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Thanks for stopping by! If you are a first time visitor, then congratulations on your decision to adopt a dog! Your are about to improve and potentially save! Every state page here on Local Dog Rescues contains a complete list of all the local rescue organizations that we have identified in each state. You will be able to see all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can check and see what dogs they currently have available for adoption. We provide all this information to help you identify ALL the available dogs for rescue near you, so you can find your perfect pup. It is jam packed with awesome info that will help you on your adoption journey! If you are considering getting a Labradoodle, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to Labradoodles". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their Labradoodle from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, or click here to grab one on Amazon. A cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, the Labradoodle is an intelligent and friendly breed. They love nothing more than to be around their family. The Labradoodle combines the energy of the Labrador Retriever with the strong work ethic and intelligence of the Poodle. They do have a desire to please so training is not overly difficult but early training is necessary. The Labradoodle gets along well with everyone, from other dogs and pets to children — though their size may be a bit problematic for smaller children. They enjoy hanging out with you on the couch but can easily transition to playful and energetic. Though they will bark when a stranger is near, they will not make a good guard dog due to their friendly nature. Overall, the Labradoodle is a great pet for first-time owners thanks to their friendly nature and easy trainability. We are so grateful that we are able to help you rescue the dog of your dreams. In addition to coming back here, you can also check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for additional info on rescue groups near you, current posts, and pictures! Labradoodle Rescues in Maryland. A Labradoodle breed has been prevalent. They have this teddy-bear-like feature that makes everybody want to get their hands on it. Adopting a Labradoodle is more enriching than buying. You can also save money if you choose to adopt and rehome a Labradoodle than buy one. This is just one reason why it is better to adopt a dog than to buy one. Choosing A Good Labradoodle Rescue If you are planning to adopt a Labradoodle from Labradoodle rescue, there are some things that you might need to know in picking a good Labradoodle rescue. There are so many Labradoodle rescues globally, but not all of them are reputable and have quality. In finding good and quality rescue, here are some things that you can look for in a rescue. Of course, their main objective is to take care of the animals and make sure that they are healthy until they have been found in a new home. These criteria can be reflected through the status of their animals. You can look if the animals are well taken care of and if they are adequately groomed. If the organization is good, they will attend adoption events and even conduct their own. This is to allow awareness of the people. If the rescue cannot allow any more animals in their facility, they will not do it. A good rescue cares for the animals and not for the money. You can check if the staff are friendly and are accommodating by talking to them. They will be happy to assist you and answer your questions. Some people felt overwhelmed entering a dog rescue because they all want to adopt each dog in the facility. This guide is what you should look for when picking a Labradoodle rescue for you and your family. You can look for well-groomed dogs, good and healthy-looking hair, and a dog with so much energy. Pick a dog that is not aggressive. You want to pick a dog that is friendly and open with its possible new owner. Pick a friendly Labradoodle A friendly Labradoodle is easy to take care of. A shy dog will cost you more time and attention because they will not respond to you. You will have to coax them to be comfortable with you. Summary In summary, finding a good Labradoodle in Maryland can be quite a work. Good thing that you have this list and these guides to help you find the perfect Labradoodle rescue and Labradoodle meant for you and your family. It is also essential to know the different things you need to consider when picking a good rescue dog. It may not seem easy, but the guide above will help you. Other States. Depending on the age and breed of your pet, along with your living situation, you may need to put in more effort to ensure your pet gets properly acclimated. For instance, if you rescue a puppy, they will also need potty training on top of their already present anxiousness about being in a new environment. Rescue dogs sometimes come with baggage — both physical and emotional. They may be fearful or anxious when you meet them, but with time and patience, they will become loyal and loving companions. Choose the Right Pet for Your Lifestyle Take some time to consider what kind of pet would fit your lifestyle and personality. Different breeds require different types of care and maintenance. Do you have the time and energy for a high-maintenance breed? Are you allergic to certain kinds of animals? Would an indoor or outdoor pet be better for you? Asking yourself these questions will help you narrow down your options and choose the right rescue pet for you. Depending on your lifestyle and living situation, you may be unable to provide a space for your specific dog breed to live comfortably. Regarding lifestyle and living situation, there are quite a few options to house your dog comfortably. Many rescue pets have been through traumatic experiences and may need extra patience and understanding. Be prepared to work with your rescue pet on behavioral issues while they adjust to their new home. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, rescue dogs can make wonderful pets who will repay your kindness tenfold. Is Adopting a Rescue Expensive? Adopting a rescue pet can be a very rewarding experience. Not only are you providing a loving home for an animal in need, but you are also helping to reduce the number of animals in shelters. However, some people are hesitant to adopt because they believe it is expensive. While there is no denying that there are some upfront costs associated with adoption, such as the adoption fee and the cost of vaccinations, these costs are often lower than the costs of purchasing a pet from a breeder. As a result, adopting a rescue pet can be very affordable. How To Get Approved for Adoption Adopting a pet is a big responsibility; most animal shelters take this very seriously. They want to ensure that their animals go to good homes where they will be loved and well-cared for. As a result, there is usually a process involved in getting approved to adopt a pet. Most shelters will require potential adopters to fill out an application, and they may also conduct a home visit to ensure that the home is suitable for the animal. In some cases, references may also be required. The best way to increase your chances of getting approved to adopt a pet is to research and be prepared to answer any questions the shelter might have about your ability to provide a loving home for an animal. What To Know as a First-Time Pet Owner As a first-time pet owner, you should keep a few things in mind to ensure that your furry friend is happy and healthy. Make sure you have the time and energy to care for a pet. Consider your living situation and understand if your pet would be happy living there or not. Pets require regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, food, toys, and other supplies. Remember that pets are creatures of habit. They thrive on routine, so be prepared to stick to a regular feeding and walking schedule. Wrapping Up Did you enjoy reading this list on our list of top animal rescues in Maryland and our tips on rescue animals? Adopting a rescue pet is a big responsibility, but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Please let us know your thoughts and opinions on this topic in the comments, and be sure to share the article if you enjoyed reading it. Meet our writer Jen Clifford is an animal behaviorist and veterinary technician with more than a decade of hands-on experience working in small animal and specialty veterinary clinics. Leave a Comment. Originally bred to be guide dogs, these canines quickly grew in popularity thanks to their easygoing temperaments and affectionate natures. Today, they serve as therapy dogs, hunting companions and, of course, family pets. Goldendoodles are a cross between two popular purebreds: poodles and golden retrievers. Many of them inherit the low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats of their poodle parent and the distinguishable golden color of their golden retriever parent. As a medium-large dog breed, goldendoodles generally range from 15 to 20 inches in height and 30 to 50 pounds in weight. They benefit from at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, which makes them suitable for more active households. Like all dogs, goldendoodles require a high-quality diet that consists of plenty of proteins and fats. When taken care of, the average goldendoodle can enjoy a happy, healthy life of up to 20 years. Labradoodle Overview Labradoodle Overview In , a breeder wondered what would happen if they combined the genetic material of a poodle and a Labrador retriever. The result was a loyal companion dog that retained the intelligence of poodles and the affectionate nature of Labrador retrievers. Their playful, trusting personalities, coupled with their eagerness to please their owners, make labradoodles popular family pets. Labradoodles are medium-large dogs and range anywhere from 20 to 25 inches in height and 50 to 65 pounds in weight. However, some labradoodles are bred with mini poodles instead — these dogs, dubbed mini labradoodles, are usually just 15 inches tall and weigh between 15 and 25 pounds. Most labradoodles will need to work off this energy with at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise. They also enjoy spending time with people and get along with just about anyone, from young children to fellow dogs. Provided their needs are met, these cuddly canines can live up to 14 years. Bred to serve as companion dogs, these sweet canines have the intelligence of poodles and the friendliness of cocker spaniels. Thanks to their playful personalities, endless curiosity and eagerness to please, you can trust a cockapoo to provide you with endless entertainment. You can find this unique dog in a wide variety of sizes and colors — one cockapoo might sport a light brown coat and measure at under 10 inches, while another may have dotted black-and-white fur and stand over 16 inches tall. No matter what they look like, most cockapoos have low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats thanks to their poodle parentage. Generally, cockapoos are small-medium dogs and benefit from a minimum of 15 minutes of daily exercise. Most cockapoos have an average lifespan of about 15 years, which they love to spend with their favorite humans. Not only does training encourage your dog to listen to you, but it also promotes their health and well-being. This is ideal if you: Have a busy work schedule Have familial commitments Have family members with health concerns or special needs Our mission is to help you skip past those difficult dog behavior stages such as teething and potty training and enjoy a respectful, well-behaved pet from the get-go. Through coat testing, we can guarantee that each one of our dogs is low-shedding. Our training includes: Housebreaking: Our dogs can go at least three hours a day without potty breaks and are crated for up to nine hours at night. Thanks to our comprehensive training, you can expect an ideal puppy, your new best friend, to assimilate smoothly into your household.

