english bulldog puppies for sale under $2000

Chapter 6. Must be cleaned at least once every 5 days or more often if necessary to eliminate odor or insect problems. Rabies Vaccination According to City Ordinances 6. The vaccination needs to be repeated at fifteen months and a booster vaccination must be given triennially. Unvaccinated dogs or cats acquired or moved to Lincoln must be vaccinated within thirty days after purchase or arrival. At the time of vaccination, the veterinarian will give the owners a tag which needs to be attached to the collar or harness of the dog or cat. License Requirements According to City Ordinances 6. The term "running at large" is defined to mean any dog that is not under the control of its owner, except that a dog shall not be considered under the control of its owner unless on a leash, cord or chain which is securely fastened or picketed in a manner sufficient to keep the dog on the premises where picketed, or on a leash, cord or chain of six 6 feet or less in length physically held by the owner, or confined within a receptacle, enclosed vehicle, fenced enclosure or shelter, or within the real property limits of the owner and in his or her presence and under his or her direct and effective voice control. This requirement is defined and interpreted to include the following: Any dog kept habitually outside or left outside unattended repeatedly when adult persons are not present on the property must have shelter. Any dog kept outside for more than 30 minutes during inclement weather conditions should have access to an artificial shelter which provides adequate protection for existing and anticipated weather conditions. A responsible dog owner will use good judgement based on weather conditions vs dog's health, breed, and size. All dogs should have access to shade at all times during warm weather. The shelter should be small enough so the dog's body heat will keep him warm and yet be large enough for the dog to stand and turn around. It should protect the dog from temperature extremes and precipitation. Bedding material should be maintained, cleaned and replaced as needed. The shelter should be in good condition and not have any nails or other protruding objects. A shelter having insulated walls is ideal and recommended. One shelter per dog is ideal with some type of flap over the entrance. For dogs kept in an unheated garage, a box with bedding to retain body heat is recommended. Ideally, the floor of a shelter or box should not be concrete, because it will transmit coldness to the dog unless it has some type of heating elements. A crawl space under a porch is not acceptable, because it does not retain the dog's body heat and will not keep the dog off frozen ground. Pen Size Minimum Requirements. Dog Skills: Selective This information is 13 minutes old and may not represent all of the animals at the Nebraska Humane Society. People describe me as affectionate - I'm cuddly, lovable, and I like to snuggle. I am bit nervous at first, but once I warm up, I'll be your best friend. I'm a typical herding breed that is highly intelligent and athletic. I may show some herding instincts, which tend come out with things running around. For that reason, I may do better in a home with children over the age of .If you're an active family looking for a dog to do fun activities with, I'm your guy! My education has been a little lacking, but I'm ready to learn. I'm searching for an adopter who is ready to put the time into teaching me. I am not the biggest fan of cats so I will need to go to a home without them. I need to meet all family members, including any resident dogs, before going to my forever home to make sure I can fit right into the family! Dax is available on a first come, first served basis. To meet this pet, please come to the shelter during adoption hours, fill out a survey with your information, and then you'll meet with an adoption coordinator who will introduce you. To save time you can fill out an adoption survey by clicking here.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. And thanks to their excellent temperaments, they also make perfect therapy and service dogs. Of course, we cannot forget that thanks to their Poodle heritage, these pups are well-known for being allergy-friendly dogs with their low-shedding coats. The perfect four-legged companion, we must say! For this reason, ethical breeders always conduct extensive health and genetic testing to rule out any hereditary illnesses that can be carried onto the offspring. Health warranties should always come in written form, and they typically cover the first one or two years from adoption. After all, breeders can claim whatever they want on their websites. As a responsible Bernedoodle breeder in Arizona, Dulcito Doodles only breeds their litters from fully health tested and cleared parents. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Dulcito Doodles is very much committed to raising healthy, well-rounded, and confident puppies. They follow the Badass Breeders protocols, implement the Early Neurological Stimulation ENS , introduce them to grooming and socialization , and start the puppies on litter box training as early as 3 weeks old. In addition to that, they feed their pups a high-quality raw food diet to provide them the best start in their care. Our Prices and Health Guarantee We are small family based hobby Bernedoodle breeders located in North Phoenix, AZ and we specialize in raising and training gorgeous and healthy high quality Bernedoodles in various sizes and colors. Our puppy parents are health tested and are loving sweet dogs with great temperaments. We try to use holistic natural approach with our family and pups as much as possible. Our special puppy training curriculum starts on day 1 from birth and continues till pups leave us. Many of our pups are working with children and adults with various physical and mental disabilities including Autism and past traumas. We have pups who became mobility and seizure alert service dogs. We teach our fur babies to trust, submit and love people and to adjust easier to many different environments. We use special set of exercises and training techniques from Puppy Culture, BAB by Jeanette Forrey, Super Dog Bio sensory program and set of our own proven exercises that proved themselves amazingly well for our pups for many years and helped us better prepare our fur babies for service and therapy work. We provide our fur babies with a great solid foundation to build on. Our pups start potty training at 3 weeks old and later at 5 weeks old they start using doggy door and at 8 weeks old they are usually keeping their puppy room accident free. Pups will go home potty trained to use doggy door and potty box and will also know a few simple commands appropriate for their age. They will be dewormed and have their wellness exam and first vaccines done by our Vet. Our pups get to spend time inside and outside, learn variety of different surfaces to walk on and play on, learn about different smells and textures, get exposed to a variety of sounds and movements during our desensitization exercises. Reach out to us please and see if we have just the right fur baby for you. Many blessings to you. Katerina Share this:. Website: Arizona Goldendoodles More About Bernedoodle Puppies In Arizona Before you are all set to get a small Bernedoodle for your family, you must know about its behavior and other general details about adaptability. Here is an overview that will help you to make an informed decision. Temperament And Behaviour Bernedoodles are often quoted as a breed that comprises traits from the best of both worlds. They do not shed much, which is an element from their poodle background, while they are active and moderately energetic, which comes from their Bernese Mountain Dog side. They are very compassionate towards the people they are around, and as a result, they make great family dogs. They are also very good with children and enjoy hours of cuddling and playing. They are smart and are incredibly comfortable interacting with other dogs and humans. The most important and respectable trait about them is the level of loyalty they uphold. A Bernedoodle is very dedicated and will instantly provide you with a lot of warmth if it feels that something is wrong. You must train your Bernedoodle to stay on its own while you are at work. Bernedoodles are prone to experience separation anxiety, and therefore incorporating this element in their routine during their formative years holds a lot of importance. Health Bernedoodles are incredibly healthy dogs because of their genetic arrangement. They are immune to many common disorders because of their biochemistry, and therefore you can be relaxed about their general welfare. However, even after eliminating all the possible causes of the ailment, it is not possible to predict how an offspring will turn out in reality. The best possible thing to do is to feed the parents with proper meals on time and by taking care of their medication if any. It would be best if you fed your puppy religiously in the beginning so that it does not contract any health disorder. Proper exercise and lots of love will also ensure their happiness. Breeders vs Shops It is a very general question that emerges in the minds of people who wish to get themselves a pet. Buying a puppy from a store might be very convenient, but it devoids you with the small details about your furry friend. Shops deal with a lot of animals, and therefore they are not invested in a particular animal or a breed. A breeder, on the other hand, will be equally invested and will provide you with all the essential details and things to keep in mind. Right Advice A breeder will always want the best for the puppy. They will help you in selecting the right puppy that will be suited to your lifestyle and expectations. Money becomes secondary for breeders because their primary objective is to provide the best possible life to their puppies. Correct Details Most shop owners tend to conceal some details that might hinder their sales. On the other hand, breeders are entirely transparent about the details of their puppy. They tend to provide all the right information because they have seen the puppy grow and are well versed with the way it functions. They will help you out by providing details from the situations that they have encountered in reality. A shop owner might not be able to help you in such cases because of their generic understanding. Conclusion Having a Bernedoodle will be a worthy addition to your life because of its happy-go-lucky attitude. They will never let you have a moment of sadness with their happy faces and wiggling tails. You can contact the above-mentioned breeders according to your preferences and expectations. It is imperative to be firmly determined before getting a dog because it requires commitment and attention. If you think that you have all the needed motivation and resources, step out and get all set for incessant sessions of cuddling and late-night walks. Woof Woof! These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Flagstaff Arizona and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups! Scroll down to read about this amazing breed that we have fallen in love with. We love Bernedoodles! Best Suited For: Families with children, active singles and seniors, houses with yards Temperament: Friendly, gentle, smart, affectionate Bernedoodle Basics If you are looking for a fluffy dog that will be your companion for life, look no further than the Bernedoodle. While the name may sound a little funny, these dogs make wonderful pets and they are especially great with children. Origin Hybrid dogs have been in existence for many years, so the first crossing of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle may have occurred long ago. The breeder who claims to have been the first to intentionally breed Bernedoodles, however, is Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Kennels. Rupke bred her first litter of two Bernedoodles in and has since developed a breeding program around this hybrid breed. It is possible to have a Bernedoodle with more or less than 50 percent of each parent breed in its heritage if a first-generation Bernedoodle is mated with either a Poodle or a Bernese Mountain Dog. These are recommended for those who want a Bernedoode with minimal shedding and are also better for those with more severe allergies to dander. Bernedoodles are playful and affectionate — they do well with children and they love to spend time with their families! This combination is called the F1 Bernedoodle, or a first-generation cross, and it is believed these puppies grow up to be much healthier than both of its parent breeds and will display the most desirable mix of traits. It is possible to have a Bernedoodle with more or less than 50 percent of each parent breed in its heritage if a first-generation Bernedoodle is mated with either a Poodle or a Bernese Mountain Dog. Discover more about our Bernedoodle puppies for sale below! The Bernedoodle is a strong, robust dog with a compact and powerful body. It has a bushy tail, long-hanging ears, a triangular muzzle and button eyes. Their coat comes in a variety of colors such as black, white, tan, brindle or a combination thereof. Even though these hybrid dogs have been around less than two decades, the breed is already very popular. Weight Because the Poodle comes in three different sizes, so does the Bernedoodle. A toy or a tiny Bernedoodle stands 12 to 17 inches tall and weighs 10 to 24 lbs. A mini Bernedoodle stands 18 to 22 inches tall and weighs 25 to 49 lbs. A standard Bernedoodle stands 23 to 29 inches tall and weighs 70 to 90 lbs. Bernedoodle Temperament and Behavior If you are looking for a smart and loyal dog that will be your companion for life, look no further than the Bernedoodle. These hybrid fluffy pooches combine the best of both worlds: the intelligence and low shedding coat of the Poodle, with the laid-back yet incredibly loyal nature of the Bernese. The Bernedoodle is a responsive and loving breed. They are intelligent, social, and good with children. These traits make the Bernedoodle easier to train and a good family dog. Bernedoodles have a relaxed temperament but a moderate energy level. Since the Bernedoodle is a combination of two different breeds, the puppies will have a combination of personality traits from each parent breed depending on the amount of each breed involved in the cross. It can even depend on the individual pooch — litter mates that have the same parents might turn out to favor different lineages, some leaning more towards their Poodle or Bernese roots than others. From the Bernese Mountain Dog side, Bernedoodles can be a little wary around strangers so early socialization is important. Toy and mini Bernedoodles also tend to be more energetic and stubborn than standard Bernedoodles. This also means that separation anxiety could end up being a problem for Bernedoodles in case they are not properly socialized. Bernedoodle Health For the most part, the Bernedoodle is a healthy breed. In fact, the creators behind this designer breed claim that elimination of health issues typical for the purebred dogs is what drove them to crossbreed dogs in the first place. However, in no scenario is it possible for someone to predict how healthy any dog will be throughout their lifetime: the best you can hope for is that a proper diet, plenty of exercise and regular visits to the vet will help keep your pooch healthy and happy. Life Expectancy The Bernedoodle is still considered a new breed still being perfected so there is not enough information about their lifespan. While there is no way to say with certainty how long Bernedoodles live, breeders estimate that the average life expectancy of a Bernedoodle is between 12 and 15 years. Of course, there are bound to be slight variations due to the difference in sizes, so a tiny Bernedoodle might live to be 17 years old, while the standard sized are closer to the shorter end of the range. Exercise Requirements The activity level of Bernedoodles varies depending on breeding, but they are typically a moderately active breed. They do love their outdoor adventures and will be more than happy to join you on a hike or your morning jog, but they do not need intensive exercise to stay healthy and happy. With that being said, the Bernedoodle can be a good choice for apartment dwellers provided they have enough space and are willing to take their pet on long walks and to the dog park. This means that Bernedoodles adapt to various lifestyles, including different activity levels. You could be letting them roam about in a securely fenced backyard and maybe play with another canine companion, arrange a visit to the dog park for a game of fetch or simply have a daily walk around the block. The smaller varieties — toy and mini Bernedoodles — tend to be more active than the larger varieties. In any case, a good daily walk should be enough to satisfy the exercise requirements of a Bernedoodle. A good idea is to offer puzzle toys and interactive toys, too. These will keep your pet entertained and offer a challenge for their smart minds. Bernedoodle Coat Bernedoodles come in any combination of white, black, and brown. It is also possible for Bernedoodles to be tricolor or sable — black, white and brown. This color combination is also the most difficult to achieve, and as such, the most desirable. Recently, some breeders have presented a merle Bernedoodle which displays a marbled white and gray pattern on a black coat. Puppies with this coat are very rare and usually the most expensive. Just as Bernedoodles come in different colors according to breeding, they also have different types of coats. Most Bernedoodles have long, wavy coats that shed minimally. Straight-coated Bernedoodles are less common and tend to shed more than wavy or curly-coated Bernedoodles. The goal with crossbreeding these two popular breeds was to create a perfect companion for families of all shapes and sizes. Bernedoodle Grooming The amount of shedding depends on the type of coat your dog has inherited from either parent. Those with a straighter type are prone to shed more, whereas if its coat is curly it will tend to shed less. Brushing somewhat regularly will help to prevent matting. Bernedoodle Training If bred well, the Bernedoodle should be an easily trainable dog because it inherits intelligence, eagerness to please, and a calm demeanor from its parents. As with other breeds, it is good to train and socialize your dog while still a puppy to avoid destructive and nuisance behavior later in life. During the puppy stage Bernedoodles can be a little headstrong, but this tends to lessen as the dog matures and receives training. It will make both of your lives so much easier in the long run. See store for details on a particular puppy. Dog Registry of America, Inc. International Designer Canine Registry.

