bulldog cross puppies

Riverside, CA About We only produce a litter for the purpose of improving on what we have and always keep a puppy or two, we always reserve the top picks for our selves from each breeding. Some years we produce no pups and others we may have a few litters, we are not a large kennel and don't keep many dogs ourselves as we like them all to have plenty of time with us in and out of the house. Many of our dogs, especially our studs are raised and live with our friends and we co own or keep breeding rights on them this has proved to work out really well for both us the dog's and there new family. All of our pups are born and raised in our home and all of our dogs are family members that will live out there lives with us,they are not retired to live with strangers or sold on to someone who wants to have a few litters out of them but remain with us for as long as they are around.I can honestly say I have never sold an adult American Bulldog on to another "breeder". .I really don't agree with passing dog's around especially bulldogs. .Contact Bybee American Bulldogs. Contact American Bulldog The American Bulldog has a very sturdy and muscular build, weighing anywhere from 60 to pounds at a height of 20 to 28 inches. This breed has a large head with strong jaws with ears that may be cropped, semi-prick, rose, or drop. The coat is short and soft coming in any variation of colors. Temperament Though larger than the English Bulldog, the temperament of the American Bulldog is very similar. A gentle, affectionate dog that loves children and can be considered a big lap dog, the American Bulldog is alert, confident, and loyal to its people. Brave and strong-willed, the American Bulldog will do best when trained from a young age on and with an owner that isn't afraid to establish themselves as a strong pack leader. A breed with strong protective instincts, Bulldogs are known for their acts of heroism towards their owners and can sometimes be reserved with strangers. American Bulldogs require plenty of regular exercise to prevent boredom and encourage it to be a well-trained dog during the day. Care The short, fine coat of the American Bulldog requires minimal grooming and care, however, similarly to the English Bulldog, the American Bulldog has been known to drool and slobber. Are you interested in purchasing a American Bulldog? House-trained, Story You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Introducing: Henry! He is an approximately 2 year old American Bully boy weighing 65 pounds. Henry was rescued by police from a serious neglect situation in Ohio. He does not require very much in terms of exercise. Favorite activities: Laying down with a human companion, eating from treat toys such as lick mats and Kongs, and sleeping. Good with cats, dogs, and kids over 6? He has good dog social skills and has been polite with introductions, even when the other dog is not polite! He does not seem very interested in playing with other dogs. He loves everyone so he should be great with kids. He does not soil his crate. He does not like being left out of social situations. He does great overnight in the crate and sleeps well with a dog bed in there. Walks well on a leash? No behavior challenges to note. Any Medical issues? He has some spots missing fur, but it is growing back. His paw pads are unusually deep and therefore hard to keep clean. While walking outside his paws get debris stuck in them. His toe jam needs to be cleaned out regularly or they grow yeast. What would be the best kind of home? He is not an active guy, so he will not make a good hiking buddy. He is not interested in dog toys and only plays in short bursts. Our rescue policy requires the following: Adopters must have their primary residence in one of the following states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and parts of North Carolina. We will not adopt a giant breed dog to homes where the dog will have access to highly varnished hardwood steps inside the home. Any inside steps to which the dog s have access, must have carpeting, securely fixed stair treads, or a non-skid surface. We encourage you to remediate potential safety issues while your application is under review, prior to the home visit. Methods or devices using pain or force on the dog to control the dog, or to deter undesirable behavior is prohibited. Applications for giant breed dogs must be submitted by the property owner. Homes with children under 6 years of age will not be approved for adoption. Homes with children should have a fenced yard. Veterinary records will be checked. All references must be checked before any visitation of the dog is permitted at the foster home. Homes with intact dogs will not be approved for adoption. For additional information please review our FAQs or contact mastiffstomutts gmail. Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet. September 12, , am.

These dogs are known for their lively personality and cute, furry appearance. Toy Poodles are also intelligent and highly trainable. In addition, Toy Poodles are relatively small dogs, which makes them a good choice for people who live in apartments or other small spaces. If you live an active lifestyle and are seeking a fun-loving and intelligent furry friend, look no further than the Toy Poodle. Toy Poodle Puppies Health Considerations Though generally very healthy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around 14 to 16 years — our Toy Poodles for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Toy Poodle puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. This is caused by the soft palate becoming irritated, and can be triggered by excitement or allergies. While it may seem alarming, reverse sneezing is not harmful and will resolve on its own. Another common health concern in Toy Poodles is luxating patellas. This occurs when the kneecap slips out of place, and can cause pain and lameness. Luckily, luxating patellas can be effectively treated with surgery. Finding a Toy Poodle puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. The coat can be either curly or corded, and it comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, and apricot. Toy Poodles require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and free of mats. Daily brushing is necessary to prevent the hair from tangling, and the coat should be clipped every six to eight weeks. In addition to regular brushing and clipping, Toy Poodles also need to have their teeth brushed daily and their nails trimmed on a monthly basis. By taking care of their coats, Toy Poodles can stay healthy and happy for many years to come. Meet Toy Poodle Puppies for Sale. Teacup poodles grow to be approximately 3 to 4. Tiny Toy Poodles are between 4. Toy poodles are the largest of the small breed at 6 - 10 lbs at adulthood. Toy Poodles are extremely intelligent and active. This combination of brains and beauty has made them a European favorite. Toy Poodles are easy to train and thrive on pleasing their families when learning new tricks or participating in dog sports. Poodles are a hypoallergenic breed perfect for all family types. Teacup and Tiny toy poodle puppies are for sale in a range of colors including Black Toy Poodles, white, cream, phantom silver, red, and Chocolate Toy Poodle puppies. We also Have the gorgeous and exotic Merle patterns! Merle Toy Poodles for sale. We want our Teacup or Tiny toy Poodle puppies to help your family feel whole! For questions about, don't hesitate to call Collett's at or email us at garygcollett gmail. Projected Adult Weight is 5 - 6 lbs. AKC Registered. Projected Adult Weight is 6 - 7 lbs. Projected Adult Weight 6 - 8 Lbs. Projected Adult Weight is 5 to 7 lbs. Projected Adult Weight 3 Lbs 5 oz. Don't let distance stop you from falling in love with one of Collett's Toy Poodle puppies. We are AKC inspected and approved. You can trust in our healthy, happy puppies! We want our loves to help your family feel whole! Nationwide shipping varies by location. For questions about international shipping, don't hesitate to call Collett's at or email us at garygcollett gmail. Message Us Today!

Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Orlando FL? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Orlando FL? These price differences depend on a variety of elements. The reputation and experience of each breeder will play a part in what they chose to charge for their pups. Can I only choose puppies from Boxer breeders in Orlando? Absolutely not! Many of the businesses and companies within the Uptown network are experienced at helping new puppy owners organize travel for their dream pup. How do you screen breeders selling Boxer puppies in Orlando? We put plenty of time and effort into screening new applicants to the Uptown network. Every partner in our network has to sign our binding Breeder Pledge. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other networks with Orlando Boxers for sale? We know that when you start searching for Boxer puppies for sale Orlando it can be hard to sort the good guys from the scammers. At Uptown, we only work with the very best breeders, so you can browse our site with total confidence. What are puppy mills, exactly? Puppy mills are terrible places where money comes before the welfare of pups and their parent dogs. Sadly, poorly bred puppies kept in squalid conditions at mills are at a higher risk of suffering from both genetic illnesses and behavioral problems. Both of which can lead to expensive veterinary bills as your pup grows up. Can I find a Boxer for sale in Orlando right now? The best way to find out is simply to start browsing our site. What are you waiting for - your dream pup could be out there and is just waiting to meet you! Where do Boxers come from? The history of the Boxer is thought to date all the way back to B. C but the breed as we recognise it today was founded in 19th Century Germany. Originally a hunting dog, the Boxer then became famed for their abilities as police dogs, war dogs, guide dogs and of course, talented guard dogs. What are Boxers like? While Boxers are fearless protectors of their families, they also have a funny and silly streak that only those close enough to them will be lucky enough to see. Boxer puppies Orlando are slower to mature than a lot of other breeds so they need time to develop slowly. How big will a Boxer be when mature? Once an Orlando Boxer is fully grown they stand impressively tall. Males can mature to be 25 inches high at the shoulder, with females slightly smaller at .Males weigh pounds and females pounds. An Orlando Boxer for sale will need at least 90 minutes of exercise per day. Including plenty of both physical and mental exercise will keep your Boxer happy and content. Dedicated to a Healthy Legacy. Boxer Puppies and Young Boxers pictured. Subscribe to get news on litters! We own a farm on 29 acres in Morriston, Florida, near Ocala. We moved to Florida in .Throughout my life I've had boxers. Had other breeds but always came back to the Boxer for their unmistakable loyalty and dedication. My Boxers are champions and their heritage is champions or have been in the show ring. Made in America. All of our puppies are proudly made in America. All the food and everything we use to raise up our puppies is made in America. All products in our kennels are made in America. God bless our troops. Proud to be American citizens. Jesus is Lord! He is featured on our MALE page. To have our boxers be everything they are meant to be we knew we must start with a good foundation. We believe we have achieved this with our boxers. We have spent time and research on choosing all our boxers. Boxers are born to show off and they do plenty of that. AKC Boxer Breeder. Florida, the sunshine state, the perfect place to own a AKC Boxer puppy. Looking forward to working with you. Enjoy the journey! Files coming soon. A new look for: americanboxerpuppies. We have been a K9 breeder for over 20 years and have been breeding boxers for over 12 years. Our boxers are raised in a social, healthy and loving environment. Through my life I've had boxers. Had other breeds but always came back to the boxer. For their unmistakable loyalty and dedication. My boxers are champions and their heritage is champions or have been in the show ring. God