facts about german shepherd puppy

Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. What factors determine the price of a German Shepherd Puppy? The price of a German Shepherd puppy does vary, depending on her age, color, bloodline, litter size, location, as well as breeding cost. German Shepherds obtained from animal shelters and rescue organizations are relatively inexpensive because they charge only enough to cover their costs. Here are the 5 most prominent factors that will affect the price of a German Shepherd: 1. Age Age is the most important factor in determining the price of a German Shepherd Dog. All in all, it has a lot to do with the desirability of a cuddly puppy. Puppies that are only weeks old will cost the most. It is because this marks the beginning of the most precious moments of a puppy. The demand drives up the price. The price of German Shepherd puppies of 12 weeks or older will start to decrease. Adult German Shepherds will be offered at much lower prices because some people see them as less desirable. Another reason is that the new owner may need to set a budget for health issues related to senior dogs. Coat Color Some colors are more expensive than others. For German Shepherds, colors such as white will cost more than the usual black and tan. This is because these rare coat colors are more difficult to breed. Bloodline Although purebred German Shepherds puppies are the most sought-after ones, mixed-breed pups usually cost much less and have the potential to be healthier than many purebreds. In general, German Shepherds have working lines and show lines, totaling five different variations. We will get into them later in this article. Litter size It refers to the number of puppies in a litter. Usually, the more the number of puppies in a litter, the cheaper the price will become. Location The location from where you purchase your German Shepherd can actually affect how much you pay. Areas with a lower cost of living, or places where there is less demand will typically charge lower prices than more populated cities. Certain states or cities may even have more regulations on breeding which may increase the cost, thus the price of a German Shepherd pup. And these all come at a cost for the breeders. What are the different variations of the German Shepherd bloodline and their prices? While the German Shepherd is a dog breed of its own, you may probably stumble upon different variations. Purebred German Shepherds come in many different sizes, colors, coloration patterns, and body styles. In general, German Shepherds are divided into working lines and show lines, totaling five different variations. Here is a four-minute video from which you can learn about their variations: 1. They have a distinctive angulation with their back legs shorter than their front legs, thinner bones, and significantly smaller heads. They come in quite a few colors, mostly solid with occasional bi-color variations, including black and tan saddle, solid back, solid white, and saddle sable. But their obedient and playful character make them fantastic pets. There are certain measurement minimums for their hips and elbows. This results in a stunning, very specific, and uniform appearance. These dogs have a very strong, pronounced build with a black and tan saddle, and solid back. They make good house protectors and need a lot of exercises and to be trained frequently. These dogs are very social. So they are perfect for families with kids. This is the line of GSD you would normally see in movies. They are also closest to the original breed that was bred and developed by Max von Stephanitz, who is acknowledged as the father of German Shepherd Dogs. With a stable temperament, they excel in working jobs, and also make awesome family pets. Rigid control of the original DDR breed prevents the gene poll from diluting. They must be free from any history of hip dysplasia, among other health conditions, to be able to reproduce. This resulted in a very distinct look — with large heads, large bones, and a shiny dark coat. The Czech further tightened the breeding standards, resulting in arguably the most intense breed of German Shepherd available to date. But they are extremely loyal and obedient, with a pleasant temperament. They could be the best guard dog to protect people. But they are extremely rare nowadays. Other factors that affect the cost of a German Shepherd A puppy whose parents and often grandparents and other relatives are hunting champions has the potential to excel in these areas as well. And it will cost you more than any puppy who is the offspring of just average parents. And the most expensive German Shepherds are those adults with proven records as show dogs, K9, or breeding dogs. What is a reasonable price for a German Shepherd puppy? Reputable breeders, when pricing their German Shepherd puppies, must factor in the cost of breeding, feeding, raising, and caring for the pups as well as their mother. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Less - The German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs , well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The outline of the German Shepherd Dog is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. The head is in proportion to the size of the body, strong without appearing coarse or fine. Gender differences are readily apparent. The German Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, willing to be approached, yet a certain level of aloofness towards strangers is acceptable. When working, the German Shepherd is alert and eager, adapting well to new tasks. Lack of confidence is a serious defect in the character of a German Shepherd. The structure of this breed was designed for efficient locomotion, particularly at the trot, so poor movement is another serious fault. History Less - The German Shepherd Dog is a relatively young breed, developed almost single-handedly in the first half of the twentieth century by a German cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz, president of the Verein far Deutsche Schaferhunde S. Using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock, von Stephanitz developed a distinctive breed in a very short period of time, due in large part to the authoritarian practices of the German dog fancy at that time. Von Stephanitz emphasized utility and intelligence in his breeding program, enabling the German Shepherd Dog to switch easily from herding duties to other fields of work, particularly military and police work. All things German were shunned and popularity slumped. After the war, however, movie star Rin-tin-tin stimulated interest in the breed again. The striking good looks of this breed, combined with its remarkable intelligence and loyalty, have made it a favorite working and companion dog. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. If you are looking to buy a German Shepherd puppy, then you should find one from a reputable breeder. While these puppies are more expensive, a reputable breeder can guarantee the health and behavior of the puppy. These dogs are prone to genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These health issues can be avoided by genetically testing the parents, which is something reputable breeders usually do. When improperly raised puppies might have behavioral issues and can cause a lot of damage if they bite someone. A good breeder will have their dogs pass a temperament test. German Shepherd Dog Price While most dogs in shelters are adults, adopting a German Shepherd is a great way to find a dog without supporting unethical breeding. Sometimes these hardworking shepherd dogs are given up because they are very energetic. Not everyone is able to take care of a dog that needs a lot of attention and exercise. Some people buy a German Shepherd puppy without understanding the work involved in caring for this breed. Why Are They So Expensive? Breeding a healthy and well-behaved German Shepherd puppy is not easy! It is not as simple as crossing German Shepherds together. However, if you want a puppy of good temperament that is genetically healthy, there are other costs involved in the breeding and raising. This is especially important for a German Shepherd. You do not want a puppy that grows up to be aggressive or that suffers from mobility issues due to hip and elbow dysplasia. Papers A paperless German Shepherd puppy will be the cheapest. Typically breeders invest as little as possible in these pups. You get a puppy just how it is, without knowing its pedigree or background. A puppy with health certifications, temperament test results, and registration papers costs more than this. However, those papers will be beneficial not just for you, but also the puppy. This means your puppy meets the breed standard and is a purebred dog. The last thing you want is to buy a German Shepherd wolf-mix thinking it is purebred. Veterinarian Visits Reputable breeders not only genetically health test the parents, but they will also take the puppy to see a vet before 8 weeks for a basic health check. During these visits breeders will also have the puppies vaccinated, dewormed and placed on preventatives. When you buy a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, they will offer you a health guarantee. Most will also be able to provide you proof that the puppy has passed a temperament test. Training Some breeders also take the time to socialize and train their puppies. Many experienced breeders have a specialized training program that begins the process of potty training and basic obedience. This will mean you have an easier time housetraining your puppy, but you will have to pay for their efforts! These are all good signs that the puppy you are buying is of good quality. This will mean you are more likely to avoid any temperament issues or having to pay for vet visits to diagnose and treat hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloodlines Breeders who focus on breeding championship bloodlines will charge more for their puppies. A family might not need such a high-quality German Shepherd. All they need is a healthy and well-behaved puppy that will bring them years of happiness. However, there are many people who need a working dog or show dog. The most expensive dogs are those that are bred to be champions or protective and hard-working. Some breeders spend thousands of dollars just training a world class service dog. A family friendly guard dog with a protective temperament is not easy to breed consistently. Breeders have to factor in not just the genetics, but also the temperament and training. Origin The most expensive types of German Shepherds are those that are imported directly from Germany. Breeders must pay to stud and import these dogs which is not cheap. Since the German Shepherd breed originated in Germany, breeders in the US import dogs from Germany to breed puppies with a purebred lineage. Breeding in Europe is more regulated so the bloodlines are better protected. These puppies are known as European German Shepherds and are slightly different. They are smaller, have straighter backs and brighter coat colors. Some people think they look similar to a belgian malinois. Most European dogs are bred to be working dogs, while American dogs are more frequently bred for companionship. This is the same for American and German Rottweilers and American vs. European Dobermans. All of these breeder will be able to provide: Pedigree and kennel club registration. Documents that certify the puppy is free of any disease and has been checked by a veterinarian. A health warranty. Health records that guarantee the parents are genetically healthy and will not pass on elbow or hip dysplasia. These German Shepherd breeders all breed their puppies in accordance with the breed standard. None of them will sell puppies that are not registered with the American Kennel Club. Another good place to start looking for breeders is the American Kennel Club marketplace. Many of these puppies are bred to be family dogs and come with their papers. As you start looking into more well-known breeders or those that produce dogs of championship or working bloodlines, then the price of a German Shepherd starts to increase. Julia was a German Shepherd bred by the Harrison K-9 facility, highly trained in protection. She could also understand commands in three different languages. Her intelligence, as well as her ability to protect, were why she was priced so highly. Julia was bought by a billionaire businessman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rarest coat color is panda, which is why it is also the most expensive. These German Shepherds are black and white. It is a piebald pattern where the black coat is splotched with large patches of white. Some puppies can have other colors like tan, instead of white. Panda dogs are purebred, but the rarity of this mutation makes them very hard to find. There are very few breeders that sell the panda color. And he actually cost nothing! By the end of his life, Rin Tin Tin had appeared in 27 Hollywood films. Rin Tin Tin most notably helped Warner Bros. But these dogs come in more than just this classic color! There are 11 colors that are recognized by the breed standard. Check out the table below for some German Shepherd prices based on coat color. The tan color covers the chest, belly and legs. White A white puppy has a furry coat that is entirely white, allowing it to blend in with the snow. Its eyes and nose are black as coal. Black A black German Shepherd has a coat that is entirely black. Any other color would classify them as a bi-color. Blue A blue German Shepherd is not literally blue, but has a gray color with a bluish hue. Sable The sable color is one of the most common colors, but is a bit more interesting than the black and tan. The hairs of these dogs have bands of tan and black, giving them a very unique coloring. Some of the factors that contribute to this cost are: Food. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

We highly recommend doing your research and looking up as many breeders as you can find before you purchase your Airedoodle. You will likely find that each breeder is unique and has something unique to offer. If your heart is set on adopting a dog, you can ask your local shelter if there are dog mixes that resemble the Airedoodle. You might be lucky enough to find an Airedoodle, but it might be rare. Smarty pant parents The Poodle parent of the Airedoodle is the second smartest dog breed, beaten only by the Border Collie. They love to play games like fetch, and also like to go on long walks. They get along well with other pets, and they are curious, so they make great watchdogs. They are very loyal and like to stay close to family members. They also want to learn and enjoy training exercises that bring them praise and treats. They are extremely intelligent and quickly learn tricks and can solve most puzzles presented to them. They are also crafty and will find ways to communicate with you to let you know what they want. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Plenty of early socialization will help them get along better with pets and children, but they rarely have any problems in most situations. They are not much for barking, so they are great for apartments and cities. If you socialize them early, they will get along with other pets even better and will have no problem making friends on walks or when traveling. Occasional treats are ok , but you should always try to get your dog to do some mental or physical exercise before they receive a treat. Avoid using grain-free dog foods until you talk to your vet, as you should before switching to any brand of specialty food. They love to walk and games of fetch , so you will need to put aside at least a half-hour each day to devote to exercising with your pet. This half-hour will likely be enough on some days, but on other days, you may find your dog eager for a few more minutes of play. Often, you will need to spend and additional minutes with your pet to keep them happy. They learn very quickly, and after they catch on to a trick or two, you might find yourself teaching them multiple tricks at once. After a few tries, they will complete tricks on the first command, and they are also capable of complex multistep tricks. To teach your Airedoodle how to do a new trick stand in front of them repeating a phrase like sit, stay, or paw. When your pet figures out what you are asking of it and completes the trick, let them have a treat. Repeat this training session one or two more times, and then try it a few times the next day and each day after until your pet learns the trick and does it on the first command. Your Airedoodle is going to require regular trimmings , as well as brushing and shampooing to keep their hair looking the best. It can also improve their well-being as knotted hair can pull on the skin and become painful. You will also be required to trim the nail and brush the teeth of your Airedoodle regularly to promote dental health. Minor Conditions Cataracts Dogs can get cataracts the same as humans do. A change in the water balance of your eye lens is the primary cause, and it results in a cloudy lens. The cloud prevents light from hitting the retina, which makes it harder to see and can cause blindness. Symptoms include a cloudy or foggy looking eye, and you should take your pet to the vet immediately if you notice this symptom Bloat Bloat is a common condition in dogs that requires immediate medical attention. It can reduce blood flow to the heart and tear the stomach. Symptoms can come on very quickly and include drooling, restlessness, pacing, and failed attempts to vomit. Serious Conditions Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a disease that resembles arthritis in dogs that can affect any breed but is especially prevalent in larger dogs. Early symptoms include lethargy, difficulty getting up or sitting down, and even whimpering. If you experience your pet displaying any of these symptoms, we recommend getting them to the vet immediately. Obesity Another major condition affecting all breeds of dogs is obesity. A medical condition can cause obesity, but often its caused by improper diet paired with little or no exercise. Obesity is especially prevalent in larger, more active breeds that struggle to get the large amounts of exercise that they require to stay healthy and stave off obesity. Other than the slight size difference, there is very little to tell the males from the female Airedoodles. You can be one of the first to own this unique and intelligent breed. We hope that you have enjoyed reading about the Airedoodle and we have enticed you to investigate them further. If you have found nit helpful, please share this in-depth guide to the Airedoodle on Facebook and Twitter. See also:. Life Span Did You Know? The Airedoodle is a designer mixed dog breed that is a cross between an Airedale Terrier and a Standard Poodle. The Airedoodle is meant to inherit the best characteristics of both the parent breeds, but they could have any combination of characteristics from either or both of the parent breeds. Airedoodles tend to be friendly, intelligent, loyal, and energetic dogs with a big personality. Because the Airedoodle is a mixed dog breed, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. With any mixed dog breed, the puppies can inherit any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Airedoodles tend to be intelligent, friendly, and filled with personality. They tend to get along well with children as well as other dogs and sometimes other pets. They can have a stubborn streak and may have a high prey drive, but early socialization and training can help curb these tendencies. Overall, Airedoodles tend to make excellent family pets and watchdogs. Airedoodles are larger sized dogs with a high energy level, which makes them a moderately adaptable dog breed. Because of this, they are best suited to larger homes with fenced-in yards where they can run. They do well in most climates, but, as with many dog breeds, are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Although they can have an independent streak if they take more after their Airedale Terrier parent, they still thrive on being with their families. They are also highly intelligent and can be easily bored, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. For the Airedoodle, potential health conditions can include skin issues, hip dysplasia, and bloat. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential health concerns. Both of the Airedoodle parent breeds are highly intelligent. This means they tend to pick up on training quickly. If an Airedoodle takes after its Poodle parent, they will be highly trainable and a good fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. If an Airedoodle takes after its Airedale Terrier parent, they can have a stubborn streak that may be an obstacle for first-time dog owners. Puppy training and obedience classes are recommended for novice dog owners to ensure training is effective and consistent. The Airedoodle is likely to have a low-shedding coat as both of its parent breeds have low-shedding coats. Professional grooming can help you take care of some of this, but you will need to take care of these grooming tasks as needed between professional grooming sessions. Nails that are too long can make movement painful, are more likely to split and crack, and increase the risk of getting caught on things. Dental care for dogs is another essential grooming task. Unfortunately, it is also often overlooked, which is why dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Just as you need to brush your teeth every day, the same is true for your dog. This helps prevent the tartar buildup that leads to dental disease like gum disease, tooth decay, or tooth loss. Daily walks plus some time to run and play are usually sufficient for this dog. A fully-grown Airedoodle usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. An Airedoodle generally lives years. This hybrid dog breed is most commonly called an Airedoodle, but it is sometimes also referred to as an Airedalepoo. Featured Airedoodle Article.