Is Crate Training Cruel? The short answer is no. Far from it actually. Most people will usually combine the thought of keeping your dog in a cage when it is home by itself, as something negative. This is because humans will compare this with the thought of ourselves being locked behind bars. But for the dog, this experience is quite different. By nature, dogs are cave animals, which you can usually see when they are sleeping. Dogs will usually try and sleep under a table or in a corner of a room. In nature, wolves and wild dogs will often bury holes in the ground for them to sleep in. Basically, a dog just wants to feel safe when they have to sleep or be left at home by itself. Crates serve the very useful purpose of preventing any problems regarding destructive behavior and other issues related to a puppy being home alone. A crate helps to educate your puppy and also helps when having visitors who might not be too happy around dogs. And of course, they are also quite helpful when you are traveling with your dog. Where Should the Crate be Placed? The best area where to place your crate is in the corner of a room of the house, where there is neither too cold nor too hot and no gusts of wind, Usually, a dog will want to be around their leader, you, so place the crate somewhere where it can see and hear you most of the time. Later on, you can get a specific bed for your labradoodle if you want. How Should a Crate be Designed A dog crate is usually built like a square cabinet, made from metal wire, plastic, or wood. My recommendation is to get one of metal as they seem to be less susceptible to the bites from a puppy. It has been quite great for us and seems to get very positive reviews on Chewy. No matter what type of crate you do end up getting, just remember to get one that is large enough for your dog to be able to stretch fully while laying on the side and to be able to sit without its head hitting the ceiling. Also, remember that a crate that is too large loses its purpose of creating a sense of security for your labradoodle. It is also possible to buy specific washable beds for some crates, else I would recommend getting a blanket for the crate. This will make the crate as cozy and comfortable as possible. When to Start the Training As soon as possible! And if you adopt a puppy you can begin as soon as it arrives in its new home. If you do decide not to keep the crate, remember to take it slowly so your dog has a chance of getting used to not having it around anymore. Educating an older dog is a lot harder and requires more patience. If you plan on traveling a lot with your dog, keeping your crate and bringing it with you is a good idea. Cleanliness in the Crate You should take your puppy for a walk at least every two hours. But accidents will happen, and usually at night. To minimize the risk of this, take your dog for a walk just before bedtime, and first thing in the morning. If you hear some whining during the night, get up and take the dog for a walk. Also, take your puppy for a walk immediately after dinner time, and if you see it sniffing intensively on the floor. If there is an accident, just clean it up as soon as you notice it using a special odor remover. It takes time and patience to introduce the crate as a home and a special place for your puppy. This way it will most likely only take a day or two before the puppy will go inside and lie down. After a few days where the dog has slept in the crate with the doors open, try casually closing the door, preferably while your dog is sleeping, and try to have it closed for a few minutes, or until the dog awakes. When the puppy awakes, open the door and praise your puppy and call it outside the crate. Gradually try to expand the time that the doors are closed. In time, you will be able to stay in the room with the doors closed, and your dog will lie down until it falls asleep. When this has become comfortable for your dog, try to leave the house and come back immediately. The next step is to leave the house for longer and longer. Continue expanding the amount of time you are able to leave the house. And try having a daily schedule for what you do before leaving the house. After the Habituation Have your dog get into the crate periodically during the day, until a maximum of 2 hours. Give your dog a chew toy as occupation, and remember to remove any collar which could otherwise get stuck somewhere in the crate. As you might end up with a dog that could get aggressive when people get near the crate. Make sure your dog gets used to you entering the crate once in a while. Wait until it has stopped barking or whining for at least 10 seconds before opening. Final Words Hopefully, this has given you some advice for crate training a labradoodle puppy. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Where To Put Your Crate Improper crate placement leads to anxiety issues for many dogs and can even cause obedience issues. Start by fitting the crate with the non-slip liner, add a crate mat or comfortable bed, and pop a tasty treat or chew toy inside. Place some treats and a bowl of water outside the crate where you can reach them. Now, you can let the puppy sniff around the crate. Some puppies will accept the crate with ease, going inside right away to get the treats inside. But you can help the process massively by creating a welcoming, comfortable space where your puppy can go to chill out and have fun. Start by putting a handful of tempting treats just inside the crate, put an intriguing toy inside, and talk encouragingly to your puppy. Most dog owners find that having the crate in a room with people will encourage a reluctant puppy to feel happier spending time inside his crate. Also, you must never shut your puppy in the crate for hours without giving him adequate potty breaks. Fun and Games You can make crate training sessions more fun for both of you by using crate games. Crate Feed Your Labradoodle Puppy Labradoodles can be pretty food-focused, and you can use that trait to encourage your puppy to spend time in his crate, considerably speeding up the training process. Have your furry friend watch as you prepare his food. Put the food bowl inside the crate toward the front. The puppy should go into the crate to get his meal. Next time you feed your puppy, put the food bowl further toward the back of the crate so that he has to go in further to get it. Close The Crate Door Once your Labradoodle puppy regards the crate as a safe, comfy space where he wants to be, you can begin closing the crate door while your pet is eating. To begin with, open the door again immediately after your puppy finishes eating. Each mealtime, leave the crate door closed for a little while longer. Back Off! Once your puppy happily stays in his crate, playing with his toys or munching on a treat chew stick, you can move away from the crate. If the puppy begins crying or barking, turn your back on him. Wait for a few minutes until the complaints stop, and your puppy is calm and quiet again. You can turn around and let your pet out of the crate. Observe your puppy. If your pup starts to panic and becomes upset, let him out of the crate and take the training process back a few steps. Increase The Confinement Time Provided your puppy is happy to remain inside the crate with the door closed, you can gradually increase the length of confinement time. Ideally, you want your puppy to remain in the crate for up to an hour before he needs to come out for a toilet break. If your pet begins crying, sniffing the ground, or circling, he needs to relieve himself. Immediately you see any of those signs, pick up your puppy and take him to his designated potty spot. As a rough guideline, puppies up to eight weeks old usually need to urinate every 30 to 60 minutes. When your puppy is older, he will be able to wait for longer between pee breaks. Sleepless Nights? The best place for your puppy to spend the night is in his crate next to your bed. A crate cover can help create a dark, den-like environment for your puppy, helping him settle down and sleep. Potty Stops Young puppies will wake up every couple of hours during the night for a potty break. When accidents happen, do not punish your puppy or scold him. Clean up accidents outside of the crate by using an enzyme cleaning product that will eliminate the scent of pet pee from your floor coverings. Be sure to clean the crate thoroughly to avoid any lingering toilet smells. Use verbal cues from day one of your crate training process. Longer Confinement Time Your puppy needs to learn that spending time confined in his crate is normal for everyday family life. After a couple of weeks of training, your puppy should be able to remain contained in his crate for one to two hours. We recommend spending time playing with your Labradoodle between crate training sessions. How To Deal With Tantrums Puppies are rather like toddlers in that they will almost certainly throw temper tantrums during the early days of crate training, especially when you first close the crate door. When your puppy throws a temper tantrum, turn around and wait until your feisty furry friend settles down again. Once peace is restored, reward your puppy with treats and verbal praise. Moreover, you might also want to read our guide to crate training other dog breeds. Check these out:. Learning to be calm in a crate will make things like staying in a kennel, visiting the vet, and traveling by car easier for them. Plus, a crate can be a comforting, homey place for your dog to feel secure and unwind. So, how do you train your new pup to see their crate as a special place to relax instead of a place of confinement, anxiety, or punishment? Start by making their crate a fun, comfortable place to be. The key to successful crate training is to create positive associations between your dog and their crate. Place their bed, favorite blanket, or an old t-shirt with your scent in there for comfort. Remember—a crate should never be used as a form of punishment. Introduce your dog to their crate slowly. Throwing your puppy in their crate and closing the door will only make them fear it. Instead, let them explore and get to know it first. Encourage them to enter with treats, words in a positive tone, or a special command they can learn to associate with crate time. Feeding them meals in the crate can be helpful too. Gradually crate them for longer periods as they grow more comfortable. Once your dog can sit in their crate without whining for those 5-minute intervals, work your way up to longer ones. When they enter, reward them with praise, a treat, or a toy. Place a blanket over the crate to block out any potentially scary and distracting sights and sounds. Then, walk away. Start with minutes at a time, then as they improve work up to 30 minutes. To reserve one of the exceptional puppies from our upcoming litters, call or email Blue Star Labradoodles today! How do you crate train your new Labradoodle like a pro? First, find a crate that is the right size for your dog and that is secure enough to prevent a sneaky escape. This is the crate I use with my Labradoodle. Introduce the crate slowly by allowing your puppy to freely go in and out before you attempt an extended period of crate time. Before crating, engage in a period of rambunctious play with your puppy, and make sure to give your Labradoodle plenty of potty opportunities. When playtime is over, sit calmly by the crate and brush or pet your puppy to instigate a sleepy-time response. Then, once your puppy is soundly snoring, place her gently into the crate and shut the door without locking it. With time, your Labradoodle will associate his crate with rest time, and crating your Doodle will be a stress-free experience for you both. It emits a life-like heartbeat that can calm and sooth them. You can even add a heat pack to make it even more realistic. Sounds simple, right? The truth is, crating can be one of the simplest training exercises for you and your pup, but it can also be laden with challenges and unexpected issues. If you are ready to begin the process of teaching your Labradoodle how to love his crate, read on for tips on crate selection, introducing your puppy to his new hideaway spot, and tackling issues as they arise. Many first-time dog owners are horrified at the idea of leaving their dog in a small, enclosed space for hours at a time. I love her too much! Dogs are den animals: even though they have been domesticated over thousands of years, they still retain some wild canine instincts. One of those instincts is to rest in a spot that is safe and offers protection. According to the Humane Society of the United States , most dogs actually crave periods of solitude, and a crate gives them a special space where they can secure that solitude when and if they need it. While you may use crate training specifically to house your Labradoodle when you need to leave, you may find that your dog goes in and out of her crate even when you are home. If crate training is approached slowly and methodically, your dog will come to love this special spot. Once your Labradoodle is acclimated to her crate, a wide variety of benefits will be seen. Instead, a dog crate is a sanctuary. Choosing The Right Crate The single most important part of successful crate training is choosing the right crate, and this often leads to Doodle owner panic. There are thousands of crate models on the market today, and it can be absolutely overwhelming for first time Labradoodle owners to know which crate to buy. This is the crate I got for Oliver as a puppy …and he still uses it today. We wrote a helpful guide on choosing the right crate which you can read here. Which materials are safe for your fluffy furball? How secure should the crate be? How big? Does it need attached water and food bowls? Multiple doors? An enclosed top? Everything else can take a back seat. Dogs frequently reposition themselves when resting, and a crate that provides room for this is essential. Dogs kept in crates that are too small may develop anxiety issues or even health problems like joint stiffness. This can be problematic for Labradoodle owners who want to start crate training when their Doodle is still a puppy. A crate that is the perfect size when your dog is six months old is going to be far too small when your puppy reaches a year in age. Large crates with dividers will let you adjust the space as your Labradoodle grows, so a single crate can function well through the various stages of doggy development. Useful Crate Features The size of the crate may be the most important feature, but there are other factors to consider when investing in a high-quality dog crate for your Doodle. These features are not necessities, but they may make your Labradoodle more comfortable and your life a little easier. Here are four simple steps to ensure crate training success. Allow your pup time to get acclimated to this interesting, new cubby. If your snuggle buddy falls asleep in your lap after a period of play, gently move him to the crate and let him continue to sleep with the door open. This accomplishes three things. First, it will tire her out and make her more likely to spend her first crate experience in deep, blissful sleep. Second, it will give her ample time to go potty, which helps to avoid accidents. And lastly, it gives your Labradoodle time to feel connected to you, her human companion. Crating can be stressful for a puppy because they are spending an indeterminate amount of time without you in the home. When you walk out the door, your dog has no idea when, or even if, you will return. Playtime reinforces bonds and helps your Labradoodle puppy feel nurtured and engaged. You can transition your puppy from exuberance to exhaustion by sitting quietly and petting or brushing him. When your Labradoodle is relaxed and starting to sleep, place him in the crate and continue soothing him until he falls asleep. Then, quietly shut the crate door and immediately leave. If you crate your Labradoodle for four hours the very first time, she is going to have an accident. This will lead to discouragement, frustration, and even fear of the crate. You want to establish crate milestones that your puppy can easily achieve. Each time you return to a puppy who has successfully stayed in her crate with no issues, you reinforce the crate as a positive location. Start your Labradoodle off with periods in the crate ranging from a few minutes up to an hour. Once she is acclimated to staying in the crate alone for an hour, you can gradually begin increasing crate time. Common Crate Training Mistakes In the world of dog training, a simple mistake can often lead to months of problem behaviors that need to be slowly and meticulously corrected. Here are some of the most common crate training mistakes made by first-time Labradoodle owners. Rushing the process: Dogs need time to acclimate to changes, so if you introduce a scary-looking crate and immediately shut your pup inside this unfamiliar area, it may lead to anxiety or panic. Forgetting the potty break: Puppies can only hold their bladders for a couple of hours at a time, so be sure to give your Labradoodle a chance to go potty immediately before putting him in the crate. When you return, immediately take your puppy to go potty, and praise him when he goes. Punishing with the crate: If your puppy associates her crate with punishment, it will cease to be a safe and relaxing environment for her. Never punish your puppy by banishing her to the crate. Similarly, never punish your puppy for soiling her crate. Simply take her outside for a potty attempt, praise her if she goes, and clean the crate promptly to remove any lingering odors. Crating multiple dogs together: Yes, puppies love to snuggle with one another, and it can be tempting to think that crating two dogs together provides them with companionship and comfort. However, as puppies grow they will need their own spaces, and separating two pups that have spent months in the same crate can be traumatic. If you have multiple dogs, crate them separately but in close proximity to one another. Cluttered crate environment: Sure, you want your puppy to be entertained while crated, but the crate should predominantly be an environment of serenity. One toy is enough to provide your Labradoodle with something to do without cluttering up the zen-like atmosphere of the crate. There are issues that can pop up between pup and crate, and these may be chalked up to a mistake made during the training process, an issue with the crate itself, or even just the specific personality of your dog. My Labradoodle cries constantly when I put him in his crate. After all, who wants to hear their precious puppy crying? If