We are a German Shepherd breeder that specializes in quality, intelligent dogs with proven superior genetics. We sell German Shepherd puppies that are the perfect choice for professionals and families. We focus on producing a stable, protective line of German Shepherds that you can trust with your children. Sweet tempered companions that will protect your family and property Our German Shepherds have incredible pedigrees and we carefully choose only the best genetics to constantly improve upon the German Shepherd bloodline. We have German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas, but arrangements can be made to sell a puppy to any state within the 48 contiguous states. We are always happy to talk or visit with you and would love to show you our beautiful German Shepherds. Our German Shepherd Dogs can be used for search and rescue, tracking, guarding, guide dogs for the blind or physically disabled, police work, show and of course a family pet. Our dogs are well socialized with children and other pets. Our puppies are AKC Registered and come with a health guarantee. Our high quality puppies are excellent with children and very easy to train. We have carefully selected world class German Shepherds with proven superior genetics. Our puppies have the potential to become champions in the show ring and your family hero. The West German bloodlines are bred to have great personalities and superb temperaments. They go through extensive training and rigorous testing to earn their titles. The West German Shepherd bloodlines are not just tested on their beauty and showmanship, but also on their ability to perform difficult tasks that require a high level of intelligence, motivation and desire to please their master. As a German Shepherd Breeder, it is our desire to provide you with an exceptional puppy that can bring you the same joy that ours have brought to our family. Our German Shepherds are the perfect choice for personal protection and are great companions for all ages. Testimonials: "Hi. He blended right into our family and we don't remember life before him. His temperament and intelligence are above average. At the vet I heard the vet and techs in the back gushing over how behaved he was and they sent me home with extra goodies for him hehe. He's already house trained. I've already been able to teach him two commands "here" and "place". He's also the best snuggler and is sooo very patient and forgiving with my tornado of a two year old son. He is the best dog I've had in my entire life and love him to the moon. I can't wait until he's old enough to start going on adventures with us. Thank ya'll for a wonderful dog! We get soooo much attention with her! We've had people literally pull off the road just to comment on her! Lots of people asking if we are going to breed her! We are meeting with someone on Friday to evaluate her for protection training. She's my girl and she knows her job well! Btw, people always ask me where I got her.I tell them all about you guys! Here are pictures of Liberty sunbathing with her sister, Queen Bitsy! She loves her boy! We are a breeder of German Shepherds and are located in the Houston tx area. All of our dogs are raised in a family enviornment along with our 2 year old twin girls and none are ever kept kenneled. Our sole purpose is to provide your family with an affordable German shepherd that will bring you joy and happiness. We know that everyone cannot afford the high priced dogs, but that does not mean that you should have to settle for a dog that you wont be happy with or that will have health problems. We have been in business since and our dogs have gone on to accomplish many things. First and fore-most they have been perfect family dogs, but some of our others have gone above and beyond. All of our puppies are handled daily and exposed to a variety of things before they leave us so that they are well socialized and ready to adapt to you and their new living situation when they leave. All pups go with their akc application, current worming, first round of shots minimum of 1 round depending on age , current vet check including fecal exam, 30 days pet insurance through AKC, lifetime breeder support, and are started on NuVet vitamins for added immune support. Deposits are non refundable, however deposit can be transferred to another litter. Please click on the menu button on top left corner to view our males, females, available pups, and upcoming litters. Any questions feel free to give us a call at .We are always available to answer any questions or concerns!

Before you start training your Boxer puppy—or, even better, before you get the puppy—read up on what kind of training is ideal for your breed. Check online, local libraries and local organizations. You can also ask your vet for advice. Remember, the more knowledgeable you are, the better you know how to react under different circumstances. Make sure as well that you have what you need to effectively train your dog. If you're planning to clicker train, get a clicker. If you're planning to crate train, get the right-sized crate. Also be sure to pick up an appropriate collar and leash for general training. A leash should be no more than five to six feet in length. The best leashes for training are leather. Always check your equipment to make sure it is in good order and not liable to snap or break. Training works best when you dedicate a couple of short sessions 10 to 15 minutes twice a day to it. Try to train at times when the dog is not tired, but also not bursting with pent-up energy. Karen Pryor. Publisher: Ringpress Books Consider expending your Boxer's energy before training sessions by allowing him 20 to 30 minutes of high-intensity physical activity. This will enable him to better focus on training. Try to train the dog in a place where there are few distractions, so that your Boxer puppy can focus his attention on you. This means avoiding places with other animals or people. Always begin training in your home or yard and build up to environments with more distractions e. Your commands need to be simple, short, clear and consistent. Don't lecture your dog; they're not human so they don't process language in the same way. Phrases like "I've told you not to do that" or "Please stop chewing on the table" will not work as they are too complicated. John Bradshaw. Publisher: Penguin Experts believe that a given dog registers the first part of the word as the most important, so longer commands such as "Sit Fido if you want a treat" are liable to confuse him. Just say the word "Sit" instead. In general, shouting at any dog is ineffective. This is especially true for Boxers who are hyper breed by nature. Use a firm but pleasant and upbeat voice when instructing your dog; don't yell or lose control. Dogs are very intuitive and will be able to sense your frustration and may react in kind. The tone of voice matters, especially since, again, dogs don't process language in the same way that humans do. So how you say something may mean as much if not more than what you say. Publisher: Penguin Boxers are playful by nature, and a light, breezy tone will not suffice; he will think you are just playing with him if you are not firm enough. Try using hand gestures at the same time as you issue verbal commands. For example, raise your hand at the same time as saying "Sit". Dog behaviorists believe that dogs look for multiple clues as to what we want them to do, which includes the command word, tone of voice, and body language. Admonishing a Boxer puppy too long after the incident is ineffective. If you need to admonish or correct your dog, it needs to be done during or within a few seconds of the act. Dogs will have forgotten the event within seconds of its occurrence, so it's key to address the behavior immediately in order to facilitate the retraining process. Boxers are notoriously stubborn and steadfast, so you may have to correct your puppy numerous times. Always be consistent in your commands and desires of the dog. This helps your dog to understand what is expected. Don't forget to enforce training when you are out and about, so that your dog doesn't just thinking that "Sit" and "Stay" are things he has to do in the yard or house. By enforcing commands in public places it helps your Boxers to understand he must obey under all circumstances. Leave no room for doubt about what is acceptable behavior for your Boxer puppy. If he is not allowed on the furniture, be consistent. Boxers won't understand the concept of "sometimes"; they are either permitted to lie on the couch or they are not. If you live with other people, make sure that everyone in the house is on board with the training program. Using different words for the same action will confuse the dog, disrupt the training already done, and ultimately delay progress. By: DigitalDog Crates, kennels, cages and probably a host of other references both admiring and disdaining have labelled the modern age's answer to the doghouse. With the exception of some types of collars notably choke and electric shock no other piece of training equipment has been the source of more controversy. This is perhaps more the fault of how the crate is used than due to any inherent aspect of the crate itself. Ultimately, a crate is to serve to replicate the sense of a den. Whether wild or not, dogs seem to have a preference for some rather interesting cozy places. Dogs will find their favorite place under a wide variety of items typically with very low clearances like porches, beds and tables. Crates serve as a great tool for preventing the creation of bad habits and life threatening possibilities. A dog that is crated will not slip out the door, they will not consume garbage or chew on electrical cords during those few moments that you can't supervise them. Clearly, this type of influence with your new dog, be they young or old, can go great lengths in maintaining domestic harmony while they learn the new routine and manners needed. Additionally, a crated dog is one who's energy level is being influenced. It is far easier to communicate to a dog that it's nap time. This again offers the benefit of helping you introduce and reinforce the preferred routine. To argue that you wouldn't want to be in a crate so you wouldn't put your dog in one, or that it seems like a prison, can have merit depending on how the crate is used. First, let's consider that when you were a child and without the sense of routines, manners and good judgment, you were closely monitored, probably very closely monitored. You were diapered and a good parent would alert the moment you weren't in eyeshot. You would have spent some amount of time in cribs, walkers, playpens, etc. Ultimately, many of us were crated during our formative years, for many of the same reasons mentioned here. Much as when we were children, the issue was less that these tools were employed and more how they were employed. Using a crate begins with its introduction. Many pups are introduced to a crate for the first time when they leave their litter and are sent home, alone. This is a bit unfortunate. It's a lot for a puppy to cope with and for that puppy who has already grown familiar to a crate, perhaps by climbing on and sleeping in while with his littermates, it serves to be something comforting during this period of stress. For a puppy that has never been around a crate before, it is just another trauma. Regardless, either pup can quickly learn to appreciate their crate as a haven of peace, security and safety. Crates can also be used in such a way as to create problems or at least make them worse. Excessive crating for long periods of time is difficult for dogs to tolerate. Their very instinct compels them to choose a place other than their "bedroom" for eliminating. Leaving a dog in a crate for a long period of time will only increase their restlessness as their discomfort finds outlet. Dogs that will ultimately eliminate in the crate can be remarkably challenging to housetrain. It's also been said that crates should not be used for punishment. This is accurate but requires some understanding of a consequence versus a punishment. By simply crating a dog to end an undesirable behavior for example, a dog fight you are able to communicate safety, security and the fact that its time to chill, in one fairly easy motion. To scream at the dog while you are doing this would only add to the tension and potential aggression and resentment. So, how does a loving dog owner consider introducing a crate. Ideally, you have a week or so where you can allow the dog in the room around the crate to consider it with