You should see a vet ASAP if you notice this. The earlier you catch the cherry eye, the better the prognosis. When these fibers are weakened due to a genetics, it can lead to the gland popping out of place. Breed is a factor There are some breeds that have a higher genetic predisposition to this tissue fiber weakness. Unfortunately, Frenchies are one of many breeds that are much more susceptible to developing cherry eye than your average dog. The most common age for a Frenchie to develop cherry eye is between 3 months and 2 years old. Complications of Untreated Cherry Eye Left untreated, cherry eye may cause damage to the eye or third eyelid gland which may result in chronic dry eye and irritation. By seeking treatment quickly, and not waiting for the cherry eye to go away on its own, you can very much minimize damage to the eye if any. Why you may ask? Treatment Options When it comes to treating cherry eye, there are typically two types of treatments: surgical and non-surgical. Non-Surgical Believe it or not, sometimes cherry eye can simply go away on its own. If the cherry eye is caught early enough, these might be enough to do the trick. Anti-Inflammatory Eye Drops These eye drops reduce swelling and inflammation, which will help to relieve any pain or discomfort your Frenchie could be experiencing. They also protect against secondary infections. Massage In mild cases, it may be possible to slowly massage the gland back into its proper position. Tucking Method The tucking method is the most common surgical procedure used to treat cherry eye. This technique involves permanently placing a stitch that pulls the gland back into its original position Imbrication Method The imbrication method is one of the newer techniques surgeons use to treat cherry eye. With this technique, a wedge of tissue would be removed from over the gland. Complete removal of the affected gland Completely removing the nictitating gland is the oldest techniques used to treat cherry eye. When should I see my vet? Catching the cherry eye early makes treatment much easier as well, whereas if you waited long, surgery might be necessary. Prognosis As mentioned before, cherry eye is not too serious of a condition. With prompt medical attention and the right treatment, the chances of any serious complications are slim to none. If your veterinarian determines surgery, you can expect healing to be done in about 2 weeks. Posted on. Mastiffs Terriers In general, breeds with shorter muzzles many of whom have brachycephalic syndrome as well as toy breeds and teacup dogs tend to be more likely to experience cherry eye than their longer-nosed, full-sized counterparts. And young dogs—puppies under a year old—are most susceptible as well. Early cherry eye in dogs is fairly easy to spot, Vygantas says. This bulge is typically in the corner nearest the nose and similar in shape and color to a cherry pit, hence the nickname. The condition can occur in one or both eyes. The good news is early-stage cherry eye in dogs isn't painful. In fact, your pup probably won't even know something is wrong. But over time, it can make your dog prone to dry eye and infections , so it shouldn't be ignored. The tear gland in that third eyelid is responsible for about 33 to 66 percent of your dog's overall tear production. When prolapse occurs, the tear duct doesn't function normally. For healthy eyes and overall comfort, it's critical that this gland is preserved and reattached to its proper place. If you suspect your dog has cherry eye, it's important to see your vet as soon as possible. While not a medical emergency, the condition can cause health concerns over time. Left untreated, cherry eye can result in damage to the tear duct and cause chronic dry eye. The gland may also become more swollen over time and restrict blood flow. As swelling makes your dog more uncomfortable, he'll be tempted to scratch or paw at the eye, increasing the likelihood of damage and infection. At your initial vet visit, your veterinarian might prescribe dog-safe eye drops for cherry eye to reduce inflammation. These drops can also provide much-needed moisture for comfort and eye health. But eye drops are not a cure for cherry eye. Usually, the vet-recommended treatment for cherry eye in dogs is surgery to preserve the eyelid. Your vet should be able to preserve and correctly reposition the tear gland with a simple procedure. While it might be tempting to try and avoid surgery, when it comes to cherry eye, ointment and topical treatments won't address the root problem and your pup will likely need surgery later anyway. According to Vygantas, once the gland is out of position, it's unlikely to resolve itself without surgery. Still, even minor surgery can be stress-inducing as a pet owner. But rest assured: cherry eye surgery recovery is typically short and sweet. In fact, most pups are back to normal within a couple of weeks. In the meantime, your pup will have a follow-up appointment or two with her vet to check the surgical site. She'll also need to wear an e-collar aka the cone of shame during recovery to keep her eye safe from scratching, pawing, and infection. Cherry eye is not life-threatening, and the vast majority of dogs go on to live full lives with healthy eyes. If you're wondering if you should get a dog who has cherry eye—either from a rescue or a breeder—there are a few considerations to keep in mind. First, it's important to remember cherry eye is not contagious, so it poses no risk to you or other pets. However, surgical treatment of cherry eye can be expensive. Costs range from several hundred to thousands of dollars depending on the breed, your location, and your veterinarian's rates for surgical procedures. And, since as many as 45 percent of dogs that experience cherry eye in one eye will eventually have it in the other, you could very well end up doubling your expenses. The good news is, the simple cherry eye surgery should solve the problem for good. The most common complication of this surgery is the breakdown of the suture line and subsequent re-prolapse of the gland," Vygantas explains. If the suture does fail, another surgery is likely necessary. Still, Vygantas stresses that the condition is not an indicator of poor health or of other underlying conditions. If your pup has cherry eye, there's no reason she can't enjoy a long, happy, healthy life post-treatment. Is it Possible to Prevent Cherry Eye? Unfortunately, there's no way to keep your dog from developing cherry eye. But there are ways to give your pup the best chance at good health. Feed her a good diet and provide lots of exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Schedule an appointment with your vet to make sure she stays up-to-date on all preventative care and vaccinations , and reach out to your vet if you have any concerns about your pup's eye health. Was this page helpful? Cane Corso Boxer Cherry eye is also more common in dogs under two years of age, but dogs of all ages are still at risk of developing cherry eye. Additionally, while you might be most concerned about your French Bulldog, in rare cases, cherry eye can show up in cats as well. Can I prevent cherry eye? The good news, though, is that cherry eye is not transmittable to other people or animals in your home. What home remedies can be used to treat cherry eye? Since cherry eye is a super common condition, there are plenty of home remedies out there. That being said, you should consult your vet before attempting any home remedies. Some people claim the best at-home remedy for cherry eye is leaving it alone since it does not cause extreme pain to the dog, but this can do more harm than good. Leaving cherry eye untreated can lead to pain, damaged tear ducts, or even loss of vision. Warm Washcloth The most common home remedy for cherry eye is a warm washcloth. Before attempting this remedy, make sure you and your French Bulldog are in a calm and relaxed state. While these eye drops can reduce swelling, it is likely only a temporary fix for cherry eyes. Home remedies are good for treating the symptoms of cherry eye and temporarily reducing the swelling; the only way to fully cure cherry eye is surgery. When should I seek professional care? Cherry eye is not considered a medical emergency, but you should still consult your vet as soon as you notice it. Cherry eye that is left untreated can cause chronic dry eye, increased risk of infection, or permanent vision damage. As we mentioned above, your vet may start by prescribing anti-inflammatory eye drops. Eventually, the cherry eye will be back. The most effective treatment for cherry eye is a minimally invasive surgery to reposition the eye gland. Note that this surgery will not remove the eye gland, only reposition it back where it should be. If the surgery goes well, your dog will need to be reseen in weeks. In most cases, surgery is enough to prevent cherry eye from coming back. In rarer cases, your dog may develop cherry eye again and require further surgery. Call your vet when you first notice a cherry eye, and be sure to prevent your dog from scratching too much at their eye until you can seek medical care. She has two rescue dogs. It will have the appearance of a cherry and be sticking out of the corner. This is known as cherry eye. What causes this is not well-known but it is usually able to be treated by a veterinarian. Cherry eye in your French Bulldog occurs when they experience a prolapse of the third gland in their eyelid. Most French Bulldogs have a third eyelid which is located inside their lower eyelid. However, it is possible for this third gland to pop out or prolapse. When this happens, the condition is known as cherry eye. What are the Symptoms of Cherry Eye? The symptoms of cherry eye in your French Bulldog will be obvious. Your dog will be pawing and scratching their eye. It will be red, dry as well as irritated. They will be squinting, have excessive tear production, abnormally dry eyes and more. It could also be small and only periodically be visible. Do you need to worry? French Bulldog cherry eye is not fatal. However, it will cause your dog to experience significant amounts of discomfort. They may claw at their eye resulting in corneal ulcers. Your French Bulldog will have dry itchy eyes causing them to experience inflammation and discomfort. This could also cause them to experience increasing levels of pain. Many believe French Bulldog cherry eye is a congenital disorder. It may be passed from one generation to another, but not everyone agrees with this theory. It is common for it to occur with dogs two years old or younger. There is no agreement among dog experts on exactly what causes cherry eye in French Bulldogs, but it is one of the breeds that statistically have a higher chance of developing this condition. It could involve surgical or non-surgical methods as well as a combination of both. There are effective massage techniques that are able to eliminate the protrusion. When this is successful, the gland of the nictitating membrane will go back into place. However, this massage technique requires constant monitoring by a veterinarian. Buy on Amazon Here One surgical solution involves an attachment procedure. In cases where the cherry eye is chronic, a veterinarian may have no option but to remove the gland. This will only be done if the function of the gland has been significantly diminished or it is no longer working. Some Frenchie owners have found the topical application of Antimicrobial Ophthalmic Gel can help relieve the symptoms associated with cherry eye, so if you are concerned about taking the surgical route, this may be a good starting point. However, up to twenty percent of French Bulldogs will have a relapse of their third eyelid gland. This could require them to have additional surgery. When your Frenchie has a prolapse in one eye, they will often have a prolapse in their other eye. Wrap French Bulldogs are born with three eyelids. In most situations, this condition will happen when your French Bulldog is still young. Pin 0 Shares Cherry eye is a relatively common condition that afflicts many French Bulldogs. The medical name for it is a prolapsed nictitans gland. It is very unpleasant to look at and will be uncomfortable for your Frenchie. It can be treated with both surgical and non-surgical options. But what exactly is it and how do French Bulldogs get cherry eye? And more importantly, what can you do about it and is there an easy fix aside from surgery? It will include the symptoms, potential issues and the treatments that can be done to correct it. What is cherry eye? While we humans only have two eyelids an upper and lower lid , dogs actually have three eyelids: an upper, lower, but also a third eyelid that comes up from underneath their lower eyelid when closed. This third eyelid designed to give their eyes an extra layer of protection, as well as producing tears to wash the eye out and keep it clear of sties and irritants. Humans used to have a third eyelid, known as the nictitating membrane, but this has since become obsolete, noticeable only in the small pink lump seen in the corner of your eye near your nose. In dogs, however, this eyelid is still useable, acting like a windscreen wiper and closing along with the other lids. It is not only nasty to look at, but it also prevents the third eyelid from working properly, potentially leading to further eye problems. How do French bulldogs get cherry eye problems? However, most vets and experts believe that French Bulldogs get cherry eye due to hereditary and congenital reasons. Congenital disorders are passed down through bloodlines, meaning that the puppies of a dog with cherry eye is more likely to get it in the future. Other reasons why Frenchies could get cherry eye can be due to them having weakness in the eye area or possibly environmental conditions that lead to allergic swelling and reactions. According to research conducted by the Royal Veterinary College visit website , a prolapsed nictitans gland cherry eye occurs in 2. The research also uncovered that cherry eye was slightly more common in male Frenchies, with 2. What does cherry eye look like in French bulldogs? Cherry eye is simple enough to spot and diagnose. This is a classic example of what cherry eye looks like in a French Bulldog. Cherry eye gets its name rather aptly from the protrusion itself. The exposed part of the third eyelid becomes lumpy, red and shiny due to exposure and irritation, resembling a cherry. Some cases of French Bulldog cherry eye are bigger than others, although this can vary on a case-by-case basis and also depends on the size of the dog and the size of their eyes. French Bulldog cherry eye symptoms The symptoms of cherry eye are mostly very obvious; the red cherry eye itself being the biggest indicator. It will start to appear as a reddish lump protruding from the edge of the eye that is often inflamed, giving it its name. Depending on the size of the prolapsed nictitans gland, it could easily cover a large area of the eye or be relatively small. Regardless of its size, it can cause major discomfort and distress for your French Bulldog. You may also notice your Frenchie dog pawing at and scratching their face, as well as shaking their head in an attempt to dislodge the thing they can feel in their eye. Here are those symptoms and signs to look out for: Pawing and scratching at the affected eye area. Red and dry looking eye. Excessive squinting and blinking. How do you fix a French Bulldog cherry eye? How you treat Frenchie cherry eye will depend on the size of the condition. Fixing a cherry eye can require surgery in the most serious cases, with ointment and massage working for less severe conditions. Treatments for cherry eye There are a few different ways of treating cherry eye, depending on its size. Some treatments are more invasive than others, although which one is best for your Frenchie will be up to you and the recommendation of your vet. However, the only way of actually getting rid of the cherry eye completely is through surgery. The surgery usually results in the vet returning the gland back to its normal place inside the eyelid. This is done by either stitching the gland back into place, creating a new pocket in the eyelid to contain the gland or removing it altogether. If the tear gland has to be removed, your dog will have to be treated long-term with artificial tears to prevent further eye conditions. The longer you leave cherry eye, the harder it will be to correct; so, the sooner you bring your dog in to receive treatment the better. How do you massage a cherry eye? A non-surgical treatment often touted as a home remedy for cherry eye is massaging it back into place. This is seen as an easier, cheaper and less stressful alternative to surgery. This usually only works for cases caught very early on as the membrane is still strong enough to contain the gland once it is returned to place. Over time the connecting tissue will grow weaker and be unable to hold the gland in place. Because of this, it is highly recommended that you go and get your dog checked out by a vet as soon as possible in order to get the best recovery outcome. The technique for massaging cherry eye uses a combination of things, including massages, compresses and eye drops, that help you to encourage the prolapsed gland to return to its normal place. This is done by applying warm compresses and light pressure to the lower eyelid, pushing towards the nose, to pop the gland back into place. The gland may pop out again later on, although some owners have found it returns to place permanently after one or two tries. If you have noticed that your Frenchie is suffering from cherry eye, take them to see your vet immediately and ask them about treatment options, as well as advice about massaging if you are worried about causing damage. Disclaimer: Please only ever attempt massage after asking your vet how to do it properly. What happens if cherry eye goes left untreated? As previously mentioned, leaving a cherry eye go