bless our troop! Listons Boxers. AKC Boxer breeder. Florida, the sunshine state, the perfect place to own a AKC boxer puppy. Our web site americanboxerpuppies. They have areas to exercise and play. We have top of the line breeding. Our boxers are related to one of the top boxers in the US. From our home to yours we strive to have you bring home a healthy and well balanced puppy. A Furever Friend Boxers are fun loving, playful and ready for a venture. They love to snuggle and great with children. Email Address. We have the answers! What is the price range for a Boxer? The price range for Boxer puppies for sale Florida can be pretty wide. Breeders consider a number of factors when putting a price tag on their precious puppies including gender, coat color, and pedigree. Browse our featured Boxer breeders Florida to get started. Will I meet only local Boxer breeders? When looking for a Boxer for sale in Florida, your initial top choices will be breeders in your city or state. Your chosen breeder can then arrange to have your puppy safely transported to an airport near you. Our vetting process is designed to keep inexperienced breeders and puppy mills out of our network. Breeders and businesses who wish to join us undergo a strict screening process where their breeding knowledge, practices, and facilities are examined. How is Florida Puppies different from other puppy websites? They are good at marketing though! What is a puppy mill like? Puppy mills are dishonest breeders who mistreat their animals and forego essential newborn puppy care to make a bigger profit. Are there any Boxer puppies available in Florida right now? We can help you find out! You can also let us know if you have a specific Boxer puppy in mind! Where are Boxer dogs originally from? Boxers have quite an interesting history that dates back to the late s. It is still up for speculation which specific breeds were crossed to create the Boxer but the list includes the German Bullenbeisser and the Bulldog. The Boxer was created to be a guard dog, a role that it took upon with great success. Today, Boxers do police work but are also popular family dogs. What can I expect from the average Boxer? Boxers are energetic, alert, even-tempered, loyal, loving, and goofy. Boxers are smart and can be trained to do almost anything but keep in mind that they mature slowly -- they are basically puppies until the age of three! As a family dog, Boxers will do anything to protect their family and they are also known to be gentle with kids. How big do Boxers get? Boxers are medium-sized working dogs that can reach a weight of 70 pounds. Male Boxers usually stand at inches at the shoulder while female boxers can reach up to .They are muscular, sturdy, and quite quick. How does Florida Puppies work? Florida Puppies is a network of ethical breeders and businesses and your best source for finding Boxer puppies in Florida. Boxers's Available! Rescued, and still Counting! Ready to Help a Boxer in Need? When taking a dog into the program, they sometimes need a temporary home while in search of their perfect "FURever" home. Fostering a Boxer helps give a dog a healthy start and a new leash on life. Old Dogs, New Tricks.Everyone loves puppies but older dogs deserve attention too. Our silver Boxers don't let a little gray hair get in the way of loving life and are fabulous loyal companions. Consider adding a senior to your family! Seeking a New Best Friend? One who is goofy, playful and makes you laugh? One who is loyal and happy just being with you? One who will love you unconditionally and provide comfort when needed? With so many dogs in need of homes, you're bound to find the perfect Boxer. See Our Available Dogs! Florida Boxer Rescue is always in need of volunteers. Are you thinking about fostering a Boxer in need? Fostering is the most rewarding experience you can imagine. The number of dogs we save is limited by the number of foster homes we have - please help us to save all that we can.He is still in the process of learning and we know that Craig can help to achieve success. We were always embarrassed when taking them places because it would mostly end in them barking and lunging at most dogs while on the leash as well as some people. We recently finished in home training with our dogs and have began group classes which we have always been afraid to start due to their reactivity. After the in home trainings and a couple of group classes, we are now able to take our dogs out in public with way less reactivity. We look forward to seeing their continued progress — Alexa Lawrence google Craig and Miriam are the best trainers. They listen and are there for any problems that you may have in training your dog's. Craig trained my yellow Labrador puppy one on one and when she came home she knew all the basics! Thank you Craig! Thank you Miriam! It is worth absolutely every penny invested into this training. I now have a fully trained service dog that I can bring with me everywhere and helps me out on a daily thanks to them. Everest was a completely different pup before beginning this program. I will say it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. They taught me exactly what to do and how to do it. Any questions I had along the way, they would help, but I was the one working and training her on a daily basis to get where we are today. I often get asked in public how I got her to be such a good doggy, but the answer truly is Dog Training Elite. They teach you all the fundamental skills you need to have an incredibly behaved life-long companion. These three ladies are almost like a magic wand waves over our lives! If you have the opportunity to, please invest in this program! Shepard mix. I've had dogs all my life. Wasn't worried about training her myself. She became a handful to the point I was thinking of giving her up. With there help I was able to get the unacceptable behaviors under control and now she has a happy home. Me to. I am so happy to see improvement in sleeping I can say he can sleep all night. I recommend their training program it really worth it. The team over there is absolutely incredible! With so limited ways to get service dogs, the work that they are doing is quite literally changing lives. My dog has gone from a destructive, uncontrollable puppy to a working service dog. Everyone at the time is so friendly and knowledgeable. The group classes are great to help desensitize the dogs from smells, sounds, and distractions. With each training session my dogs skills continue to grow. If you are looking to get a dog trained, especially if you need a service dog psychiatric or alert Dog Training Elite is the way to go! My first in home session was with Chelsea. What a difference the first one hour session made for my then 7 month old Golden Doodle, and boy did my pup love her. My doodle responded to her as if she had been training her all along. Chelsea and Cheyenne are so loving and caring yet able to keep my pups attention as well as trust throughout each training session. In my opinion they are the best in the business!!! The quality of life he can have as a PitBull has improved tremendously. Super grateful for the support and knowledge that each trainer has given me. Thank you for your patience through this process. Can't wait for the end results. My family got a corgi puppy Sage in January and at the time I never thought about doing dog training until I could not sit down on the couch to relax in the evenings without Sage constantly jumping at me. Everyone else in my house could sit down and do things except for me. When we went outside, I could not leave my property without her pulling back to come home, I couldn't even go to PetSmart or out in public without her pulling back when she heard a sound or saw other people. I saw Dog Training Elite at a home and garden show and contacted them for a consultation. When Chelsea and Maria arrived, Sage would not even come near them; if I sat close by, she wouldn't come to me. I knew I had to do something before it was too late. It was a big decision to make, but I knew it was something I needed to do. I was able to sit down to relax, and we could walk off of our property and go for a walk. Each week I could see she was becoming more confident and started allowing Maria, Chelsea, and Cheyenne to pet her and approach her. Now when we attend group class she rolls over and wants them to scratch her belly. This was the best decision I made. Thank you, Maria, Chelsea, and Cheyenne for helping Sage and my family. You guys are the best! We researched many trainers and decided on Cheyenne and Chelsea. We had always had very easy dogs, temperament-wise, before our GSD and never needed formal training for them. This puppy was a new story! From the first visit I knew that our girl, Remi, was in the right hands. Having a German Shepherd has been a new challenge and Chelsea and Cheyenne at our side have given us the confidence and support to feel like we can handle her unique quirks, intelligence and reactive protective aggression. We went through the initial puppy training sessions with them and were thrilled with the results. Remi was immediately responsive to commands and was exceptionally obedient. Unfortunately, due to our schedule and circumstances, we were unable to follow through with the next phase of their recommended training and our dog became aggressive and reactive. We were feeling frustrated and concerned about our ability to keep her as a safe pet around others outside of our home. When I reached out to them about this, they immediately responded and gave me concrete suggestions and plans for how to address her behavior, despite the fact that we were at fault for not following through with the next part of the training that we were supposed to do with her. Chelsea and Cheyenne are incredibly committed to ensuring that you and your dog have the best relationship ever. Today they came to our house for over an hour to touch base and make sure that any regressions that our dog was having were addressed and nipped in the bud. They are dog whisperers, without a doubt! They not only know how to handle reactive and aggressive dogs, like ours, but they also are able to show us what to do to confidently do the same. I am so grateful that we found them and have absolute confidence in following their amazingly insightful suggestions and insight! She has a little ways to go now, but has done a degree turn from where she was. We are forever grateful…. .Special thanks to Maria for her hard work we were impressed from day one, and most of all Scarlett is a much more confident puppy. After 2 visits our walks on or off leash are less distracted and stressful. Learning "place" at home is helping with craziness when visitors arrive. Our trainer, Craig, is friendly, kind and patient with our dog and the owners! We look forward to more learning in our group sessions. He heels beside me constantly touching his nose to me hand, listens to and obeys my commands, and is always aware of what's going on around him. I am so grateful that Max was able to complete obedience training with DTE and am so excited to watch him continue to grow into being the Psychiatric Service Dog he is meant to be. I would recommend DTE to anyone - from earliest of puppy training all the way to senior dog group classes - they really know what's up. We dove right into intense, bi-weekly, one-on-one courses, including various group classes. I'm proud to say that with the critical education and guidance provided by Craig and Miriam, Harper quickly passed her Public Access Training qualifications within four months and had her specific service tasks down within that same timeframe. When you have an intelligent dog and are committed to doing the homework in their specific program you have to do the homework! Plus, Craig and Miriam are two warm and empathetic people which helps immensely during the training process because the human has to be trained, too. Craig is an amazing, skillful, trainer. Ava went from a wild, out-of-control dog, to an obedient, cooperative dog in just five weeks. I thought it would take years for her to settle down but now she is able to calm down and listen. Craig is a professional, experienced and talented expert in his field. I'm proud to recommend him to others.

