it is still important to take care of their coats and nails. Regular brushing and nail trimming will help to keep your dog healthy and looking their best. What is the average lifespan of a Boxer? The average lifespan of a Boxer is about 11 years. However, some boxers have been known to live for up to 15 years. The key to prolonging your dog's life is to provide them with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Does a boxer need to eat special dog food? While there are many different types of dog food on the market, boxers do not need to eat a special diet. In fact, most boxers will do just fine on a quality dry food that is designed for active dogs. However, if your boxer is very active or working dog, you may want to consider feeding them a high-performance dog food that is higher in calories and nutrients. This type of food will help them maintain their energy levels and stay in top condition. No matter what type of food you choose, be sure to read the label carefully to make sure it meets your boxer's needs. And always consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions about your dog's diet. With so many different types of dog food available, it can be hard to know which one is best for your boxer. But by keeping these things in mind, you can be sure to choose a food that will help them stay healthy and fit. Now that you know more about what to feed your precious boxer, it's time to elaborate on each of the 25 best dog food for boxers in 1. Pupper Chicken Topper Image courtesy Pupper This chicken recipe from Pupper Fuel is formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of boxers. It is made with high-quality ingredients like cage-free chicken, whole grains, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Pupper Fuel's chicken recipe is our top pick for the best dog food for boxers in because it is made with high quality ingredients. This diet will help your boxer maintain a healthy weight, have plenty of energy, and stay in excellent condition. This diet is made with real venison and bison, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This diet is made with high-quality ingredients like cage-free chicken, whole grains, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. This low-fat recipe is comprised of easy-to-digest all-natural, cage-free chicken, sweet potatoes and green beans that are designed for weight control. This diet is made with real lamb and brown rice, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This easy-to-digest kibble includes nutrient-dense carbohydrates like sweet potato and pumpkin, plus real chicken as the 1 ingredient. Nature's Recipe Puppy Whitening Food includes delicious, high-quality ingredients and is free of corn, wheat, soy protein, or poultry by-product meal! And you may rest confident that your dog won't be eating any artificial flavors or preservatives. This diet is made with real turkey and chicken, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This best dog food for boxers will help your boxer maintain a healthy weight, have plenty of energy, and stay in excellent condition. This diet is made with real chicken and brown rice, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Your dog is a carnivore, which means he thrives on a biologically appropriate diet that includes a variety of different whole animal ingredients. This delectable kibble includes fresh or raw ranch-raised beef, wild boar, Boer goat, and grass-fed lamb. This dish is also made with WholePrey animal ingredients such as organs and bones, providing 85 percent quality animal ingredients. And this dog food features freeze-dried outer layer for wagworthy raw taste and nutrition. This diet is made with real salmon and sweet potatoes, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Chicken is the first ingredient in this big dog food aids in the supply of protein, an important nutritional component for your dog's body. This highly digestible dry dog food is designed to promote nutrient absorption and bioavailability. They produce this big dog kibble with certain live probiotics to assist your pet's digestive and immune health. Every portion includes glucosamine and EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, to help support joint health and mobility. This food has been carefully developed to deliver the ideal combination of protein, fat, and nutritious ingredients for performance, training, and hunting dogs. It's brimming with energy to keep your dog on his toes. With no corn, wheat, soy, or vegetable protein among other things , this food is ideal for your furry companion. It promotes your dog's long-term health and performance, as well as his mental processes and vitality. Natural, US farmed chicken produced on a farm. There are no meat or by-product meals available. There are no preservatives used in these products. You can actually see the chicken and veggies in this dish! Dog food for adult dogs. Freshpet thinks that dogs and cats require actual, nutritious food similar to the fresh foods we enjoy. Every meal is freshly prepared in our kitchens, where the fun begins. They start with natural, nutritious ingredients that we softly steam until they retain their natural goodness and provide essential nutrients to dogs and cats in order to allow them to live their best lives. It contains all the necessary nutrients to keep your large breed dog healthy and active, including glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. The kibble is shaped and sized specifically for large breeds, and has a crunchy texture that helps clean your dog's teeth. Applaws dry dog food is made in the USA with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It's designed for adult dogs of all breeds and life stages, and contains no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or colors. Caliber Ultra is made in the USA with high-quality ingredients, including chicken meal, brown rice, and oatmeal. It also contains omega-fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. It's high in protein, low in fat, and contains no artificial flavors or colors. Green tripe is an excellent source of nutrients for dogs, and is especially rich in probiotics, enzymes, and essential fatty acids. Bison is a lean, nutritious protein that's rich in vitamins and minerals. This food is perfect for dogs who are active and need a high-protein diet to maintain their energy levels. It's also great for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to grain. PetKind Tripe Dry is a complete and balanced food that provides all the nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy and happy. Final Thoughts on 25 Best Dog Food for Boxers in We hope our list of the 25 best dog foods for boxers in has helped you narrow down your options and find the right food for your boxer. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian first before making any changes to your dog's diet. When it comes to feeding your boxer, quality is important. But finding the right balance of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is key to keeping your boxer healthy and happy. We hope you found this list helpful. Related Content.