untreated for a long period of time can result not only in it being harder to treat through both home remedy and surgical options. The connecting tissue between the gland and the eyelid will gradually grow weaker, resulting in the eyelid no longer being strong enough to contain the gland without it prolapsing again later on. You should not leave cherry eye go untreated altogether either, as this can result in further complications that cause your dog discomfort. Can cherry eye in dogs cause blindness? This can lead to reduced vision and even total blindness in the affected eye. This condition is usually a life-long one, but you can help prevent it from occurring in your dog by treating cherry eye as soon as you spot it. Additionally, this surgery may have to be performed again if the prolapse occurs again. While it is a last-case resort, the removal of the prolapse is sometimes required if the gland is unable to be held in place by the eyelid. However, these prices are only guidelines and can vary depending on your vet. For a more personalised estimate on the cost of surgery and other treatment options, please speak to your vet. Conclusion French Bulldogs are one of the breeds most prone to the cherry eye condition, along with other bulldog breeds, Cavaliere King Charles Spaniels, Pugs and Terries. Our Frenchie has never had this condition, and the guidance on this page has been researched having spoken to our vet and other Frenchie owners — you should always consult with your own trusted vet for advice. Open 7 Days Eye Problems Due to their short faces, large eyelid openings and large eyes, our squashy faced friends are predisposed to several eye problems. At Melbourne Bulldog Clinic we are experts in diagnosis and management of these conditions, and commonly perform surgical correction where required. Cherry Eye Cherry eye is a swelling of the gland behind the third eyelid , resulting in protrusion of the gland as a reddish mass. French and British bulldogs are particularly prone to this condition. It most commonly occurs in young dogs, and will often occur in the other eye some time afterwards. In most cases, and especially if the cherry eye is recurrent, surgery is the recommended treatment. The everted gland is reduced into a pocket in the back of the third eyelid and sutured in place. This procedure has a high success rate. Entropion and Ectropion Entropion is a condition where the eyelids it can be upper, lower or often both roll in towards the eye. Hairs rubbing on the cornea results in irritation, pain and discharge. Ectropion is a condition where the eyelids roll out due to excess eyelid tissue, and results in exposure of the conjunctiva, irritation and discharge. Thank fully, both conditions are surgically correctable. English Bulldogs are particularly prone to both these conditions. Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome Many brachycephalic dogs are unable to completely blink over their enlarged eyeballs, resulting in exposure and drying of the cornea the surface of the eyeball. Pugs are particular risk breeds for this condition. Components of brachycephalic ocular syndrome include: 1. Entropion — This is where the eyelid rolls in, resulting in hairs causing irritation to the cornea. It most commonly affects the inside of the lower eyelid. Epiphora watery eyes and tear staining — Occurs due to abnormal draining of the tear ducts. Trichiasis and distichiasis — Abnormal, extra eyelashes that curl in and irritate the cornea. Reduced corneal sensitivity — This can delay recognition of problems causing irritation to the cornea, and can also impair healing of corneal wounds. Tear deficiencies — Decreased tear production further exacerbates corneal injuries, and causes drying of the cornea. Shallow orbits eye sockets — This results in less protection of the eyeball which, combined with a larger eyeball size, means that the eye itself is more exposed, and more prone to trauma or drying out. The ideal treatment for brachycephalic ocular syndrome is a surgery called medial canthoplasty — this involves closing down the inside corner of the eyelid opening, and results in decreasing the size of the eyelid opening, everting entropion of the inside lower lid, improved tear duct drainage ability, and improved eyeball coverage and blinking. The overall result is greater protection of the eyeball from trauma and drying out. What are the signs to look for? Eyes can change quite quickly which means they often respond quickly to the correct treatment, and also means they can worsen quickly without medical attention. If you are unsure, please give us a call. We are always happy to advise.

Stella is a 1. Stella is a typical Old English Bulldog. She is rambunctious, mischievous, fun-loving, loyal, smart, driven, and strong. With a strong consistent leader, Stella is on her best behavior. She is an overall sweet, lovable girl that enjoys belly rubs and exploring the yard! Stella is desperate for structure, boundaries, and a solid iron-clad routine. Stella is in a home with several furry foster siblings. She is interested in other dogs and has learned how to passively coexist around them while she is kenneled. Stella is learning to be polite, how to take direction, and making improvements every day! She is experiencing a big transition and will need firm leadership, patience, and consistent training to help her learn proper dog behavior, learn proper dog manners, and know what is expected in her adoptive home. Although Stella needs structure and does push the limits, she does look to his leader for direction. Positive reinforcement and a lot of praise when positive behavior is present have really worked wonders for her especially when snacks are involved! Stella has met several adult humans and has done well with them. She is strong and can easily knock smaller humans down so her foster family believes she would be best in a home with dog-savvy, mature high school-aged children or older; ideally, she would be best around adults only. We believe Stella would be best in a home as an only dog. She could eventually coexist with a docile, submissive, easy-going large dog as long as structured introductions are offered over months not days. We recommend slow introductions between dogs AND supervision around children when introducing a new dog in your home to make sure both he and they are kept safe. A consistent outside routine is needed to ensure Stella remains successful in her adoptive home. Stella likes her crate and will go in on command although sometimes she needs a little treat as a bribe to go in. Stella would do well in a home with a fully fenced yard, a family that can spend a lot of structured time with her, and is willing to keep her adequately fulfilled daily. If you'd like to give Stella the perfect home please apply below. Virginia, or Hammy as we like to call her, is a mature lady at 8 ish years old, she is a Chihuahua mix. Hammy came into rescue when it was posted on social media that her owner was going to euthanize her for being timid and over weight. Miss Hammy arrived in rescue January , since arriving she's been getting lots of exercise and on a special diet to help get her weight under control. She is still nervous around new people and takes time to warm up but she is the perfect quite housemate. She tolerates respectful dogs and doesn't mind cats, kids and busy environments aren't for her. Hammy recently had a full dental and is waiting for her spay surgery and hernia repair. Hammy would love a quiet home to call her own. Rohan is a 4 year old, female, 70 , American Bulldog mix. Rohan came to us as an owner surrender and has been with us since August .Rohan is a big lover and enjoys together time whether that be cuddling on the couch or going for a hike. She has puppy energy so if you need a hiking buddy she's your girl. She rides excellent in the car and loves going on adventures. Rohan is totally house trained, crate trained, and knows all her basic obedience. Oh, we almost forgot, Rohan is hearing impaired but that doesn't slow her down at all, she's hand signal trained! Rohan would do best in a home with adults only or older children, a fenced in yard, and no other pets. If you'd like to open your homes and hearts to Rohan please apply below to adopt! Pedro Chihuahua Meet Pedro! Pedro is approximately 5 years old, male, long haired Chihuahua. He came to rescue from an unsanitary, neglectful, hoarding situation with over 20 animals at the residence. He was extremely scared upon arrival and has taken weeks to warm up. He is still very nervous of new people and noises but once he trusts you he is the biggest little lover and the perfect lap dog. Pedro will need a patient, quiet home, and an adopter who is able to keep up with his basic grooming needs. Pedro has been neutered and vetted and is ready for a loving forever home. Apply below to adopt Pedro! Maizy Pitbull Terrier Meet Maizy! Maizy is a 2 year old, female, Pitbull Terrier. She came to us after being found as a stray by the Mahoning County Dog Warden. Here is what she's been up to since joining ECBR.I gotta tell you, this foster life I am currently living is da bomb!! I get to play with other dogs, snug with some humans and get this.What a concept! To top it all off, my foster mom is a professional dog trainer! Let's discuss what allll you humans appear to be highly interested in.I am doing good and will do "my thing" as soon as I am taken out of my condo crate. Please keep in mind that a new home will mean new schedules so consistency and patience will be key for both of us. It's my safe space and if I've had enough of your human shenanigans, it allows me an escape. That means a home with no other pets and no small children. However, if you have older respectful kids that would be great! I am not much of a barker but will for sure give you a "woo-woo" if I discover that you are slow to prepare my food :. Let's discuss my leash manners not my fav topic. Suffice it to say that they are a work in progress : When we are out for a walk, and I see my house I will pull in an attempt to get back asap because after all.But foster mom is certain that we can work thru it, and I can be taught how to walk "politely" on a leash. Lots of you folks want to know if I would run out of an open door. Foster mom says she is happy to teach you all the tricks of training if you have questions which is a great thing for you as well as me because I really want to keep learning how to be a good girl. As you may be able to see by my earlier pictures, I was owned by a not so loving person. But foster mom says that I am rebounding quickly and am gaining confidence as I become more comfortable. Imagine how devastated I was the first time I came face to face with my reflection!! All my ribs showing, my poor ears cut off in some kind of home ear cropping attempt with scissors, flea ridden, lackluster fur and scars all over my face. The only good thing about all that is that it is in the past and now I search out mirrors in every room!! How do I see my future? Well, I hope to continue on the same path I am currently walking.Cavo is a young male Pitbull Terrier. We guess him to be around 9 months old. He was found as a stray and when his owners never came forward his finder reached out to us for help. Cavo is a very playful sweet boy, he is very timid of quick movements and loud noises but we fell he will get over this with time. Cavo needs a patient understanding adopter who's going to work with him to gain confidence and become the best dog he can be. He is dog friendly and is a silly playful guys once he's comfortable with you. Cavo is waiting to be vetted and will be adoptable very soon! Contact Sammich Boxer Welcome Sammich! Sammich aka Sammy is a 1ish year old, male, Boxer. Sammy came into rescue after being caught as a stray by good Samaritans. Once caught they spread the word and tried to find his people but no one came forward. They quickly realized Sammy had been mistreated due to his fearful and reactive behavior. After reaching out to a local shelter they were told with Sammy's issues he would likely be euthanized if surrendered to them. Thankfully, they got in touch with us and we were able to bring him into rescue and give him a second chance at life. Sammy is still under going an extended decompression and isn't yet available for adoption. Walter is a 5. He arrived in rescue after his family couldn't keep up with the special care Walter needs. Walter was struck by a car a couple years ago and needed surgery to repair his injuries. He has to learn had to walk again and as a result has nerve damage causing some mobility issues and occasional incontinence. He is currently receiving laser therapy to help repair the nerve damage and improve his continence. Walter is dog friendly and loves to play, he is also cat, and kid friendly. For more information on Walter please email Sara at Sara. Hornbeck EastCoastBulldogRescue. Babs is a 9 month old, female, Pitbull Terrier mix. This sweet, young, petite lady came into rescue when her owner couldn't properly care for her. She is a typical playful pup and is still working on her house manners and training. Babs is dog and cat friendly. She is awaiting her spay appointment and will be adoptable very soon. I will begin by telling you that the most important thing in the world to me is MY happiness! But why not? I mean, just look at me! I am a sight to behold! Here's the skinny.Human attention?? Yup, but like everything else, on my terms only. Will I hang with you on the couch.Some might say that I am a "crabby girl" but I prefer to think of myself as a more independent sort. I can be touched and loved on when I desire it, and I'll give you warning signs if I do not. So, I guess you could say that I will need a home that is willing to give me ample patience and time so that we can understand each other! Check out my video and you will see that when I want to play.Now for all the good stuff.If you take too long to let me back in the house, I will let you know with a bark or two but other than that, I'm not one to bark a ton. I do enjoy a nice car ride and also walk quite well on my leash walks. BONUS, you will not have to worry about me chewing or destroying things in your home like those other less refined canines. Foster mom wanted me to let you know that one thing that I despise is when you humans feel the need to humiliate me by wiping my butt. Ummmmm, I would wager a bet that you humans wouldn't appreciate it should someone try to do the same to you!!! OK, well there it is all laid out!! If you feel you may be worthy of me joining your home, fill out that application and we can check each other out! Dutch is a 13 year old male papillion. He came to us after being found as a stray by animal control. He is dog and cat friendly, but would do just fine as an only dog. His favorite things to do are eat and sleep. Dutch is looking for a foster-to-adopt home. Adoption: Team Members That's all for now! Please be patient, the dog might not be added yet. Proudly created with Wix. If you need to surrender a Bulldog, please call the Rescue Coordinator see below or send an email to HSrescue aol. We would be happy to discuss our process and your concerns. After you submit your application, you will see a message on the screen that says that your application was submitted. If you have a technical problem with submitting your application, please send an email to the application database administrator at info centralridge. The waiting time to adopt a bulldog varies. We do not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. We find homes for rescued bulldogs, not the other way around, so we evaluate the dogs and then search the applications for the best match. Your chances of being contacted about adopting a bulldog are much better if you answer ALL of the questions on the application. If you have information that you want to add after your application is submitted e. We appreciate your patience. We are a small, volunteer-staffed organization and we foster the Adoptable Bulldogs in our homes. Most of us work full-time jobs, so although our hearts are in rescue, we might not be able to respond to you immediately. We will do our best, though, to be responsive! Thank you in advance for your cooperation! HeavenSent Bulldog Rescue. We are a core group of 15 experienced volunteers with one mission — to help bulldogs in need. We provide the care, time and love the dogs need until we find their appropriate forever home. Our bulldogs come to us through many venues. Some come to us from shelters where they have been abandoned, or turned in as strays or surrendered where they would otherwise be possibly euthanized. Most of the bulldogs that come into our program are owner surrenders from people who can no longer care for their bulldog. Some people who surrender their bulldogs have had circumstances in their life change due to no fault of their own. No matter the circumstances, we do not judge anyone for needing to rehome a bulldog, but help support their decision to give their bulldog over to rescue. To thoroughly screen families prior to placing our bulldogs to ensure that the needs of both the individual or family and the bulldog are met. Our volunteers work diligently to locate responsible and loving people who wish to make a rescue bulldog a new member of their family. To help educate the public about the bulldog breed and to help reduce the overpopulation of unwanted pets, and the abuse or neglect of bulldogs in our area. To assist people to keep their bulldogs. At times not all owners truly want to surrender their bulldog, but are at a loss as to how to correct a behavioral or health issue, thus improving the lives of the bulldog as well as their owners. To provide follow-up care to the families that have adopted our bulldogs to be sure the bulldog is experiencing a smooth transition to his or her new family, and to answer any and all questions to the best of our ability regarding their new bulldog. Follow Us on Social Media.