Located in beautiful Southern California, we strive to breed superior quality family dogs that will not only make great companions and protectors for your family but that also represent the German Shepherd breed well with the exceptional temperament the breed is known and loved for worldwide. We breed only top German V and VA bloodlines that possess superior health and temperament through generations of hip and elbow certified and temperament tested dogs. Additionally all of our dogs are tested for Degenerative Myelopathy to be sure we are producing puppies safe from this disease. Additionally all of our dogs are DNA tested Clear for the MDR1 gene that can cause mild to severe reactions to a variety of medications. Please visit our testimonials page to read review from many of our clients through the years. Also be sure to visit our Dogs For Sale page to see retired females and males we currently have available to the right homes. Check back often as we are always updating photos of our available puppies. With keeping a small number of dogs we have time to give plenty of love and individual attention to them and the puppies when we have them. Our dogs are not kept in kennels, they live with us as part of our family, with room to roam outside on our one acre property and a warm spot inside to sleep. All puppies are raised inside our home in a clean and healthy environment. All whelpings are supervised by us and assisted as needed to ensure the best start and to protect the health of the mother and her puppies. All puppies are well socialized with small children, cats and our other dogs. Temperament is very important to us, our breeding dogs have wonderful temperaments that they pass on to their puppies. Puppies are temperament tested so that we can help you to find the perfect fit for your family and your needs. We actively show our dogs on the local, national and international level thereby striving to breed dogs of quality bloodlines and structure that adhere to the German SV standard for the German Shepherd dog. We make every effort to continue to learn and to improve our bloodlines by importing dogs of superior quality with top German VA bloodlines to bring you the highest and best quality puppy for you and your family to enjoy. Our hope as breeders is that we can provide the best quality German Shepherd puppy with an outstanding temperament that will in turn make a lasting impression on you and your family like they have in ours. I have so many customers that have been lifelong fans of the German Shepherd, that have grown up with German Shepherds and long for that companionship again with the dog of their childhood. I look forward to providing the dog of your dreams to you and your family! Call today to begin your future with a great German Shepherd Dog of your own. Call or email for an appointment to visit us and to meet our dogs and puppies. Join and learn directly from Nadelhaus founder Traci Needles, who has over 25 years of experience breeding and training German Shepherds. Over 50 videos on the following topics covering German Shepherd puppies, housebreaking, crate training, obedience, feeding, grooming, wellness, and much more. New videos to be added every month. Our customers come from all over including Sacramento, the Central Valley, the Bay Area, Southern California, and even from out of state. Not only do we breed German Shepherd puppies, we offer puppy and dog training , dog boarding , and can import fully-trained German Shepherds. What makes Nadelhaus German Shepherds different from other dog breeders? This is the breed club founded in by Max von Stephanitz, who set the standards of the German Shepherd dog breed. The quality of dogs bred to the rules of the SV is second to none. A West German dog is regulated for its sound mind and body. We focus on breeding our dogs for structure, movement, workability, trainability, hips, elbows, pigment, and coat. Our goal is to to produce the best quality German Shepherd again and again, aiming to better the breed every time we breed our dogs. What is the price to buy a Nadelhaus German Shepherd puppy? Our Puppy Application page will provide you with more information on the application, deposit, and matching process. Once you have read through these steps, you can click through to the application form and view the prices for both Nadelhaus German Shepherd puppies as well as import German Shepherd puppies. If I buy a German Shepherd puppy, can you ship it to me? If you are not able to pick your puppy up from our facility in Northern California, we can ship a puppy to you. Shipping rates vary by location and include a health certificate vet visit, transportation costs, and an airline approved crate. Contact us for shipping details. Do you sell long-haired German Shepherd puppies? Nadelhaus breeds German Shepherds puppies all year round and while the majority of puppies we sell are short coat aka short hair , we do have occasionally have long coat long hair puppies. Learn more about long-haired German Shepherds. Can I have a German Shepherd puppy or dog imported from Europe? Puppies bred at Nadelhaus sell quick and even with a deposit, there is generally a wait list for our puppies. If you are interested in skipping the wait list, consider having a puppy imported from Germany. Importing a German Shepherd puppy is a special opportunity to acquire a very beautiful dog with special bloodlines. Both the female mother and male stud are often top V and VA dogs in Germany and come from very popular and highly sought after bloodlines. If you are interested in importing a puppy, simply fill out the same puppy application and click the checkbox that you would like to import a puppy. Will my German Shepherd puppy have its shots and vaccines? All of our puppies receive their vaccinations and are de-wormed to date. They are vet checked at six weeks old. Visit akcreunite. Owners must complete their portion of the paperwork and mail in the registration to the AKC along with the proper fee. We have some puppies born to German imports, so we must mail the paperwork to owners post-purchase. How much should I feed my 8 week old German Shepherd puppy? Our article covers care from the moment you pick up your puppy at the Nadelhaus kennels, to feeding, common issues, introduction to other dogs in the home and more. Our trained driver can transport your German Shepherd to our kennels for puppy purchases, dog training or dog boarding. Trust that your German Shepherd will be transported with care: our driver is knowledgeable about the breed, trained in dog handling and transport, and our transporting service is bonded and insured. This service is exclusive to Nadelhaus purchased German Shepherds. We do not transport dogs that were not purchased or imported through Nadelhaus. Pricing below are estimates only. Our transportation services are generally limited to Northern California, but we encourage you to contact us with any inquiries for your location or for a price quote.

Hi everyone! I am looking for a family that would love me as much as I will love them! I was unfortunately in a car accident a few months ago that left me with some gait instability. At first, I was paralyzed in my hindlegs. But I underwent two spinal surgeries and after some long, hard recovery, I am now able to walk short distances! With some help with my balance, I can go even further! Not to toot my own horn, but I quickly became a neighborhood favorite! My other challenge is occasional bladder and bowel incontinence. When the accident happened, at first, I lost complete control of both, and needed to be expressed. But I appreciate you being understanding about my recovery. When I pee, I need a little help from someone holding my waist as I walk around the backyard to relieve myself. When I poop, I usually need a sling under me for mild support. I love everyone I meet dogs, cats and children! I do fine when left home alone. I wander the house and am smart enough to know not to go into rooms I am told not to be in, not to jump onto any furniture, and not to chew up any toys. But I prefer spending most of my time with my family if possible. And I enjoy that time even more if we spend it together outdoors. I am smart, adapt quickly, and learn new rules and routines well. Please give me a chance! Please contact my family today at to arrange to meet me. Contact the foster parent or Mountain Pet Rescue at pets mpravl. Please note that visual breed identification of companion animals has been proven to be unreliable, so for most of our animals we provide a best guess at predominant breed or breed mix. We get to know each of our animals as an individual and do our best to describe and place pets based on personality not breed label. September 14, , pm. We are a small family operated kennel located in the Northern Piedmont area of North Carolina. I only have dogs with excellent temperaments, good minds, strong character and nerves, nice structure and willing to please attitudes. Puppies will all have plenty of drive for training and working, but not over the top prey-monster types. Some will have more drive than others and will be very suited to sport, police K9, and other working endeavors. While other puppies will be a bit more laid back and fit in well with families as companion dogs. Over these years Janette has evaluated many hundreds of puppies and has become very adept at pegging what an individual puppy will be like as an adult. Robert Oglesby and Janette Oglesby have been involved with German Shepherd Dogs, puppy care, and training for many years. In her previous life Janette was a veterinary practice manager, veterinary technician, and kennel manager. During the past 15 years she has been evaluating, working, training, titling, and breeding these fabulous dogs. Robert, now retired, has been in veterinary practice for over 32 years and maintains the successful website www. He is responsible for the veterinary care of the dogs. A Little About the German Shepherds Our male and females are often purchased titled or started prospects from Europe after a thorough evaluation. We also use quality outside males for genetic and color diversity. More recently we are breeding, raising, training, then titling our own dogs. Occasionally some of these older puppies or young green dogs are available. Our goal is to be able to offer your family the opportunity to welcome into your home your new best friend and family protector. Coldwater German Shepherds.