your Labradoodle whines or barks immediately after being put into his crate, sometimes waiting for him to cry himself to sleep is the best course of action. If your puppy is panicking i. Give your puppy calm, soothing pets and snuggles until he calms down. Then, take one more trip outside for a potty break, and try to introduce your dog to the crate again. You may need to do this several times until your pup has worn himself out to the point where he can fall asleep in his crate. My puppy always makes messes in her crate. If your pup has too much room, use a divider to cordon her to one side of the crate to avoid messes. Labradoodle puppies younger than one year need to go potty once every two hours to be comfortable! Try to schedule a few mid-day breaks for your Labradoodle puppy. Finally, you might want to watch how much water your Labradoodle is drinking in the hour leading up to crate time. Congratulations, you have a strong-willed pup on your hands. Some dogs will do everything in their power to avoid being put in their crate. Your dog may brace himself against the crate door, drag his paws on the ground, or turn into a puddle of dead weight and force you to manhandle him through the opening. Because he hates the thought of being separated from you. Be sure to spend plenty of time playing with your Labradoodle puppy before crating him. Also, some dogs will relax when they are brushed for a few minutes before crating. Crate your Labradoodle firmly but calmly. My Labradoodle is an escape artist, and no crate can contain her. If you have a little Houdini on your hands, you might need to get creative. Some dog owners, however, have to resort to zip ties to keep their magic canines in check. Every bed I put in the crate gets shredded within hours, what gives? Your Labradoodle puppy has an innate desire to chew, and this desire can only be redirected, never eliminated. Dogs are perfectly happy resting on a hard surface for a few hours at a time. Crate your dog without the bed, and leave the comfy cushion for times when you are at home and supervising. Next, find some sturdy toys that will stand up to persistent chewing, and put one in the crate with your Labradoodle. You can find toys that can be filled with goodies to occupy your Doodle pup for hours on end, but any toy will act as a healthy outlet for that chewing instinct. Some owners find success by purchasing several toys and rotating them in the crate on different days. Puppies are information sponges, and they love the stimulation and reward that comes from learning new tricks. First, try not to act differently when you are preparing to leave your puppy. If your dog senses that you are stressed by the act of leaving, she will internalize that stress. Next, stay positive and upbeat, and when you are ready to leave do so promptly and without fanfare. Start with short trips away from your dog, so she can learn that you will always return after leaving. Finally, make sure her crate is comfortable and stress-free, so she has a space to relax while awaiting your homecoming. If you have to leave your Labradoodle for more than four hours without a break, you will probably need to make arrangements for him to get a reprieve from the crate. Apps like Wag or Rover are great ways to locate passionate dog-lovers who will visit your dog mid-day for a walk or some much-needed play time. Doggy daycare facilities are also incredibly beneficial. Not only will your dog be active and exercising throughout the day, but these communal dog spaces teach valuable socialization skills. Leaving your dog crated for an extended period of time will make him uncomfortable and could lead to crate anxiety, so be sure to plan ahead. Wolves rarely sleep in the open, preferring instead to find a cave or hollow where they can be protected on all sides while they snooze. Their canine cousins still possess this innate desire, and a Labradoodle left to his own devices inside a sprawling home can feel anxious and unprotected. These feelings of anxiety coupled with the freedom to roam are the only necessary ingredients in a recipe for disaster. Start crate training as early as possible, and take it slow. Eventually, your Labradoodle will recognize her crate as her own special space, and she will likely seek it out when she needs some downtime. Related Posts:. They praise it as a wonderful tool and somewhere that their Doodle feels safe and happy. But, others may argue that it is a cruel tool, used to cage dogs. In truth, it will all depend on how an owner uses their crate. Or to turn it into a place your dog hates. But, at the same time, when used correctly, your Labradoodle puppy can love their crate. They can use it as their own safe space away from the noise of everyday family life. In fact, doing so can lead to a very unhappy and stressed puppy. What is Crate Training? A dog crate is simply an enclosed bed area for your Labradoodle puppy. Or when their puppy needs some sleep. For many dogs, a crate will be a safe and secure area where they can take themselves to relax and wind down. Many owners will use a crate at night, when sleep training their puppy. This ensures their puppy is safe at night, but also not causing havoc through the house! However, crates can also be used throughout the day to encourage your puppy to get some much needed sleep in those early months. Or to help them calm down if they get overexcited. On top of this, a dog crate can be a very useful potty training tool. All dogs will try to keep their sleeping area and their potty area separate. But, more on this later. Remember, you are best placed to know what is right for your Doodle! Pros of Crate Training Can keep your Labradoodle out of mischief and safe when you leave them alone for short periods When done correctly, will be a safe and comforting place for your Labradoodle Offers somewhere quiet and calm for young puppies to get some rest throughout the day Can be a very useful potty training tool Can make travelling with your Labradoodle a lot easier Cons of Crate Training If misused, a crate can be a stressful and frightening place for a puppy, eg. And, of course, your puppy is a very different size now than he will be in a few months. The best method here is to choose a crate that should be the right size for an adult Labradoodle. Try to estimate how large your puppy is going to grow. Then, buy a divider for your crate, so that you can section off a smaller section for your puppy to use. Your puppy needs enough room to stand, sit, and turn around comfortably. But any larger than this and your pup may end up using one end of the crate as a toilet area. In the first few days of your puppy being home with you , this can be achieved easily! Leave the crate door open so your puppy can go in and out as they please. Soon enough, your puppy will be willingly going into their crate, and associating it with something that makes them feel great — treats! But, to move on, you can pop your puppy in the crate and close the door. First, open it immediately and treat your puppy for sitting quietly inside. Once your puppy is happy and comfortable doing this, you can progress to shutting and locking the crate door, before opening it and treating your puppy. And, once your puppy is okay with this, you can slowly increase the length of time that the door is closed before opening and treating. Doing so can cause your puppy to be stressed and upset. A stressed puppy is no fun for anyone. If your puppy seems stressed at any point in this process, simply go back a step and reduce the duration. For instance, one time leave then for two seconds, then increase to five seconds, then drop back down to three. You can also put your puppy in their crate through the day before they go to sleep for one of their regular naps. Overall, our aim is to make the crate a wonderful and happy place for your puppy to relax. So, how are you meant to fix things if your puppy starts crying? Instead, move back a step, and increase the duration more slowly, for instance only a second longer. If your puppy is getting visibly distressed, it may be a good idea to give the training a break for a while. Go and play a game with them, or work on some different training to let them calm down, then come back and try again with crate training in a bit. No matter what breed you have, crate training is a lengthy process. At first, the increase of duration before you let your puppy out and treat them will be seconds, not minutes or hours! And, increasing this duration too quickly can lead to a puppy that hates being in their crate. Some may take to crate training much faster than others. For some owners, the process could take a couple of weeks. But, for others, it may take months before they can leave their puppy alone in the crate with no issues. Even if this process takes a little longer for you and your Labradoodle, taking it slowly will be worth it in the long run. Crate Training a Labradoodle Puppy at Night Crate training a Labradoodle puppy at night and through the day is a little different. However, during their first few nights with you, they will be scared and unsure of their surroundings. Being close to you will reduce the chance of your puppy crying through the night. Puppies have very small bladders, and you will need to take them outside multiple times, especially in those first few weeks. Your alternative is to place puppy pads at one end of a large crate. If your puppy cries throughout the night, it could be a sign that they need to go to the toilet. Dog Crates as a Potty Training Tool Throughout the day, a crate can be a great tool for potty training your puppy. Labradoodle puppies, like any other puppies, have very small bladders in their early age. Some may need toilet trips outside as often as every 20 minutes! But, as time goes on, you can start to extend the breaks between these trips by using your crate. Like all other parts of crate training, small steps are key here for building a strong level of trust between you and your puppy, and for successful training. Alternatives to Crates Not everyone likes the idea of putting their Labradoodle puppy in a crate, even though many dogs will feel like they have their own little den. As an alternative to a puppy crate, you could invest in a puppy pen. This will give your puppy room to move around, to play, and more, which a crate does not. Many pens are large enough for you to put a bed inside, a water bowl, and even some puppy pads for potty training purposes. However, despite this extra room, puppies will still need time outside of the pen to interact with you, socialize, exercise through games, and stimulate their brains. Baby gates on doorways are another alternative you might want to consider. This way, you can puppy proof an entire room for your pup to have access to. If you choose either of these two alternatives, you will still need to work hard at training. Particularly at training your puppy to be happy when left alone in their pen or room. This will still be a slow process, like crate training. The Puppy Parenting course is ideal for learning how to crate train, among other important puppy training goals. Crate Training Your Labradoodle Puppy Have you decided that crate training is the right step for you and your Labradoodle puppy? When done properly, crate training can be great, and can offer your puppy a safe and comfortable place of their own to relax. But, make sure you increase duration in the crate very gradually, so that your puppy never feels trapped or distressed when inside. Do you have any other Labradoodle crate training tips? References and Resources Ackerman, L. A crate is an essential tool in the house-training process. It can also be used to keep your pet and property safe. Crates are also a great way to transport your Labradoodle in the car. All Notch Hill Labradoodle puppies are introduced to crate training in a positive way before being sent to their new homes. If you continue to follow the below tips, your puppy will learn to love his crate. Instead, place the crate in an area of the house where your puppy spends a lot of his time. Put a few blankets and toys inside and leave the door open. The goal is to get him comfortable with going inside the crate. Do not close the crate door for the first time until he is completely relaxed. Crates should never be used as punishment. Feeding Your Puppy in the Crate When your puppy is happily entering the crate, your next goal is to get him comfortable with the idea of staying inside the crate for a longer period of time. One of the best ways to accomplish this is giving your Labradoodle his meals inside the crate. Place the food in the back of the crate so that he goes all the way in, but keep the door open. This creates a positive association with the crate. After he is done eating, open the door immediately. Then you can start leaving him in the crate for longer periods, adding a few minutes with each meal. This process can take several days or weeks. Crating Duration Guidelines During the day, puppies and adult Labradoodles should not be in the crate for more than 5 hours at a time. Follow these daytime guidelines to avoid potential problems: Important Reminders Don't ever leave a chain, prong, training, or slip collar on your Labradoodle when you put him in his crate. Give your puppy the opportunity to fully eliminate before being crated. Puppies do not like to soil their sleeping quarters if given adequate opportunity to eliminate elsewhere. Most adult dogs can stay in a crate for the entire night without a trip outside. However, young puppies and some old dogs cannot physically hold their bladders and bowels through the night. However you must teach your puppy all of your expectations, gently and firmly from day one. Decide the rules you want for your puppy, and teach them those rules right from the beginning, such as: not getting on furniture, not jumping up on people. If you allow that in the beginning, it will be very difficult to break the habit. Getting Prepared for A New Puppy! Puppy Chewing The more things you have for your puppy to chew, the less likely they are to chew up your things. The need to chew will go on for at least 18 months, although they may always love having things to chew and toys. You will also need a premium puppy food of your choice. We use an All Life Stages dog food made primarily of chicken and rice. Dogs originally were den animals, they burrowed holes underground, where they were safe from predators and nice and warm. They instinctively do not go to the bathroom in their dens. A crate is a safe haven for your puppy. Never take your puppy out of the crate until they are quiet, just sit patiently, without speaking, until they are quiet for a few seconds, and you will teach them to be quiet in the cage. Every time you take your puppy out of the crate, take them immediately outside to the place you want them to go to the bathroom. Puppies find places to go to the bathroom with their feet. When I take them out to the yard, to grass, rocks or dirt, which ever you prefer , they get used to that feeling on their feet and it becomes part of their potty que or trigger. If you allow your puppy to have accidents on your rugs or hardwood floors even by accident then that can quickly become their potty texture preference. Same goes for potty pads. Using potty pads only teaches your puppy that going potty on absorbent material is Ok. Not a great idea. Try to avoid accidents at all costs. This way, you will teach your dog to go to the bathroom on command. This can be very convenient if you are traveling or leaving the house. Stay away from the puppy until they are done with their business, keep other animals, children and any other distraction away from them. As soon as your puppy is done, immediately give them a dog treat and praise, and praise and praise. Then, stand back and see if there is more forthcoming and repeat the process. Your Puppy At Night. .If your puppy cries in the middle of the night, get up, sit by the cage until they are quiet for a minute or two, then and only then, take them outside to their spot, give the potty command to go, and stand quietly ignoring them until they are done, do not instigate play or talk in an excited voice. When their bladder gets mature, this nighttime potty break should stop. Read my post about how to stop puppy whining and crying in the crate! Then after that every hour for a couple of days, 2 hours for a few days. When they finish going to the bathroom, praise and treats. Never hit or yell harshly at your puppy, or they will be afraid of you, and will develop fear of you, rather than trust. It may take months before your dog is completely housetrained, be patient, it is all worth it! When you feed your puppy, stroke their back and head, and tell them how good they are. You want them to be used to having someone touch them when they eat. When you sit down to eat, ignore the puppy, or put them in the crate. When you have to leave make sure to crate your puppy or put them in a x-pen setup, when you get home, even after a short absence, calmly take your puppy outside, talk gently to them, let them go to the bathroom, take them back inside and talk to them calmly, pet them slowly and try to be as calm as you can. If you come back and get them excited, they will try to recreate that excited feeling when you are gone, because that means you will be home soon. Puppies are like any baby, they need lots of attention, a dog that does not get attention, will get anxious and nervous and may chew and chew furniture, rugs, shoes, cords, anything to get rid of the anxiety. Read my post on crate and x-pen setups for potty training puppies! Taking your Puppy to Class Take your puppy to obedience school. An untrained puppy can be a nuisance instead of a pleasure. Another important benefit, perhaps the most important, is puppies will meet many new people and dogs in puppy class, which will greatly help socialize them, and make them more people and dog friendly. When I take them out to the yard, to grass, rocks or dirt, which ever you prefer , they get used to that feeling on their feet. When they get to your home, your puppy will be used to the surface that you want them to use. This teaches them that talking to you actually works. Going Potty Outside Step by Step — Take your puppy outside on leash, take them to their designated spot, put them down, and give the potty command, stand back without touching them, and wait a bit for them to go to the bathroom. When you know your puppy is done going to the bathroom, praise them, give them a treat or a snuggle and then take them immediately back into the house, unless you are going to play with them outside. Our Main Menu.