For the complete list please see our main page page. Why Use Dog Breeders? There are many reasons why people decide not to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue and instead go to a breeder. Other people may be looking for something more specific, such as a puppy that is bred with the intention of being trained to become a service animal for someone in need. Yet others may want to buy a dog from a breeder as a way of supporting the humane treatment of animals. When it comes to purebred dogs you should always expect to pay more than what you would pay for a mixed breed or rescue dog. A purebred dog will have a better chance of growing up to be healthy and may have fewer behavior problems than a dog who is mixed with unknown breeds. Some questions you might want to ask include: How long have you been breeding German Shepherds? Do you have any health guarantees for your puppies? What genetic tests have you had done on your dogs? What is the average price of your puppies, and what factors affect the price? When meeting with a breeder, be sure to ask lots of questions and inspect the facilities where the puppies are being raised. The puppies should be clean and well-socialized, and the parents should be friendly and healthy. Finding a reputable breeder is an important part of finding a healthy, well-adjusted German Shepherd puppy for your family. Visit Your North Carolina German Shepherd Breeder in Person Before you bring home a German Shepherd puppy, we highly recommend that you visit the breeder in person to see where and how the puppy was raised. This will give you a much better idea of what type of temperament to expect from your dog and whether or not it will be a good fit for your family. Also ask plenty of questions about the breeding process, genetic health tests performed on parents, and overall care provided to dogs involved in the breeding. Visiting your breeder in person will also give you a better idea of their personality which can help you determine if they are the right kind of breeder for your family. This will give you a better idea of the quality of puppies they produce and how well they take care of their dogs. References can be a valuable tool when determining whether or not a breeder is right for you and your family. References are a must when looking for a German Shepherd breeder in North Carolina. This will give you a clear indication of the quality of puppies that breeder provides and how satisfied their past customers have been. Meeting past customers is a valuable way to determine whether or not a breeder is right for you and your family. Make sure to ask your North Carolina German Shepherd Breeder plenty of questions about their policies, breeding practices, and overall care of dogs before purchasing a puppy from them. This is important because the breeder will need to get regular health checks on the parents and puppies. A good relationship with a veterinarian is an important part of being a responsible breeder. You should also ask your North Carolina German Shepherd Breeder for copies of all health certificates and genetic tests that have been performed on the parents. This will give you peace of mind that your puppy is healthy and has a clean bill of health. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Sadly, not all breeders care for their dogs and puppies the way they should be cared for. They will also be able to provide documentation that proves the puppies have been health checked by a veterinarian. Responsible breeders will always take the time to answer any questions you have about their puppies. The American Kennel Club AKC is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to upholding high standards in the breeding and showing of purebred dogs. If your breeder is registered with the AKC, it means they are committed to following these high standards. A good way to determine whether or not a breeder is responsible is by checking to see if they are registered with the AKC. Here are a few things you should do: Set up a crate and put a bed inside of it. Buy a few toys and treats to keep your puppy entertained. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. They will need to get checked out and begin their vaccinations. Start training your puppy as soon as possible. It will make life much easier for both of you in the long run. Potty Training your New German Shepherd Puppy One of the most important things to do when you bring home a new puppy is to start potty training them. Here are a few tips: Take your puppy out every hour, on the hour. Reward them with treats and praise when they go potty in the right spot. Simply clean it up and continue to take them out regularly. By potty training your puppy, you will be saving yourself a lot of headaches down the road. Most of the time, a wire dog crate with a foldable metal frame will do just fine. However, keep in mind that every dog is different and some might require a plastic or wood kennel instead. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. We are a small family operated kennel located in the Northern Piedmont area of North Carolina. I only have dogs with excellent temperaments, good minds, strong character and nerves, nice structure and willing to please attitudes. Puppies will all have plenty of drive for training and working, but not over the top prey-monster types. Some will have more drive than others and will be very suited to sport, police K9, and other working endeavors. While other puppies will be a bit more laid back and fit in well with families as companion dogs. Over these years Janette has evaluated many hundreds of puppies and has become very adept at pegging what an individual puppy will be like as an adult. Robert Oglesby and Janette Oglesby have been involved with German Shepherd Dogs, puppy care, and training for many years. In her previous life Janette was a veterinary practice manager, veterinary technician, and kennel manager. During the past 15 years she has been evaluating, working, training, titling, and breeding these fabulous dogs. Robert, now retired, has been in veterinary practice for over 32 years and maintains the successful website www. He is responsible for the veterinary care of the dogs. A Little About the German Shepherds Our male and females are often purchased titled or started prospects from Europe after a thorough evaluation. We also use quality outside males for genetic and color diversity. More recently we are breeding, raising, training, then titling our own dogs. Occasionally some of these older puppies or young green dogs are available. Our goal is to be able to offer your family the opportunity to welcome into your home your new best friend and family protector. Coldwater German Shepherds.

Breeds The link has been copied! Are you a proud owner of a new golden retriever? As beautiful, lovable, and kind as they are, it's important to ensure your furry friend is getting enough exercise and the best kind of exercise for them. Today we'll explore how much exercise your golden retriever needs, what activities benefit them the most, and why it's so important for them to stay active over the course of their lives. Let's dive in! The Recommended Amount of Exercise for a Golden Retriever It might be hard to believe, but this affectionate, fun-loving family dog was originally bred as a working dog, primarily for hunting. So Golden Retrievers have a lot of energy to burn! To avoid this, simply make sure they get the proper physical and mental stimulation for their age. Individual dogs are different, so the best way to make sure your dog is getting enough exercise is to watch him and monitor his behavior. But here are some general rules of thumb as a starting point. As a Puppy Golden Retriever puppies have lots of energy, but tire quickly. Start by taking your puppy on short walks or jogs around the neighborhood. Start with about 5 minutes a day for every month of age. So three-month-old puppies need 15 minutes, four-month-old 20 minutes, and so on. As they grow older, you can increase the length of these walks. Just like humans, individual needs will vary so watch your dog for signs that they need more or less exercise. Some dogs may require as much as two hours of exercise per day while others may be happy with 45 minutes. All sorts of activities count. Playing fetch, working agility courses, walking, running, hiking, and swimming are all great activities you can enjoy with your pup. As a Senior Dog As your Golden Retriever gets older , their exercise needs will change but regular physical and mental stimulation is still important. Like humans, dogs age at different rates. Some will start having mobility issues earlier than others so keep the activities appropriate for your dog. How to Best Exercise a Golden Retriever Exercising your golden retriever doesn't have to be complicated. For starters, take them on regular walks around the neighborhood. Once they're a bit older, longer hikes are great for getting more of a workout in while allowing them to take in nature's beauty at the same time. Playtime is a great source of exercise for dogs of all ages. Fetch games are always popular with Goldens as is tug-of-war — both activities provide excellent physical activity while being fun for your pup at the same time! Swimming is another great option if you have access to a local pool or lake. Not only does it involve lots of movement but it also helps to keep your furry friend cool in hot weather too. So whatever kind of workout you decide on for your pup, just remember that having fun together is key! Fi smart dog collars make it easier than ever. If your Golden Retriever doesn't get enough exercise, it can lead to some serious health issues. Without regular physical activity, their joints will become stiff and weak which can cause pain and even arthritis if left unchecked. Additionally, a lack of movement can also lead to weight gain. Excess pounds put extra strain on the heart. This makes them more prone to developing conditions like diabetes or other heart-related illnesses in the future. Without proper exercise and mental stimulation, dogs get bored. And bored dogs chew on furniture, dig holes, and mess with whatever they can get their paws on! So, keep your pup mentally and physically fit with a proper amount of exercise. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Following these tips can keep your furry companion healthy and happy. Exercise Requirements for Puppies: If you own a Golden Retriever, you want to keep them happy and healthy. This includes providing them with the appropriate amount of exercise for their age. If your Golden Retriever is a puppy, it will require less exercise than an adult. So, if your puppy is three months old, it will need about 15 minutes of exercise daily. It is important not to overdo it, especially with puppies. Because they are still growing and developing, excessive exercise can cause bone and joint problems. Starting to exercise with your Golden Retriever at a young age can help you bond with them and set them up for a healthy lifestyle. While you have to be careful to not overexert your Golden puppy, making sure they get plenty of exercise can also help prevent unwanted or destructive behaviors, which will talk about more later. Adult To Senior Golden Retrievers Staying active is crucial for adult Golden Retrievers to maintain good health, strong muscles, healthy joints, and weight management. They require minutes of exercise twice a day. Keep an eye out for any signs of pain or difficulty keeping up as your Golden Retriever ages. They tend to push themselves to please their owners, which can result in soreness or joint problems. Consider your lifestyle and make adjustments to ensure your Golden gets enough exercise. Consider games like fetch or dock diving if you prefer more relaxed activities. Bring your dog along if you enjoy going for walks or runs! Spending time being active with your pet will keep them happy and healthy. Types Of Exercise For Golden Retrievers Golden retrievers are an active breed that needs regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Here are some of our favorite different types of activities that Golden Retrievers enjoy: Hiking: Explore new trails and enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend. Bring a collapsible bowl with you for water breaks. Visit a dog park: Let your Golden interact and play off-leash with other friendly dogs. Go for a swim: During the hot summer months, keep your Golden relaxed and happy by taking a dip in a dog-friendly lake or pool. Just keep an eye on them and give them a bath afterwards. Play fetch: This classic game never gets old. Take your Golden to the park or play with their favorite toy indoors. Try agility training: Strengthen your bond with your pet while having fun setting up a backyard agility course with hula hoops, tunnels, and PVC pipes. Take a walk or run: A simple walk or run with your Golden can be enjoyable. Go hunting: Your Golden can enjoy this natural form of exercise with proper training. Try dock diving: if your Golden enjoys being in the water. Toss their favorite toy into the water and watch how much fun they have. Tug of war: Play a friendly game of tug of war with your pet using a durable and safe toy such as the Goughnuts Tug Toy. How To Make The Most Of Golden Retriever Walks Taking your golden retriever for a walk is not only an opportunity for exercise but also a chance to bond and create lasting memories. In this section, we will share valuable tips to help you make the most out of your golden retriever walks, ensuring an enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend. Just stay away from any roads or sidewalks that run alongside them. Because these sessions require a lot of concentration and discipline, they should be kept short. To keep things interesting for your pup, experiment with unexpected changes in speed and direction. This will keep your furry friend entertained and interested. Incorporating Training Into Your Walks A walk with your Golden Retriever is an excellent opportunity to practice some training exercises on and off the leash. It is not only essential to maintain your training skills, but it is also beneficial to practice in various settings. Reward your loyal companion with a game or a treat between exercises to keep them motivated. Remember to leave time for free running! A good recall is essential if you intend to walk your Golden off-leash. While walking on the leash, vary your speed and make quick changes in direction. You can zigzag, circle, or retrace your steps before proceeding. Trying something new instead of your usual walking route is also a good idea. Remember to shower your dog with love, praise, and treats for its excellent behavior! Implementing these changes will make your furry friend more attentive and engaged during your walks. Furthermore, it is a perfect way to keep their minds active and stimulated. Playing Hide And Seek Playing hide-and-seek with your Golden Retriever can make exercise time more exciting and engaging. Keep an eye on your dog and call out if they panic and believe they have lost you. When your Golden Retriever finds you, they will feel a sense of accomplishment and pride, which can boost their confidence. Remember to keep the game safe and enjoyable for your furry friend and to always reward them for their efforts with plenty of love, praise, and treats. This will encourage your pet to pay close attention to you if the toy reappears, and they will be less likely to wander too far away. You can stop occasionally and play a quick and exciting game with them using the toy. Make sure to end the game while your dog is still interested, and then send them on their way. Because most Golden Retrievers enjoy chasing and retrieving balls, consider throwing a ball far away with a racket or ball launcher. Hand throws, on the other hand, are more lively and keep your Golden close by. Remember that throwing sticks can be dangerous. As a safer alternative, use a rubber stick or an old hosepipe. How Exercise Impacts The Behavior Of Golden Retrievers Golden retrievers are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and well-behaved. Not only does exercise improve their physical health, but it also significantly impacts their mental and emotional well-being. A tired and satisfied dog is less likely to engage in these behaviors and more likely to relax and enjoy their time with you. Furthermore, exercise can provide an excellent opportunity for socialization, which is especially important for Golden Retrievers, who are known for being friendly and sociable. Walking your Golden Retriever with other dogs or participating in organized activities such as obedience classes or agility courses can help them gain confidence and comfort around other animals and people. Regular exercise not only improves their physical health but also has a significant impact on their mental and emotional well-being. Exercise helps reduce stress and anxiety, preventing unwanted behaviors such as destructive chewing, excessive barking, or aggression. By keeping your golden retriever active, you provide them with a healthy outlet for their energy, leading to a more well-behaved and relaxed companion. The Importance Of Mental Stimulation: Exercise is not just about physical activity; it also provides mental stimulation for golden retrievers. Engaging in activities that challenge their minds, such as puzzle toys, obedience training, or agility courses, can enhance their cognitive abilities and prevent boredom. Mental stimulation through exercise contributes to a well-rounded and balanced behavior in golden retrievers. Socialization And Exercise: Golden retrievers are naturally social dogs and enjoy interacting with other animals and people. Regular exercise provides an excellent opportunity for socialization, allowing them to become more comfortable and confident in various social settings. Activities like dog park visits or group walks can help your golden retriever develop social skills, reducing the likelihood of behavioral issues related to fear or aggression. Destructive chewing often stems from excess energy and boredom. When dogs do not have an outlet for their energy, they may resort to chewing on furniture, shoes, or other household items. Exercise helps to burn off that energy and keeps dogs physically and mentally stimulated, reducing their inclination to engage in destructive chewing behaviors. By providing your Golden Retriever with sufficient exercise, you can help redirect their energy into more appropriate activities and promote overall behavioral well-being. The Truth About Golden Retriever Behavior Issues Golden retrievers are adorable dogs, but like any other breed, they can have behavioral issues. The good news is that all golden retrievers can improve their behavior, and with some work, you can have a well-behaved golden in no time. It is not a permanent issue, and numerous methods exist for correcting bad behavior. You can use strategies for stopping bad behavior in golden retrievers, such as satisfying their needs, giving them a job, removing temptation, and not reinforcing bad behavior. Conclusion Exercise plays a vital role in shaping the behavior of Golden Retrievers. Regular exercise not only keeps them physically fit but also has a significant impact on their mental and emotional well-being. Furthermore, exercise provides an excellent opportunity for socialization, allowing your furry friend to develop confidence and comfort around other animals and people. By understanding the relationship between exercise and behavior in Golden Retrievers, you can provide your furry companion with the physical and mental stimulation they need to lead a happy, balanced, and well-behaved life. Golden retrievers are naturally curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings with their mouths. Providing plenty of chew toys and positive reinforcement for not chewing on inappropriate items can assist in redirecting this behavior. This behavior also serves to relieve teething discomfort and satisfy their oral fixation. How to prevent aggression in your golden retriever Aggression prevention in Golden Retrievers begins with early socialization and training. Positive reinforcement and teaching appropriate behaviors and boundaries can be helpful in the prevention of aggression. Seeking the assistance of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist can also help deal with any aggressive behavior. Why do golden retrievers roll on their back? There are several reasons for this. They might be looking for your attention or a tummy rub. They may also be scratching, marking their territory, or regulating their body temperature. Rolling over is not always a sign of submission, and it could be used as a combat strategy during playtime. If your dog rolls over to scratch its back, this could be due to a flea or tick infestation. Are golden retrievers good with exercise? Golden retrievers are known for their love of physical activity and exercise. They are active and require daily exercise to keep their physical and mental health in check. Can you exercise a Golden Retriever too much? Yes, it is possible to exercise a Golden Retriever too much. Overexercising can result in injuries, exhaustion, and even heat stroke. How can exercise help with Golden Retriever separation anxiety? Exercise can help reduce anxiety and stress in Golden Retrievers, including separation anxiety. Regular exercise can help your dog burn off excess energy and promote relaxation, making it easier for him to cope with being alone. Adding mental stimulation through puzzle toys or training sessions can also be beneficial. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. By Tom Massey Apr 22, Most pet lovers know how vital exercise can be for their furry friends. Establishing a reliable exercise routine also deters dogs from destroying your house during a burst of high energy. Our Golden Retriever pals are renowned for their happy-go-lucky personality — these dogs are young at heart long after growing from the puppy stage. No matter how much you love your dog, nobody likes to find chew marks on their prized possessions. Dogs who receive too little exercise will have a round physique. But they are also likely to exhibit these unwanted behaviors. This article will review everything you need to consider when creating an exercise routine for your Golden Retriever. Very young Golden puppies only need a few minutes of exercise a day, although the length of time increases with each month of age. Our growing companions do not realize how delicate they are within their first year of life. Growth plates help cartilage grow into bone as puppies mature. However, they are very sensitive and can damage easily. In the meantime, this means your Golden Retriever pup should avoid activities that have a high potential for growth plate injuries. Here are some activities that could hurt puppies who are still growing: Jumping from too high off the ground Twisting too fast Consistent repetition of the same activity Extended periods of high energy play Injuries to growth plates can hinder bone growth and, in extreme cases, cause uneven limbs when your pup grows up. Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers are a breed at risk for developing hip dysplasia. This disorder can start as early as four months old but typically occurs as a dog ages. Obesity, excessive exercise, and too little exercise can cause hip dysplasia in dogs. This is why finding the perfect amount of activity for your dog is crucial to maintaining health throughout his life. In the first few months of life, your pup will be curious to explore the world around them. Most of the exercises for young dogs focus on socialization and behavior training. Learning these tools will ensure your dog is friendly, obedient, and ready for higher-level exercise routines later in life. Typically, a Golden Retriever puppy should have 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age. At 9 to 12 weeks of age , a Golden Retriever puppy will begin integrating into your family. Socialization during this age is crucial, so their primary source of exercise should be playing with you and other members of your household. This includes any other dogs or pets you have in the home. But remember to keep a close eye on your furry friends as they learn to interact with each other. At 13 to 16 weeks, your Golden Retriever will start teething. Playing with chew toys will be a great opportunity for your puppy to learn what they can and cannot munch on. You might see some challenging behaviors arise around 16 to 24 weeks of age. An exercise playpen with lots of toys, food, and drink is an excellent idea to keep the pup entertained while also keeping them out of trouble. From 6 to 12 months, a Golden Retriever puppy will have lots of energy, and an exercise routine that includes physical and mental exercise will be essential. At Snowy Pines, for example, our customer communications specialist Julia reaches out to families at 2 days, 1 week, and around the day mark after homecoming to answer any questions about training or your puppy in general. The world is a big place for little pups, and they need relaxation after stimulating activities. Over years ago, Golden Retrievers were bred to be high-energy hunting companions. Enough exercise will also minimize the chances that your Golden will engage in destructive behaviors around the home. Also, Golden Retrievers also love to eat, so exercise will be important to prevent weight gain. A healthy adult Golden Retriever should receive 40 to minutes of exercise per day, broken up into two sessions. And because Goldens are easy to please, they will be content with a wide range of different activities. This breed loves going on nice, long walks through nature. Walking is a great low-impact exercise for dogs and their owners. Try to go out for about an hour when walking to give your dog and you! You can also visit a fenced dog park for a game of fetch. Golden Retrievers also love mental stimulation, which keeps their mind active. A good mix between high stimulation, low impact, and intellectual exercises will keep your beloved pet physically and mentally healthy. If you see your Golden Retriever sitting or lying down during their daily walk or exercise routine, your dog is tired and needs to relax. If your adult dog is overweight and needs a lot of exercise, try gradually increasing their exercise time by five minutes every day or two to increase their stamina. In addition, dogs who receive infrequent exercise will exhibit some undesirable behaviors. Without proper daily exercise, Golden Retrievers can become socially withdrawn, destructive, or hyperactive. If you have difficulty meeting their exercise needs, consider hiring a dog sitter or investing in interactive toys. This is an entirely normal activity and provides an excellent opportunity for playtime. Special Considerations for Senior Golden Retrievers Our precious pets have a shorter lifespan than humans. Golden Retrievers are classified as seniors when they reach eight years of age. As Golden Retrievers age, you may see their energy levels decrease. This is normal — much like older adult humans, senior Golden Retrievers tire easily. When high-energy tasks like long-distance running and playing fetch become hard, walking and mentally stimulating exercises are great ways to keep senior dogs healthy and active. But always remember to watch for signs that your pet needs rest. If your senior Golden takes a long time to get up while on a walk, this signals that they are tired. Consider taking them home instead of continuing the exercise. If you notice your senior dog is frequently extra lethargic, you may want to visit a veterinarian. Remember, as dogs age, they can become susceptible to hip dysplasia from too much or too little exercise. Golden Retrievers were bred to be hunting companions — needless to say, they love being in nature. Long walks where they can stop and sniff their environment will mentally and physically stimulate your Golden. In addition, early Golden Retrievers were bred to be natural swimmers, so dock diving is a great physical exercise. Dock diving is the game of fetch with the addition of water: your dog runs after the object, swims to fetch it, and returns the object to you. Swimming is a wonderful activity, especially for senior Goldens who may be experiencing the aches and pains of old age. This activity is easier on their joints but still gives them an appropriate amount of movement. Most dogs love playing fetch or catching frisbees, and Golden Retrievers are no different. This is a great activity for children who want to participate in playtime with the family pet. Golden Retrievers are well-known for their obedience during agility courses. Creating an obstacle course where your dog can practice different exercises like running and jumping will keep your furry pal entertained for a long time. If your dog is trained to walk safely and will stay to one side of your body, you can introduce running. However, remember to start slowly. Activities like hide and seek with treats , puzzle toys, and trick training are great brain exercises to get your dog thinking. As a reminder, dogs can never have too much positive reinforcement for their good behaviors. Conclusion Golden Retrievers are an energetic dog breed that loves playtime and requires lots of exercise to keep them from exhibiting unwanted behaviors. However, you should always watch for signals that your dog is tired or overworked. This is especially true for puppies who could damage their growth plates with too much exercise, as well as senior Goldens, who may need to scale back their normal 40 to minutes a day. We all want our fluffy companions to live long and healthy lives. By establishing regular exercise into their daily routine, you can help keep your Golden Retriever physically and mentally fit. At Snowy Pines, we start teaching our puppies lifestyle skills from a young age. Contact us today to learn about our available English Cream Golden Retriever puppies! Share on. Golden Retrievers are wonderful, right? Well then, of course everyone should have one. Either way, it is vital that you examine your own lifestyle, needs and wants to see if a golden is right for you. And, conversely, you need to evaluate if you can meet the needs of a golden retriever. If you can, we can attest to the fact that owning a golden is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have! They are addicting and people seldom have just one in their lifetimes. Here are a few things to consider: Size Goldens are medium to large sized animals. The standard size for males range from 23 — 24 inches at the shoulder and weigh proportionally from pounds. Females stand around .They normally possess extremely active tails making clean sweeps of coffee and end tables. Quite simply they need room. Uncluttered houses are a must! A fenced in yard is especially important in providing the dog enough exercise. Another option is a fenced dog park or walking trail. You must have a plan to give your golden enough exercise on a daily basis or both of you will be miserable. The younger the golden, the more exercise they generally need. Velcro Dog Goldens are faithful companions. They are usually always by your side, many will follow you from room to room. They will lie in the kitchen while you cook and at your feet while you watch TV. They must be near their humans to be happy. Be prepared to do a lot of hands on petting with your golden — they love it. Some goldens are downright needy in their desire for attention from their humans. Leashes You may have visions of letting your dog play fetch in an open field or running free on the beach. As a sporting dog they are easily distracted by birds, animals or moving objects; they must be kept leashed when being exercised outside of a fenced yard to keep them from running off. Shedding In Florida, goldens shed moderately all year long. Brushing every other day is to your advantage. If you require a fastidiously kept house, a golden is not the dog for you unless you like to do a lot of cleaning. You will always have dog hair around, especially in rugs, on furniture, and OH YES, occasionally even in your food. With a golden in your house, hair becomes a condiment. Oh — and you will have to vacuum much more often than before — or little fur balls will accumulate along your baseboards! Make sure you have a really good vacuum cleaner that you love using before bringing a golden into your home. Health Goldens are prone to allergies, skin problems, cancer and hypothyroidism and you may have to spend a fair amount on vet care over the life of a golden. Common inherited health issues are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, various eye problems and heart disease. That is relatively cheap compared to if your dog has a health issue and requires veterinary care which today runs as much as human health care. Setting aside a monthly amount for a future emergency is a must. There are also quality pet insurance programs available. Goldens must be fed a high quality premium food to prevent costly skin problems — which means you will not be able to buy your food at the grocery or discount store — and will have to make a special trip to the pet supply store. There are other expenses such as toys, collars and leashes, brushes, shampoos and soft cozy beds. A well cared for dog, like its human counterpart, is happier with regular checkups and daily care. Grooming Goldens can be adequately groomed at home without expensive equipment. Grooming includes brushing, bathing, trimming hair from the pads of the feet, light trimming on ears, tails and back legs when necessary, and trimming nails. Neatness Goldens are easily housebroken and make great housedogs. They tend to be messy drinkers, dripping water on the floor after they take their drink. You might even encounter a little slobber. Training Goldens are usually easy to potty train and make great house dogs. Many owners wish to make their goldens into good canine citizens. Moreover, goldens tend to be sensitive or soft in many training situations. They must be handled carefully with a loving, firm, but gentle approach. The end result is a well-mannered dog that is a joy to be around. Small Children People automatically assume goldens are the perfect dog for a family with children. Golden puppies quickly grow up to be rambunctious, strong bundles of energy that easily can play too rough with young children, especially when they are 6 months to two years of age. Though they may bark and growl defensively, when it comes down to brass tacks — they will gladly hold the flashlight for the burglar and give them a big kiss. Outside Dogs Goldens make poor outside dogs. Especially in Florida, they develop skin problems and flea allergies if kept outside. They frequently develop thunderstorm anxiety. As sporting dogs they are easily able to dig out of a fence or sometimes climb over it when left outside for long periods of unsupervised time because they want to be with people. They also are frequent targets for theft if left outside in a backyard when the owner is away from home. Goldens are very social and are pack oriented. They frequently develop behavior problems when they are kept separated from their families. A happy golden is an inside dog. Male or Female? Many people are fixated on getting a female golden, thinking that females are more laid back and affectionate than males. This is not true. Male goldens are blessed with loving personalities. Many people call them big teddy bears and even prefer male over female goldens. Well, there you have it — the inside scoop on owning a golden. Goldens Rescued Since .Read the full disclosure here. All dogs need exercise to live a fit, healthy and fulfilling life. No matter the breed, no matter how large or small, no matter their age, they all need exercise. But some need more than others. So what are the Golden Retriever exercise requirements? Golden Retrievers Are A High Energy Sporting Breed As the name suggests, the Golden Retriever is a sporting breed initially created to retrieve fallen game for hunters in the Scottish highlands in the 19th century. Retrieving in the Scottish Highlands, with its mountainous landscape pot-holed with ponds, lakes and streams is very physically demanding work. So when they set out to create the Goldens, they had to be a high energy, sturdy breed with lots of stamina and an affinity for water. They needed a dog that could travel large distances, hiking and swimming in rough terrain for the best part of a full day. And with this breed, this is exactly what they got. They need physical activity. They become very destructive , chewing , digging, and running around your home and garden like little tornadoes. Too full of pent-up energy to be able to concentrate and behave themselves well and some will even try to escape their home and garden at every opportunity. Only now, all that food will just turn into fat and lead to poor health and weight issues. Yes, Golden Retrievers are very prone to obesity. Usually a combination of their owners doing two things: Giving in too often to those expertly crafted begging routines. Not giving their pooch anywhere near a sufficient level of exercise. Excess weight leads to a variety of problems such as heart disease, increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and damage to their hip and elbow joints. Keeping your Golden at a healthy weight is the responsibility of any caring owner. This rule basically states: A puppy needs no more than 5 minutes of exercise for each month it has been alive. So a 3-month-old puppy needs only 15 minutes exercise per day, a 5-month-old needs 25 minutes. This exercise is a proper, structured exercise. Meaning brisk walking on leash, gentle games of fetch. Puppies are growing fast and their bones and joints can be easily damaged by over-exercising. Follow the 5 minute rule and encourage very little jumping or vigorous exercise! Continue the 5 minute rule until your golden is nearing one year old. As a general rule to follow, a healthy adult Golden retriever exercise needs consist of a good hour of exercise every day. But the genetics of your dog could mean you need to increase or decrease this. Those retrievers from a working field line will be more energetic and have higher exercise needs, perhaps as much as 2 hours per day. Whereas those from show lines could get by on 45 minutes. But all Goldens need regular exercise, at least twice per day or they will become bored and probably destructive. Try to provide different forms of exercise such as hiking, running, swimming, playing fetch…you need to stimulate their minds as well as their hearts and muscles. They will take every bit of physical activity you throw at them and then be able to do much more. You will tire yourself out long before you can tire them! Some Golden retrievers suffer arthritis and other joint pains as they age. If this is the case with your