By John Martin - August 10, They are perky. They are clowns. They are mischievous. Pugs are absolutely lovely companions. That just about sums up what these muscular little dogs are all about. They were bred to be lap dogs and originally were the companions of Chinese royalty. Of course, there is no breed called Chinese pugs. They have brown eyes and a funny face. But are they a little too much to take? A Bit Much to Handle? Well, truth be told they can be chaotic little canines. They are very popularly hyper and notorious for their ability to pee on the floor when not trained well. They are energetic little dogs that are always ready to play. But this excitement is what makes pugs a really recommended breed for families with children. They are also good with other dogs when socialized at an early age. In fact, they are not too easily scared of big dogs either. So, if you already have a canine in the house, a pug might still be a good fit even though it is a toy dog breed. Related: Do Pugs Shed? Does It Ever Come to an End? But that should not deter you from getting one. The hyper energy levels often stay on till the pug is about a year and a half. Although, some puppies manage to keep it going for about three years. Once they get to this phase of their lives, they are happy to sit around on a couch and bother nothing and no one. They turn into nice laid back dogs that suit their ancestry of being the favorites of Chinese royalty. What Can You Do to Help? If it is getting a bit much for you to handle, there are a few time-tested ways to get them to calm down. When dogs are being extremely active, the best way to handle it is to lean in. Take them out, play with them. Give them the attention and exercise that they so clearly crave. Which means, for the first few years of getting a pug you need to be prepared to make time in your schedule and utilize the source of energy that they pump into your life. And yes, as mentioned earlier, be ready for a little tugging on the leash. Get a Frisby and some treats and head to the nearest park. An hour of that will do you a lot of good. Since this happens a lot in the formative years, you might want to think about consulting a vet and a trainer and putting all that energy into training your dog well. You might even be able to get them to clean up after themselves around the house. Everything is fun only when it is done in moderation. One of the things you can do is find a way to communicate with them when you are tired. This is also part of their training exercise. It makes them understand that they cannot get their way with everything that they demand. Pugs are happy dogs and can usually entertain themselves. Let them be. They will be okay. One disadvantage of not maintaining that kind of self-control might also give them the wrong idea. As long as you encourage their hyperactivity, they will keep at it assuming that it makes you happy. Remember that pugs live to please their owners. But they can also be stubborn which makes them bad students. They are also small in size and are difficult to train at home. Pug owners have said that it takes them about three months to train their dogs with the help of a professional whereas it takes about a year to do the same at home. It is also important to know that their feelings get hurt easily. You know what, just get a trainer if you can. Meanwhile, you can get them toys that are like little puzzles and fill them with treats. This will keep their minds stimulated and off your back for a little while. You can also improvise on the games you play with them or change the route of the daily walks. This will keep them engaged and guessing on the road. That might also reduce tugging on the leash for a bit. You might be tempted to consider getting one of those switching or prong collars or choke chains. That is a big no-no when it comes to their face. Since they have a pushed-in face, pugs experience a few breathing problems already. When you use negative behavior modifiers like these, it can lead to serious health problems. And by the way, even if it is not a pug, these kinds of tactics might leave your pup confused, stressed or scared. None of that is advised. You can try harnesses with an adjustable neck but the best way still is to train them to walk with you. You can even reward them with treats for listening to you. Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, gets you great results. In some ways, pugs are like us. When we get a promotion or a compliment, we tend to repeat that behavior for the same result, right? They do the same. Exercise is also a great solution because pugs have a tendency to get obese once they start sitting around. For all the talk about being hyper, a minute walk twice a day is actually good enough for pugs. Remember that they are enthusiastic dogs, not athletic. They are also agile and obedient dogs. But they are meant to thrive in moderate weather. They are not outdoors dogs and are susceptible to quite a few health issues, especially due to hot or cold weather. Some dog owners are also known to use aromatherapy to keep their dog calm. This will require a little research on your part. Look for signs of distress to make sure your latest tactic has somehow not gone sideways. This is also a great way to find out if your pup has allergies. You might, however, want to do this without the use of candles. Oils are a great way to make this happen and a simple Google search will give you lots of ideas. Some of them are a treatment for fleas, anxiety, arthritis, etc. Early training and socialization are recommended for these dogs. Luckily for us, they are very social dogs and take to people quite easily. Point Being So to summarize, pugs are active, agile and energetic dogs. They love people and are a great fit for families with children. They will even get along with your other dogs if you train them early on. The hyperactivity is every bit true when they are puppies. But they usually let it go in about a year and a half, although some pups can keep it going till they are three. Once they get over that phase, they like chilling on a couch just as much as you and I do. That sounds lovely but they like food so keep an eye on their weight. Like any puppy, Pugs display playful bursts of energy before they suddenly collapse for a nap. They seem to have two speeds fast and stop! The good news is that Pug pups will not always be this hyperactive. They usually settle down after a couple of years and morph into more sedate lap dogs who love to take a lot of naps. Pugs are very happy, excitable dogs who want nothing more than to play and hang out with you. Their natural exuberance is what makes Pugs so fun to be around. Pugs slow down a bit as they grow older, but fortunately, they never lose their zeal for having fun! Most Pugs have enthusiastic personalities with sweet dispositions making them great companions. Whether they are hanging out on your lap or begging you to throw the ball for them, they demand a lot of attention! Combine this with youthful puppy energy and you have a pretty lively little dog! However, for the most part, Pugs are not high maintenance click here to read more. I actually think of Pugs as being more joyous and playful than hyper. But they are prone to some crazy antics at times and can become obsessive about their playtime. Pugs need quality playtime but they also need to be taught moderation as they mature. A good example of this is my Pug-mix dog, Georgia, who absolutely loves her balls! She gets particularly attached to tennis balls and softer rubber balls that she can hold and squish in her mouth. She could walk around all day with a ball in her mouth if I allowed it! Georgia sneaks around with her favorite Chew King ball. In addition to her Insum Tennis Balls , Georgia really loves her Chew King balls which are easy for her to catch and hold in her mouth. Getting the ball back is a major challenge which usually involves high-value special food! I mostly use the harder Snub dog balls when we go to the dog park to play fetch. These are slightly bigger, very durable, and practically indestructible. And, because they are not as fun and squishable, she will actually bring them back to me. You can see more about my recommendations for balls and other toys on my recommended products page for dog toys. I think another reason Pugs get branded as being hyper is due to their incredibly high energy and playfulness, especially as puppies. A Pug pup will race around, bouncing from one thing to the next. Then he will suddenly crash in a heap and take a nap. Pugs only seem to know two speeds— fast forward and drop dead! Pugs get these incredible bursts of energy, which may seem like hyperactivity. But it is really just the way Pugs have fun and let off pent-up steam. As puppies, Pugs are probably more prone to zoomies and excitable behavior than other breeds. This will usually go on for about two years until they finally begin to mellow. Eventually, they will be content to hang out by your side and lounge around on the sofa. Mature Pugs have a reputation for being lap dogs who love to nap, which is why Chinese royalty loved them so much! An additional reason Pugs can sometimes become a little hyper is their love to explore! And, this often involves tasting the world with their tongue. Pugs are very motivated by anything they can taste, and they love to eat. If you want a Pug to do a trick, give her a treat! My dog Georgia wakes me up every morning by licking my nose see my post. She wants me to know that it is time for her breakfast and she is quite anxious about getting it! She will do just about anything for a small bit of food or even a crumb. My kitchen floors have never been so clean! And as a puppy, your Pug will need more frequent attention and brief play times at least times a day. Ensure Your Pug Gets Adequate Sleep — Whether your Pug is a puppy or an adult, having a consistent sleeping and waking schedule is extremely helpful. Consider using a crate as a quiet den for your new puppy for the first few months. Then when your dog gets older, make sure she has a comfy bed in a quiet space. A little bit is fine. But keep in mind that Pugs are not athletes. They have short little legs and stout bodies. A fun walk to the park or around the neighborhood should suffice. A couple of additional play times during the day for an adult is good, and a puppy will need play periods in between naps. Puzzle Games — Since Pugs love to eat, dog puzzle games that involve food keep them very engaged. I have two Outward Hound interactive food puzzles for my dogs and they love them. It keeps them engaged for at least minutes. These puzzles are fun and work their minds, which will help with pent-up energy. Sometimes simple Kong toys stuffed with kibble, peanut butter, or Cheese Whiz work pretty well for a quick distraction. Pugs Do Not Like to Be Alone — Pugs were bred to be companion dogs and they love nothing more than to be right by our side. Therefore, leaving a Pug alone for several hours each day could lead to separation anxiety click this link to see my post. Pugs do best in a family in which someone will be home at least for part of the day. If this is not possible, have a friend or neighbor spend some time with your pooch each day. If you want a really independent dog, a Pug may not be the best choice for you. But if you work at home, a Pug could be ideal. Training — Obedience training is always helpful, but especially with a Pug who has a tendency to be a bit stubborn and even mischievous at times. Training classes will help to socialize your Pug, provide your Pug with a routine, and help with discipline issues. Going to classes together is also a great way to bond with him. Training is also a great way to help a dog stay calm as he learns what you want him to do, and he will be more clear about what is expected of him. Final Thoughts Pugs may seem hyper, but they are mostly just happy energetic dogs. Once you get through the puppy stage and have some training and a routine established, your Pug will become a fun, relaxed dog who will sleep on your lap, play with you, lick you, and be a great companion! Share this post:. Which makes them such appealing pets for canine owners with limited indoor and outdoor space. After centuries of breeding intended to refine the qualities that make them such great lap dogs. Despite being known for their lapdog qualities. You may find that your Pug puppy is much more hyper than you expected them to be. A young puppy sees the world for the first time. Like a toddler, they explore the world differently and go through a slew of mental and physical developmental changes in the first year. These changes cause over hyperactivity issues that many pet parents are not ready for. Are Pug Puppies Naturally Hyper? Puppies, in general, have a high level of energy. Especially if you selected this breed thinking they would be the perfect lap dog right out the starting gate. But like human children, they seem to have an endless supply of energy for such a small package. It will eventually taper off as they enter canine adulthood. When people say a dog is a big responsibility or that it is like taking care of a child, they are not wrong. At around four months now that your puppy has developed physically to be able to walk around , your Pug puppy will become much more curious about the things around them and feel more confident to venture off, inspect, and play as they become excited with their new discoveries. As they continue to mature over the rest of that first year, their need for mental and physical stimulation increases. In fact, puppies of all breeds at this stage of their life will have very little tolerance for inactivity. Their minds are hungry to learn. As a result, your Pug puppy may seem extremely energetic and demanding of your time, during these months. Your puppy is also