This will vary depending on their age, size, life stage, and activity levels. A good quality diet with high-quality protein, fats, fiber, and carbohydrates is required. Avoid highly processed treats as these may be very high in calories. Instead, consider using lean protein or fresh vegetables for snacks or training treats. If your German Shepherd is overweight and you need to reduce its calorie intake, then do so gradually. If you want your dog to start exercising more, you will need to increase their fitness gradually to help avoid illness or injury. Little and often is key! Try mixing up activities such as walking, swimming, running, playing games such as retrieving a toy, tug of war or hide and seek, agility and training. Why not try something new with your dog? Ensuring your dog has access to a well, balanced nutritionally complete diet to suit each life stage is important. Introducing regular exercise to a puppy is important. Try to keep exercise roughly similar each day to build up healthy habits. An adult German Shepherd can require hours of exercise per day — they are active dogs that require an active lifestyle. Changes to their diet and activity levels will be needed with each life stage to keep them on track. A body condition score above 3 out of 5 is considered overweight or obese for a German Shepherd. How can I help my German Shepherd lose weight? Slow and steady weight loss is key! A well-balanced, nutritionally complete diet is important to ensure that your German Shepherd gets all the nutrients they need. Consulting with a nutritionist or veterinarian can help you determine the calorie requirements for your dog. What is the ideal weight for a German Shepherd? Average weight for German Shepherds is 60 to 88 pounds for males and 49 to 75 pounds for females. What is considered overweight for a female German Shepherd? Again, it is difficult to assign a value for weight as every dog is different. Female dogs may be more prone to weight gain as they age and activity levels decrease, or with hormone changes such as after neutering. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. According to the American Kennel Club, the German Shepherd dog size standard is: Males: inches; pounds Females: inches; pounds So, how can you tell if your German shepherd is overweight? They weigh too much for their body size There are German shepherds that do weigh in higher than 90 pounds that are not overweight, they are simply oversized for the breed standard. But for the most part, your dog will fall into the standard set by the AKC. Loss of an abdominal tuck and waistline Your German shepherd should have a noticeable abdominal tuck. When looking down at their back, they should have an indentation at their waist. You should be able to feel the ribs without much pressure. Layer of fat over their ribs and possibly other places on their body Overweight dogs have lost their abdominal tuck and waist. The ribs are hidden under a layer of fat and are now hard to feel without pressure. There may be fat deposits above the tail and on the neck. These issues can be slight or extreme depending upon how overweight they are. This chart can help. Notice the abdominal tuck and note, column 5 is the ideal weight. Column 1 is very underweight. Column 9 is obese. Can no longer groom with ease German shepherds keep themselves well groomed. Your healthy German shepherd should be able to comfortably reach all their body parts and be able to keep them clean and groomed without much effort. They looks like a barrel German shepherds are athletic with graceful curves. If you notice your dog has lost their waistline, abdominal tuck, and is beginning to look like a barrel, they probably have put on a few extra pounds. If they begin to accumulate rolls anywhere on their body, they may have become obese. They begin to slow in their senior years but for most of their adulthood will require plenty of activity to keep them fit. If they begin to tire easily and also have other signs of being overweight, such as heavy breathing or struggling to keep up, they probably need to lose a few pounds. Lack of endurance could also be a signal they need to see the vet, who can also help guide you with a weight loss plan. If your dog is not as excited to do the things they love take a close look to check to see if they may have gained weight. So, what should you do if your dog looks a little pudgy? The first thing you should do is verify you are feeding the correct calories for their life stage and activity level. Determine how many calories your dog requires a day and feed accordingly, rather than the feeding chart on the food, which may not be accurate. Once you get the all clear, your vet can help guide you in a weight loss plan. If you do, they can develop serious medical conditions, including a life-threatening form of liver failure that can occur in less than 72 hours. There are some great weight loss foods on the market that can help your dog lose weight while continuing to get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and be able to continue to do light exercise. These foods also generally help fill them up so they stay happy on their diet. We hope this helps you keep your German shepherd fit and healthy. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. Cutting back on treats. Take your dog for a walk before mealtime. If your dog is not eating after min, take the bowl away and allow her to skip the meal. Feeding your pet on a regular schedule, usually at least twice a day. Let your dog eat in a quiet corner without distraction. Make mealtime fun, such as letting her play with a food dispenser or rewarding your dog with food for doing a trick. You might even put a few pieces of food on the floor. But be careful GSD are can get bloat with an elevated eating position. Switch to a different kind of food, such as wet food if you normally feed your dog dry food. Why do dogs become overweight? On the other hand, being overweight can also lead their other health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, joint injuries or high blood pressure. So you also need to be aware of your dog is overweight. Although German Shepherds are active dogs, they still can become overweight for many reasons. The obvious ones are: Overeating: Too many calories, or the wrong type of calories Aging: As dogs age, they lose muscle mass over time, which leads to slower metabolism and weight gain. Osteoarthritis: This frequently causes hip pain. The more overweight your dog is, the greater the strain placed on their joints. Unfortunately, the pain caused by osteoarthritis makes it harder for your dog to exercise. Hip dysplasia: Your dog may experience pain when the hip is touched, which eventually deters them from moving around. Here are our top tips for how you can help your dog lose weight: Cut back on the snack or treats Choose high-quality dog foods Reduce processed carbs; replace them with healthy proteins and vegetables. They may have food recommendations for overweight dogs, and your vet can help ensure your dog is getting adequate nutrition. How do I know if my German Shepherd is healthy? Much like humans, preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best ways you can do to ensure your dog is in top shape. Health costs for a big dog like a German Shepherd are more expensive than their smaller dogs. Treatment for many conditions can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance or cost-sharing service is certainly a good investment to prevent you from breaking the bank, by covering the medical expenses in the worst-case scenario. Some plans are also available to cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, congenital conditions, and more. Conclusion Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. At the end of the day, keeping your GSD at a healthy weight will ensure a lifetime of health and joy for both of you. More on German Shepherd Health and Care. Jul 21, Share Many people overfeed their German Shepherds, causing the dog to be overweight. Sometimes, the weight gain is obvious, whereas other times the dog may simply look healthy to the untrained eye. In either case, overweight German Shepherds experience a number of health conditions, like diabetes and arthritis. The rough guide to follow is males should be between 66 and 88 pounds and females should be between 49 and 71 pounds. To learn if your German Shepherd is overweight, keep reading. Veterinarians have created average healthy weight ranges for German Shepherd dogs. Most males will be between 66 and 88 pounds, whereas most females will be between 49 and 71 pounds. Unfortunately, this range only gives you a guide for how heavy your German Shepherd should be. As a result, two male German Shepherds may both be 88 pounds, but one of them could be considered healthy and the other could be considered overweight. The reason for this is that the amount of fat is more important than the direct weight. Because purebred German Shepherds have similar body types, it can be easy to eyeball if your German Shepherd has too much fat. Ideally, your vet should tell you that your dog is overweight at your regular checkup, but if your dog booms in weight in a short amount of time, you may need to perform an examination yourself. The first question you should ask yourself is if your German Shepherd shows any signs of being overweight. Because German Shepherds are so large, even a little bit of excess weight will cause symptoms elsewhere. Here are some signs that your German Shepherd is overweight : Difficulty breathing Pain while walking, running, etc. Unable to play as before Skin problems Arthritis Although these symptoms do not guarantee your dog has issues with weight, they can give you a good idea if your German Shepherd is suffering from some sort of illness, such as weight or obesity. You should be able to simply look at your German Shepherd to determine if it is overweight. If its waist appears larger than its back hock joints, your dog is likely overweight. The same is true if you look at your German Shepherd from the side and the abdomen appears to be even with the chest. In contrast, you might find that your German Shepherd appears lean and has a waist the same distance as the space between its back knees. One of the most accurate ways to determine if your German Shepherd is healthy is to feel its ribs. In contrast, if you can too easily feel the ribs, it means the German Shepherd is underweight. Visit A Vet If your at-home test shows your German Shepherd as being overweight, take your pet to the vet. Obesity will cause your fat German Shepherd to die quickly and experience more health issues along the way. So, you want to address the issue right on. German Shepherds are considered active dogs that need a lot of exercise. Ideally, German Shepherds need an hour and a half of exercise a day. Shoot for this goal and continue it once your dog reaches its ideal weight. Keep in mind that exercise can be fun for both you and the dog. Make sure not to force your German Shepherd to do too much at one time. Because overweight dogs are at more risk for heart issues and joint pain, overworking an overweight German Shepherd can result in a lot of pain for the dog. You need to make sure your German Shepherd is eating high-quality dog food and an appropriate amount of it. Many pet dogs are overweight because they are fed table scraps, processed food, and other foods that have no business going into their system. Select a high-quality dry dog food made specifically for large dogs. Final Thoughts Because German Shepherds are such active dogs , they are less prone to obesity than other breeds, but they can easily become obese if they are less active than they ought to be or are fed too many treats. Even though your German Shepherd may be hesitant to cut out the treats or exercise some more, be firm yet fun with your dog. In the long run, the German Shepherd will be much happier with its healthy weight. Featured Image Credit: tr, Pixabay Contents. Obesity in dogs is often taken lightly by dog owners. Some health conditions that are often linked to or aggravated by obesity include: Arthritis: German Shepherds are already prone to arthritis and hip dysplasia as they age, so any extra body fat can exacerbate these conditions, if not bring them on at an earlier age. If your dog suffers from joint disease, carrying around extra weight can increase their daily pain. Heart and lung complications: Obesity in dogs is linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, and respiratory disorders. If left untreated, any of these conditions can result in serious complications for your furry friend. Anesthesia risks: Since obesity can put additional stress on the heart and lungs, these organs will have to work harder if your dog is ever anesthetized. Any respiratory complications during surgery can result in surgical complications, and can be fatal for your Shepherd. ACL injuries: The ACL is am important cruciate ligament within the knee that can be strained when put under a large amount of weight. Obesity over a long period can result in ACL injury, which is a major injury that is extremely painful and requires surgical repair. Stress on the body: Just like in humans, a large amount of fat distributed throughout the body can put a strain on several body processes. An overweight German Shepherd can experience heart problems, respiratory problems, joint and muscle injuries, and difficulty carrying out other normal organ functions. Obesity can also take up to 3 years of your pups life! Though all of the possible complications listed above should be enough incentive to keep your pup at a healthy weight, another factor to consider is their overall comfort. Excess weight can take a toll on your beloved Shepherd. Obesity can make each day challenging, it may be harder to get up in the morning, and it could lead to daily pain. Keeping them slim is not only important for their health, but also their happiness. Your dog should have somewhat of a waist. When standing above them and looking down on their back, you should see at least slight definition between the top half of their body and their waste. Their chest should be wider than their abdomen. Normal activities such as walking around the house, going up the stairs, or any other low key behavior should not cause your German Shepherd to become winded. If they are panting often or sleeping the day away, they may be having difficulties related to their weight. If your Shepherd is no longer interested in things they used to love, or does not readily participate in play like they did before, their lack of desire for play could be related to their weight. Also consider their weight gain if they become winded easily during play time. When it comes to obesity in your German Shepherd, there are a few common reasons behind their weight gain. When a dog is fed large meals or is offered free feeding, their weight can quickly begin to reflect their eating habits. Just as humans would reflect the choice to eat fast food for each meal, an unhealthy dog food can result in weight gain and an overall decline in health for your GSD. When it comes to the diet you choose for your dog, make sure to offer a quality food with nutritional ingredients, an acceptable calorie count, and a brand that is well known in the pet food industry. Of all the things to spend a bit of money on for your pup, their diet is one to splurge on. By giving them human food, you are offering them food that can be high in fat, lacks essential ingredients, and can quickly result in weight gain. Aside from the threat of weight gain is the possibility of gastrointestinal upset from feeding your dog table scraps. Lack of exercise: Just like in humans, a lower level of exercise to calories consumed can result in weight gain. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism refers to an under-active thyroid gland that can result in weight gain, hair loss, decreased energy, and more. Genetics: Some breeds are at a higher risk of obesity than others. Though weight loss is the goal, this process is not a race and should be approached with care. First, make sure you transition your German Shepherd to a quality food that promotes weight loss. Make sure you transition to any new diet over a two week period to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset. Since many dogs can contribute their weight gain to the amount of food they consume, your next step should involve assessing their food intake. Just as you took the food process slowly, you should take the introduction of exercise slowly too. Start with a short walk around your neighborhood, or even a 20 minute game of fetch if they like to play. Stick to that pace for a month, then work your way up to longer walks, outdoor adventures, and other more vigorous activities. Try your best to weigh and measure your dog once a month. When Should You See the Vet? Weight loss is actually a delicate process when it comes to our furry friends. Veterinary advice is helpful for: Choosing a quality diet for your German Shepherds weight loss plan. Determining an adequate feeding schedule and food amount to help your German Shepherd lose weight at a gradual pace. This can be done with routine blood work in your veterinary clinic. Help clear them medically for an increase in physical activity. Your veterinarian can rule out any physical ailments that could possibly limit their physical activity or become aggravated with the addition of daily exercise. Help you accurately track your German Shepherds progress through specific weighing and measurement. Final Thoughts Obesity can put your beloved German Shepherd at risk to several ailments that can reduce their quality of life. By understanding acceptable body sizes and healthy diet habits for your Shepherd, you can help to ensure a happy and comfortable future for your favorite pup!