dog, please speak to your vet and follow their advice. With some ailments exercise can make things worse and you do not want that for your dog. Like humans, dogs are individuals and age differently. Just be mindful of not asking too much of your elderly dog. They can still enjoy walking long distances and swimming, just avoid jumping hedges and chasing balls for an hour straight. Believe me, you will know! In all cases, if your Golden has behavioral problems and seems highly strung and out of control, the first thing you should do is have them checked by a vet for health issues. And if they receive a clean bill of health then the simplest of cures for a better behaved dog is to exercise them more. Try it for a few days, you just may be surprised at the results: An exercised Golden is a calm and happy Golden! Conclusion Golden Retrievers are a high energy sporting breed and require a lot of exercise. A lack of it can lead to a variety of health problems, hyperactivity and behavioral problems! So for a healthy and happy dog…and owner…provide your beloved puppy with just as much physical activity as they need and deserve! Jogging alongside you, running along as you cycle, going for long hikes , the occasional swim and sessions of playing fetch all qualify as good Golden Retriever training. You will stay fit and active and happy together. You May Also Like. Sep 13, Sep 20, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Our goldens are such high-energy dogs. In order to stay mentally and physically healthy, they require exercise. They need more exercise than many dogs. Of course, the amount and type of exercise will vary based on their age, genetics, health, and overall health and fitness. He may become destructive or he may gain weight. So, to keep him healthy and happy, he should be well-exercised. Even adult goldens may chew the wrong items like your furniture and dig in your garden when under-exercised. Or they may bark excessively, jump on counters or people even when trained not to, or be mouthy. Also, he may gain too much weight. This can lead to heart disease, risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and damage to hips and elbows. A dog who receives enough exercise has toned muscles. Exercise also keeps his body and metabolic system functioning properly and engages his mind. Of course, puppies, adult goldens, and seniors will require various amounts and types of exercise. But generally golden retrievers, being sporting dogs meant to work, need more exercise than many breeds. Genetics enter into the equation. This can also help you determine what type of exercises to include in his regimen. So a three-month-old puppy should receive no more than 15 minutes of exercise up to two times a day. And break up the time he plays. For example, have a short minute walk and, after a break, a three-minute fetch session. Then, after another break, a two-minute training session. Vary the activities. Doing all these activities will not only help your pup exercise, but it will also help further your bond. My rescued golden retriever Riley came to me when he was about six months old. To say that he was energetic would be an understatement. He would jump on us, be mouthy, and generally destructive when he arrived. Of course, he needed training. But I also had to meet his exercise needs so that we could have a great relationship. So I took him on long walks, played fetch with his Kong ball, played tug and release, and played with puzzle toys. He also played with my other dogs. And he went to daycare two or three days or half-days per week. Between mental and physical exercise, he became the great dog he was meant to be. He enjoys life, loves everyone, and is very well-behaved wherever he goes. But he was worth it. Of course a young adult or one from hunting lines may need more. They may even need an hour-and-a-half or two hours per day. Just like us, goldens are individuals. But others may still be very active at 10 years old. Of course, some goldens are still very active at that age and beyond. But how much and the type of exercise they should engage in depends on their general health. The same is true of goldens with disabilities. They still require a sufficient amount of exercise according to their needs. Types of Exercise for Your Golden Of course both physical and mental exercise are required to have a healthy dog. There are many choices that will help your dog be fit and happy. Always monitor your dog to see if he seems too tired or appears to be injured. Stop and seek veterinary advice. Start out slowly and add time over many sessions as your pup can handle it. Vary the exercises. Some can be performed inside as well as outside. So even on a rainy day, you can sufficiently exercise your dog and meet his needs. Walking or Running Of course, you should first teach your dog to walk on a loose leash before exercising him on a leash. Walks at a natural pace are best for most goldens. Start with short walks, increasing them over time. Avoid walks on the hottest or coldest part of the day. Always walk on safe footing and avoid slippery or sharp surfaces. Of course, running is another matter. The pounding may be too much. Running on soft running paths or level grass can be alright for some dogs. Of course, a full vet checkup should occur before starting any running program with your beloved golden retriever. Some people jog with a dog. Others may skate or ride a bike with their golden alongside. Of course, some dogs enjoy hiking with their people. There are many sights and smells for a dog to enjoy. Play Groups Your puppy or dog can also get a lot of varied exercise playing with appropriate dog playmates. Dogs romp and wrestle together. You can set up your own or join in to well-run dog playgroups or even dog daycares. Playing With Your Dog You can play fetch with your dog if he knows how to retrieve and give up the toy on cue. He may even fetch a favorite ball. Or play tug with a toy like a rope or fleece toy if your dog will take it and release it on cue. The options are limitless. You can play hide and seek with your golden while inside. You can heel with him, have him come on cue, or teach him to wave! Mentally Stimulating Toys There are many activity toys you can buy or you can make your own. Some are puzzle toys where your golden seeks out kibble or treats. Or treat-dispensing balls. If you or a friend has a swimming pool, you can teach your dog to swim. They make life vests for safety. Start him in shallow water and build from there, with you accompanying him. Always make sure that he knows where the steps are and how to get out of the water. My golden Spencer used to like to swim in the bay when we vacationed at the shore. He was a great swimmer, but he wore a doggy life vest and I had him on a long-line for safety. There are also dog facilities like boarding and daycares and vet hospitals that have facilities where your pup may swim. Swimming provides a great cardio workout as well as being easier on joints than many land exercises. This can be good for dogs with joint problems and arthritis. In fact, aqua therapy is often used for dogs who need physical rehabilitation from injuries or surgery. The following suggestions can be performed in competitions or just for fun and exercise. You can even join a dog training club or take courses to learn how to perform these activities. There are so many choices, including: Lure coursing, where a dog chases after a plastic bag attached to a lure that whizzes by on a specially designed course. Sight hounds often participate in this sport. Scent work, in which a dog finds something by scent. Agility, where a dog learns to run a designated course with tunnels, weave poles, dog walks, and teeter totters. Flyball, where a dog learns to jump over a course of jumps and retrieve a ball. Rally obedience, in which you train your dog to walk through a course accompanied by you. He performs certain tasks at each sign on the ground that you encounter. He may have to sit and lie down and perform other obedience exercises throughout the course. Dock diving is a sport in which goldens and labs excel—usually being water-loving dogs. He stays on the dock, awaiting your command. He then runs along the dock and flings his body into the water to retrieve the toy. In competition, the goal is to have the longest jump possible. You should be able to feel his ribs without seeing them. Some occasional zoomies are natural. And he should also be able to listen and pay attention to you and to perform known commands, Too much exercise can be as bad as not enough. Final Thoughts Just like us, goldens need physical and mental exercise to remain healthy. It will also further the bond with your four-legged best friend. How much exercise does your golden receive? What activities have you tried? Please leave your comments in the section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. Without adequate exercise, few puppies will be able to control their energy. Families see an out-of-control puppy and immediately think exercise is the answer to their problem. Often it is, but exercise can also be overdone. There is a balance. The information below has exercise guidelines for large breed puppies along with a broad range of various ways for your puppy to get that exercise. Make sure that you have a fenced area or that you are far from any place that cars or other dangers might be. For off-leash strolls, let the puppy set the pace. If he lies down, let him rest. Here are a few general guidelines. Keep in mind that puppies that are used to active lifestyles can handle longer excursions. Conversely, puppies that have not had opportunity to exercise off leash need to start off at a slower pace. For your average puppy, start off with minutes for an 8-week old puppy. Increase to up to 20 minutes for week old puppies. By the time your puppy is 6 months, the time can be increased up to as much as 45 minutes and for a month-old puppy, you can go for as long as an hour as long as you are going at a slow pace with plenty of opportunities for your puppy to sniff around. If you miss a week or two of the work, decrease your distance when starting back and gradually build up the distance again. This long distance exercise must be off-leash so that your puppy can take breaks and slow down as needed. The puppy must set the pace. Forced running on a leash is never good for a growing puppy. Leash Walks as Exercise for a Golden Retriever Puppy Leash walking can be a good form of exercise when certain criteria are met. First puppies need to be trained and socialized to the environment. Second, leash walks need to be done in a certain way. Leash walking can be overdone. One of the biggest causes of growth plate and soft tissue injury in young puppies is repetitive exercise. Leash walks for puppies must be broken up with training sessions or opportunities for free off-leash play or time to sniff around on the leash. At 3 months, you can go for 20 minutes and at 6 months, you can walk up to 30 minutes. You must be much more careful with leash walking since you and not the puppy control the pace. Leash walking provides an excellent way of combining a little bit of physical exercise with mental exercise, obedience training, socialization, and environmental desensitization. It is a fantastic way to introduce a puppy to his world. It gives a bit of exercise while at the same time giving opportunities for socialization and training. However, strolls on a leash are not enough. Puppies must have an opportunity to run and play. Again, off-leash walks are best if your goal in your walk is to provide adequate exercise. A week old Golden Retriever puppy will have a neck that is about 12 inches. Get a collar of any brand that includes 12 inches in the size range. An adult female will have about an 18 inch neck. A male adult will need a collar that fits a 20 inch neck. Similarly running on a treadmill or any other types of forced running are not appropriate forms of exercise for a golden retriever puppy. Free Play as Exercise for a Golden Retriever Puppy Free play is always an excellent form of exercise for a golden retriever puppy. Dogs and puppies of all ages can play as long they like in your safely contained yard. If your puppy is playing with another dog in the family, make sure you supervise their play until you are sure that they play well together and that the older dog is not too rough. End the play if the other dog is getting too rough, if your puppy is starting to annoy the other dog, or if your puppy shows signs that he is ready to quit playing. Strange dogs are not worth the risk. Getting on the ground or running around with your puppy can be one of the best ways to exercise your puppy. Fetch and tug can be options if played within certain guidelines. Whether you are playing tug or fetch or just running around with your puppy, there are a couple of rules that need to be followed. Instead, ignore him. Wait until your puppy is behaving. Then, once you begin playing with your puppy, periodically, stop the game and make him gain control of himself before resuming the game. Ask him to do a simple behavior such as a sit or a down. Then start playing again. We recommend teaching your puppy the game of fetch at a young age. Going and getting a toy, bringing it back, and giving it to you is easier to teach when they are young. Chasing balls causes puppies to twist, roll, jump, and tumble while trying to grab a moving ball. Instead, use toys. Then, combine your game of fetch with a game of tug. Tug is discussed in detail in another section. Once your puppy has learned to tug, teach your puppy a release command. Save longer throws for your dog until after he is over 2 years of age. Teach The Wait Command Once your puppy has learned to bring a toy back to you reliably, you can begin teaching your puppy to safely retrieve a ball. Before moving from a toy to a ball, teach a wait command. Playing fetch with a dog with a wait command is a tremendous exercise. It not only provides physical exercise, but it also provides a super opportunity for a puppy to learn self-control. Here is how to teach it. I like to use what is called a pull tab. A pull tab is a very short leash that you attach to a collar. Pull tabs are typically 6 inches or shorter. A pull tab is long enough to give you control over your dog, but short enough for the dog to be able to run and play with it dangling from his collar. Once the dog relaxes and I require a sit as well , throw the ball. When the dog is dependable with regard to waiting on the release, you can do away with the tab. Having a dog wait before chasing a ball is a necessity with puppies because it eliminates the problem of the dog twisting, turning, and diving for a moving object. Fetch is a great exercise for an adult. Once a dog is over 2, you can begin throwing balls and even add a Chuck-it ball thrower to your game. Tug as a Form of Exercise for a Golden Retriever Puppy Tug is a very good exercise for dogs of all ages except for during the stage when puppy teeth are coming out and new adult teeth coming in to replace them. Make sure you stop before he looses his first teeth at around 4 months. Tug can then be resumed when all adult teeth are in. The most current training recommendations for tug no longer include the idea that the dog can never win and that you must always be in charge. This is not true. Consider a child racing his Dad down the street. The Dad lets the child win and the child beams. It gives the child confidence and makes him want to be faster and better. The same holds true with puppies. Let them win when they do a good job! The Release Once a puppy is tugging vigorously and understands the game, you can teach a release cue. Teach this by making the tug toy become motionless and no fun. Just keep the toy still until the dog opens his mouth on his own. Then immediately give the toy back to the dog and start the tug game again. Begin integrating the release into your play session in such a way that you are giving the toy back far more often than not. The dog needs to associate his releasing the toy with a restart to the game, not an end to it. It encourages forced running, jumping, and twisting, all bad for the growing puppy. Frisbee throwing can be dangerous for any dog, but especially for a puppy. We personally never play frisbee with our dogs. There are many other better exercise choices. Digging Digging is actually a very good exercise for a puppy though it may not be so good for your lawn! If you should have a place that your puppy can dig, maybe a soft spot in the corner of your yard, train him that that place and only that place is his digging spot. Puppies Should Avoid Full Flights of Stars Your Summer Brook puppy will be trained shortly before changing homes to safely navigate a set of 3 or 4 steps. If your set of steps is more than half a full flight, we require that you carry him up them until he is 4 months old. Even after this, we recommend keeping him off the steps as often as possible. Dogs tend to get excited and fly down them, often leaping over 4 or 5 of them at a time. This can result in injury. As with so many other repetitive or impactful activities, we highly recommend waiting until growth plates are closed. Baby gates can be a huge help until that time. Swimming Swimming is super exercise for a Golden Retriever puppy and most dogs enjoy playing fetch in the water. See our website page on teaching a puppy to swim for more information. This includes jumping up on and off of furniture until he is fully grown and growth plates are closed. Growth Plates and Exercise We have mentioned quite a few times on this page the importance of limiting certain activities with your puppy until his growth plates are closed. Some of you might be wondering what growth plates are and why they matter with regard to exercise. What Are Growth Plates? Growth plates are soft areas that are at the ends of the long bones in puppies. These growth plates gradually get thinner until they completely close. The closure of growth plates is brought on by hormonal changes during puberty. When growth plates close, they harden as they calcify and the rapid cell division stops. The growth plates become what is called an epiphyseal line. The epiphyseal line is sturdy and not so prone to injury as the growth plates. These are collectively referred to as soft tissue. In an adult, when there is a soft tissue injury, a sprain will result. However, in a puppy, the soft tissue is stronger than the growth plates. An injury that would only cause a sprain in an adult dog could cause an injury to the growth plate in a puppy. The soft tissue can actually pull the growth plate apart. Growth plate injuries can sometimes not heal properly and keep a dog from growing straight and strong which can subject him to problems for his entire life. Conclusion Although you need to be much more careful with the type of exercise you provide your puppy, exercise is still very important to a growing puppy. Appropriate exercise is key to building strong bones. Another key to good puppy development and a relaxed puppy is mental exercise. Give your puppy appropriate physical exercise and give your puppy a long life with healthy bones and joints. For more information on our puppies, see our page on Golden Retriever puppies. Primary Sidebar Breeders and Trainers of English Golden Retrievers We focus on breeding and training beautiful English Golden Retriever puppies with health tested champion parents, great pedigrees, and fantastic temperaments.