going through a slew of other developmental. These changes may also increase how often they want to play. Read this article to find out when Pugs stop teething. Sexual maturity: At around six months, your puppy will begin going through physiological changes that may demand any pent-up energy be redirected and released through play. Your puppy will be in what is known as the second fear impact period between six to fourteen months of age. It is crucial to keep in mind that as your puppy goes through these changes, you meet the increased demand they place on you with positivity and balance. For your puppy, playing stimulates the senses and helps them discover the world around them. As they go through these changes, they will need to be mentally and physically stimulated to help prevent them from forming any destructive behaviors as they act out and to create good social and behavioral traits. Which, if you got this far, you should now be better informed of. Knowing what you are in for is the best preparation for the both of you, making this stage more enjoyable and less stressful. Right now, your puppy is mentally hungry to learn more, see more, smell more, touch more, you name it. Giving your Pug a daily routine and plenty of mentally stimulating toys can help alleviate some of the demands their need for activity places on the owner. With the rapid-fire amount of energy, your Pug puppy has, taking them out for daily walks is a great way to give them both physical and mental stimulation and help them expel that energy. Not only will it promote a healthy bond between the two of you. But it gives them the physical exercise they need to stay fit and plenty of sensory stimulation for the mind. Taking your Pug puppy out every time they are energetic, however, is clearly not an option. To help keep them engaged mentally and prevent them from being bored, while at home and your attention is pulled elsewhere, provide them with puzzle toys and chew toys so that they are less likely to start acting up. Stimulating toys will help mentally and physically stimulate a hyper pup and help them get exhausted faster. Once they reach canine adulthood, you will see them become less of that super energetic puppy and more of that cuddly lap dog you had expected. Final Word Pug puppies are excited by the new world around them. In the first year, they go through several mental and developmental changes that can cause over hyperactivity. These changes can cause a young pup to become overly hyper. Before you can tackle the issue, you need to know which developmental stage your Pug is experiencing. If your Pug puppy is hyperactive, consider taking them for a walk or playing with them to tire them out. A stimulating toy is a great way to keep them from being bored and help tucker them out quickly. This overly hyperactive period ends. March 30, by Susan Most dogs usually have a hyperedge to them, but some can be a bit too hyper for most people. Seasoned pug owners can all come to agree that their dogs can be pretty active and curious most of the day, and that can raise questions for new and confused pug owners. Why Are Pugs So Hyper? Hyperactivity affects all puppies, regardless of breed. Excessive hyperactivity in pugs is usually a result of extreme excitement or reaction to someone or something else being hyper as well. Pugs are companion dogs, therefore they are more susceptible to separation anxiety , which may lead to excessive hyperactivity. It is most detectable in puppies, but it can also affect adult pugs too. Pugs with high energy can be very active and even aggressive, but this is completely normal. It just means that it will happen less often, as older dogs will just want to cuddle next to their owner. The zoomies are considered to be normal behavior for breeds like pugs. With that being said, there is no need to be too concerned about it, especially since it only lasts for a few minutes at a time. There is still a need to be a bit cautious though, as too much activity can get out of hand fast. What Triggers Frenetic Random Activity Periods in Pugs As mentioned above, pugs can get pretty excited from the sight of someone or something else getting excited. If people are being playful and fun with one another, the pug will want to join in and get in on the action as well. It is just a natural part of their DNA. Pugs can also become really excited and hyper when certain things in the atmosphere make noise or commotion. This includes things like doorbells, people, kids, and more. Most pugs will react by squealing or running around the area. Another thing that can easily trigger the zoomies in most pugs is bath time. Many Pug owners will tell you that your pooch can become overly animated after bath time. This hyper behavior is an expression of happiness that the bath is over. That is usually because dog bathing requires the owner to restrain the dog for a while and use water that may be uncomfortable for them. This can easily make any dog pretty stressed out and fearful. When the bath is over, they are relieved. Mindy my Pug would get the zoomies whenever we would try to dry her off with a towel after her bath. An episode of hyperactivity will involve a short burst of energy when your pooch runs around in a wild run. Here are some of the signs to watch for your Pug has a case of the zoomies. They suddenly break into a gallop from standing still. Excited eyes A squatted run like they are going to attack something. They will run in tight turns and spins to change direction quickly. Watch this video to see what the zoomies look like. Are Zoomies Dangerous? However, if you live in a small space, your dog can knock over things and make a mess in their frenzy. They may slip on a rug or your hardwood floors and bump into your coffee table, or other furniture and hurt themselves. As a Pug parent, there are some things you can do to help control this type of behavior to keep them safe. Some pet owners will notice their Pugs become more hyper at night or in the early morning hours. A hyperactive Pug can be hard to calm down, but it is possible to settle your dog down. A long day of playing and exercise will make the dog tired at the end of the day. In that case, it is best to try to set up some sort of playtime area or routine that the pug can do to keep itself entertained for a certain amount of time during the day. If you have a fenced-in backyard, you can install a pet door and allow Fido to play outside, just make sure there are no dangers in your backyard. That gives the owner a break and the pug the ability to exercise and wear itself out. Another good idea would be to take it to a dog park for a day of fun and exercise. It is best to try to reach for 30 minutes of daily exercise. This can be easily achieved with two 15 minute walks or two 15 minutes games of fetch. Create a Daily Routine If a pug is working on a daily routine with the owner, this may help lower stress and anxiety. It is best to try to stick to a consistent and easy schedule from morning to night. Include everything from waking up and eating breakfast to settling down and eating dinner. Routines usually help dogs get a sense of belonging and comfort since they know what to expect of the day. Some pug owners can tell what time of day the zoomies usually happen. Some pugs get it in the morning while others get it at night. If that can be identified, give the pug a distraction at that time to settle down. Separation Anxiety You can usually find various techniques and tips online to help lessen separation anxiety with pugs. Smart toys and interactive toys may be perfect for this type of dilemma. Enjoy it while it lasts, because it will subside as they become older. References And Further Reading. When you think of a pug, you might imagine a dog that loves nothing more than snoozing on the couch all day. How can I help a hyper pug settle down? If you have a hyper pug, there are a few things you can do to help them settle down. Pugs might be small, but they still need regular exercise to burn off their excess energy. Taking your pug for daily walks or playing with them in the backyard are great ways to tire them out. Mental stimulation is also important for helping your hyper pug settle down. Training is another great way to provide mental stimulation while also helping your pug learn good behavior. Consistency is also key when it comes to helping your hyper pug settle down. What are good ways to get energy out of a pug? Pugs love to play, so games like fetch or tug-of-war are great for burning off energy. Going for a run or playing in the backyard are other great options. Mental stimulation is just as important as energy for helping to settle pugs down. What age do pug puppies calm down? Puppyhood is a time of boundless energy and curiosity, and pug puppies are no exception. Pugs typically reach adulthood around months of age, and many will start to calm down around this time. Can pugs have ADHD? Pugs are naturally energetic dogs, and many can be easily overstimulated. Do pugs need a lot of exercise? If they are getting 30 minute of exercise a day but still seem to have a lot of pent-up energy, take that as a sign that they need more! What are some common behavioral issues in pugs? Some common issues in pugs include separation anxiety, excessive barking, and aggression towards other dogs. Can pugs be trained to be calm? Yes, pugs can be trained to be calm and well-behaved. Consistent training and positive reinforcement can go a long way in helping your pug develop good behavior habits. So the best way to cope with a hyper pug is to help them meet their needs for exercise and mental stimulation, and that will result in your pug being a good pug! Last Words Are Pugs Hyper? Yes, they can be. Why Are Pugs Hyper? There are tons of reasons why your Pug might behave in a hyperactive way and each pet is different. If your Pug is feeling excited they will make a show and dance about it. In fact, most dog breeds experience periods of hyperactivity. This kind of behavior is nothing to worry about — especially if your Pug is still young. These bursts of activity usually last for just a few minutes so unless your Pug is displaying an excessive amount of hyperactivity on a daily basis, you can rest easy. Typical triggers for the zoomies include: Excitement — did the doorbell ring? Is the postman round the corner? Whatever gets your Pug excited could trigger the zoomies. Queue hyperactivity. Anxiety — Does your Pug get the zoomies every time you arrive home from work? This is not uncommon. Pugs are prone to separation anxiety. Having a bath can be uncomfortable and stressful for dogs. Once the job is done they will celebrate their freedom. Some Pugs will run all around the house, others will spin in circles, and some will jump here and everywhere. Check out this video. Pablo the Pug has the zoomies! When people get a Pug puppy for the first time, they often ask me: will my Pug ever calm down? And the answer is yes. Although it can carry on into adulthood, canine hyperactivity is most prevalent in puppies. This is a natural and important part of puppyhood. Most Pug puppies will start to calm down as they mature. They will still get the zoomies from time to time, but the days of their puppyish antics should diminish considerably. In most cases, the zoomies are nothing to worry about. Random bouts of hyperactivity are part and parcel of being a dog. The zoomies are usually over in a few minutes, and your Pug should remain relatively calm for the rest of the day. However, there are some practical considerations to take note of. Many Pug owners find that they can predict when their pup is going to get a bout of the zoomies, giving them a window to remove any hazards ahead of time. How To Keep Pug Hyperactivity At Bay Even though periods of hyperactivity are completely normal, there are some things we can do to keep our Pugs as calm as possible and moderate that frenetic behavior. Regular exercise Daily exercise and playtime will use up your Pugs excess energy and reduce the chance of a hyperactive episode. Aim for between 20 and 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Aim to split this into two e. Once they are all tuckered out, your Pug will just want to snuggle on the sofa with mum or dad. If you spend a significant amount of the day away at work then try to ensure that your Pug has plenty of opportunities to engage in independent play. You might wish to create a designated play area or provide some treat-dispensing toys. Daily routines Keeping to a solid routine is really beneficial for Pug behavior. Routines alleviate stress and anxiety and promote consistent behaviors. By reducing stressors, your Pug is less likely to indulge in anxiety-driven hyperactivity. Additionally, if you know when your Pug is likely to act out, you can provide a fun distraction to divert their attention. Socialization Socialization with people and other dogs is essential for healthy canine development. Socializing provides mental and physical stimulation and makes use of all that excess energy. If not, why not buddy up with a dog-owner friend or visit a dog park a few times each week. Reduce anxiety For some Pugs, the key to reducing hyperactivity is treating the root of the problem — anxiety. As social animals, Pugs are particularly prone to separation anxiety. Finding ways to minimize the distress your pet feels will help them to calm down. Distractions are great that could be a fun toy or puzzle. Some Pug owners have even tried canine aromatherapy. Last Words Are Pugs hyper? Yes, they certainly can be. But a moderate amount of hyperactivity is nothing to worry about. Most of the time the zoomies die down after puppyhood. However, there are ways to keep hyperactive behaviors at bay. Exercise, moderating anxiety, adequate socialization, and consistent daily routines can make the world of difference.