TikTok user fbombermommer shared the video of her two dogs on July .The footage shows Hope, the German shepherd, slowly stalking toward the other dog, named Captain America. Hope can be seen using every ounce of her hunting ability to sneak up on her prey, until they finally get close enough to boop each other's snouts. Once the drama has been created, then playtime can begin. Hope leaps away in excitement. Since the video was posted, it has been viewed more than 2. Hope is seen stalking towards her brother, Captain America, in the viral TikTok video. Their owner said in a subsequent TikTok video that the German shepherd often does this as a bullying tactic to initiate play. The American Kennel Club describes them as loyal, courageous, confident and highly intelligent. They may look intimidating and regal most of the time, but the AKC adds that they can also present as very aloof and have a rather silly nature at times. As much as this breed loves to work, these dogs also need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep their minds occupied. Daily exercise and extensive play sessions will keep them content and enriched, avoiding any unwanted behaviors. Which Nose Butter Is Best? Which is Best? Tin or Tube? Nose Butter is available in five sizes of tins and three tube sizes. Why so many? Dogs come in all sizes from Chinese Cresteds to Tibetan Mastiffs, so choose accordingly. The dog breed labels celebrate canine diversity and our dog geekness. Every Dog Nose or 3 Cute Puppies are general labels. It's not rocket science, but there are tips that make application faster and easier for you and your dog. The crusty stuff is actually skin and hurts your dog if you pick it off, just like us pulling a scab off a skinned knee too soon. If you stop using Nose Butter, the dryness and crust will probably come back. When our hands are really cracked and dry we can use lotion to get them in shape, but we can't slather lotion on our hands once and be moisturized for life. Like cutting your dog's toenails.Nose Butter is part of their health care regimen. That stung! It's not that your dog dislikes Nose Butter we hope not , they DO dislike being held tightly and restrained. Bully and flat-faced breeds already have compromised breathing systems due to their adorable flat faces. If held tightly they will struggle to protect their breathing. Toy breeds know they are small and will often put up an unbelievable tussle to get away. Dogs are often triggered by being held tightly or controlled. This may come from puppy play, when they wrestle and play-fight. It's not fun for dogs or us to have siblings pile on and make us feel helpless. I'm looking at my three sisters. Also, keep the mood upbeat and fun. Make a game of applying Nose Butter and follow it up with treats and most dogs can be won over. Customer Reviews.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. You need to be aware of all kinds of things to ensure you end up with a happy, healthy puppy. Filling you in on these things is the fundamental purpose of this article, where we discuss crucial criteria for judging quality breeders of Goldendoodle puppies in Minnesota and recommend some of the best ones. Choosing a Responsible Goldendoodle Breeder Choosing to adopt a Goldendoodle puppy is one of the easiest decisions in the world. Once you are sure that you are ready for all the commitments a dog entails, a Doodle really is the obvious choice. These gorgeous pups have been carefully bred to combine all the very best of other dogs in one super family-friendly package… just as long as you find the right breeder. This is where things get complicated. The price of designer Doodles attracts all sorts trying to make some easy money by deceiving potential buyers. This type of scam is sadly all too common. See Also: Click the image Puppy mills are another potential problem in the world of dog breeding. These are kennels where profit is king above all else. The puppies and their parents are poorly cared for and raised in inhumane conditions. The best way to avoid a puppy mill is to ask to see where the dogs are being kept — either in person or via video chat. Then you can gauge the conditions for yourself. Other breeders may do their best by the dogs but may not know all that much about guaranteeing the best health of the puppies they produce. The output could be Goldies who are sick or that have inherited genetic issues from their parents, which may not be apparent until they are older. A few ways to ensure a high-quality breeding facility is to: Check Certification While a breeding license is not necessary for those with fewer than ten dogs, other types of certification can help you judge the quality of the facility you are dealing with. Just always make sure to double-check that they actually are. Never just take them at their word. Make sure you always ask for evidence of these. A reputable facility will be used to providing this information and will not hesitate to do so upon request. Specific details on what to look for with Goldendoodles can be found here. Look For a Health Guarantee Facilities that are really secure in their breeding standards will be happy to provide new owners with a health guarantee. This basically shows that the puppy is in the best possible health as far as can be determined by the relevant vet checks and tests. The length of such guarantees can extend for 48 hours — just long enough for you to have your vet give the pup a good looking over — to up to two years. This allows the owners to rule out any genetic disorders that may only develop as the puppy matures. Seek Recommendations from A Trusted Source A preferred method of selecting a good breeder among dog owners is to seek recommendations from those in the know. Numerous expert websites such as Goldendoodles. See below for our recommendations for where to buy Goldendoodle puppies in Minnesota. Read Online Reviews Finally, online reviews can be an excellent source of information when trying to establish the reliability of breeders. The people writing these have gone through precisely the same process and can provide handy insights about what to expect. These could very easily be fabricated. You can start here at Doodle Doods to look for reviews. For more guidance with the tricky issue of finding a good place to buy a puppy, take a look at our designated article, How To Choose A Responsible Breeder. Best Goldendoodle Breeders in Minnesota For a great place to start, here are our top 4 Goldendoodle breeders in Minnesota. Maybe one of them will work for you. View all Minnesota Goldendoodle breeders listed in our extensive Doodle breeder directory! Part of that is offering lifelong breeder support, standard with each puppy purchased. The health and genetic testing of the parent dogs is also a priority. Tests include a range of OFA certifications, including hips, elbows, patellas, and thyroid. These all go a long way towards ensuring the future health of the puppies. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Personal experience with purchasing a puppy from a disreputable breeder has made the owners of Timber Rock Doodles all the more committed to producing the very best dogs around. They have undertaken a significant amount of research to make sure they know as much about responsible and effective breeding as possible. They can even test the coat traits of the parent dogs to determine breeding pairs to achieve the most desirable coats possible. The facility provides a month health guarantee. We named Gabby because as a puppy she was in the middle of her litter and always was the playful one! Comes with 3 lb bag of dog food, 2 toys, 2 small shampoos, 2 sample treats and a soft blanket! She loves cuddling most of all but loves to follow "dad" around the yard. We know she will make a great pet. Zaylee connects with her eyes, looking straight into yours, and tries to reflect your excitement. She was easily trained and loves to be pet and cuddled! Zaylee loves the coolness of the cornfield dirt.Name: Zaylee - loves cuddling, and walks Status: Retired - Looking for her forever home. Comes with 3 lb bag of dog food, 2 toys, 2 sm shampoos, 2 sample treats and a soft blanket! If he could follow you around all day, he would be so happy. He enjoys being held, going for long walks and just looking and smelling everything. Comes with 3 lb bag of dog food, 2 toys, 2 sm shampoos, 2 sample treats and a soft blanket. Is there room in your heart for Cheese? He has the longest tongue for such a small guy. Do you have room for him? Together we are a mother-daughter team, raising Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles at two convenient locations: south central Minnesota, and central Wisconsin each about 2 hours from the Twin Cities. We offer exclusive, limited boarding for our Doodle families, and keep in touch for a lifetime to support your puppy journey. My family and I have heated and cooled indoor puppy space, and our puppies are hand raised from birth to adoption in our home, where we can give them the hour hands on care, attention, and the one-of-the-family bonding they deserve. With our family-focused lifestyle, there is always someone home to snuggle puppies, work on training, or play fetch. We are dedicated to the puppies-first life so we can provide our families with not only a well-bred, well-adjusted puppy, but also the connection and confidence that marks an exceptional puppy experience. Would I recommend Brooke? Definitely and already have! Brooke and family take care of and love these puppies so much! You can tell by how well they are socialized once you pick them up. They are playful, happy and extremely adorable! She is great at answering questions and giving training tips for when you take your puppy home—not to mention you get a gift bag of pure love. Our Puppies: Our puppies are raised in my home with one-on-one love from the start. We pride ourselves on intelligent, healthy, beautiful, balanced, and well-socialized dogs and puppies. Everyone in my home is involved in raising, training, and caring for our puppies. It's part of our family vision. As a family, we understand the value of a puppy that blesses the home. Health, attractiveness, and a loving temperament are prerequisites for each of our dogs. Our Process: We prioritize making the Brooke's Doodles puppy experience personal and joyful for every puppy family. Emails, phone calls, video chats, and in-person visits are a regular part of the process. Consider us your personal puppy professionals! With a structured puppy process from day one, you can expect to really feel like one of the family. After your puppy is home, we offer boarding for our puppies as available, and are happy to answer questions and offer guidance as your puppy grows with you. You can prepare for and adopt your puppy with confidence knowing you will have support from us both before and after your puppy is home.

Andorra and Spain Well, to some extent, you have to suck it and see. Many dogs are absolutely fine with a new addition. On the other hand, mine absolutely hated our new puppy with a vengeance. I'm pretty sure there would have been some serious harm done if I had let it happen. So the pup stayed in a puppy pen when the other dogs were in the same room - I spent a lot of time in that puppy pen for the first couple of months! My older dogs 2 years at the time were fine with her outside, so we spent a lot of time in the garden so they could get used to her and, when she was old enough to start little walks, I would take one other dog along for some of that so that they could learn to co-exist. It was seriously hard work, especially as I was alone in a different country away from my husband! It took about two to two and a half months before they started to accept her but they absolutely adore her now. Luckily, she was a very respectful puppy who never jumped on them at all. Even if your boy is good with the puppy, though, you need to give him plenty of time away from it, and make sure he gets plenty of attention. I would always recommend a puppy pen, baby gates or similar to help with this. You know how your own dog usually reacts in such situations. If anything seems too extreme, I would end the walk and try later. Our New Puppy Is Home. What Happens Now? Have another person bring the adult dog in the room on leash on a harness. If at any time the dog senses stress, he may become reactive. Just try to maintain a calm, upbeat presence though as much as possible. Some small bumps in the road are to be expected. A harmonious household can exist, but it takes work! The adult dog can be loose with the leash dragging so that you can grab it if need be. Have them meet for a few minutes. End on a positive note. Keeping them together too long could lead to some reactivity. Eventually, over days or weeks, depending on their progress, they can each have leashes dragging. The dog has to accept the puppy before leading to this step. They can also meet through a gate as long as both do well. Again, have them meet for minutes not hours. Over time, of course, they can be off-leash together in a secure location like a room or fenced yard. It may take weeks or even months for them to get to this point. When my current puppy Millie arrived, it took about three weeks before my Lhasa apso would play with her. Separate them before the dog stresses if possible. Exercise the puppy and the dog before they meet. To help the puppy not be too rambunctious, exercise him with a game of fetch or short walk before meeting the dog. It also should help relieve stress levels in the adult dog for him to be exercised prior to being with the puppy. Give frequent breaks. Even when you get to the point that the puppy and dog can be together for a while, say 30 minutes, I would give breaks from each other before things become tense. Have a schedule. A puppy can adjust. Just add a meal time for the puppy if needed and work out the other details. Give the puppy and dog some separate attention. Of course, the puppy and the adult dog will be together sometimes so that they begin to adjust to each other. Giving the puppy your individual attention will help you bond with him. Train each dog separately. Give each canine separate areas to retreat to. Each dog will need to relax and have down time. Feed each separately. This will help prevent any squabbles over space or food. Each should be relaxed while eating. Have a way to redirect the dog and puppy away from each other. Before getting the puppy, if you can have a method to call the dog away from anything—including the puppy—it can help. For example, before things get too unruly, call your dog back and the other handler can call the puppy. A great recall or emergency recall can help. You can also teach that to the puppy. Introduce toys and other goodies together over time. Of course, have separate toys for each dog and play with them separately. Start introducing toys when the dogs are together after the adult dog starts accepting the puppy. The puppy may try to take the high-value chew. This can potentially lead to a dog being aggressive to a puppy. Reward positive behavior. Good dog! A savvy, experienced positive-reinforcement trainer or behavior specialist can evaluate the situation. And hopefully she can help resolve any issues. DO NOT correct the older dog when he growls at the puppy. But doing so could really backfire. Growling is communication. It tells us that the older dog is stressed. And, he may even bite. If, at any time, you see that the older dog is too stressed in many interactions with the puppy, get the help of a behavior specialist. DO NOT expect the older dog to tolerate all behaviors by the puppy. They have no manners. Give each break before things go over the top and the dog needs to harshly correct the puppy. Redirect each to a command such as going to a place. DO NOT allow the adult dog to bully or be aggressive to the puppy. Some adult dogs know how to correct a puppy. Millie understood the correction and the two continued to play—with a less annoying puppy. I know my dogs know how to correct a puppy without being aggressive. If your adult dog who gets along with the puppy sometimes corrects the puppy by growling when the puppy is too rough and the puppy backs off, things are probably fine. Final Thoughts So, in introducing your adult dog to the new puppy, take your time. As long as the dog is dog-friendly and the proper puppy has been chosen, they can have a happy relationship. And double the fun! Have you introduced a puppy to your older dog? If so, tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep in touch. One dog trying to avoid the other Tucked tail Ears flat These are all obvious signs that the dogs may not be compatible. This may extend as far as setting aside an entire room for just the new dog. Your Lab should have free run of the home, but with the ability to check up on the new dog when it wishes to. Double Up! Even if your dogs seem to be getting along fine, jealousy can flare up quickly if the new kid on the block makes itself at home on the only dog bed! The same goes for favorite toys. Keep these items in the separation area at first, so that your new dog can make them their own. Supervised Visits When the dogs are allowed to interact openly in your home, supervise them at all times during the early days. Praise both of them for good behavior and reward them with treats. Should either dog become aggressive, verbally admonish the aggressor or both, if they both act up and then separate them for a brief period before allowing them together again. Neither dog should be made to feel as if they are not the favorite. Training sessions can be enhanced by using one dog as a distraction for the other. Trust me when I say, there will be times when it will be useful to have one dog be capable of ignoring the other nail trimming sessions come to mind. But having said that, each dog will enjoy, and benefit from, individual one-on-one training time with you. These are the times that enhance the bond between you and your dog, and let them know they have a special place in your life. Food Fight! Maybe more so! Naturally, meal times are a time of heightened alertness, too, since each dog is anxious to make sure it gets its share. Trying to feed your dogs in the same space can lead to a showdown. Yes, dogs will fight over empty bowls! Eventually, the dogs will come to learn whose is whose when it comes to meal time, but it is always a good idea to keep them apart when they eat to avoid any possible agitation. And maintain separate time-out spaces, including individual crates, if you have the space. A multi-dog home can be a crazy, and patience-trying place at times. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. By thinking a few steps ahead of situations in which problems are most likely to arise, you can prevent a lot of the common difficulties of introducing a puppy to an older dog. As you follow the tips below, the biggest hurdle to overcome will be the difference between the characteristics and needs of your new puppy, and your older dog. This can make playtime between these dogs tricky to manage. Supervision is vital in the first few weeks. Be especially alert to your older dog growling, snarling or raising the fur on the back of his neck. These are signs that he has long since had enough! Let your current dog smell it back at home to start making a mental map of the new family member coming his way. Make sure the space is fenced-in so that you can let both leashes drag loosely on the ground. If any problems come up, you can easily grab the end of the leash and separate the dogs safely. And keep an eye on that body language! Stay relaxed and playful, while always gauging the situation. Parallel Walks: A great way to keep things moving is by going for a walk together. Simply going for a guided walk can reduce tension, anxiety, and fear in dogs. It also helps establish familiarity with other dogs in a natural canine social behavior. Both dogs are distracted from the introductions by physical activity and the sights, sounds, and scents of the world around them. This is usually at around 16 weeks old. In the meantime she should not walk anywhere that any unvaccinated dogs could have access. To do an effective parallel walk, two walkers each have one leashed dog. Throughout the walk, the walkers rotate through positions — the older dog could start in the lead, about 10 yards ahead of the puppy. Then after 10 minutes, the positions are reversed. After another 10 minutes, the dogs are brought side by side with only a yard or two of space between the now parallel-walking dogs. Training Games: You can apply the same intent behind parallel walks to keep the dogs active and distracted from antagonizing each other by playing training games with both dogs near each other during early introductions. Instead of simply turning both dogs loose in the backyard and watching what happens, you can run them through a series of simple cues and tricks. For example, grab your treat pouch and your clicker if you use one and stand in the middle of the backyard, occasionally calling out a cue that your older dog knows. Sit, high five, turn in a circle, target your hand or a target pole, etc. Run through a few commands that will earn your dog some treats and distract him from the new dog. Have a second handler working with the puppy, introducing some basic training games for puppies. Both dogs will be preoccupied, with intermittent sniff and greets in between mini sessions. Finish your short training sessions with a big burst of excitement and playtime with both dogs. Run around the yard together in a game of chase, romp, and roll! My theory is that lying down creates canine body language associated with vulnerability and submission. In a situation with an unfamiliar dog nearby, my dog would rather ignore my training cues than put himself in a position of vulnerability. You should also be very cautious of food-based aggression, as you give out treats. So if you notice either dog getting tense or aggressively stealing treats from the other, then end this game. If this happens you may need to consider working with a professional trainer on how to train two dogs at once without developing treat aggression. Adversaries Become Allies: Take both leashed dogs to unfamiliar territory for walks, such as a park or busy public place. The scents of other dogs will become the focus of their attention, and they will suddenly be allies against the world! Tips on Avoiding Problems The above activities are all great ways to help your older dog and your new puppy to bond. But they do all require active supervision and engagement from you. Follow these top tips to avoid problems between your new arrival and his future friend. Separate Corners or Rooms If your house is a boxing ring, give each dog their separate corner. This is absolutely the simplest but most effective thing you can do when you are getting a puppy with an older dog already in the house. Toy-Free Zone: Put away all toys in the house for a few days to prevent a common form of aggression called resource guarding. Supervised Chew Time: If you want to give your dogs a bone or chewable treat each, great! Just make sure to offer each dog a treat, and be sure to separate them to opposite sides of the room. Remove whichever dog finishes first to avoid a fight. Here are some additional troubleshooting ideas if your new puppy and older dog are still not getting along. Puppy and Older Dog Not Getting Along How to deal with a new puppy and an older dog not getting along will depend on what your dogs are doing, and why. If, however, the older dog becomes VERY aggressive and looks like he could really harm the pup, then by all means, intervene. And give your older dog some space to recover and relax! Older Dog Attacking New Puppy If this is the case, you need to be a bit of a watch guard for your new pup. When the dogs are loose around each other, keep an eye on their body language. The minute you see what makes your older dog aggressive to puppy, step in. When the older dog shows signs of arousal or tension, for example if you catch your dog growling at puppy, break things up. Be sure that both dogs have a space of their own to retreat to. The puppy needs a place to calm down when he gets overly aroused and gets too energetic or aggressive with you or your other dog. Your older dog needs a space of his own to have quiet, peace, and no nipping puppies chewing on his face. But if your older dog constantly steals toys away from your new puppy, growls if the puppy approaches when you are giving affection to the older dog, or gets more protective over his toys or your attention in general, it could seem like he is jealous of the new pooch in town. Do your best to spend quality time with both dogs. And do reward your older dog any time he approaches the new puppy nicely. Give him a treat and praise if the puppy comes near without any incident. Remember that dogs probably do not share our understanding of possession, and puppy toys left lying around will seem like fair game to your older dog, so try to make sure that there are enough to go around. Older Dog Depressed By The New Puppy If your older dog seems to have less energy, be less playful, spend more time away from you and in the other rooms of the house, or hide in corners or under furniture , he may be more than just a little jealous. He might be full-on depressed at the changes in the household routine. Dogs really benefit from routine and structure, so the sooner you can get the whole household back into a routine that resembles what your older dog was habituated to, the better his mental state will be. Quiet nights and crate training. This article will take you through everything you need to know, from what to buy, to how to help your pup settle in on his first day and night. Bringing a Puppy Home Bringing home a new 8 or 9 week old puppy is a potentially stressful experience for you and the pup. Of course, it will be better if you have been able to visit your puppy regularly before collecting him. But for most people, time and distance make this an unlikely option. Everything he sees, smells and hears, in your home will seem very strange to him at first. Fortunately, most puppies leave their mother and siblings at an age when they will readily accept their new friends and family. In a few days time, he will have settled in and accepted your home as his, and your family as his own. Holding Your Puppy The first thing to master when bringing home a new puppy is holding them the right way. This is the most comfortable position for puppies. But if you have had a long car journey, the first thing your puppy will need is to pee! Carry him in your arms to the area you want him to use for toilet purposes, and put him down there. Your first steps in potty training have begun. Maintaining Regular Bathroom Breaks Puppies vary widely in how often they need to empty their bladder. Some may last an hour or more from day one, whilst others seem to need to go every 15 minutes or so. During the course of the day, take the puppy to the toilet area at regular intervals half hourly at least to begin with. In addition, take him there every time he finishes a meal or wakes from a sleep. Set an alarm on your cell phone to remind you. Many Labrador puppies are very greedy and will eat astonishing quantities of food. New puppies are especially prone to upset tummies. The new environment and the stress of leaving home all add to the risk. You can reduce that risk by feeding little and often. If you want to change diets, do this gradually once the puppy has settled in. How often to feed Four times a day is the minimum number of feeds for an 8 week old puppy. Five or even six portions are better for a puppy with an upset tummy. Remember that the daily quantity is the same. More portions means smaller portions. If you get this right, there will be little or nothing left to put in the bowl when mealtimes come around You can find out more about using puppy food in training games by joining our Puppy Parenting course Meeting the Kids Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for all the family. For much of the first day, your puppy will probably be cuddled and admired. Kids should also be aware of safety precautions, such as learning to let the pup be if he seems uncomfortable. Some older dogs will play too roughly with a puppy. Others will growl and appear to reject the puppy at first. These are normal reactions but they do indicate that you are going to need to keep a close eye on things for a while. A baby gate or other barrier is a perfect way to keep a puppy from annoying the resident dog or cat while they adjust to the newcomer. As the day draws to a close, your thoughts will turn to night time, and getting your puppy to sleep! Or he howls the house down either constantly or intermittently throughout the night. There are two approaches to choosing where a puppy sleeps for those first few nights. One is to get him used to his permanent sleeping quarters right from the start. The other is to have him next to your bed until he has got over his homesickness usually three or four days. And if you keep going back, the howling may well increase. Leaving a puppy to cry alone in a strange house is also probably very distressing for the puppy and not a great way to start their new life. But we recommend having the puppy next to your bed for the first three nights. This reduces the risk of getting into an increasing spiral of night howling or having your puppy miserable for the first week. Just pop his blankets in there and put the box right next to where you sleep. Night waking Most 8 week old puppies wake in the night to pee for the first week or so. But the first few days is a time for settling your puppy in, building their confidence and avoiding bad habits such as whining or howling, getting started The best way to meet all those goals, is to keep your puppy very close to you until their homesickness has passed. Bonding with your puppy Your main objective now is to bond with your puppy. Spend lots of time with your puppy. Make him feel at home. Pay him a lot of attention when he is quiet, fuss and praise him when he pees outside. Once he has settled in, there will be plenty of time to think about crate training and learning manners, but for now just enjoy his Labrador puppy loveliness, and that scrummy new puppy smell. It will be gone all too soon, replaced by a bouncing, boisterous, and joyful friend who all too often smells of pond water. What you are doing is establishing good habits, which will last a lifetime. What About Crate Training? A quality dog crate is an excellent source of help with potty-training. But a puppy should not be left inside a crate for longer than his immature bladder can hold its contents. For some puppies, this is not very long at all. Socialization is a big part of bringing home a new puppy. This is the process we take puppies through, to make sure they are comfortable with all aspects of living in human society. For instance, dogs need to be confident around things like vehicles and machines. They should be happy to meet people of all different shapes and sizes and to go boldly wherever people want to take them. A confident dog is not just a happy dog; he is a safe dog. Socializing also means taking your puppy out and about. Naturally, many worry about exposing a not-yet-fully vaccinated puppy to the risk of infection. Yes you can! If you use modern dog training methods, you can get going right after bringing home a new puppy! In the first week puppy training is based on a series of fun games. So that your puppy will be learning without even realising. The games you play should lay foundations for future good behavior, teaching your puppy not snatch, to say please, to focus on you, to love their crate, to wear a harness or collar and to run towards you rather than away from you. A lot of people worry about whether or not to take a puppy to classes, and some are unable to do so. But there is a great deal you can do at home by yourself. You can avoid this by getting off to a great start with recall training in the very first week. The video below will help you. And never chase after a puppy. Puppy recall training starts right after bringing home a new puppy. Build an association between the act of running towards you and the sound of the recall word or whistle. If you call the puppy and he does not come, you will have begun to teach him that the recall command is optional. Check out our puppy recall training video to give you an idea of how easy it is to build this a good association if you start off in the right way. You can find out more about building a great recall from the beginning in Total Recall. But for now, in these first few days at home together, make sure no one calls the puppy to them. When they want him, they can simply pick him up. If he runs away, all they need to do is run in the opposite direction and he will come chasing after them. For the first few days after bringing home a new puppy, focus on bonding and helping him to feel safe. Consider having your puppy next to your bed for the first few nights. This will comfort him while he is feeling homesick and missing his mom and playmates. Expect to get up in the night to take your puppy out to pee for at least the first couple of weeks. Set a reminder to avoid teaching your puppy to cry for your attention. During his daytime naps, dive into the feeding, potty training, and obedience training guides mentioned in this article, and head over to the forum for support from our other readers, many of whom have been where you are now, and come safely out the other side! If you want help choosing an adorable puppy name, make sure you take a look at this article too!