We pride ourselves on providing you with only the highest top Quality German Shepherd Puppies for sale. Our love and care goes into each and every German Shepherd Puppy that we help raise and bring into this world. It is our goal to provide you with a perfect companion from one of our litters. We strive to be the top German Shepherd Breeder in the country with our extremely high quality dogs, assuring you of a spectacularly beautiful and loving German Shepherd Puppy. While we raise spectacular show and breeding puppies, most of our puppies sold are for family pets and personal protection. They are wonderful, loving and gentle family pets, which is our largest market: People that want the Finest Purebred German Shepherd Dogs with spectacular pedigrees for their Family. We are one of very few German Shepherd Breeders in the country who have adopted and practice the proven early puppy neural and social development program that encourages high aptitude puppies. Every one of our puppies gets loving socialization daily from birth and advanced development stimulation. As they grow, they are in the house with us with constant socialization, they visit childcare centers, schools, and nursing homes for further socialization and community service. We have acreage on a beautiful lake front setting where our dogs are free to run and enjoy life. Visit any other kennel and then come visit us. The happiness and loving nature of our dogs speaks for itself. We genetically select the sire and dam of each litter for the best possible litter. While we have spectacularly well pedigreed males, we often search around the country for a German Shepherd male with the pedigree that will best serve our litter with a particular female. German Shepherds for sale in Georgia Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Georgia with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Georgia. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. German Shepherd Breeders in Georgia There are a number of great German Shepherd breeders in Georgia, from Atlanta to Athens, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in GA! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in GA We like to think we've made a lot of people in Georgia happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. The day we picked him was wonderful.We are taking our pup to GA to live, we will receive training here before we leave and in GA via the internet. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to add a healthy, beautiful addition to their family. As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. German Shepherd Tips and Resources If you are looking for a German Shepherd then you are looking for a fierce, loyal, and sassy companion. This breed is by far one of the most versatile breeds that are great companion dogs, easygoing service dogs, or strong and protective working dogs. No doubt no matter what life your pup is destined for there will be no shortcomings in their mouthy and spirited personalities. Getting a German Shepherd Puppy is no quick choice but in this blog, you will find a list of reputable breeders who has that special pup waiting for your family. Here there are ten German Shepherd Breeders in Georgia. This list is to help you determine the breeder you would like to go through but remember to always talk to them and make sure you know what you want from the breeder and the bloodline. They breed dogs to European standards by selecting specific temperaments, pigmentation, bone structures, and health tests. Hailing from Romania, the owner Alex uses his six years of law enforcement and fifteen years of first-hand border patrol experience to provide the best pairing, care, and training for the pups in his care. When raising the puppies in his facility he insures they are well-socialized and will be placed in the proper homes upon leaving for their forever home. Starting from day one they handle and work with their pups in order to be certain he has a good understanding of their personality so they can be placed properly as a family, working, or protection dog. His German Shepherd Puppies are bread from old bloodlines such as those from the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, and Romania producing pups with high drives, dominant personalities, and good athleticism. While producing the impressive pups all his sires and dams are health checked and titled to prove and show the reliability and versatility of all their offspring. With competitive titles in Schutzhund and IPO, his breeding stock is well-proven on the working side. They are all tested for any condition that can be passed on to the litter within their genetics. With the pedigrees in his breeding facility, it ensures that you will have good strong, and healthy pups with health guarantees up to 14 months of age with proper testing. There is also a guarantee for once you get the pup upon their immediate health once you receive them. All pups receive vaccines and deworming prior to going to their new homes.

Winston demonstrates eagerness to please and loves to spend time training. Lee and family do such a great job socializing their pups that Winston acclimated to our household of 3 cats and a 6 year old labradoodle within hours! He is a very loving little guy and clearly had a great start at Berkshire Poodles! Could not have made a better choice in breed of dog and breeder. After only a little over 2 weeks she has blossomed into such a sweetheart. She has continued to amaze me with her intelligence. She was going in and out of crate after 3 days and now I have her actually jumping up at string of bells on door and barking to go out. She has not had an accident in the house in over 5 days. Thank you Lee, for such a wonderful companion. She walked on the leash pretty much like she had been doing it all her life! Got her home and she adapted so quickly! What an awesome pup! Lee and his wife were so kind and accommodating we couldn't ask for a better transition! Would recommend this breeder to anyone looking for a great poodle! They obviously love their dogs! Crystal Dewey We really had a good experience with Lee and his father in regards to picking out our puppy and having the information and local references we needed about her health and care. She was an adorable puppy and has turned into a well behaved loving member of the family. She's a beautiful dog too and gets compliments everywhere we go. Ginny Our Pally, now nine months old, is a delight in every way. She is smart, curious and very affectionate. She is never aggressive with anyone, human or canine; she just loves to be companionable and learn new things about the world. She has one weakness: socks. But if you keep your sock drawer closed, she is a practically perfect poodle. Get in touch. Berkshire Poodles. Established in , we produce and show high quality Standard Poodles, with an equal focus on temperament, health, conformation, structural soundness and genetic diversity. DoeValley Standard Poodles make loving companions that excel in any venue. We are home to truly versatile Standard Poodles. Our SPoos make even the most discriminating proud. We are members of the Poodle Club of Massachusetts and exceed their code of ethics. In addition, our Poodles are exactly what you see, we do not dye coats, color noses, alter bites, "fix" curled tails or medicate dogs to mask temperament issues like many do just to win in the ring. Changing the appearance of a dog in these ways does nothing to better the breed. The genes that produced those traits are still there and can be passed to the next generation. BetterBred LLC was founded to provide a simple, accessible way to analyze genetic diversity data for their dogs. Niels C. BetterBred offers proven, scientifically accurate, easy to use, online tools that help breeders make breeding choices that can keep their breeds as healthy as possible. We're happy to answer any questions you may have about Standard Poodles. Thanks for visiting! Join our mailing list for the latest news Sign up. Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Massachusetts? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Massachusetts. Miniature Poodle puppies for sale in Massachusetts price varies based on several things—size, coat color, and breeder experience, etc. Uptown will pair you with mini Poodle puppies for sale Massachusetts, as well as Massachusetts Poodles that fit your budget, too! Do your breeders arrange travel for Boston Poodles out of state? They sure do! Most of the companies and Massachusetts Poodle breeders in our network are really good at moving Massachusetts Poodles out of state and all over the country, and can send your Massachusetts Poodle puppies for sale by plane to a major airport near you. Because our network is expanding, there is a chance a Poodle breeder could be in the area! How do you screen miniature Poodle breeders in Boston? We make sure your puppy is healthy and well by having strict standards with regards to the place that they are born, how they are cared for, breeder experience, and much more. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other miniature Poodle breeders Boston? Although the internet makes it a cinch to locate puppies, it is also easy for dishonest breeders, as well as puppy mills to do a lot of damage. We have one mission—to help the honest miniature Poodle breeders Massachusetts, companies and businesses get found by people like you, and place a beautiful Poodle pup in your home. What is a puppy mill like for miniature Poodle Boston? Honest breeding centers do exist and are a wonderful place. Puppy mills are not ethical places. Countless sick puppies are born there. Puppy mill dogs, such as miniature Poodle Massachusetts, often have serious health as well as behavioral problems that cost owners thousands upon thousands more than properly raised dogs—and also pass away young. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies Boston for sale now? Are you interested in getting a Poodle or miniature Poodle puppies Massachusetts for sale? Well, you can start the process by searching below! What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies Boston? People debate over the origins of Poodles as they hail from either Germany or France. They are ever popular at pedigree dog shows - especially the large Standard Poodles as they look so elegant once they are trimmed and groomed. Mini Poodle puppies Massachusetts are skillful in a whole lot of dog sports. How do I know I can trust you with miniature Poodle puppies in Boston? Unfortunately, online puppy scams are as common as anything. Look at our reviews and recent miniature Poodle puppies in Massachusetts to see how great a choice Upwork is for you!

Rabies Vaccine Rabies is a viral infection caused by a virus secreted in the saliva. According to the Humane Society , because the infection affects the nervous system, most rabid animals behave abnormally. When should puppies get rabies shots? Generally speaking, puppies should get their first rabies shot around 16 weeks of age and again between years old. Rabies Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every 3 years Non-core Vaccines Non-core vaccines are important, but they are considered optional for dogs with less risk of infection. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on lifestyle and where you live or travel. Bordetella Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium associated with respiratory disease in dogs and is known to cause the most severe form of kennel cough. Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, congestion, etc. Some veterinarians may recommend Bordetella as a core vaccine for puppies based on their living environment, especially for social dogs who spend time in areas where they might come into contact with the bacteria like the dog park, boarding facilities, or doggy daycare. The vaccination can be given orally, intranasally, or by injection. Bordetella Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every year Leptospira Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by infection of the genus Leptospira, which are found in water and soil. The zoonotic disease spreads easily from animals to humans and is more common in warm climate areas with high annual rainfall; the Leptospira vaccine may be considered core in these areas. Signs of leptospirosis may include shivering, fever, muscle tenderness, increased thirst, dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, kidney failure, liver failure, etc. Leptospira Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 3rd shot: 1 year Booster: every year There is also a 5-way vaccine known as DHLPP, which is a combination vaccine of distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvo. Lyme disease Lyme disease is caused by infection with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The most common symptoms in dogs include loss of appetite, lameness, joint swelling, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. More serious cases can also develop kidney complications. The Lyme disease vaccine is highly recommended for dogs that live in or frequently travel to areas known for Lyme disease, as well as those living in areas with a high risk of tick exposure. Lyme Vaccination Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 2nd shot: weeks later Booster: every year Canine Influenza Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a contagious viral infection affecting dogs. The virus is spread through aerosols or droplets containing respiratory secretions from barking, sneezing, and coughing. Dogs in close contact with infected dogs in places like daycare facilities, groomers, and kennels are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. CIV causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs, with the most common clinical sign being a cough that persists for up to 21 days. Vaccines are available for both H3N2 and H3N8 canine influenza. A bivalent vaccine offering protection against both strains is available as well. Dogs become infected when they swallow the parasite that may be present in water or other substances that have been soiled with feces leading to the disease Giardiasis. Giardia in dogs usually causes diarrhea, weight loss, or even death. Giardia is an available vaccine for puppies 8 weeks of age and older for 6 months of immunity against giardiasis. Most common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Young dogs are at a high risk of contracting the disease, so the vaccine is highly recommended for puppies under eight weeks. Rattlesnake vaccine A rattlesnake vaccine can help dogs build antibodies to rattlesnake venom from bites that are often deadly and severely painful to dogs. The antibodies work to neutralize the venom, thereby significantly extending the window of time you have to take your dog to the emergency room , increasing their odds of survival. Protect yourself from heartbreak without breaking the bank. Compare quotes to find the best deal for your budget. After that, puppies should receive a series of vaccines every two to four weeks until actual protein can be achieved between the ages of 6 and 20 weeks old. Your vet will determine a safe vaccine schedule for your puppy based on their weight, health, age, etc. Some pet parents prefer getting multiple puppy shots in one vet visit to minimize stress on their pet, whereas others prefer to spread the shots out to reduce possible side effects and soreness — talk to your vet to create a safe vaccine schedule that works for you and your puppy. Rabies depends on local laws but is usually given by the time your dog reaches 3 to 6 months old. When should puppies have all their shots by? Most vets prefer giving the final DHPP shot at 16 weeks or later; however, new recommendations suggest up to 20 weeks out. When do puppies need booster shots? Abstaining from booster shots can put your puppy at risk. However, not all vaccines require yearly boosters. DHPP vaccine booster: every two weeks for a total of three sets, then every three years Lepto, Canine influenza, and Lyme disease vaccine booster: one month after the initial series, then annually Bordetella booster: 1 year or every 6 months where there is a concern Rabies booster: every 1 to 3 years after the initial round, depending on state laws Puppy Vaccine Schedule There are several types of puppy shots your pet might get in their first year. In addition to a deworming schedule, your vet will suggest a vaccination schedule for puppies based on their age, environment, and medical history. Most vets recommend this general timeline for first-year puppy shots: weeks of age Between 6- and 8-weeks-old, puppies get their first shot of the DHPP distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus vaccine. They might also receive their first round of vaccinations for Bordetella and Lyme disease. Leptospira Lepto is a common puppy vaccination administered around this time frame. They'll also get their first rabies vaccine depending on state-mandated vaccine schedules for puppies, as well as a second shot of the Lepto vaccine if applicable. Boosters Every Years Puppies will need a booster shot for all vaccines at age 1. Dogs need booster vaccinations for Bordetella, Lepto, Lyme, and Giardia annually receiving their first immunization as an adult. The vaccination schedule for DHPP and rabies is every 3 years, but check your local laws and defer to your veterinarian's advice to ensure your pet stays free of disease. How much are puppy shots? Non-essential vaccines your vet may recommend will also increase the price. Note that puppy shots cost more or less depending on several different factors, including your location. For instance, vets in crowded urban areas tend to charge more than vets in smaller towns and rural areas. Also keep in mind that you'll need to budget for booster shots in one- or three-year intervals to ensure your pet stays protected from disease. Fortunately, vaccines for dogs are less expensive than first-year puppy shots because boosters are administered in one dose every few years, as opposed to multiple doses every few weeks. All puppies need to get the core vaccines, i. Your veterinarian will consider the risk factors and advise you on which vaccines are best for your puppy during the first vet visit. No, but both vaccines for puppies are often combined in one shot. Distemper and parvovirus are two different illnesses that are potentially fatal if not treated quickly. What is the 5-in-1 shot for puppies? Do puppies need 3 or 4 sets of shots? It depends on their age; vets may recommend a shorter puppy vaccination schedule for dogs over 16 weeks old and not yet fully vaccinated. How many shots do puppies need before going outside? A titer test is a blood test showing whether your puppy has antibodies for a particular illness. The test can be used to determine the effectiveness of a vaccine and help determine if or which booster vaccines your dog needs. Most doggy daycares and boarding facilities do not accept a titer test in lieu of a puppy vaccination record. When should puppies get dewormed? Because worms are very common in puppies, veterinarians recommend deworming them for the first time when they're two to three weeks old. Is there a heartworm vaccine for puppies? Preventatives can either be administered as monthly medication or every six months by injection. How can you save money on puppy shots? One way to save money on puppy vaccines is by visiting a low-cost vaccination clinic. These clinics typically offer packages that combine a bundle of vaccinations into a lower price point, but also offer individual options if your dog is due for a specific vaccine. Another way to save money on puppy shots is by purchasing a pet wellness plan through a pet insurance provider. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Without vaccines, your dog is at risk of some serious diseases. However, non-core vaccines are not needed by every dog, depending upon where your life and your lifestyle. Your vet can help you decide which vaccines are right for your pet. A brief description of the diseases vaccines can help protect your dog from are below, which may help you decide if your dog is at risk for any of them. Rabies The rabies virus is a deadly virus spread through the bite and possibly scratch if it contains saliva of an infected animal. In North America, the skunk, fox, raccoon, coyote, and bat are the primary sources of infection. Rabies vaccines must be given before a dog is infected and before the virus enters the bloodstream. There is no treatment for dogs suspected of having rabies. All unvaccinated dogs must be quarantined for 10 days to rule out a rabies infection. Dogs with rabies will be euthanatized. Humans exposed to rabies must undergo an immunoglobulin antibody promptly, followed by a series of painful vaccines. Distemper Canine distemper is a contagious airborne virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of puppies and dogs. It is a serious disease that is spread by coughing and sneezing, as well as by shared food and water bowls, toys, and other items. Infected dogs can shed the virus for months, and mother dogs can pass the virus through the placenta to their puppies. Distemper is often fatal and can be spread to and by wildlife. Adenovirus Adenovirus, also known as infectious hepatitis, is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver in canines and other symptoms, such as fever, decreased appetite, fatigue, nasal discharge, and cough. It is most often spread through direct contact with infected animals. Symptoms can be similar to kennel cough and can be serious. The disease can be fatal in young puppies and dogs with a serious case and there is no cure. Treatment involves helping to relieve severe symptoms. Parainfluenza Parainfluenza is a highly contagious airborne virus that has similar symptoms to influenza but is related to canine distemper. It is highly contagious and coughing and nasal discharge is the most common symptom. Some dogs with parainfluenza can also have Bordetella, adenovirus, and pneumonia at the same time, which can make them very sick. Parvovirus Parvovirus is a deadly virus that is spread through direct or indirect contact. Puppies are very vulnerable to this virus and have a very high mortality rate. Parvo is everywhere and hard to kill in the environment and can spread very easily. Dogs can be exposed anytime they sniff, lick, or consume infected feces. Parvo can be spread through petting by a person who has recently been exposed to an infected dog. It can also be spread when a puppy encounters contaminated soil, food dishes, toys, collars, leashes, shoes, clothes, etc. Bordetella Bordetella is a contagious respiratory disease caused by bacteria. It is also referred to as kennel cough, upper respiratory infection, or infectious tracheobronchitis. It is spread through air droplets and by close contact with other dogs. It can be picked up anywhere but is most often spread in kennels, daycares, dog parks, places where dogs congregate, etc. Symptoms of Bordetella include sneezing, nasal discharge, congestion, and coughing. Leptospirosis Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection that can also spread to humans. There are multiple strains of the bacteria called Leptospira that can cause leptospirosis. Lepto bacteria can survive for weeks or months in the environment and thrive in wet and warm climates, especially during late summer and fall. Rain makes Lepto easier to spread. The most common way dogs get Lepto is through puddles, ponds, or lakes that have been contaminated with the urine of infected animals, including rodents and livestock. It can also be spread through contaminated bedding, food, and soil. Lepto can be serious because it makes prevents blood from clotting normally. The bacteria can also spread to the liver and kidneys. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and sometimes become life-threatening. Lyme Disease Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, such as deer ticks. It can affect humans and canines. In dogs, Lyme disease can cause fever, lameness, swollen lymph nodes, joint swelling, fatigue, loss of appetite, general discomfort, malaise, stiffness, and sensitivity to touch. It can also cause serious kidney problems and difficulty breathing, which is a medical emergency. Vaccines are a great way to help protect your dog from a serious illness. Your vet is also a great resource to keep you informed of disease outbreaks in your local community. If you enjoyed this article or learned anything helpful, please leave a like and share it with others. Thank you! German Shepherd Puppy Health Protocol Vom Banach K9 puppy worming and vaccination schedule All Vom Banach K9 puppies are healthy, happy, vibrant individuals that have been very well socialized, handled and loved from the moment they were born. All photography by Cindy Fike, Fike Fotography. Below is our protocol for worming and vaccination of puppies here at Vom Banach K9, and our recommendations for puppies from birth through adulthood. Nemex-2 is 4. This product is for heartworm prevention as well as the monthly control of other internal parasites. Vaccines should be given in the right front quadrant right shoulder. Rabies should be given in the right rear quadrant right hip. The reason for this is should there be a local reaction to a vaccine or a lump develop later in these areas you will know which vaccine caused these reactions. When I record the vaccines in the Health Record I peel the sticker off of the original vaccine vial and attach it to the lower portion of the Health Record. I record the date, location the vaccine was given, vaccine sticker and initial. I do let clients also know should they later feel a small pea to marble sized lump in that region that it could be as a result of a vaccine. This is what I give here before puppies go home. I like to give it at 7 weeks to allow time for the vaccine to kick in as opposed to doing it at 8 weeks when a puppy may be leaving. I do not like to hyper-vaccinate by doing Lepto and Corona on their first vaccine also it is recommended that Lepto be given ONLY after 10 weeks of age and not before, so do not vaccinate with Lepto under 10 weeks of age. Kennel cough is easily transmitted from dog to dog by contact with a contaminated animal, on the ground, or in a facility where affected dogs have been in such places as dog parks, pet stores, veterinary hospitals, boarding facilities and cargo facilities where animals are shipped. We vaccinate all of our puppies here at 8 weeks of age or before they go to their new homes to aid in the prevention of kennel cough and your Vom Banach K9 puppy becoming infected during those first few weeks where the puppy may be traveling or in infected areas. We recommend a kennel cough booster be given every 6 months if you are frequently in contact with common grounds and unknown dogs. It is a virus similar to Parvo but not as severe. I would check with your vet to see what they recommend for your area. Corona is a puppy virus and does not need to be re-boostered or vaccinated in adult dogs. In puppies however you need 2 boosters of it same as with Lepto. I absolutely recommend vaccinating against Lepto. Lepto is a bacteria. Leptospirosis is spread commonly by infected rodents and raccoons and passed through the contact with urine it is as well very contagious to humans. It is common in our state and many others. The Lepto vaccine has very few side effects clinically with the Large breed dogs. There is a higher risk of side effects to smaller breeds. Life saving vaccinations far outweigh the risk of possible side effects from the actual killed modified vaccine for this disease. Please check with your area for Rabies requirements in your state. Puppies should be at least 12 weeks of age to be administered a Rabies vaccine. Prior to 12 weeks it may be rejected by the immune system due to the puppies own immunities from its mother so the puppy would not be fully protected from the disease. Because Rabies is required by LAW in many States, Rabies can only be given to puppies over 12 weeks of age for this reason and in order to receive a Certificate of Immunization. Because your puppy will be 4 months old by his last scheduled puppy series vaccine it would be too soon to re vaccinate at the 1 year birthdate giving him his adult 1st booster only 8 months after his last puppy vaccine instead of a year from the last scheduled vaccine date. I recommend one booster at 3 years of age and then a titer test to determine if vaccination is needed for specific viruses and for prevention against hyper-vaccination of adult dogs thereafter. Guidelines should be followed for recommendations for Rabies in your state. A titer is a blood test performed by your veterinarian in order to determine the presence of antibodies that develop in the body as a result of vaccines. A vaccine titer reveals whether or not the animal currently has adequate protection against a disease. Low titers indicate that vaccination will be necessary to provide immune protection. Puppies who may be staying longer may not receive the same schedule as those leaving at the weeks of age. I may vaccinate them later then the initial 7 week vaccine so I then follow a vaccine protocol from the date of the initial vaccine giving subsequent vaccines every 4 weeks thereafter for the remaining two vaccines. Because both Corona and Lepto need two boosters following the initial one is why I recommend puppies receive two more vaccines in addition to rabies after leaving here. I also discuss vaccines with my clients when I give go home instructions. And I hope it mostly sinks in. I think it is very important when they take their new puppy to their vet that they bring the record and be sure they are given the correct vaccinations and only the ones that are needed. I think it is important to be on the same page with your vet that puppies are not over-vaccinated. Quick Find. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. Possibly even more important is how to know what to vaccinate for and how often vaccines should be administered to our dogs. Generally speaking for adult GSD's, the most important things to vaccinate for are canine parvovirus and also for canine distemper. There are many combo vaccines on the market that can be purchased that containe vaccines to cover several things such as distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis, etc at one time. Many factors are important when deciding on which combo shot to purchase and give your GSD when needed - for example, depending on the age of the animal to be vaccinated, it's actual vaccine history, it's current health, etc. Never vaccinate a sick or injured GSD. For optimal immunity German Shepherd puppies can be vaccinated at 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks of age, and then every 3 years as adult pets. If, however, there are any degenerative or immune mediated diseases or history of cancer, then the pet should be evaluated to determine the necessity of vaccinations after the puppy hood series has ended. While a vaccination for rabies is required by law in most states, and must be administered by a licensed veterinarian, many German Shepherd owners, for financial reasons, will choose to vaccinate their pets at home for all other infectious diseases. Administering GSD vaccinations: When using any vaccines that must be mixed first, there are four simple steps to follow in vaccinating dogs. Shake mixture thoroughly. Since most vaccinations are given by subcutaneous injection just under the skin , the most convenient area to give the shot is located in the shoulder area, just behind the neck near the collar area. Other important factors in giving GSD Vaccinations: Always use a separate sterile needle and syringe for each injection, and a fresh and clean needle for each dog you're giving a vaccine to never share needles among your pets and then safely dispose of all used needles and syringes. As always, if you have any questions about administering your own GSD Vaccinations yourself, contact your veterinarian or your German Shepherd breeder. They will be happy to answer your questions and to show you the proper way to give your German Shepherd the vaccines that it needs to prevent it from getting many horrible diseases. For more detailed information about puppy vaccinations and the diseases that these vaccines prevent, please read on. I said to him "There now you're done. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. Your German Shepherd puppies health should be of utmost concern to you. You want a healthy German Shepherd puppy that is free of parasites and on good food. Nutrition is very important - especially in the first year of life - but so are vaccinations. There are many diseases that the GSD puppy may come in contact with and it is these puppy vaccinations that helps your puppy to build resistance to these viral attacks. Keep in mind, a little prevention can go a long way to keep your dog healthy. It is also suggested that all puppies be vaccinated for rabies at six months and then to be repeated annually. Although your German Shepherd puppy may squirm or even cry when getting its puppy vaccinations, it is just as important for your GSD puppy as it is for your children to receive these "annual shots". In fact, by carefully keeping up to date on all your puppies vaccinations, you could be saving its life. Though there are multiple ailments, bacterias and viruses your dog may come in contact with, I will attempt to briefly list and describe only a few of the more common ones in this GSD puppy article that can be prevented with puppy vaccinations. As always, German Shepherd puppy vaccinations are the best preventive method - a little prevention can go a long way to keep your puppy healthy. Parvovirus parvo. This is a very serious disease. It attacks the intestinal system and is a viral disease in dogs. Parvo is characterized by severe, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, high fever and lethargy. The diarrhea is particularly foul smelling and is sometimes yellow in color. Parvo can also attack a dog's heart causing congestive heart failure. Remember, without medical treatment, most puppies will die from Parvo. Distemper : This disease attacks every tissue in the body and may occur through inhalation of the virus in a contaminated area. Death is common and dogs and who recover may have future nervous damage. Again, simple puppy vaccinations are the best prevention. Spread through contact with contaminated urine or feces. Often affected animals will have chronic health problems and recovered dogs will pass infected urine for months after infection. Again, vaccinations are the best preventive method. Leptospirosis Lepto. Affect the liver and kidneys and can be transmitted to man via contact with the urine of an infected dog. Signs such as vomiting and thirst, bloody diarrhea, depression, and jaundice may occur. Antiobiotic treatment is important though the best prevention is through vaccination. Transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, rabies is another disease that may be spread to humans. The disease affects the nervous tissues and causes paralysis and death always. Again, vaccinations are your best weapon against this disease. Below find a brief listing of other common problems of which you should be aware. Kennel cough. Symptoms of kennel cough are a constant wheezing cough. Highly contagious as well! Other symptoms to watch for in your German Shepherd puppy: Vomiting. Occasional vomiting is not uncommon but consult your vet if the problem persists or if blood, diarrhea or pain accompany the vomiting. Can be caused by a number of things- viruses, food, internal parasites, and bacteria to name a few. Contact the vet if the stool is bloody, continues for an excessive amount of time, or if dehydration occurs. Once your pup has recovered, return it to its food slowly and in decreased but frequent portions. Can be caused by multiple factors also such as insufficient water intake, disease or ingestion of a foreign substance. While your vet may have to take blood tests to find the cause, usually a diet high in fiber and exercise will help prevent this problem. Not to scare you in any way, I do hope this information will assure you of just how important those puppy vaccinations are to your German Shepherd puppies and your health. Proper immunizations are the best prevention in the endless war on disease and may save your puppy, and yourself, a lot of discomfort, grief and pain- and possibly even death. Here's to healthy and happy puppy owning. Return from Puppy Vaccinations to Puppy Information "Children and dogs are as necessary to the welfare of the country as Wall Street and the railroads.