This considerably reduces the breeding cost of the puppy and hence, the cheaper selling price. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. The breeder should normally give you the papers of both parents of your Lab puppy so you can register him with the AKC. Both parents should already be registered with the AKC as well. Some breeders fail to register the parents in the AKC or simply choose not to do so, but they continue breeding anyway. This gives you a good idea of the genetic and physical conditions you should be expecting or not expecting from your puppy. It may seem that purchasing a lab puppy without papers is a good bargain. Initially, it definitely seems like it. However, your puppy may or may not develop some health issues as he grows up. You may end up paying much more money than you saved when initially buying the Lab puppy. The AKC registration ensures that any participating dog is a perfect example of its breed. The decision is yours in the end but we recommend against it. For one, having a pedigree is important to make sure that your puppy has healthy parents and grandparents. Secondly, many issues could happen during the breeding process which could cause health problems for the puppy. With that in mind, you can rest assured that a registered Lab puppy is often a healthy one. The AKC even provides a day trial of pet insurance once you register your puppy with them. Unpredictability is the main issue with the absence of papers. You may end up with a perfectly healthy puppy that develops no health conditions at all. However, the chances of that happening are unlikely. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. What if I Still Want the Puppy? We get it. Your heart might just latch to that one puppy. Try to make sure that both parents are physically and mentally healthy if you can. You may even ask if someone bought one of the parents and pay them a visit to see the parent. The score for each hip ranges from 0 to .The lower the score is, the better. The total score for both hips should range from 0 to .A good hip score for each hip ranges between 0—3. Paul S. Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament. Check out our. Since the Labrador could grow to a hefty size, its yearly upkeep still falls within the expected price range of other big dogs. Always take your puppy to regular vet checkups, even if it looks like the very picture of health. Though these things are not high on the priority list, consider them nice-to-haves once the budget allows. Besides, we all want the best for our four-legged friends, and that alone is reason enough for most of us! Boarding Kennels: This service is a lifesaver for owners who have to travel for days or weeks at a time and cannot bring their dog along with them. Professional Grooming: As we said earlier, Labrador Retrievers shed a lot, so an afternoon at the groomer will help keep your pooch looking clean and tidy. You can put off spending on these things until the budget allows. However, give some serious thought to investing in an emergency fund, as this would take a big worry off your mind in case of any unexpected trips to the vet. Though it is tempting to buy a dog from pet stores or backyard breeders because of their low puppy prices, getting Lab puppies from a reputable source is still a more responsible and ethical choice. Here is a list of responsible breeders where you can find Labrador puppies for sale: Rhumbline Retrievers — This New York-based kennel has been breeding quality Labrador Retriever puppies since , and a good number of their dogs have participated in agility, obedience, and hunting tests at the national level. Due to their commitment to only breed dogs of the highest quality, they have limited puppies for sale at a time; thus, expect a long waitlist. All their puppies are tested for genetic disorders such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They raise show-quality Labs and have championship bloodline puppies as well. For a more comprehensive list of reputable Labrador Retriever breeders, take a peek at our 10 best Labrador breeders article. All their dogs are fostered and given medical care before being turned over to their new family. Based in Colorado and licensed by the Pet Animal Care Facilities, they foster and provide medical care to Labs until they can get adopted. American Lab Rescue — This organization makes use of foster homes to rehabilitate and care for their rescued dogs. For your adoption application to be approved, they will require a fenced-in yard and will also do a home visit to your place before releasing a dog. Alternatively, you can also check out our top 10 picks of Labrador Retriever Rescues and our dog adoption guide. The Labrador Retriever is popular for its great temperament and personality. Unfortunately, most people fail to expect its high energy level as well, which is why some Labs find themselves in animal shelters. That said, doing your research about the Labrador Retriever before buying or adopting a puppy is necessary to make sure that the Lab is the best dog for you. Money-Saving Tips for Labrador Retriever Owners We all want to give our dog the best life possible, and if we can do that without breaking the bank, then even better! The trick is finding the right balance on which expenses to let go of and which ones to keep. To help you achieve this, here are some money-saving tips for Labrador Retriever owners: DIY dog food and treats. Not only is this a more practical option, but this is also healthier for your dog. Practice your grooming skills. Watch a good tutorial and practice your skills on your pooch. Invest in high-quality supplies. You may want to scrimp on supplies such as food and water bowls, but investing in high-quality and durable essentials will save you more money in the long run. Training Labrador Retrievers is a fairly easy task, even for novice dog owners. A lot of great tutorials can be found on the internet, and being the intelligent dogs that they are, they will learn all their tricks in no time! Like pet insurance, regular vet visits will save you from procedures and medications that could cost thousands of dollars later. Pet quality pups are affordable and budget-friendly to most people who are looking for an intelligent and well-tempered canine companion. However, like most dogs, their lifetime cost would still require you to spend considerable money. As such, think long and hard about the commitment and financial implications of taking in a dog. These canines make great family pets, even for those looking for their first dog. So, if your budget is enough to shoulder the price and long-term costs of the Labrador Retriever, then it might just be the pooch for you! Tell us in the comment box below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. The costs will be a bit higher at first while you get your dog the shots it requires and pay for the frequent visits to the vet. We also recommend getting your dog spayed or neutered unless you are a professional breeder, and it might even be required as part of your contract if you purchase from a breeder. Once your dog is an adult, it will not require as many vet visits and will only need booster shots every few years, so the average monthly costs will be much lower. Experts recommend getting all of the shots, but your dog is only legally required to get the rabies shot. We recommend purchasing a high-quality brand with real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. The protein in meat will help build muscle and provide the energy your dog needs to stay healthy. High protein diets will also help your dog stay full longer, and it will be less likely to come looking for food. Foods with corn as the top ingredient are mostly empty calories that will leave your pet feeling hungry and looking for more food, potentially causing it to become obese. During the shedding seasons of spring and fall, you will likely need to increase the brushing to several times a week to help keep the fur off your furniture and floor. Professional grooming can also help with teeth brushing and nail clipping. This medication can also help prevent heartworm. Spot Pet Insurance offers customizable plans that you can adapt to your breed's specific needs. Many people forgo pet insurance, but it can be a great way to protect yourself from a huge expense while making sure your Labrador Retriever has the best healthcare possible. Accidents and serious illnesses can occur at any time, and many procedures can cost thousands of dollars which makes the price of insurance more than worth it, especially if you get it while your dog is still a puppy. It can chew up stuffed animals quickly, so they can get expensive, but there are plenty of options for a chewing dog, like the Lab. Another option is to purchase a subscription to a monthly service like the Bark Box that sends your dog new toys and activities for as long as you keep up your subscription. A full-grown dog only requires food and flea and tick medication to stay healthy, a few toys to play with, and treats here and there. Additional Costs to Factor In If you like to go on long vacations, you might need to factor in the additional costs of traveling with a dog. Many rental cars do not allow pets or will charge you extra, and the same is true for hotels. Owning a Labrador Retriever on a Budget Your Labrador Retriever will be relatively inexpensive once you get the medical things out of the way. A high-quality food may seem more expensive, but it will help keep your dog full so that it will eat less. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Saving Money on Labrador Retriever Care The best way to save money on healthcare when raising your Labrador Retriever is to keep it a healthy weight by following portion recommendations on the food you serve and by helping them get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues that can shorten the lifespan of your pet. After the initial cost of the puppy , you will need to pay a few hundred dollars to get it spayed or neutered and get the shots it needs. After that, you will only need to provide food and shelter with the occasional booster shot. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and that it has helped answer your questions. If we have helped you create a budget that allows you to get one of these amazing pets, please share this guide on how much it costs to own a Labrador Retriever on social media. Featured Image Credit: scott, Pixabay Contents. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:. Less - The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized , short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks. These dogs were brought to England, probably on fishing boats. Originally black in color, the first recorded yellow Labrador appeared in a litter born in .Chocolates were also recorded at about the same time, but never achieved the same level of popularity as the blacks and yellows. Originally bred to retrieve from water, the modern Labrador Retriever has proven to be one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in hunt tests and field trials, in obedience and agility events, and also as service dogs.

Ask them to contact you if your dog is seen, but not to chase your dog in an effort to catch them. A friendly, confident dog is more likely to be found where people or other dogs gather. A shy, frightened or injured dog, or one lost in an unfamiliar area, is more likely to be hiding or on the run. Distribute flyers with your contact information to dogwalkers, mail carriers, joggers and anyone else who frequents the area. Post notices at grocery stores, laundromats, community centers, veterinary offices, dog parks, pet supply stores and other locations. Use local social media sites and missing pet registries to help get the word out. Otherwise, they may assume the animal is abandoned and needs a home. Bring in technology You may learn that your dog is frequenting an area, but is too skittish or traumatized to come to you or other people. Start placing food and water in a safe spot within the area your dog is known to visit a large plastic storage container turned on its side can protect the food from rain. Use a motion-activated camera to see if your dog is eating the food. Once you know your dog is visiting the feeding station and what time they typically show up, you can set a humane trap to capture them. Most animal control agencies and many rescue groups will have a trap you can borrow. Be sure to monitor the trap and quickly release any wildlife or other animal you unintentionally capture. Top 10 pet tips Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of important information about caring for your pet, including training techniques and answers to frequently asked questions. Get Your Copy Advanced search strategies Mission Reunite and the Missing Animal Response Network provide advanced search tips, online trainings and information on hiring a lost-pet recovery expert. Online search tips Most communities have Facebook groups for sharing information about lost and found pets. Search for groups in your area and post a notice of your missing dog. Share the post on your personal Facebook, Instagram or other social media accounts. Fellow animal lovers will likely want to help in your search. Petco Love Lost is a national database that uses facial recognition technology to search thousands of found pet listings from users and shelters across the country. Simply