the door open. You feed the dog in the crate again with the door open and have inviting things in the crate, like a bed. Should the dog go into the crate unbidden, you can provide them with a chew toy and close the door. They may show initial restlessness like a bit of whining but this should pass minutes depending on the character of your individual and they will begin to entertain themselves or nap. At this point, you can let them out. Early on, the most challenging and perhaps necessary aspect of the crate training is to let them out when they are quiet. A barking dog will quickly learn that his noise results in the crate door opening. This is not an ideal precedent for a long and happy life with your dog! Crating with the door closed should be kept to a minimum at this point of minutes at a time. When the dog is let out of the crate, they should be escorted to a proper potty place and essentially ignored until they get that job out of the way. Praise then follows. Should our canine friend forget why they are out there, they will go back into the crate after the exercise session. House privileges need to be reserved for dogs that aren't getting ready to "go". Within the previous paragraph is the philosophy behind crate training and its contributions to housetraining. As the dog becomes more familiar with the crate, times can be increased. Ideally, at least as a routine, dogs should not be left crated for much more than 4 hours and this would be an adult. While the need may not be desperate, after 4 hours, virtually all dogs feel the need to potty and stretch. The exception to this is overnight as many dogs and people can sleep the night through comfortably but with a fairly immediate need in the morning. Certainly many dogs are in schedules that are more demanding, even to the point of 10 hours crated while their owners are at work five days a week. This level of crating is very challenging over the long term and some if not many, will end up with anxiety as a result and become difficult to crate, destructive when they are out, hyperactive and generally neurotic as they have few options in dealing with this level of stress. To suggest that these dogs would be better left loose in the house is equally irresponsible as they are so stressed as to now lack assuming they ever had them the skills to deal with good behavior while loose. For a dog that is either inexperienced or now expressing the result of a poor crating schedule, the best choice in most cases is to introduce the dog to a more ideal schedule and regular breaks ideally starting at more often than every 4 hours. Crate training a dog can be a great way to help them feel comfortable and safe in your home. But there are a few things you should keep in mind if you want to be successful using a consistent routine. Ensuring you follow the tips listed below will make for an easier time training your pup. Choose the right size crate. Your pup should be able to stand up and turn around inside comfortably. Put the crate in a quiet, out-of-the-way place. Placing a blanket over the crate will help make it more comfortable as they will be in a den like environment. Make the crate inviting. Put a soft blanket or pillow inside and give your pup some of his favorite toys to play with. Get your pup used to the crate gradually. Start by putting him in there for short periods of time and gradually increase the time he spends in there. Great ways to do this are to leave for a few minutes at a time at first, and then extend your trips out of the house by half-hour increments. Never use the crate as punishment. Your pup should always associate the crate with positive experiences. Be patient. It takes time for pups to learn that the crate is a safe, comfortable place. With patience and consistency, your pup will be crate-trained in no time! Boxer Puppy Potty Training Tips Accidents happen, but with a little patience and perseverance, you can potty train your boxer puppy in no time. The key is to be consistent with your commands and rewards, and to have a little patience. Here are some tips to get you started: Start with short training sessions and potty breaks. Trying to potty train your puppy all at once is likely to overwhelm them. Start with short minute sessions a few times a day. Use the same command each time. Consistency is key to training in any command you might try to teach them. Reward good behavior. If your puppy does their business outside, be sure to give them plenty of praise and a treat. This will help them associate going potty with something positive. Watch for warning signs. Take them outside right away so they can relieve themselves in the right spot. You can avoid this by attaching them to your hip with a leash so you can keep a better eye on them. Establish a routine. Accidents happen. Instead, clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent, and then take him outside immediately so he can finish his business in the right place. Do not rub their nose in the accident. This will do nothing but make them more anxious about the entire process. Be consistent. With these potty training tips, you can have your pup house-trained in no time. Be consistent with commands and rewards, and stay patient—accidents happen! Starting with using positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, whenever your pup enters their crate will help to create a good association. You can then leave them in the crate for short periods of time with each training session, gradually increasing the time they are in there. This will help them get used to being in there for longer periods of time during the day, or even at night. Doing so will unnecessarily stress them out and cause more issues than you started with. If you need to leave them there for longer periods of time, provide them with plenty of toys and chewies to keep them occupied or this may cause destructive behavior. Leave the crate open for your pup to go in and out of as they please. This will teach them the crate is a safe space where they can retreat should they feel overwhelmed. As mentioned, placing a blanket over the crate will create a den and cause denning, one of the natural instincts where your pup will only sleep in their crate and come out to relieve themselves. This will cause your pup to associate being in there with negative things and make the training process that much harder. If they have an accident in the crate , simply clean it up and move on. Remember, accidents happen. No matter how well you think you have things under control, there will always be times when your pup has an accident. The key is to not get frustrated and to keep working with them, take them out for bathroom breaks often, and always stay positive. Related: Why is my pup digging in his crate? Potty Training Without a Crate While crate training is more effective, some people do not want to use a crate or cannot use a crate. For those people, here are the basic rules for potty training without using a crate. Remember to be patient and consistent with your dog, as it may take them longer to learn where they should go potty without crate training. When potty training a dog without a crate, you need to take them out for frequent bathroom breaks. Using a baby gate to confine them to a small room works just as well as a crate. You need to take your dog out frequently, especially after they eat or drink. Puppies usually have to go potty every few hours, so prepare to take them out often. Always praise your dog when they go potty in the right spot to give the act a positive association. This will only make your puppy afraid. Just clean it up and try again next time. It is possible to start potty training an 8 week old puppy, but it will take longer since they are still learning. However, some pups may take longer if they are resistant to training or if their owners are not consistent with the potty training regimen. Meal time with a regular feeding schedule is especially important to use for training purposes. This will improve the older they get and with basic commands in place. How long does it take to potty train a Boxer puppy? It can take several weeks to a few months to toilet train a Boxer puppy. It depends on how quickly they learn and how often they have accidents. If your pup is having trouble learning, or seems to have trouble holding it, it may be something your vet should check as there could be an underlying health issue. How do I stop my Boxer from soiling in the house? If your Boxer is peeing in the house, the best thing to do is to give them plenty of times during the day to relieve themselves. You may also need to confine them to a smaller area. They should be able to stand up and turn around in the crate. If they potty in the house, ensure you clean it properly and do not punish them for having an accident. This will only cause undesirable behaviors and it will take longer to train them. Having an intelligent and high-energy breed such as the boxer can make training challenging if not done right. What are the signs that my boxer needs to go potty? Some signs that your boxer needs to go potty are sniffing around, circling, or barking. Sniffing around is the biggest sign you should look out for. If you see any of these signs, take them outside right away to avoid an accident. Conclusion Anyone who has potty trained a puppy knows it can be a bit of a challenge. Housebreaking takes time, patience, and a lot of trips outside. Well, never fear! It is possible to potty train a boxer puppy without locking them up in a small space. Have any questions or any tips to add? Let us know in the comments below! Just remember to be patient and consistent with your dog, and take them out often. She currently owns three dogs a greyhound, saluki, and golden mix and has gone through several types of programs to further her education in the pet world. Leave a Comment. Twitter LinkedIn Before we talk about the 4 easy ways to crate train your boxer. The following are a list of behaviors and issues that should be addressed prior to crate training: Dogs who suffer from fears or anxiety should not be confined in a crate. This teaches the dog to associate the crate negatively. Step 1: Buy a crate! Crates come in different sizes and styles, consider the style and size of the crate before you buy it. Your boxer should be able to stand in the crate without crouching. Crates can be expensive depending on the size and style of the crate you choose. The picture of the crate to the left is the one we have for our 65 lb. Of course, all kidding aside -boxers are known to get in trouble so consider carefully what you leave in the crate. Make sure the crate has water. We used a water bottle instead of leaving a bowl. We did try a bowl, but quite frankly it ended up being a mess. It lasted about 3 days. The water bottle pictured to the left is the one we have for our boxers and has been tested by us and deemed for the most part boxer proof. It actually mounts to the cage and is chew proof because it is glass. Choose a high traffic area: Dogs especially boxers like to be around people. They are also denning animals. Once your boxer is trained, the crate will serve as the den. Find an area in your home that will accommodate both. Move the crate to bedroom at night: Again boxers want to be around their people. While you are training, keep the crate near you and move it into your bedroom at night. This is a little bit of an inconvenience right now, but your boxer will take to the crate much faster if you do this now. When your dog or puppy is in the crate positively reinforce with: Primary Reinforcers: food and treats Secondary Reinforcers: verbal praise and games In other words, make it a rewarding and fun experience. Also, do not punish your dog in the crate- this will make it a negative experience for the dog. Step 4: Leaving The House Start leaving the house when your dog feels comfortable being alone in the crate for about 30 minutes or so. Start leaving the house for short periods of time. As time goes on, you can increase the time and leave for longer. You do not want the dog to associate your coming home with getting out of the crate although generally this will be the case. Get settled and then take the dog right outside to relieve itself. Frequently Asked Question! Answer: Leave the crate open, feed them in the crate start in close proximity to the door and move the bowl further into the crate at each feeding , leave treats in the crate the same way. It might take a little time to get them accustom to the crate. Email: [email protected] Did you like this article? If so, please go back to www.