The Panda German Shepherd dog is basically the German Shepherd you know and love, except for interesting colour combinations, which are not common in this breed. It has black and white markings, especially around its eyes, similar to the panda of the same name. Contrary to the meaning of the word panda, not all panda German Shepherds puppies are black and white. Many of them can exercise a third colour, usually tan, distributed throughout the body. German Shepherd Panda dog Panda german shepherd size The german shepherd panda has a muscular, elongated body and solid bone structure. They have a rounded forehead and a black nose. They have almond-shaped eyes. Their ears are wide at the base, upright and pointed. They possess an average weight of 77 to 85 pounds. Their males have a height of 24 to 26 inches and females have a height of 22 to 24 inches. Panda German Shepherds, like their standard colour counterparts, originated in Germany, where they kept sheep until the late 19th century. With their industrious and intelligent nature, the panda german shepherd puppies have become one of the preferred dog breeds for the disabled, as well as for police and military assistance. What makes the panda German Shepherd dog distinct is that it carries a mutation of the KIT gene, which leads to its unusual markings. Otherwise, it is the same as regular-coloured German Shepherds, and its colouring has no bearing on its pedigree. Studies showed that the dog was purebred but had the mutated KIT gene, which is said to be dominant. It is a spontaneous mutation, and its ancestors did not have Bai Demu. There are some other dog breeds that look like Panda like the chow chow panda dog which is not a purebred breed. Panda dog Are Panda Shepherds Rare? It is pretty hard to give birth to this breed with the breeding of two shepherds. They have a single GSD bloodline, and thus it is not a designer breed. The color of the coat of a dog depends on the genes and the code of the doggie. Piebald refer to the white markings on a panda GSD. In a Panda German shepherd, the piebald gene determines the proportion of white marking in a panda german shepherd puppies. That means a copy of the piebald gene is crucial in a dog with a white color in its coat, and that too only a single copy of that as two copies will increase the white markings on a Panda German Shepherds drastically. This piebald gene is quite rare to find in the dog, and so it is hard to find a dog breed with a coat resembling that of a Panda. It is a spontaneous mutation and has no white German Shepherds in it is ancestry. The rest of the puppies in the litter were standard looking black and tan German Shepherd pups. In order to protect the image of her breeding program, the founding breeder Ms Cindy took the piebald puppy to Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital for genetic DNA testing to find out the exact cause of the anomaly. This was a purebred GSD that was born with piebald coloring. The same sire and dam that produced the piebald puppy were bred three more times and all the pups were born with the traditional black and tan coloring. A lot of canine genetic coat color testing was done on the piebald puppy who was named Frankie. When Frankie matured she was bred to a traditional colored black and tan GSD. Panda is a dominant gene. In its homozygous state, the mutation is considered embryonic lethal as no live dog has been observed with it german shepherd panda dog German Shepherd Panda Description The Panda Shepherd is a brindle-coloured German Shepherd. It is well proportioned and very strong. The mottling color appears in a single GSD lineage. Its ancestors did not have a white German shepherd. The panda shepherd has a strong, muscular, slightly slender body, with a light and firm bone structure. The head should be in proportion to the body and the forehead should be slightly rounded. The nose of the panda german shepherd dog is usually black, but sometimes blue or liver color may appear, but it is considered a defect and cannot be displayed. The teeth bite in a strong scissors bite. The dark eyes are almond-shaped and never protruding. The ears are wide at the base, pointed, upright and turned forward. The ears of puppies under six months may drop slightly. The bushy tail reaches almost to its hocks and hangs down when the dog is at rest. The front legs and shoulders are muscular and the thighs are thick and sturdy. The round feet have very hard soles. Temperament Often used as working dogs, Panda Shepherds are courageous, keen, alert and fearless. Cheerful, obedient eager to learn, tranquil, confident, serious and clever, Panda Shepherds are extremely faithful and brave. They will not think twice about giving their lives for their human pack. They have a high learning ability. Panda Shepherds love to be close to their families but can be wary of strangers. This Panda Dog needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when they feel it is necessary. Often used as police dogs, the Panda Shepherd has a very strong protective instinct and is extremely loyal to its handler. Socialize this breed well starting at puppyhood. Aggression and attacks on people are due to poor handling and training. The panda shepherd puppy needs owners who are naturally authoritative over the dog in a calm, but firm, confident and consistent way. A stable, well-adjusted and trained dog is, for the most part, generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family. They must be firmly trained in obedience from an early age. Panda Shepherds who have passive owners and or whose instincts are not being met can become timid, skittish, may be prone to fear biting and develop a guarding issue. The panda shepherd puppy should be trained and socialized from an early age. Panda Shepherds will not listen if they sense that they are stronger minded than their owner, however, they will also not respond well to harsh discipline. Owners need to have an air of natural authority to their demeanour. Do not treat this dog as if he were human. Learn canine instincts and treat the dog accordingly. Panda Shepherds are one of the smartest and most trainable breeds. With this highly skilled working dog comes a drive to have a job and a task in life and a consistent pack leader to show them guidance. Panda Shepherd puppies need somewhere to channel their mental and physical energy. This is not a breed that will be happy simply laying around your living room or locked out in the backyard. The panda colored german shepherd is so intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service and in the military. The Panda Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including Schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, Flyball and ring sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid detonation or gas leaks in pipes buried 15 feet underground. The Panda Shepherd is also a popular show and family companion. They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. Most shepherds love to play ball or Frisbee. Ten to fifteen minutes of fetching along with daily pack walks will tire your dog out quite nicely as well as give him a sense of purpose. Does best with a job to do. Are German shepherds good with kids? Although the german shepherd panda has a reputation for being tough dogs and smart dogs, German Shepherds particularly females are generally sweet-natured and good with children. Males might be a little less forgiving of rough play and unless raised with children and well trained, they should be supervised. The most important characteristics of the German shepherd panda German Pandas are amazing dogs. They have the same desirable personality traits as other GSDs, including intelligence, loyalty, and confidence. These dogs are an excellent addition to any home, as long as their owners can provide them with adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and care. Intelligence German pandas are very smart. They are often used as guard dogs, police dogs, guide dogs, and especially for people with special needs because of their high intelligence. Panda dogs also have very strong noses capable of sniffing intruders, drugs, bombs and other types of contraband, so the uses of this breed vary in the field of security. Since they are so intelligent, they need frequent mental stimulation to avoid getting bored. When they are not provided with sufficient stimulation, they are more likely to act haphazardly and difficult to control. They are known to give up their lives for their owners because of their deep-rooted loyalty. Where these dogs can change the life of the family and become a member of it. Well-trained panda german shepherd puppies must be able to distinguish between threats and non-threatening, which means that they only act aggressively when their owners are in trouble. The panda german shepherd dog needs early training to help them distinguish between threatening and non-threatening situations. If they do not receive this training, they may act aggressively when an unfamiliar person or pet approaches their owners. Trust German pandas are generally very confident. They are alert, alert, and attentive to their surroundings. They enjoy trying new things and taking on challenges. German Panda Shepherds need reliable, confident leaders. If their owners are passive, they can become very shy. According to the Panda Shepherd Dog Standard, this breed is considered a faulty character if they are shy. German pandas who hide behind their owners or brood are considered defective. Shyness is also a problem because shy German pandas are more likely to act aggressively toward humans and other animals out of fear. Grooming is an everyday need for almost all dog breeds. Whether they have smaller hairs or long hairs , everyone needs regular grooming. Similar to the German shepherd dogs, these shepherd dogs breed requires proper grooming and care. Because they have large hairs that shed a lot, especially in the spring season, it is crucial to brush their hair daily. Apart from this, their white coat is more prone to dust and dirt, thus bath them on a regular interval to keep their unique coat shining all the time. Also, dry their coats with a hairdryer after washing, as it will take a lot of time for its fur to dry naturally. What is the Best Exercies for panda German shepherd? Panda German Shepherd puppies love strenuous activity, preferably combined with some sort of training such as running, chasing or making moves, because these dogs are very intelligent, strong and crave a good challenge. Where dog experts believe that Panda Shepherd Dogs should be taken on daily walks over long distances such as jogging or jogging alongside you when riding a bike. Or during a walk, the panda german shepherd puppy should be made to walk next to or behind the person, as, in the mind of the dog, the leader The way, this leader must be human. Most dog shepherds love to play ball or frisbee. Ten to fifteen minutes of fetching combined with daily walks will tire your dog out pretty well, and also give him a sense of purpose. It works best with work to do. How to Train Panda German Shepherds? Panda German Shepherds will do anything to please their owners. As long as they are given adequate and consistent training, this makes these dogs tend to behave well. German pandas learn best from positive reinforcement training techniques in which owners reward them with praise or small rewards whenever they behave appropriately. For example, if your Panda German Shepherd puppies are not listening or behaving in an inappropriate manner, the appropriate behaviour on the part of the owner is to ignore the dog. Owners must then wait for the dog to perform the desired behaviour before rewarding them with attention, praise, or rewards. Doing so will help German pandas to quickly distinguish what their owners find acceptable and unacceptable. The panda GSD Owners need to be confident and consistent during training to get the best results. Confidence will teach German Shepherd Pandas that their owners are the leader of the herd, not the other way around! Consistency is also important when training this breed. These dogs need to experience consistent reactions from their owners to avoid confusion. For example, if the owner does not want the shepherd to jump on his friends, he should not let them jump on them either. German Panda Shepherds must receive socialization training, starting from a very young age. They should be social with a variety of people, animals, things, locations, and situations. This will make them behave better in the future. Panda german shepherd puppy obedience classes are also a great idea for panda GSD dogs. They work well with confidence and intent, which these classes are designed to deliver. Additionally, these classes will introduce them to humans and other dogs in a safe environment. For a detailed look at socializing with your German Shepherd, we have a great informative article for you linked below. It will take all the guesswork out and tell you exactly what you need to know! These panda dogs should also be fed puppy, young, adult or old food, depending on their age. If you are trying to cut costs, it is best to either avoid getting a panda german shepherd puppy or perhaps cut your budget in other areas. In comparison to a black and tan German Shepherd , this is rather expensive. It is no doubt that this steep purchase price is due to supply and demand. Because the panda german shepherd puppies are so rare, when born, they are often can be taken for before their eyes are even open. While the black and white markings of the Panda German Shepherd dogs are undoubtedly beautiful, are they worth paying the extra price? German Shepherds are highly driven dogs that need specialized care and are not suitable for uneducated owners. The Panda dog should be reserved for those that have a love for the breed itself and want to own a beautiful dog that they know how to properly care for. Once an ethical breeder is found, the prospective owner should be sure the Panda dog is healthy, has a good temperament, and is trainable. It is only then that a Panda should be owned, trained, loved, and cared for, by a responsible owner. How much is The Price of a Panda German shepherd? Since Panda German Shepherds are rare, they become one of the most expensive dogs in the world, they generally cost more than normal GSDs. Before purchasing a Panda German Shepherd, you should make sure that your breeder has the correct documentation, including DNA paperwork for the puppies and their parents. Panda shepherd price is so high for some people but in the end, you can really know how much this dog is worth. Are you looking for the panda German Shepherd breeders? Panda German Shepherds are simply uniquely colored offspring in a Shepherd line. These shepherds show unique markings of symmetrical black and white coloring, mostly around the face, often resembling markings of a panda bear. This coloring amongst other animals is known as Piebald. Out of that discovery, it was shown that future GSD breeding prospects could be tested in order to tell if they had a chance of producing panda offspring. This means that they have the same health record as their lineage. The overall health is dependent on the breeder in which the Panda came from, as is with all purebred dogs. Panda German Shepherds health depends on their lineage. A responsible breeder who genuinely cares about the outcome and health of their dogs will not breed dogs that are predisposed to health issues. However, there are certain health issues that German Shepherds including Pandas can have due to their build. Such things as hip dysplasia can be bred out of a line but because it is so prominent, it can skip generations or even littermates. A common health issue among German Shepherds that cannot be bred out is bloat. This happens due to the size of the breed, and is found among other large and giant breed dogs with deep chests. As mentioned above, the only difference between the Panda and the German Shepherd is their coloring. Per dogbreedinfo. Strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out colors and blues or livers are serious fault. A white dog must be disqualified. Therefore, it is rare. And because of that rarity breeders who bank on the mutation often are not in it for the health of the dogs, unfortunately. Things to consider before getting a Panda German Shepard There are several things to consider if looking to adopt a Panda German Shepherd. The first, know what you are getting into! Have you ever had a German Shepherd before? While they are known to be loyal, confident, and make great guard dogs, they require a lot of exercise, training, and socialization. The owner of a Panda German Shepherd should not just be worried about the looks of the dog, although that is the main reason most people are attracted to the Panda. When looking for a reputable Panda German Shepherd breeder it is essential that you do your research. Find a breeder that is in it for the good of the breed. A good breeder will do health testing on all of their breed stock. A GSD breeder will focus on common health issues and temperament of their dogs. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals recommends German Shepherds be tested for both hip and elbow dysplasia. The German Shepherd Dog Club of America also states that conscientious breeders are to breed for temperament, confirmation, and trainability. In comparison to a black and tan German Shepherd, this is rather expensive. It is no doubt that this steep purchase price is due to supply and demand. Because the Panda is so rare, when born, they are often spoken for before their eyes even open. While the black and white markings of the Panda German Shepherd are undoubtedly beautiful, are they worth paying the extra price? German Shepherds are highly driven dogs that need specialized care and are not suitable for uneducated owners. The Panda should be reserved for those that have a love for the breed itself and want to own a beautiful dog that they know how to properly care for. Once an ethical breeder is found, the prospective owner should be sure the Panda is healthy, has a good temperament, and is trainable. It is only then that a Panda should be owned, trained, loved, and cared for, by a responsible owner. I will start by saying that the GSD started as a good old 'mutt'. There were many many dogs used to create the GSD as we know it today including wolfdogs. However in the instance of blue, liver, white, and even piebalds, these genes are recessives. Recessives are forever. The parents to the puppies that you guys are debating are from 2 different breeders virtually across the US from one another that were here at my home and bred together. Mom is as Rava's mom pointed out is a blue sable and dad is a solid liver, again from 2 different breeders. No line breeding or inbreeding. My 2 puppies are related to 2 other like patterned piebald puppies also here in the US that are from the same lines. If you would take the time to read about white spotting in dogs by this link you will see it can affect the dog a little bit which is what is seen most of the time or it can affect the dog a lot which is what happened with these puppies. Please note the link below is kept current by a leading color geneticist that works for Healthgene in Canada, she is highly respected for the work she has done. I happen to like it on my girls I know over sea's they tend to breed for thicker heads. Please note in the link above the white spotting MITF can and does accompany 'ticking' like you see on my puppies. Fetch a high price? I guess they could but they are not for sale. I have others from the same lines and may end up with more. As for only breeding for color??? I work with the Pallet that the gene pool in the GSD has given me. Thank you for understanding and I look forward to answering any color questions or providing other info. Piebald aka recessive white spotting Impossible!! No it's genetics :- Quite a few lines of GSD carry the recessive white spotting gene. To date no health issues are associated with this recessive white spotting gene. Buster is a sable piebald GSD. Genetic information on white spotting There is a lot of information about white spotting and how it occurs genetically. However it is not known why some get small amounts of white and others are more extreme. There seems to be a modifier that has not been identified genetically yet. Sheila Schmutz with health gene, dna authenticated this litter with it's parents and documented these GSD pose the recessive white spotting gene. However as stated above, no way to differentiate between minute amount of white spotting vs what we call piebald spotting as the modifier has not been found to date. Pies born at my kennel I have had 2 true piebalds born here, they are cousins to the piebalds in the above photo's. I have also had puppies born with the white spotting gene that do not have the extreme amount of white on them as piebalds do. The recessive white spotting gene is apart of the original GSD gene pool, there were a few Collie type dogs used to create the GSD and that implanted the white recessive white spotting gene in the GSD gene pool. Keep in mind if you have one born in your litter it may appear to be Panda but in reality it is due to the recessive white spotting gene. UCDavis currently has a test on the market that is available to the public now to see if what you have had born in your litter is affected by the Panda gene or the white spotting gene. My recommendation is to test for the recessive white spotting gene and the Panda gene, so that you will know which gene caused the white spotting on your dog. So when you sell your puppy you advertise it for what it is and not as something it is not Panda. Remember all Panda's are related as they stem from one dog named Franka. The test a simple cheek swab. Scroll through the albums and if you do not find what you are looking for please send me a message. Keep in mind you do not have to have a facebook page to see this page. It is well proportioned and very strong. The piebald coloring has occurred in a single GSD bloodline. The Panda Shepherd has a sturdy, muscular, slightly elongated body with a light, solid bone structure. The head should be in proportion to its body, and the forehead a little rounded. The nose is most often black, however blue or liver still do sometimes occur, but are considered a fault and cannot be shown. The teeth meet in a strong scissors bite. The dark eyes are almond shaped and never protruding. The ears are wide at the base, pointed, upright and turned forward. The ears of puppies under six months may drop slightly. The bushy tail reaches almost to its hocks and hangs down when the dog is at rest. The front legs and shoulders are muscular and the thighs are thick and sturdy. The round feet have very hard soles. Temperament Often used as working dogs, Panda Shepherds are courageous, keen, alert and fearless. Cheerful, obedient eager to learn, tranquil, confident, serious and clever, Panda Shepherds are extremely faithful and brave. They will not think twice about giving their lives for their human pack. They have a high learning ability. Panda Shepherds love to be close to their families, but can be wary of strangers. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when they feel it is necessary. Often used as police dogs, the Panda Shepherd has a very strong protective instinct, and is extremely loyal to its handler. Socialize this breed well starting at puppyhood. Aggression and attacks on people are due to poor handling and training. This breed needs owners who are naturally authoritative over the dog in a calm, but firm, confident and consistent way. A stable, well-adjusted and trained dog is, for the most part, generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family. They must be firmly trained in obedience from an early age. Panda Shepherds who have passive owners and or whose instincts are not being met can become timid, skittish, may be prone to fear biting and develop a guarding issue. They should be trained and socialized from an early age. Panda Shepherds will not listen if they sense that they are stronger minded than their owner, however they will also not respond well to harsh discipline. Owners need to have an air of natural authority to their demeanor. Do not treat this dog as if he were human. Learn canine instincts and treat the dog accordingly. Panda Shepherds are one of the smartest and most trainable breeds. With this highly skilled working dog comes a drive to have a job and a task in life and a consistent pack leader to show them guidance. They need somewhere to channel their mental and physical energy. This is not a breed that will be happy simply lying around your living room or locked out in the backyard. The breed is so intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service and in the military. The Panda Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including Schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, Flyball and ring sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders , and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid detonation, or gas leaks in a pipes buried 15 feet underground. The Panda Shepherd is also a popular show and family companion. Height, Weight Height: Males 24 - 26 inches 60 - 65 cm Females 22 - 24 inches 55 - 60 cm Weight: 77 - 85 pounds 35 - 40 kg Health Problems Indiscriminate breeding has led to hereditary diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia be sure both parents have had their hips certified at least OFA good , blood disorders, digestive problems probably due to nerves , epilepsy, chronic eczema, keratitis inflammation of the cornea , dwarfism and flea allergies. Living Conditions The Panda Shepherd will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. These dogs are relatively inactive indoors and do best with at least a large yard. Exercise Panda Shepherd Dogs love strenuous activity, preferably combined with training of some kind, for these dogs are very intelligent and crave a good challenge. They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk , jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Most shepherds love to play ball or Frisbee. Ten to fifteen minutes of fetching along with daily pack walks will tire your dog out quite nicely as well as give him a sense of purpose. Does best with a job to do. Life Expectancy. So, how do they compare to a regular German Shepherd? Panda German Shepherds are similar to all other German Shepherd Dogs, and the only striking difference between them is that they have unique coloring and coats. They are just as healthy and hold the same health record in their lineage as German Shepherds. The overall health depends on the breeder in which the Panda was raised, as it is for purebred dogs. A reliable breeder is someone who genuinely cares about the health of their dogs and will not breed dogs that are predisposed to health issues. Nevertheless, there are specific health issues that German Shepherds can have due to their build. Hip dysplasia can be bred out of a line during breeding, but it can skip generations as it is so prominent. Pandas are not recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC as their official standard of the GSD states that they are different from GSD in color, and blues or livers are serious faults, so a white dog must be disqualified. You need to know some essential things before you decide to get a Panda German Shepherd. According to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, principled breeders breed temperament, confirmation, and trainability. As far as the cost is concerned, a Panda German Shepherd is expensive compared to a black and tan German Shepherd. Undoubtedly, this steep purchase price is due to supply and demand. As the Panda GSD is rare, they are often spoken for when they are born before their eyes even open. Overall, a Panda German Shepherd is an attractive dog. While Panda German Shepherds look different with their coat color, they still share similar characteristics and traits with your average German Shepherd. Nonetheless, they can be a little more discreet on the whole. Other than color, Panda Shepherds are the same as other GSDs, sharing identical conformation, intelligence, temperament, and working qualities. Panda Shepherds, like every other Shepherd, can trace their lineage to Beowulf. Beowulf, like his grandsire, Horand von Grafrath, fathered almost pups, many through inbreeding. Horand, of course, was the foundational sire of the German Shepherd breed, hand-selected by Max von Stephanitz in in Germany. Franka was the only Panda offspring of her parents despite three more breedings. Later research revealed that the panda pattern, although similar to the piebald expression in other breeds, was a relatively recent spontaneous mutation. Piebald in many breeds is an expression at the S locus Coat color pattern is tricky in dogs because not only is it the result of genetics, but it also receives specific coding from the breed. Piebald is the expression of white spotting or markings. Many dog breeds carry the piebald gene on the S locus or location. S alleles can be incompletely dominant or recessive. If recessive, dogs must have both copies of the piebald gene at S to have any white markings. Alternatively, incomplete dominance means one copy of the piebald gene may show some white markings while two copies would produce more dramatic areas of white or even solid white. One example of an animal that exhibits incomplete dominance of the piebald gene and great variations in its expression is the Bulldog. Several breeds like the Great Dane, Irish Setter, and Boston Terrier exhibit symmetrical Irish white type markings while others, such as the Dachshund, are more random. To confuse the issue further, Irish white is a specific pattern you see in Collies and other breeds mentioned above. An Irish white pattern is among the most symmetrical coat color variations and involves a recessive gene on the S locus that is distinct from the piebald gene. Although originally springing up spontaneously from standard parents, the GSD panda coat pattern is a dominant gene. Panda is a type of piebald pattern. White usually shows up minimally on the tip of the tail, as a white blaze down the face, a white ring around the muzzle, a splash across the chest and belly, and a collar around the neck of Panda German Shepherd puppy. Individuals may exhibit more or less white, but the pattern remains similar between dogs. Another unique feature of the Panda gene is that two copies are lethal, killing the embryo before full development. It shares embryonic lethality in common with the merle gene. Many Panda Shepherds have a base color of black and tan, but the pattern can also show up in solid blue, black, or liver dogs as well as liver and tans, silver and tans, and blue and tans. What does the KIT gene do? The KIT gene, also known by other names such as Receptor Tyrosine Kinase and the Piebald Trait Protein, contains a blueprint for producing proteins that transmit important information from the cell surface to the inner working parts. Thus, KIT enables processes such as cellular growth and migration of cells to their specific areas of function. For example, KIT genes ensure cells that are responsible for nerve function in the gut arrive in the small intestine. Likewise, KIT genes direct pigmentation cells called melanocytes to migrate throughout areas of the coat, most pertinent in the Panda German Shepherd. Where the melanocytes fail to arrive is where you see white spotting. One area you may not often think about concerning melanocytes is as pertains to the eye. Panda Shepherds may have blue eyes if KIT mutation affects melanocyte migration to the iris. The Panda Shepherd has faced resistance for much of its existence. Many German Shepherd registries along with the AKC disqualify dogs with any white coloration from conformational show rings. Germany prevents the registration of white German Shepherds. Some breeders even maintain long-held beliefs that Panda Shepherds have and pass along the white gene and, worse, cause fading in dogs who are standard colors. Others seek to capitalize on the rarity of the Panda Shepherd and, as a result, often breed irresponsibly and charge exorbitant prices. Unfortunately, most so-called Panda Shepherds are likely mixed dogs as people once feared in the first place. There are a few characteristics that may alert you that a Panda Shepherd has mixed heritage and a seller may be trying to manipulate you. Exercise caution when adopting a Panda German Shepherd Tail — curled over back, too short, or rope-like rather than a brush Shortened muzzle or face too narrow with a pointed snout — Heeler or Collie respectively Colors not seen in the German Shepherd — merle; Panda Shepherds can have black spots on the muzzle White that extends past the shoulders onto the body other than the ventral abdomen sometimes extending slightly upwards — a splash of white on the trunk is not a pattern we see in the Panda Shepherd Non stereotypical distribution of solid colors not usually seen in the GSD such as patchwork black and tan on two sides of the face — Cattle Dog and Aussie color pattern The body shape that is not German Shepherd-like If you want a Panda Shepherd Dog, perform due diligence as you would for any pet. You should ideally visit the breeding location and be able to see any parents onsite. Breeders should be able to provide you certification on hips and elbows, and pedigree lineage for the parents. If they have Panda German Shepherd pups, one of the parents has to be a Panda. Other than the color you would not know the difference between this dog and any other GSD. Note the signature large upright ears of the GSD in this video , a long bushy tail, slightly sloping topline with a frame somewhat longer than the dog is tall. Moreover, Dakota is attentive to her handler but devoted to her owner. Another feature of the piebald coloration is that it is roughly symmetrical. This dog is a black and tan panda color. This is another example of how a Panda Shepherd should look exactly like a German Shepherd. This working dog illustrates Irish white spotting in a Shetland Sheepdog. Not only is the white in a stereotypical pattern on paws, face, chest, neck, and tail tip, but it breeds true, indicating affected dogs have two copies of the gene. Shelties are unique as a breed in that individuals can exhibit either a piebald or an Irish spotting gene, according to Champagnekennels. Most breeds have one or the other exclusively. Note the similarities between the Panda pattern and Irish white spotting, which involves a completely different gene. Frequently Asked Questions Are panda German shepherds rare? Yes, Panda German Shepherds are rare. When it comes to the rarest dogs that are available, Panda German Shepherds are one of the rarest. They are so rare that often people are unsure of what one is. While they are rare due to how beautiful they are and their personalities, they are a highly sought after type of German Shepherd dog GSD. Their coat is tricolor, and the majority of their coat is white. When you take into consideration the color of a standard German Shepherd, it is easy to see how this type is striking in its appearance in comparison. As they are so rare it is difficult to determine whether a GSD is going to be a Panda. However, it is thought that this coloring is linked to the piebald gene. This is present in this variation of GSD. How much do panda German shepherds cost? When taking into consideration the cost of Panda German Shepherds, due to their rarity, they are quite expensive. In comparison to a standard German Shepherd, the cost is significantly higher. This is significantly more expensive than a standard GSD. The price can fluctuate to be above this cost too. The price you pay will vary depending on the breeder, the area you live in, and the state too. When purchasing a Panda German Shepherd, it is so important to ensure that you have chosen a reputable breeder. Are panda German shepherds purebred? Yes, Panda German Shepherds are purebred, rather than a designer one. While this may not be assumed due to their markings, they are seen to be purebred. Their color comes from a mutation in their genes, rather than through a specific breeding process. As a result of this, this type of GSD was then accepted as a purebred, rather than a designer breed. While Panda German Shepherds do look different with the color of their coat, they still share similar characteristics and traits with your average German Shepherd. However, they can be a little more cautious on the whole. When looking at their health, they are still prone to many of the same issues such as hip dysplasia, cancers, and elbow dysplasia. This is why it is always important to ensure you are purchasing a Panda German Shepherd from a reputable breeder to help prevent hereditary issues from occurring.

Narwhal, the so-called "unicorn puppy" was a biological marvel that drew adoption offers from all over the world. But not all the messages sent to the rescue shelter in Missouri were kind. Rochelle Steffen Because of "so many death threats and hints of danger", the founder of the shelter Rochelle Steffen decided to keep him. Narwhal is now a happy, curious and friendly four-year-old dog. The puppy was named after the whales known best for their tusks sticking out the middle of their heads. Narwhal was initially thought to be a golden retriever, but his small size indicates otherwise. Rochelle Steffen "He also absolutely loves to be outside," Steffen told nine. He loves to inspect the yard and run around and lay around in the grass or if there is sunshine. Narwhal's forehead tail doesn't grow or wag, but it doesn't bother him either. Rochelle Steffen But the initial publicity given to the puppy hasn't made him shy. Rochelle Steffen Narwhal's tail doesn't wag, and does not appear to have grown since his birth. The cause of the forehead tail hasn't been determined, but a popular theory among biologists is that it is the remnant of a parasitic twin. Such twins are the result of a late-splitting embryo, which results in a fully-formed animal with some leftover parts from the other. Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox. Continue reading. Against all odds, little Rae pulled through and went on to make a full recovery — albeit, with one unique feature. Shortly after being born, she suffered a critical injury and had to be rushed to Family Friends Veterinary Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. But against all odds, little Rae pulled through and went on to make a full recovery — albeit, with one unique feature: Her remaining ear strangely re-positioned itself at the top of her head! Brianna, who had recently lost her own golden, Loki, to lymphoma, felt an immediate connection with the special-needs puppy. After taking the two-day-old baby home, Brianna was a devoted and doting mom, providing Rae with around-the-clock care that included routine bottle feedings. Around the time Rae was six weeks old, fully healed, and started growing, Brianna noticed that the lone ear had migrated to the top of her forehead. She has also blessed Brianna and her family with endless amounts of love and loyalty. Read more about this pawsitively adorable and inspiring little pup inside the pages of our newest annual book, Out of the Box! By Stephanie Weaver, contributor for Ripleys.