upload a photo of your dog to start the search. You can also try:. You have walked, then driven your neighborhood. You have been to the local animal shelter and registered your pet as missing. You have lost a lot of sleep. You are reading because you feel the odds are strong that you will recover your pet. In the vast majority of instances, your instincts will prove true. Find your best match Get Started Why Pets Run Away and Where They Often Go Normally, pets run away from acute boredom or loneliness, to answer sexual urges if they have not been neutered, in response to sudden and unexpected events that frighten them, out of curiosity if doors, windows, or gates are left open, or if they are new to a home and are looking for their former surroundings. How far they run is just a function of how far their legs will carry them. Big strong dogs, especially young ones, can run 5 miles or more. Small dogs may be able to go half a mile at most. Most dogs are recovered well within a two-mile circle of their home, especially because they normally will never run for an extended length in a straight line no matter how strong or fast they are. If it is an outgoing dog, it will be looking for other dogs and for other humans who are friendly and likely to comfort, feed and shelter it. If it is a shy or older pet and not trusting of strangers, it will hide. Bushes and under cars are good spots. Most likely, your pet will have tried to return home, but it will have failed. A car or a predator will have gotten to it. Odds are much greater that someone has seen your pet and taken it in. People in those homes will respond favorably to a lost pet. More households do not have a pet but include someone who previously had a pet. Strong chance of positive response. More households again do not have a pet but have children, who will be eager to take in a lost pet. That is a lot of eyes and ears. That is a lot of strangers who are on the side of finding and helping your pet return home. In many cases, someone will take in your pet. They will be driving by and have your dog jump in their car. They will be working in the neighborhood. They may live down the street. More often than not, they will not be equipped to house your pet. Their home is not set up. Their parents will not allow it. If you have a tag on your dog with a current phone number including area code, that has a working answering machine or voice mail on it, or a street address including city and state, and if your dog is found with its collar and tag still on it, then you have made the job of your pet coming back to you much easier. More current information, less work. Maybe the collar has come loose. Maybe someone with good intentions has changed it. Sometimes they have placed the dog in their yard. Still confused and looking for a home, the dog has run away again. Again, the pet has moved further away and lost more of its identity to you, to your house, to your street. People take lost pets to local veterinarians, animal hospitals, kennels, groomers, even pet stores. They take them to animal shelters which are sometimes distant and have restricted operating hours and to rescue organizations. If found with a tag with current information, it makes the return to you straightforward. If found without the tag, unless the dog is taken to the local shelter at which you have registered it as missing, it is just a puzzle that will get solved when there is time and opportunity to try and solve it. Sometimes, and only rarely, do people try to keep a pet that is not theirs. There are neighbors, friends, children, and all the people who come to a home to service its needs that have the opportunity to see that pet. That is a lot of eyes seeing a new pet arrive. We live in a mobile society. Few places anymore are distant from major roads. If a dog is found that has gotten away from a car, it can be in another car and in the next county within less than an hour in almost all instances. How do you cover all these possibilities? How do you help put the odds back into your favor? Take a deep breath. Half a mile? A mile? Five miles? You decide. A schoolyard? A house where your pet sometimes gets treats or has a buddy it looks at during walks? People who spend lots of time outside and are likely to see a lost dog. You need to make up big signs, colorful, eye-catching signs. You need to include the word Reward in big letters, to make everyone understand that this is really important to you. You have to include a photo of your pet. Use one of the major search engines, select images as the filter, put in a description of your dog and suddenly you will have dozens of images to choose from. If you are in a bilingual community, put your sign in both languages. The major search engines on the internet translate your text immediately and for free. They can quickly turn it into a large colorful poster for a very small fee. Please help us find …. .She was last seen at the corner of …. .She is a Golden Labrador, 3 years old. She was wearing a red collar. Have them print up 10 to 20 large signs and small versions that you can mail. You want to put the signs where most people who either live, work, or regularly travel through the circle will have a chance to slow down and see them. Major intersections are controlled by traffic lights. Entry and exit to parks. Where all the school children get off the bus or are dropped off in the morning, so both parents and children can see them. Entry and exit to the grocery store. The local espresso bar. Now you have added a thousand people to your search. The person who took your dog to their vet in the next city. The child saw a dog in the back of their yard. They are out there looking with you. Go home. Open the yellow pages. You need to mail your small version to the groomers, vets, kennels, animal hospitals, animal shelters, and pet stores in the area at least double the size of your circle. While all of these places will notify the local animal shelter when a pet is found, you need to understand that animal shelters are under different city and county jurisdictions. They are, sadly, not unified. They do not share information. A pet store taking in a stray without a tag would have no way of knowing if that dog is 2 miles or 20 miles away from home. If they contact the animal shelter near them but far from you, your pet may be going to the wrong shelter in the wrong direction. Some shelters only hold a pet for 4 days, then give it out for adoption or destroy it. Maybe the pet store will solve the mystery correctly. Make it easy for them to get it right and help bring your pet home. Now, get on the internet or find someone who can get you on the internet. Many shelters are online. They maintain lists of found pets. Some have photos of lost pets. Look over the ones in a huge circle from your home. There are many rescue organizations that regularly publish current lists and digital photos of found pets at the shelters, as a way of helping them go home or be adopted. Use a major search engine. Try pet rescue California and you will see them. These are wonderful dedicated people who are out there looking. Look over their lists and photos. Use the internet to get the names and addresses of shelters in the 3 to 5 adjoining counties. Mail them your small mailer. Although officially they need you to come in and fill out their form, that is most often not practical without extended driving. But they will almost always post your photo mailer, which gives you one more chance to bring your pet home. If you want to be more intensive with your mailer, contact a company such as sherlockbones. You can also look at the bulletin board of your local shelter to see what mailers look like and identify other companies offering the service. The mailer raises awareness in the community. It adds more eyes to the search. It helps connect your dog who wants to come home with you, who is desperately trying to find it. Please be careful of the people who call you. You are vulnerable. There are people who use these ads to con and scam reward money for pets they do not have. Check the found ads as well. You have posted your signs. You have mailed your flyers. You have visited the local shelters. You are checking the internet postings once every day. You are watching the classified found ads. It is time to start calming down. It is okay to keep walking and driving in search of your pet, but set hours for yourself. The best ones are early morning before the traffic starts up. Keep doing the normal things in your life. It is for you. The wear and tear of all of this are substantial. The more you can keep to normal patterns for yourself, the more you can stay focused and productive. As part of checking with the local animal shelter, you should consider checking the list they maintain of dead animals they have picked up. It may sound like a grim exercise, but every time you do it and do not find your pet, your hope has reason to continue. The substantial majority of lost pets are not on that list. The odds are in your favor. If your pet has passed on, you and those who care for you need to know. And now, it is time for you to wait patiently as you continue your normal life. Most people get the call that their pet has been found. I did. I pray you do too. Perhaps we do. When it comes to keeping your pets at home and helping them come home if they are lost, it is a low-tech business. Good fences. Good gates. Good windows. Good doors. Lots of pets run away when they are left in cars and manage to escape. They are typically lost far from home and away from everything they recognize. Please think 3 times before leaving your pet in an unattended car. It is dangerous in many different ways. A car backfires. The dog wiggles free. Please think it over. Neuter pets. You have been to the shelters. You have seen what I mean. Be on guard when you bring a new pet into your home. It changes the balance if you have any other pets. Add distractions. Rotate toys. Put a chew bone into the diet on occasion. Add hinges to yard gates so they are always closed. Take pictures of your pets. It will shave hours off getting posters and mailers done if you ever need them. Update all your pet tags. Two telephone numbers with area codes. At least one number has an answering machine or voice mail. Your street address including city and state. Too many cars and too much mobility these days. Your lost dog can be 30 miles away within 60 minutes, in the hands of a kind stranger who wants to return it. Make it easy. Try to read the information on the aluminum tag you bought at the engraving machine at the pet store. By now, most of it has worn away. It was not a good idea. Order a new tag. The best ones are made of steel and slide onto the collar itself. You can also buy a collar with your phone number including area code on it. You may think your dog is friendly, but a stranger who is trying to help a frightened and confused stray and may not want to get under its chin to look at a tiny tag. I want to repeat this because it is very important. If your dog is lost, its first line of protection in getting back to you is a collar with a tag that easily identifies where the dog belongs. A street address with city and state is nice because it means a stranger can bring the dog back to you. When they are off from work. When they have a car. When they have a map. If they can find your home. Two telephone numbers with area codes mean that once you get the call, timing and transportation are in your hands too. Will your dog let them get close enough to read the tag? Is the stranger afraid of all dogs? Has the information worn off the tag because you bought the aluminum tag from the machine since it was heart-shaped and so cute? Forget cute when it comes to tags. Steel or heavy plastic tag. Slip-on the collar or on a strong link. Information is printed on the collar as well so it is easy to read. On the tag, full address with city and state. Two telephone numbers with area code never hurts to have a backup. Last, you can have a pet id implanted between the shoulder blades. Most shelters now have readers. The confusion among competing vendors seems to be quieting down so they are now becoming a practical tool. Shelters that have them read all pets, both living and deceased, that enter the shelter. For a pet that has lost its collar on the way, it is a straight line back to the owner. That can be many days after it is lost. I am hopeful that at some point in time, government-run shelters will all put their information into a common database so that registering a lost pet in one shelter will give you a registration throughout the country. It will make searching easier. It will return pets home more quickly. It may well cause the enormous number of pets who are destroyed each year to be rescued instead. Imagine if someone found a lost dog, looked on the database, and found its owner. The days of agonizing wait would be cut short. It is a low-tech problem that would be resolved beautifully by a high-tech solution. One day. For those that do, only a tiny percentage fall into harm's way. Most are returned to their owners, normally in 24 hours, sometimes with a week. If you have lost your pet, I hope the information I have provided speeds your beloved pet home to you. And when it is safely back in your arms, you spend a little time helping to educate other owners on how best to avoid the sadness that you have experienced, and the elation that I hope is your joy too.