Both German Shepherds are the same breed, and both can be purebred. The short-haired German Shepherds have a double coat with a very short layer of fur that looks very sleek and smooth. They have a woolly and waterproof undercoat and a coat length of around 1 inch in length. The double coat of a German Shepherd is said to be the most important feature of the breed. It protects them from both heat and cold. What is even more interesting, though their hairs may be shorter they have more actual hairs than longer-haired German Shepherds. And they are also the only type allowed to participate in a dog show. Plush-Coated German Shepherds Considered to be the most stereotypical kind of German Shepherd coat, the plush coat German Shepherd or medium coat is quite famous in a dog show world. Overall, they are closer in appearance to short-haired GSDs. They are double-coated meaning they have an outer and an undercoat. The topcoat is kinda rough to touch, while the undercoat feels like a wooly sweater. They have a coat length of around 1 to 2 inches in length. They are technically called a long coat German Shepherd. In long-haired German Shepherds, the topcoat is heavier than the undercoat. They have longer and silkier hair 2 inches or longer around their ears and on the chest, back, face, tail, and behind the back of their legs. The actual hair of long-haired German Shepherds without an undercoat appears to be shinier. With long feathers and glossy hair, they look gorgeous. While they may look beautiful, but without an undercoat, they actually weak against the weather and therefore never used for herding or hunting. According to the AKC, a German Shepherd dog is required to have an undercoat, or they are considered to be a fault. However, this standard seems to differ between kennel clubs. The length of hair among each coat is not the only thing that differentiates them, but it can become the main reason for many differences found in each dog. Their hard-work ethic and strength against rough conditions make them a top choice for many roles like police dogs. Because of their upbringing, short-haired GSDs tend to be somewhat aloof and standoffish toward strangers. If you need a family dog, long-haired GSDs are a much better option. They prefer to stay close to their human family, extremely loyal, highly playful, ready to protect and enjoy playing with your kids. However, it all depends on how you raise your dog because medium-haired GSDs have the same potential to become either working or family dogs. The fact, regardless of the coat length, all German Shepherds are heavy shedders. When summer approaches, the short and plush coat GSDs blow up their thicker undercoat and replace it with a thinner coat to help cool down their body temperature. As the falls roll in, they dump their summer undercoat and grow back the thick undercoat. While it is true that the short-haired and plush-haired GSDs appear to shed more as the hair they lose is more visible when you mop your floor. In reality, the long-haired GSDs shed as much. Because of the long hairs, the hairs that are shed tend to get matted and stuck together. During summer, your GSD could be wearing three layers: a topcoat, undercoat, and dead fur. Removing these dead fur will help them be more comfortable and relaxed. Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful and useful as you raise and train your German Shepherd. Here are some of my favorite reviews for German Shepherd supplies that I personally use and recommend. Here is my recommendation for the best dog food for German Shepherds. Leash: A leash is a must-have for any German Shepherd owner. With a good leash, you can give your dog the freedom they need while keeping them safe and under control. Here are my top picks for the best leashes for German Shepherds. A harness that is improperly fitted or used can cause serious injury to your dog. Read my review of the best harnesses for German Shepherds here. Different bowls serve different purposes, and the bowl that you need will depend on a number of factors. See my recommendation for the best dog bowl for German Shepherds here. There are a ton of different factors to consider when choosing a crate. Beds: German Shepherds need a bed that is comfortable, supportive, and durable. This breed is known for being high energy, so you need a bed that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. House: It can be tough to find the best dog house for German Shepherds. Shampoo: You want to find a shampoo that is specifically designed for German Shepherds. This breed has a lot of furs, and you need a shampoo that will be gentle on their skin and coat. Shock Collar: A shock collar is a training tool that can be used on German Shepherds. It delivers an electric shock to the dog when they exhibit certain behaviors. While some people are against the use of shock collars, I believe that they can be helpful in certain situations. Read my review of the best shock collar for German Shepherds here. Vacuum: If you have a German Shepherd, you need a vacuum that is specifically designed to deal with all of the furs they shed. Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but it can be hard to keep up with. The right vacuum will make your life much easier. Related posts:. Try to look for breeders that specialize in German Shepherds. When you bring home a plush coat German Shepherd, be ready to have a high-energy dog with you at all times. They can live for up to 15 years so take your time to research the dog breed that best fits your lifestyle since this is not a short-term commitment. Their nickname is the German Shedder. German Shepherds all shed and they shed frequently. The Plush Coat German Shepherd will shed longer hair. A recessive gene causes the Plush Coat length, so finding this breed is a little difficult. Die-hard German Shepherd breeders tend to dislike this coat, so if puppies are produced with Plush Coats, it means each parent is carrying the recessive gene. Image Credit: Jumpstory 4. Medium-haired German Shepherds still have the intelligence, courage, and work ethic to be military and police dogs. They can also be personal service dogs. Their ears stand up on their own. Their bite is super strong. While the dog might be 90 pounds, they can deliver a bite with a force of over pounds. Image Credit: Jumpstory 7. The name was changed. The name was changed back in .The Plush Coat German Shepherd is an extremely smart dog. Their ability to be trained so easily combined with their loving natures make them popular choices for family pets. With the same personality and traits, this dog has a strong work ethic and is a wonderful companion. Regular brushing can help with the shedding, but this dog is going to shed frequently no matter what. As family dogs, Plush Coat German Shepherds are great with kids and make loyal and loving pets. That is because a dog with a medium coat would still be disqualified from the show ring if his color is considered a fault. German Shepherd color , therefore, interferes with the price , so a short-haired type might command a higher price for being a rarer, more valuable color. Because medium coats have the best of both worlds in terms of fur length and undercoat, they also shed the most of both kinds. Medium vs. In nature, medium coat German Shepherds have the same social temperament as other varieties, but they get treated more positively because they are cuter to the masses. This reinforces friendliness and keeps them from seeing every human as a threat. Of course, social experience is a prerequisite for this, and poorly socialized or untrained medium coat dogs do not develop this trait. Medium Coats Are Admired by the Show Crowd The dog show crowd is quite different in that it admires dogs not for their mass appeal but for specific traits. Often dogs loved by the public for their beautiful colors are dismissed by the show circuit because of an arbitrary breed standard. The plushness of the medium-haired German Shepherd is one of the rare traits admired by the public at large and the dog show niche. A trait admired by these circles gets intentionally bred into the working line in a matter of years. They so fiercely admire the plushness of medium-haired German Shepherds that they have not just come up with a name for it but have made that name stick. The reason is the looseness factor. If you have read my post about long-haired German Shepherds , you would know that most of them cannot participate in conformation events. They have a wolf-like appearance but with a hint of cuddliness. Upon looking at a medium-coated GSD, you cannot help but pet it. In contrast, female plush-coated dogs stand 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh 49 to 71 lbs. Temperament of the Medium-Haired German Shepherd The temperament of the medium-haired German Shepherd is the same as other varieties, no matter their coat type, color, or pattern. They are affectionate and caring towards their owners and form an intense bond that you can never break. They are also friendly with the surrounding community because they grow up being admired by people. Their fluffiness ensures that they have positive social experiences with people, making them open to human interaction. A medium coat German Shepherd sees you as his parent and friend, which is why he extends his loyalty to your family. Their social nature, alongside their curiosity, makes them great dogs, and their protective instincts and loyalty make them even better family members. However, their fur is replaced almost as soon as it is lost. Generally, a long coat will shed less than a plush coat dog purely because of coat volume and having an open coat. The short hair German Shepherd has two coats, but because of the shorter guard coat, the overall trapped loose fur is less than with a plush coat. You should brush them around twice a week and more in the heavy shedding season. Stainless steel deShedding edge reaches through topcoat to safely and easily remove loose hair and undercoat FURejector button releases hair with ease Ergonomic handle for comfort and easy use Remove loose hair without damaging the coat or cutting the skin when used as directed Deshedding tool for large lbs dogs with long h Buy on Amazon Health and Lifespan Health is essential, and your medium coat friend is likely to stay healthy as long as you take care of his fitness, give him the proper diet , and visit the vet at least once a year. That said, you must know the potential health complications your dog might have. The following health issues have nothing to do with the coat itself, but here are the problems many German Shepherds face. Elbow dysplasia — Ask for confirmation of parental joint health as normal grade or above. Degenerative myelopathy — Ask the breeder to show a SOD-1 gene-mutation test indicating both parents have normal genes. Bloat GDV — To prevent this, avoid big meals and give small, more frequent meals. Provided you take care of the above, your German Shepherd can live up to 13 years. However, once the dog is beyond seven years, his metabolism will slow down, and his appetite will not adjust to match it. Making sure your dog stays active is the best way to make sure he lives a happy and healthy life. FAQs Plush Coat vs. Stock Coat German Shepherd A short stock coat German Shepherd has a topcoat with hair no longer than one inch in length, whereas a plush coat has hair between 1 to 2 inches. The hair on the plush coat stands taller from the root but hangs a little towards the end, giving the coat a worthy look worth caressing. A stock coat German Shepherd has fur that stands more erect, albeit shorter. The surface area of this fur is still significant. Among the things that plush and stock coats have in common is a chance at dog shows. Most plush coats are admired by the show crowd, while stock coats can come from both the working line and the show line, with only the latter preferred by the dog pageant circuit. Plush Coat German Shepherd vs. Long Coat A plush coat German Shepherd has topcoat hair between 1 to 2 inches, a length crossed by long coats that have over 2 inches of fur. However, plush coats have an undercoat, which is often missing from long coats. The greatest consequence of this is that the extreme admiration received by plush coats is contrasted by the complete dismissal of long coats in the show circuit. This difference in treatment is also reflected in the prices of the two dogs, with long coat GSDs being among the lowest priced dogs and plush coats commanding one of the highest dollar values for a German Shepherd. German Shepherds have a double coat that consists of a thick, soft undercoat and a coarser outer coat. The outer coat can vary in texture from dog to dog, but it is generally considered to be coarse. Final Thoughts German Shepherd is a term that encompasses dogs of various looks, which is why knowing as much as you can about their different coat types will help you articulate the kind of dog you actually want. Moreover, you should know if you are okay with the drawbacks of a long coat German Shepherd, mainly their irrelevance in the show ring. The best compromise is a medium-haired German Shepherd who can be workers and show dogs alike. Related Posts You May Like:. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. Have you ever heard the term before - Plush coated German Shepherd? In case you have no idea exactly what this means I'll do my best here to turn a rather ambiguous term into an easier to understand concept. As we've discussed before in this site German Shepherd Dogs basically come in 3 coat lengths which are:Standard, Plush and Coated. So what does that mean? How can you know what coat your GSD is wearing? All righty then.So first let's talk about the standard coat. This is the coat most German Shepherds are dressed in. These German Shepherds usually have less undercoat too. So, maybe this will help if you were to think of it this way - standard coated German Shepherds wear their fur closely to their bodies - kind of like a military soldier who wears their hair cut close to their skull. Coated German Shepherds are also called long coated German Shepherds. As their description suggests these GSDs have a much longer coat with longer fur around their ears, behind the backs of their legs and on their chest and tail. These long feathers aka: feathering are very beautiful and make the dogs look almost "collie-like" somewhat - speaking of coat only. Well, when speaking of coat basically they're kind of in-between the standard coated GSDs and the Coated German Shepherds - but they are closer overall to the standard coat dogs. Plush coated GSDs do not have feathering of any type. The plush coat German Shepherds have a much longer length of hair compared to the standard coated dogs and a much fuller undercoat too. Their fur is thicker, fuller and just longer overall than a standard coated GSD - and it is very obvious to the the touch and to the eye as well. But to make it even easier I'll illustrate with a few pictures here to make the point a bit easier to understand. So, I hope these descriptions and pictures will help you to better understand the difference between standard, coated and plush coated German Shepherds. Return from plush coat German Shepherds to German Shepherd coat patterns "Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage. .The hair length is short and the coat lays flat against the body. The Stock coat has an undercoat, which sheds out twice per year - seasonally. It means a coat is 'plushier' than the short coat, and is preferred more in the show ring. It's basically is a longer, fuller coat. This term can be used on a Stock Coat short or Long Stock long coat dogs, depending on who is using it. Image: Chelsey V. The undercoat will be thinner in the summer and thicker in winter. As a puppy, you can not tell how long it will be. Long and full is desired with sort of a lions mane. It will not grow as long or thick in hotter climates. These dogs are stunning and in high demand. It parts down the middle of the back. It is soft, sort of fly away hair, light and very long. There is never an undercoat. It has long hair or feathering on the ears, legs, and tail. A puppy inherits only one gene form each parent. A long coat has been considered undesirable for many decades, and historically there were just short stock dogs used in breeding and selection. This puppy was considered a fault in the litter. A long coat is demonstrated only when a dog is homozygous on gene "l" - has pair of recessive l alleles at this locus. This is done to have more predictability in breeding, as mating between heterozygous dogs is highly unpredictable and has a large variety of possible outcome from producing puppies of pure short stock LL , to carriers Ll and Pure Long Coat ll. While this seems like a great idea to outcross all heterozygous on the Locus L dogs from breeding programs, this will take some time. Many "plush" dogs are very active in breeding, as frankly, they look great and thicker coat is an added benefit to those breeders that still do not accept Long Coat dogs. Large probability is only scary to those that do not understand how to predict the outcome. We enjoy learning and studying and have pretty clear understanding of what to expect in our breeding. Vom Geliebten Haus. Even though both parents may have stock coats, some of the progeny may have long coats. The chart below shows the possibilities. The pictures below show puppies we have bred. This is the desired coat according to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America Standard and can vary from very short to plush hair with an undercoat. They usually have longer fluffy hair around their ears and on the rest of their bodies and are beautiful animals. Our Karma carries this recessive gene and in our litters the Coated puppies have often been among the first to be chosen! The gene involved in this type of puppy is a simple recessive gene making Coated dogs somewhat rarer. Both parents are required to be coated or carry the recessive gene in order to produce long coated puppies. Even after many years of carefully planned breeding, a few coated puppies are occasionally born into a litter from Stock Coat parents because each parent is carrying the recessive gene. Some breeders try to breed this out of their bloodlines. Long Coat puppies can appear in litters from two stock coated dogs because each parent is carrying a recessive gene. Both of these dogs could be bred to different mates who do not carry the gene, and both could potentially produce litters without any coated offspring. A Long Coat puppy can often be an indication that the whole litter is going to be a good one. This is because the sires and dams who have produced the litter are carriers of strong genetics from their ancestors. Puppies with this recessive gene generally have a strong-boned body structure, are exceptionally good-natured and are of sound character. It is not uncommon to see police and military service dogs that are coated. This is because Coated dogs can be purchased cheaper while still having the genetics to meet the requirements of other working dogs. The reason why a Long Coat is considered a fault is because when used on a farm with mud or herding, their long hair catches and holds more mud, dirt, debris, cockleburs and other clingy weeds and vegetation. There is a little more grooming maintenance and more hair to shed. However, there is a good market demand for Long Coats and we know breeders intentionally breeding for Long Coats. The hair parts down the middle of the back and flows down the sides of the dog. Many have never seen or heard of this type of coat. In the past, they were allowed to participate in Schutzhund, but were disqualified from the show ring and breeding. Regardless, a German Shepherd dog still requires an undercoat or it is considered to be a fault. A Long Coat has a longer coat, with tufts in the ears, feathers on the feet and has an undercoat. Plush Coat German Shepherds do not have usually feathering of any type. A "Plush Coat" is considered very desirable for Conformation. The Plush Coat German Shepherds have a much longer length of hair compared to the standard coated dogs and a much fuller undercoat as well. Their hair is thicker, fuller and just longer overall than a Stock Coat. Often a Plush Coat will carry the Long Coat gene. Note: Until , there were three distinct German Shepherd coat types: smooth haired, longhaired and wirehaired. The wirehaired variety has since disappeared. Remember that regardless the type of coat, a German Shepherd will still shed!

How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in Michigan cost? That all depends on the type of dog you're looking for—German Shepherds are actually more diverse than you think. Their vet-checked, microchipped, and first shots puppies would make the perfect companion and work dogs any day. Their brains, size, and loyalty make them ideal police and service dogs, but they also make great friends. Meet the Breed: German Shepherd. We believe in feeding our puppies and Dams a healthy, nutritional dry food. Knowledgeable and Trustworthy German Shepherd Breeders. Nikki seen carrying her beloved stuffed toy while. Welcome to Wolfsburg German Shepherds! Located in northern Michigan, I specialize in German Shepherd dogs that are loyal family companions. German Shepherd Puppies ready for your family! We are proudly American Kennel Club Inspected. MI Find German Shepherd puppies for sale Near Michigan German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. The weight of a German Shepherd puppy depends entirely on the age and sex of the dog. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. German Shepherd Rescues In Michigan. If you're interested in a puppy from Golden Valley Shepherds, please apply. We Take Our Puppies Seriously. However, the price may be higher depending on the breeder and the pedigree of the dog. Just like our children our four legged family members need to see the Vet and keep up to date on their medications. German Shepherds come from a long line of working dogs. Exercise Daily moderate to extended exercise. German Shepherds for Sale in Lansing. The Barking Boutique has German Shepherd puppies for sale! Interested in finding out more about the German Shepherd? Comstock Park, MI .I have 9 puppies that need to go to a good home. Ranging in size from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Boeselager German Shepherds only has litter's a year because we care about the health of our dogs, not how many litters we can produce in a year. German Shepherd, Michigan » Grand Rapids. Vom Dinaburg German Shepherds 2. However, the price may be higher depending on the breeder and the pedigree of the. What Is Michigan Known For? Once you apply, Hayley will get back to you about availability, pricing and next steps. At Alta-Tollhaus German Shepherds, our mission is to produce clear-headed, self-confident, social dogs that are incredibly beautiful and versatile. Interested in Other Puppies? Naturally reserved, solid-breed German shepherd puppies love human companionship and make loving pets. Italian researchers believe human interference in breeding have made Labradors and German Shepherds more reliant on their owners. Labradors and German Shepherds have become needier, study finds. Trained German Shepherd Dogs in Michigan. She was born on January 22, , her mom is a German Shepherd and its beli… more. After you have been approved for a German Shepherd puppy in Michigan and you have selected the perfect puppy, the puppy will undergo an industry-leading health examination. At 1 month of age, the average German Shepherd male weighs just under 10 pounds, while a female weighs about 7. In the state of Michigan, alcohol can be purchased any time except between the hours of a. After this they are moved to our puppy room where they have access to the outside world. Our puppies are very. Use Petfinder to find adoptable pets in your area. Manitou Beach, MI. Each Vom Dinaburg German Shepherd puppy receives the love and tenderness of a family home, with the socialization needed for superior attitude, perfection in temperament, Sounds like a solid ethos to us. This health exam provided by PawFax has 20 criteria and must be signed off by a certified and licensed veterinarian. If you're interested in a puppy from Vom Friedenswald, please apply. Click on a number to view those needing rescue in that state. Ann Schultz Horton, MI .Vom Dinaburg German Shepherds. The German Shepherd Dog is extremely intelligent. AKC German Shepherds, German Shepherds Michigan, MI, German Shepherd Dogs, GSD, German shepherds near me, dog training near me, dog trainer, dog trainer Michigan, dog training Michigan, dog trainer near me, board and train, stay and train, dog boarding, German shepherd puppies, german shepherd puppies near me, german shepherd puppies michigan, …. Or, hello, cute German dogs! We love dogs from all over the world—be it. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale in Michigan. May 11, , PM EDT A dog photographed wandering the rainy streets of Detroit carrying a dingy toy in her mouth has had a major change of luck. Good in a home with Other dogs. A dog photographed wandering the rainy streets of Detroit carrying a dingy toy in her mouth has had a major change of luck. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale. Together, the five bodies of water account for approximately one-fifth of the freshwater on t. Our German Shepherd puppies are born in our home and are home-raised until they are 4 weeks old. The captain's motto of, "utility and intelligence" is also the motto we breed by. Breed: German Shepherd Dog. My small breeding program is based on top quality European imports, with a focus on health, high intelligence, and classic sweet temperament. German Shepherd Dog Puppies. It is also bordered by the Great Lakes. Wilma is an adorable 14 week old German Shepherd puppy that came to us with 4 of her siblings. Michigan German Shepherd Classifieds Hoobly. Enjoy weekly updates and videos of our amazing dogs. By 2 months of age, a male puppy weighs .Roberta Montano. We have a 20 acre ranch where the 3 of us raise several animals including: horses, chickens, beef cattle, cats and of course dogs. German shepherd puppies are athletic, clever, resilient, and intelligent dogs. Our dogs are very intelligent—they are a thinking dog, eager to please and always loyal. After you have been approved for a German Shepherd puppy in Michigan and you have selected the perfect puppy, the puppy will undergo an industry-leading health. Kolenda Kennels German Shepherds 4. Please contact for pictures and updates and if you would like to make a deposit to be placed on our list for pick of a puppy. The pooch, owned by Phoenix-based Shelby Mayo, has a genetic condit. You won't find better View. Search and see photos of adoptable pets in Detroit, MI area. Their instincts are for guarding and herding. We are a small home based business located 30 miles north of Lansing, Michigan. Jax is a beautiful, red male German Shepherd that we are proud to have found in one of our own litters. And humans are probably to bla. Glaurung German Shepherds 7. German Shepherd Dog. Pure Black German Shepherds of Hartland 5. They were born on February 26th and wil. Kolenda Kennels has german shepherd puppies for sale just for you! We are located in Michigan but can sell puppies nationwide! Our dogs are bred to produce healthy, sound, and versatile pups. Vom Dinaburg German Shepherds' tagline is: " breeding for quality, not quantity. Find German Shepherd puppies for saleNear Michigan. Known for their courage and loyalty, German shepherds consistently rank among the most popu. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Michigan from trusted breeders. It is important to do your research to find a reputable breeder who cares about the welfare of their puppies. Herding Group; AKC recognized in .Explore 15 breeds with a similar appearance and qualities. Our mother dogs are our pets and family. They are very easy to train with a firm hand and keep that training well. Proper handling and raising of our German Shepherd Puppies is very important to us. Our dogs are bred to not only excel in sporting events, but to have the. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale Michigan. Puppy prices will depend on pedigree, breeder experience, coat color black German Shepherd puppies for sale in Michigan , type, and more. Vom Dinaburg German Shepherds Call us: , email vomdinaburg gmail. German Shepherd, Wisconsin » Racine. Call Today! Or fill out the quick contact form below — we will respond within 24 hours Von Buchmann Michigan German Shepherds is located now in Ira, Michigan. We enjoy a number of activities such as horseback riding, trail riding, camping. My German Shepherd Dogs are proudly registered with the American. To see more adoptable German Shepherd Dogs in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Belgian Lilly. You'll be asked to provide information about yourself and what you are looking for so the breeder can help you find the right match. Our focus on structure, conformation, temperament, and unmatched intelligence brings us to the front of the pack. Our breeding program focuses on breeding German Shepherd Dogs, bred to the guidelines and breed standard of. Once you apply, Jennifer will get back to you about availability, pricing and next steps. You can spend time working with dogs in a wonderful farm environment and get a better sense of exactly what you want in a dog and whether a German Shepherd is right for you. Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota and Wisconsin are the states that border the state of Michigan. Houghton Lake, MI. Known for their courage and loyalty, German shepherds consistently rank among the most popular breeds in the United States. Our dogs are bred to not only excel in sporting events, but to have the keen intelligence that the German. Our pups love Nutro Essential Limited ingredient chicken and lamb flavors. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Here's how we're different from most German Shepherd Breeders: Our puppies are born in our house, where they are constantly watched and handled by us from birth. Puppy foods vary based on composition and most brands provide a recommended amount based. Alta-Tollhaus German Shepherds 6. German Shepherd mix 10 month old male, up to date on shots, housebroken, and friendly. German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and. Or fill out the quick contact form below - we will respond within 24 hours. German shepherds, schnauzers, and Weinheimers are only a few of the German dog breeds that make excellent pets. We are a German Shepherd Breeder that. Breeds: German Shepherd Dog. Recommended by Veterinarians Nationwide. Should be about lbs when full-grown. The German Shepherd makes an excellent service, guide, and service rescue dog. Alcohol may be purchased from 7 a. Our ultimate goal is to produce athletic and well-structured canines that. We have answers. We definitely can! First up, all you need to do is take a look through the sweet German Shepherd puppies for sale Detroit and further away too. What makes Uptown different from other places with German Shepherd puppies in Detroit? Are there any Detroit German Shepherd puppies for sale right now? As one of the best-loved breeds across the USA, there is always a lot of demand for these sweet little pups. Do you have the cheapest German Shepherds for sale Detroit? Here at Uptown we love shelter dogs and puppies from breeders equally. And the choice of which one to add to your family is something that only you can decide. How do I know that my German Shepherd for sale in Detroit will be healthy? Each puppy will get a vet check to clear them for travel, and we recommend making a follow-up appointment with your own vet once your pup arrives. Is it enough to walk German Shepherd puppies Detroit, or do they need more exercise? German Shepherds are well-known for not only their high enery levels, but their incredible intelligence as well. So to keep your dog happy and healthy in mind as well as body, they need a combination of mental and physical exercise. Training sessions, play time and plenty of active walks will all help keep your puppy feeling their best. Will a German Shepherd for sale Detroit make a good family dog? As long as children and dogs know how to interact safely, they will all get along great! What will a Detroit German Shepherd for sale be like to train? As one of the best-known breeds of working dogs, German Shepherds are incredibly quick to pick up new commands. They love the challenge of regular training sessions, and signing up for puppy trainng classes is a great way of making sure you learn how to get the best out of your puppy as they grow up.

The protein will come from readily available sources such as chicken or beef, and not exotic or boutique sources like kangaroo or venison as you saw in second study mentioned above. According to the AKC , quality, regulated animal byproducts can be good for your dog. These byproducts can include organ meats or entrails, which often contain more nutrients than, say, plain chicken breast. Another misconception is that dogs should eat grain-free diets. As you saw in the second study mentioned above, that can actually be very harmful for your dog and cause DCM. But food labels can be a little vague and confusing, so below is an explanation of what some of these terms mean, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual and the AKC. There is one caveat though. For instance, flaked corn, ground corn, and kibbled corn could be sprinkled in an ingredient list and not be listed as the first few ingredients, but in reality, if you were to add them all up they are all corn, after all , you might find that this food is made mostly of corn. The same goes for chicken, chicken meal, and chicken byproduct. Meat vs. Meat Meal vs. The quality of these ingredients can vary widely, so be sure to talk to your vet about this and choose a reputable brand of food. Below are a few examples: Obesity. Golden Retrievers love food and they do have a tendency to become overweight if you let them. This problem can often affect these next two problems… Joint issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to joint issues and growing too fast because they eat too much can often make this problem worse more on this in the next section. Heart issues. Skin issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to hot spots and excess protein in their diets can be a factor that causes them. Many goldens suffer from food allergies. One cup of Brand X food may have calories per cup, while Brand Y has calories per cup. During a vet visit our veterinarian said he looked too small and lethargic for a puppy his age about 8 weeks at the time , and he recommended we feed him a little more. As far as how often to feed your puppy, this same rule applies. For us, we fed Oliver three times per day until he was a little over a year old. Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Get the gameplan for raising them right with the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Those two statements may sound random, but they are related. According to the Banfield Pet Hospital , overfeeding your Golden Retriever can cause them to grow too fast and increase their risk of hip dysplasia. You probably noticed that a raw diet was the fourth-most popular diet Golden Retriever owners feed their dog. Since puppies are growing and adults are just maintaining their weight, they have different dietary needs. And for fats, puppy food should have at least 8. As far as when to switch from puppy food to adult food, talk to your veterinarian. To see a list of other milestones your puppy will hit like when they lose their first teeth, or when their coat is fully grown check out this timeline of Golden Retriever puppy milestones. Like most of the other questions in this post, this is something to talk to your veterinarian about. Many foods will have the same vitamins that pills have already in them, but on the other hand, some breeders require that you give your puppy vitamins for their health guarantee to be valid. First, we unknowingly started him off on one of the brands listed in the graph above that is correlated with DCM. Then we switched to another brand that he just sort of liked. If we were to have another puppy, we would definitely start with the Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy food. How To Switch Food Brands The other day I was talking to someone who was complaining that her puppy was having lots of stomach issues. Dogs have sensitive stomachs so if you want to switch foods, you need to do it slowly. You should take about a week to transition from the old food to the new brand. Also consider how long the brand of food has been around, whether or not there have been any recalls of that brand, and if there is any research behind it. What do you feed your Golden Retriever puppy? Have any questions about what to feed them? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. Royal Canin makes dry food tailored explicitly to particular breeds. Its Golden food variation uses chicken and brown rice ingredients to support digestive health, strong bones, and a healthy coat. Gorgeous coats, healthy body conditions, great activity levels- perfect puppies! With a combination of healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables, and more, this dry dog food will encourage healthy muscle development in your Golden Retriever as well as strong teeth, a healthy heart, and improved skin and coat texture. Looking at the ingredients makes me feel that I have purchased a quality product for my guy. With ingredients like real protein, fruits, and vegetables, this dry food increases energy, strengthens bones, improves immune strength, and neutralizes free radicals. Her coat is healthier and shiny. She even trimmed down a little as her old dog food was making her fat. They produce high-quality dog food for your Golden Retriever at an affordable price. Veterinarians recommend IAMS Proactive Health because it uses ingredients like animal protein and antioxidant-rich veggies to nourish your dog and meet their complete health needs. Highly recommend it. Good for maintaining a decent weight too. Gobbles it down! With fish as the main protein, this kibble promotes a gorgeous coat and healthy skin and improves digestive issues. He eats it enthusiastically, and it has really helped him thrive! He is energetic, has a gorgeous coat, and devours his meals! She is a much happier dog. The Save Shredded Puppy Blend includes probiotics to help ease the digestion in growing Golden Retriever puppies with sensitive stomachs. I mix it with wet food, and he loves it. He loves the chunks of shredded chicken! I highly recommend it. This large-breed dry food can help your Golden Retriever maintain a healthy coat and great skin as well as smooth digestion. All of them love this food! Their coats are shiny and soft, and their poops are small! The exclusive formula also increases energy levels! We tried another brand, and it caused all kinds of allergic reactions. We went back to Eagle Pack, and all is right again. Great product! That may be because they have a senior Golden Retriever who is struggling with dental issues or feel that dehydrated food options are healthier. This particular food contains real protein and essential nutrients that can benefit dogs of all ages. Once we got this, she became a food-crazed puppy! This food includes a combination of freeze-dried raw-coated kibble with real pieces of freeze-dried raw meat! This variety has lots of meat sources plus several strains of probiotics. In general, your dog will benefit from puppy food from about 8 weeks of age until they are six months to a year old. Check with your vet to determine the right time to switch from a puppy food to one for adult dogs, as recommendations vary based on the size of your dog. A few days later, you can begin making it a half-and-half blend. Make sure to watch for loose stool from your pup as you transition — if you notice that your Golden is struggling with the new diet, wait for a few days before increasing the blend. When in doubt, check with your vet! Most dog foods come with specific volumes listed on the side. Overfeeding your pet can lead to a variety of health concerns. To determine what food will suit your dog the best, check out 17 of the top dog foods on the market for Golden Retrievers, no matter their age. Check with your vet to determine whether your Golden will need any special dietary considerations. Foods considered toxic to Golden Retrievers are macadamia nuts, chocolate, onions, garlic cloves, grapes, raisins, walnuts, alcohol, and any foods sweetened with xylitol. Try to avoid feeding your Golden food containing any of these ingredients. Grain is an essential component to the diet of Golden Retrievers. The absence of grain has been known to lead to a deficiency in taurine, which can potentially cause heart problems for your golden. 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. They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like.