Do GSD's make good family pets? A well bred and properly trained German shepherd makes a wonderful family companion. They are naturally protective of their "pack". As with any other breed, young children should never be left unattended with a puppy, however, if the children learn to respect the puppy as a living being, the puppy will be a wonderful companion for the children as they all grow up together. Your dog's ranking in the "pack" should always be established as the bottom Omega member below humans. What traits are present in the German Shepherd? The breed is naturally loyal, intelligent and protective which makes it good for police work. The GSD has an excellent nose, making it good for tracking and search and rescue work. They are calm and have a steady temperament when well-bred which is why they have been used as "Seeing Eye" dogs. A GSD thrives on regular exercise, mental stimulation and a well-balanced diet. They are very trainable and love to work. The German shepherd is affectionate but generally not dependent. He is aloof to strangers and may often seem quite indifferent to those outside his 'pack'. Breeding plays an important role in the temperament of GSD's, therefore selecting a reputable breeder concerned with both physical health and the personality of their puppies is of utmost importance. Different bloodlines exhibit traits differently, so question breeders about the strong and weak traits of their bloodlines. See the article on German versus American bloodlines about specific general differences. Can you guarantee my puppy will not have hip problems? No breeder in the world can guarantee that the puppies won't develop dysplasia, and if they do.Hip dysplasia is considered to be polygenic and is also influenced by environmental factors. That means that it's caused by a combination of genes that may not show up in any litter previously. No matter the certifications in the pedigree it is possible that your puppy could be predisposed to hip dysplasia. Treatments both surgical and drug can be done early to alleviate problems down the line. If in doubt, find an orthopedic specialist. Be wary of a breeder that says their puppies will definitely not have hip problems. The parents of our puppies are certified free of dysplasia and that should your pup develop a problem, I will be available to help and guide you in deciding what steps to take. What is the difference between males and females? Some people will say that males are more "location" protective while females are more "pack" protective. Males are generally more territorial, so unless training steps are consistent, marking could be a problem. Neutering may help alleviate this problem. Any dog not intended for a breeding program should be neutered or spayed. Besides eliminating the possibility of unwanted puppies and reducing some undesirable behaviors, it's considerably healthier for your dog since it eliminates or severely reduces the chance of testicular or mammary cancers. I have found that it is more useful to look to the individual temperament and personality of each pup in the litter then to generalize about sex differences. How old will my puppy be when I take it home? Puppies are old enough to go to their new homes by eight weeks. How big will my German shepherd be? The full adult size of your GSD will depend in large part on the genetic background of its parents. Adult males should range between " at the shoulder blade, females from ". Males within the standard may weigh anywhere from lbs. Females may weigh anywhere from lbs. Although your pup will reach close to adult height by months, he will continue to fill out until up to 3 years old. Be wary of breeders who emphasize "oversize", "huge", "big-boned" breeding stock or puppies. Bigger is not better in German Shepherds. The German Shepherd is not built to have a skeletal and muscular structure of an oversize breed. An inch or so out of standard may be acceptable providing the general line is not consistently out of standard. A responsible breeder will offset an oversize dog by breeding with a line that is a bit smaller in order to maintain the standards as closely as possible. What is "socializing" and why is it so important? Socializing refers to exposing your puppy to a variety of experiences, including meeting lots of people of various ages, races, sizes and both sexes as well as teaching them how to acceptably interact with other dogs. Puppy kindergarten classes provide an excellent opportunity for socialization in a controlled environment. Socializing is important because it helps strengthen your dog's confidence and reduces the chance that your dog will become shy or fearful. Fearful dogs can become fear aggressive or fear biters. All our puppies interact daily with our young children and experience playing inside and outside with the kids, older dogs, cats and different people. Will my German shepherd puppy's ears stand? Although some puppies' ears stand as early as weeks, don't be concerned if your pup's ears don't stand until months especially pups with large ears after teething. Some pups ears never stand. This is known as a "soft ear". Sometimes taping is successful. It is a disqualification in showing but does not affect the dog' health in a negative way. What precautions should I take with my GSD puppy? Other than the normal precautions of immunizations beware of a fast-growing puppy. There are studies that show a correlation between fast growth and hip dysplasia if your pup is predisposed to HD. You may want to switch your puppy over to adult food if it seems to be growing very quickly. Don't pet your puppy's ears backwards before they stand. Although people often do this by nature, it can damage the cartilage in your pup's ears which can affect the ear carriage. Do take your puppy to puppy kindergarten and obedience training classes and do your homework for these classes. Behaviors that are cute in a 15 pound puppy can be dangerous in a 75 pound adult. Socialize your puppy with people especially children and other dogs frequently after your puppy has completed its immunization series sometime after 16 weeks old. Your puppy may go through a period known as "adolescent shyness" when it reaches months of age. This period can last until the pup is months old. Socializing your puppy from an early age will help minimize this shyness. Expose your puppy to a variety of experiences, but do so gently. You don't want to traumatize your puppy. Be careful of heavy physical exertion directly before and after eating, especially if your GSD is a "gulper". German shepherds and many other large breeds can suffer from bloat. If your dog's abdomen becomes distended and rigid and it can not seem to belch or pass gas, gastric torsion may be the problem. This is an immediate health concern and you should contact your vet or an emergency clinic. How long should I wait to switch my puppy to adult food? We recommend switching at around 12 weeks to a feeding a high quality adult food. Check out the content of the food closely. Look for some kind of meat to be the first ingredient, not a grain product. Studies have shown that puppies growing quickly may be more prone to developing hip and elbow dysplasia. Dry food is fine, you don't need to supplement with canned food. It's expensive and doesn't provide anything a good dry food doesn't. If your puppy doesn't want to eat the dry food, you can moisten it slightly with warm water. This may also reduce the risk of bloat and don't worry, the pup will eat when he is hungry! How often should I feed my puppy and how much? Feed the pup morning and evenings, as much as he will eat in one sitting then remove the bowl until the next meal. Adjust your portions appropriately if the puppy is putting on excess weight. Remove his water source several hours before bedtime and fresh water should be available with every meal. Once the dog is housebroken, free access to water unless you will be gone for an extraordinarily long period of time should not be a problem. What is bloat gastric torsion? Bloat otherwise known as "gastric torsion" can be a problem with any deep chested breed like German Shepherds. The stomach twists so nothing can pass through the esophagus to the stomach or through the stomach to the intestines, causing gas to build up. This is an immediate health concern where the dog should be taken to the vet or emergency clinic. Signs of bloat include a distended rigid abdomen, indications of vomiting with no results and inability to belch or pass gas. High activity directly before or after eating can exacerbate bloating. Keeping the dog quiet at least one hour before and after eating can help reduce the chances of bloat. Pre-moistening the dog's food with water can also reduce the chances and smaller meals can also reduce the risk of bloat if you do not free-feed. Free-fed dogs just need to have their activity level watched, but do not usually eat enough at any one sitting to cause problems. Bloat is more of a problem with a dog that "gulps" its food which a free-fed dog won't usually do. Don't leave pre-moistened food down for a free-fed dog too long as it can breed bacteria. Instead, leave them smaller portions, but refill more frequently. What is the life expectancy of a German shepherd? Most lines of GSD's will live to between years of age. A GSD becomes "middle-aged" between years old, and is generally considered "geriatric" at about .Their food intake and exercise and nutrition needs may change over this period of time. They may begin to develop stiffness in their joints much like people do as they get older. Healthy teeth are important as bacteria from decaying teeth can affect the health of the dog. Do German Shepherds shed a lot? The GSD is a "double-coated" dog with an undercoat and guard hairs. The guard hairs will be shed all year. The undercoat is "blown" twice a year. The shedding is pretty much constant, but a regular weekly brushing keeps things under control. Avoid giving baths as it dries out the coat's natural oils. What is a long-coated German shepherds? The correct GSD coat is relatively short with an obvious undercoat. As such it is quite waterproof. Some dogs are born with long coats which usually, though not always, also have an undercoat. The normal coat is dominant to the long version, so there are three kinds of dog: normal, normal but carrying the long coat gene, and long. If you don't intend to show your dog in conformation, there's no reason to avoid the long-coated GSD. Long-coated GSD's can and do compete in obedience and other working disciplines. You should be aware, however, that the longer coat does require more attention when grooming. Are German shepherds smart and easy to train? Yes and no to both. Most GSD's are eager and willing to learn and enjoy training sessions don't overdo with a young pup - they just don't have the attention span. If you start young and teach your puppy its order in your "pack", problems with training will be minimized. However, GSD's tend to have more dominant personalities than some breeds and can be stubborn, so some care in training is recommended. Classes are extremely beneficial. A GSD that thinks it's the Alpha member of the pack can be a big handful. We help you to select the puppy with the appropriate temperament for your living situation. This helps to insure that with proper training the relationship between your dog and your family will be harmonious. My young GSD is limping! Is it pano or dysplasia?? You probably do want to take your pup into a vet just to make sure you can eliminate hip and elbow dysplasia from the cause of the problem. Most likely the vet will confirm that your pup has panosteitis, an inflammation of the long bones in the legs of adolescent pups. It's fairly common in GSD's It's also known as "long bone disease", "shifting leg lameness" and "growing pains". Onset can be from months occasionally later and last until 18 months or more. Though it is uncomfortable for the puppy, it almost always grows out of it. The lameness need not be limited to one leg. What is an average size litter? An average size litter for a GSD is six to eight puppies. What is the difference between a GSD and an Alsatian? There is no difference. After each of the World Wars, anything German fell out of popular favor. To avoid the use of the word German, "Alsatian" from the Alsace-Lorraine area was used. In some countries, GSD's are still known as Alsatians. The word "Dog" is part of the name. What is Schutzhund? Schutzhund is German for "protection dog", but it also refers to a training discipline and dog sport involving 3 phases; obedience, tracking and protection. It is supposed to be a fun experience for both the dog and the handler. If it isn't for one or the other, don't consider it. Find another activity. Schutzhund is not the be all and end all of training. See the section on Schutzhund often noted as SchH for more information. More info on schutzhund Why buy from a reputable breeder? You should seek out a reputable breeder when looking for a GSD pup because of the health concerns noted above as well as problems in temperament brought out in ill-bred GSD's Poorly-bred GSD's can also be aggressive, fearful, or shy-sharp a fearful dog that becomes aggressive when frightened. It is for these reasons that a reputable breeder is more likely to have sound pups, guarantee their health, help you select the puppy most suited to your lifestyle and goals, and be able to guide you as the pup grows. Testimonials: "Hi. He blended right into our family and we don't remember life before him. His temperament and intelligence are above average. At the vet I heard the vet and techs in the back gushing over how behaved he was and they sent me home with extra goodies for him hehe. He's already house trained. I've already been able to teach him two commands "here" and "place". He's also the best snuggler and is sooo very patient and forgiving with my tornado of a two year old son. He is the best dog I've had in my entire life and love him to the moon. I can't wait until he's old enough to start going on adventures with us. Thank ya'll for a wonderful dog! We get soooo much attention with her! We've had people literally pull off the road just to comment on her! Lots of people asking if we are going to breed her! We are meeting with someone on Friday to evaluate her for protection training. She's my girl and she knows her job well! Btw, people always ask me where I got her.I tell them all about you guys! Here are pictures of Liberty sunbathing with her sister, Queen Bitsy! She loves her boy!