I wanted to let you know Flash is doing well. Flash is sleeping and Rahul is happy. Her first night she cried some. I knew it was going to be a bit of an adjustment for her to her new surroundings and family. I slept downstairs on my couch and Maizie slept right next to me all night. She is such a good girl. He gained 1. He is such a sweet little guy and learns quickly. He loves Molly and she has been so tolerant of him. I love when they curl up together. He sleeps with Molly and us every night. Owen understands when it gets dark, play time is over. He has so much energy now he runs around like crazy. You are the best breeder ever! He peed and pooped outside. He is such a special boy! Thank you so much! Jennifer, Danville, CA He loves hanging out with us in our office and in the backyard. He loves water! She is really well behaved and her vet visit went great. She has gained over 2 lbs since her first vet visit. She is precious. We love him so much. He is very smart, loves making friends with other dogs, and is the best cuddler ever! Kim, Durham, NH Java is just chilling at home. He went to the vet and everything is great! Wendy, Tewksbury, MA Jackson is doing great! Buddy has acclimated well. He loves playing with his toys and taking naps. He put himself to bed in his crate last night. He knows we are his people and we feel very lucky. He knows his name and gets along great with our other dog Tucker and fits right in with our cats. Becky, Laconia, NH Kenai is doing great!!! We are so happy! She is having fun chasing her big brother Brody all over and is eating and sleeping well. She is just a joy. We went to the vet yesterday and everything is great! He adores the water and is an excellent swimmer. We love him so much! He has mastered sleeping in his crate at night and loose leash walking. I love being a Lab dad again! Thank you for raising such good pups! He loves everyone and is so darn cute. He is such a good boy and I am glad I have him. I am so glad I found a wonderful breeder like you who was so good to him for the first 8 weeks. You guys are wonderful! He and the cat are slowly warming up to each other. He is doing really well with potty training and he puts himself in his crate for naps and at bedtime. He is doing great with the crate although his favorite thing is to snuggle and sleep with his boys! She also said he looks absolutely healthy! Steph Topsham, ME He has definitely stolen our hearts. Thank you. Alex, Salem, NH Things are going great here. Brianna, Bedford, MA Thank you so much. We love him lots. Art, Chelmsford, MA Floki is settling into a fantastic routine and is such a wonderful puppy. Ann, Lynnfield, MA Murphy is very smart and is fitting right in. He is awesome. He is doing great and growing a lot. Thank you for everything. Thank you for all your hard work during those first 8 weeks after his birth. It really shines through in how he presently acts. The work you do with your dogs and pups is to be commended. It makes the transition very easy. We love her so much. Jen, Langdon, NH He loves being home and playing. We are in love. Thank you more than you know. We feel so blessed to have met such a wonderful breeder and have Oakley in our lives. April, Annandale, NJ. Share 0 Shares I am not a researcher, but I can confidently tell you that if you ask ten or twenty people at the park their favorite dog breed, they will tell you that it is a Labrador Retriever. These dogs are fun, interesting, smart, and friendly, and they are like a human in form of a dog. Because everyone loves Labrador Retrievers, we have created a list of the best Labrador Retriever breeders in New Hampshire. Although this list is created on overall performances and passion for breeding Labrador Retrievers, it is advised that do a little research on any breeder of interest before transacting with them. If possible, visit their location from the address provided in this article. It is better to be safer. We would also review top Labrador breeders in cities like Manchester and Nashua, amongst others. Make sure that you read our final thought because it carries important information for you. This breeder breeds the best black, yellow, and chocolate Labrador Retriever puppies in New Hampshire. This Manchester breeder really loves what they do and they make sure that all their parent dogs are healthy before breeding. So, you can rest assured that Labrador Retriever puppies from this breeder are healthy and vaccinated. Labrador Retrievers bought from this breeder are also obedient and good for hiking, fishing, and canoeing. They can also fit in retirement homes as therapy dogs and emotional support animals. Contact Welcome Located in New Hampshire, we are a small family-owned kennel and have been breeding Labrador Retrievers for over 20 years. Our kids are now grown and gone and we have migrated back north to scenic Warner, New Hampshire to build our forever spot here for ourselves and the dogs. We raise sound English-style Labrador Retrievers. Before we consider a dog as breeding or stud quality, they are judged for temperament and conformation and must pass OFA hip and elbow clearances and eye clearances. Our Labradors are part of our family; we raise our puppies in our custom whelping room that is sanitary and climate-controlled. The room has gentle music playing and a bit of traffic every once in a while to show off the new additions when it is safe for visiting. We do our best to place our puppies in a home that best suits each puppy by conducting temperament screening and aptitude tests. We spend an enormous amount of time with these puppies and have had great success in evaluating the "right fit" of puppy to family. Goals My goal as a breeder is to produce a sound quality Labrador Retriever as close to the AKC standard to my liking. Every breeder has a preference to coat, size, movement, attitude, face and tail. The most important thing to remember in breeding is to keep in mind the purpose of the dog and ensure that they are physically able to get the job done for which they were bred. Our Boys. I want to welcome you to my website. We hope that after visiting our site, and YouTube Videos, you will feel like you know something about us and are comfortable working with us. Enjoy our website. This is a very large website with lots of information. I have been working and adding to it for many years now. So please take your time and read through it all. If you have questions, don't be afraid to call and ask. Read more about Meet The Dogs We occasionally have puppies available. We concentrate on producing good quality, easy to train, family pets - show dogs - hunting dogs - all a lab can be! Purebred Labrador retriever puppies. All of our puppies are raised with much TLC and socialization to integrate easily into any lifestyle. Pups have their first set of shots, NH health certificate, and are wormed before they leave our home. For details of our puppy placement policies, please review our Must Read Information. Sorry we do not and will not breed our girls or our studs for trend colors that are not purebred labradors. We occasionally have puppies available. They would be listed on the " litters Due Page" of this web site. We concentrate on producing good quality, easy to train, family pets - show dogs - hunting dogs -Family Companions.For details of our puppy placement policies, scroll all the way to the bottom of this page and read all the info. Labradors have long been known to be family-friendly pets, and the breed has been a favorite across America for decades. Purebred Labrador pups bred and nurtured in the best environments are sure to be the perfect household additions. Read on to learn about the six best Labrador breeders in New Hampshire. They are a family-operated breeding service that offers high-standard Lab puppies with champion lineage. They follow through with health testing programs and guidelines. They have been in business for over 32 years, and therefore do not compromise on their breeding standards. Their pups come from purebred English Cream lines with medium to light-colored coats and relatively blockier heads. Moreover, their Lab parents have gone through all basic health tests and are OFA Orthopedic Foundation for Animals certified for hips and elbows. Although a relatively small breeding business, they provide exceptional quality pups that stand out in temperament, health, and skills. They only offer two to three litters each year, so they are sure to grow up to be excellent companions and service dogs. Website Facebook Email ID Call Us Integrity Farm They provide quality Labradors that are easy to train, have wonderful temperaments, and can be trained into becoming amazing service dogs or house pets. All pups go to their forever homes having received their first dose of vaccines, NH health certified and wholly dewormed. You can get your hands on yellow, black, and chocolate English Labrador retrievers from Integrity Farms. They raise beautiful Labradors that grow up as incredible furry friends to have in your house. With good temperaments, healthy bloodlines, and beautiful, luscious coats, the Labradors are as exquisite and charming as they are active and playful. The puppies are raised in the luxury and safety of a home and not a kennel. This ensures they are brought up in the most hygienic conditions without compromising any element of their health and well-being. Address: Reservoir Dr. They offer stunning AKC-certified chocolate, yellow, fox red, champagne, black, silver, and charcoal Labrador retriever puppies that are hale and healthy, sound, and have excellent temperaments. All pups are neurologically stimulated and properly socialized to ensure that they will suit their environments wherever they go. They are raised on a acre, wherein they can run and play as much as their hearts desire. And, of course, the pups are free from any genetic defect and have incredible hunting skills. Website The joy that comes with a new pet in your life is unmatchable. To make sure you will bring a healthy, intelligent, and friendly Labrador pup into your home, contact one of the excellent Labrador breeders in New Hampshire listed above! Breeders labrador breeders labradors.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! Since puppies lack the dexterity that you and I have, they use their mouths to explore the world around them. By understanding the behavior of biting itself, you can begin to see just how normal biting is in German Shepherd puppies. Just because biting is a normal behavior in a puppy does not mean we should tolerate it or promote it. Since biting is a form of communication for German Shepherd puppies, there are many things our puppies could be trying to say! So why do Shepherd pups bite? Puppies often communicate with their siblings through biting and pawing, especially when they are trying to incite a play session. Your pup may gnaw on your hand as if it were a chew toy, especially when you are a moving target. Puppies play and bite their siblings from the moment they are old enough to do so. This is why the behavior is so common, and why our Shepherd pupswill need to learn how to transition to playing with appropriate chewing options. Not only are our hands and feet tempting enough, but even more so when a puppy has a high prey drive. A prey drive is an ingrained need to chase after moving objects, whether it is appropriate or not. A swinging hand as we walk by can be extremely tempting for a growing pup, causing them to jump up and nip. If it seems like your Shepherd puppy is always biting you when you are in motion, it may be due to their high prey drive! They Are Curious As we mentioned above, German Shepherd puppies use their mouth to explore the world around them. Biting can help them examine and understand an object, and our hands and feet can fall into that category as well! If you catch your puppy gnawing on everything around your home, it may be their curiosity getting the best of them! A dog quickly learns what behavior gets a reaction, causing them to do it over and over again. Even if their bites result in a negative reaction from you, it still counts as attention. They Are Teething Similar to teething babies, a German Shepherd puppy experiences teething pain as well. If your Shepherd pup seems to find relief when chewing on objects, they may be biting you due to teething discomfort. They Are Herding You If your German Shepherd puppy is constantly biting at your ankles, they may be displaying some herding behaviors. German Shepherds are ingrained with a need to work, especially in dogs with a working bloodline. If your German Shepherd is always nipping at your feet, running to your side when you are moving, or showing signs of anxiety or frustration when you are moving around your home; it may be herding behavior. So how can you stop this normal puppy behavior? Redirect The Behavior One of the most effective ways to stop your German Shepherd puppy from biting is by redirecting the behavior. An effective distraction is a wonderful way to end the behavior without punishment, and show them how much fun the alternative to biting can be. The next time your Shepherd pup is displaying undesirable nipping, try to pull out their favorite toy. Since this will need to be a toy that your dog enjoys, be sure to offer them the option that they find most exciting. This can be a Kong toy , rope, bone, or any other chewing option that your dog loves. By doing this each time your Shepherd puppy begins to bite you, they will begin to understand that they would much rather play with an acceptable chew option. Having a variety of chew toys can alleviate their need to bite our hands and feet, and offer them the relief they seek in this uncomfortable transition. There are so many toys created for teething puppies, that it should be easy to fill your home with plenty of appropriate options. One of our favorite chew toys is the Kong Teething Binkie. Any attention can validate the behavior, causing them to make it a habit. This shows them that the behavior is unacceptable, and does not involve any harmful negative reinforcement. Our attention is important to a puppy, and they do not want to be ignored. By showing them that biting will only result in us pulling away, they will learn to ditch the undesirable behavior. Interrupt The Behavior Sometimes a Shepherd puppy needs a sharp and sudden sound to pull them out of a bad habit. By giving a quick interrupter cue ouch, yip, eek , you can pull your puppy away from the action and gain their attention. Because of this, it is so important to offer plenty of mental and physical activities throughout your home. For example, if your puppy nips at strangers each time they walk in the door, it may be best to limit their time around the guest and send them to a separate play area. Once they begin to understand that biting is unacceptable, you can refrain from using their separate play area as often. Similar to what we discussed above about being proactive, a separate play area can help them calm down and collect themselves. Once your German Shepherd puppy begins to mature and understand that biting is unacceptable, they should require less time away. Just as there are effective methods in canine training, there are counterproductive actions as well. Do Not Hit Or Yell Since biting is a normal behavior that puppies must learn to grow out of, it is not productive to hit or yell at your puppy when they bite. Doing this can show them from a young age that interaction with you results in something negative, and can hinder your training process. By using other distractions and training methods when they bite, you can turn every bite into a learning experience for your pup! This can seem like a fun game to your pup, and can actually encourage the behavior. Try your best to go limp when they bite you, and pull your attention away from the pup. By doing this, you show them that this behavior does not offer them any extra fun. Extra attention can validate their undesirable behavior, making it challenging to break. Try your best to refrain from reacting to a bite outside of your interrupter cue, and pull your attention away from your furry friend afterward. Biting is a normal behavior in puppies of all kinds. Puppies begin to bite their siblings from the moment they can move, and will continue this behavior until they learn otherwise. A biting German Shepherd puppy is to be expected, and should not result in any discouragement on your part. As long as you are following the tips we mentioned above, your puppy should shy away from this behavior in no time! Biting in puppies is not usually a sign of aggression. Mild biting is usually a form of play, and should be easily corrected. However, there are some rare cases where biting in German Shepherd puppies is a sign of something more. If your pup is displaying any snarling, growling, ears pinned back, stiff posture, or any other signs of canine aggression, your pup may be biting in reaction to fear or pain. If you are unable to make any progress within a month of implementing the tips we discussed above, it may be time to contact a dog trainer. A trainer can not only help your pup refrain from biting, but offer other obedience training as well. Final Thoughts As you can see, biting is a normal behavior for our beloved German Shepherd puppies. Be sure to review the tips we discussed above on proper canine training, and you can banish puppy biting for good! Below, I will mention a number of reasons why your German Shepherd might be doing it and what you can do about it. You can do so by following the tips given below. It is teething If your German Shepherd is a puppy then the reason why it bites you is likely to be that it is teething. When they are teething their gums will be painful and biting and chewing on things helps to soothe their gums. This is why they tend to bite and chew on things a lot as puppies. Another reason why it might bite on you is that German Shepherd puppies explore and interact with the world with their mouths and noses as much as they do with their eyes. As a result, it will bite on your arm a lot because it is interacting with it. If your German Shepherd is still a puppy then it is very important to take the time now to train it not to bite and to behave the way that you want it to. You have been encouraging it It could be that you have been inadvertently rewarding the biting which has been encouraging it. This would be more likely if your method to get it to stop biting is to give it things that it wants such as toys, attention or treats. Instead, it would likely be more effective to reward it before it starts biting then to stop rewarding it until it is behaving how you want it to. It wants attention It could be the case that it starts biting you because it wants your attention. This would be more likely to be the reason if it does it when you have not been giving it attention for a while or when it is time to feed it or walk it. Related post: How to tell if your German Shepherd loves you Excitement The reason why your German Shepherd bites you could be that it gets excited and it is trying to show its excitement. It would also be more likely if it tends to show other signs of excitement when biting you. In this case, something that you could try would be to turn your back and to hide your arms until it starts to behave better. If it continues to bite you then you can leave the room. You would then reward it when it shows signs of behaving the way that you want it to. Doing this will teach it that biting you does not get it what it wants. Things to consider Before trying to get your German Shepherd to stop biting you it would help to understand what exactly is causing it so that you can tailor your approach. Below I will mention a number of things that you can consider. How old it is If your German Shepherd is still young then it would make it much more likely that it is doing it naturally because it is teething. If it is an adult then it would be more likely that it never learned not to do it. When it started biting you It would also help to consider when it started biting you. Whereas, if it started to do it suddenly it would be more likely that there is something else causing it. Some things to consider would be: If you moved home If someone was aggressive towards it If someone moved away How aggressively it does it It would also help to consider how aggressively your German Shepherd bites you. If it does it aggressively by showing its teeth, growling and its hair stands up then it would be a more serious problem and you should seek the advice of a vet or a certified dog behaviorist. When and where it does it Considering when and where it bites you would likely help a lot in determining why it does it. If it tends to bit you when it is time for it to get a walk then it is likely trying to remind you of that. How to get it to stop biting you There are a number of things that you can do to get your German Shepherd to stop biting you that I will mention below. Positive reinforcement training The first thing that you can try is positive reinforcement training. This is where you reward the behaviors that you want to see from your German Shepherd. To use it to get it to stop biting, you would: Stand up, turn away, and hide your arms when it starts biting them leaving the room if necessary. Wait a few moments and then go back to giving it attention and then turning away again if it starts biting Repeat the above until it learns that biting causes it to lose your attention Reward it with a treat when it does particularly well You can watch the video below to see more on how to get your German Shepherd to stop biting with positive reinforcement training along with more tips. Avoid encouraging the behavior Positive reinforcement training can be very effective in getting the behavior that you want. However, it can also work against you if you give it rewards at the wrong time. If your method of getting it to stop biting you is to give it things that it wants, it could be the case that you have encouraged the behavior. Instead, of giving it things that it wants, when it bites you, try the positive reinforcement technique above. Give it things to chew on If your German Shepherd feels the need to bite things then it would likely help to give it some things that it is ok for it to chew on. Some things that you could give it would be bones, dog chews or toys. Be consistent It is unlikely that you will be able to completely get it to stop biting you in one training session. However, you will be able to make larger improvements if you are consistent with it over the course of weeks and months. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. Hopefully, we will have the answers to all of your questions in this guide. But, all that cuteness quickly disappears when the biting phase starts. Puppy biting is normal in all breeds, including the German Shepherd. And, luckily, we have some great tips and tricks to minimize the painful biting period. In fact, it could have a number of causes. Here are a few of the most common reasons, in a little more detail. Teething One reason why puppies of all breeds may bite is teething. This stage often starts at around 3 or 4 months of age — only a few weeks after your puppy will arrive at their new home. Luckily, it only takes a few months for your puppy to have their full set of adult teeth. So, biting from teething is not permanent. If your puppy is biting or chewing because of teething, you may notice other symptoms like drooling, irritability, and going off their food. Boredom or Getting Attention Bored puppies may learn that biting gets some fun responses from you! Just like barking can. If your puppy has learnt that they can get some attention from you when they bite, they may do it to alleviate boredom. This can explain why puppies concentrate most of their biting on one family member — the person who gives the most fun response. Natural Play Biting is a natural part of puppy play — as much as some owners might not want to hear it! German Shepherd puppies, just like any other breed, will bite whilst they are playing with you or with other dogs. If this behavior continues into adulthood, the biting can be more problematic. Responding to Rough Play Some people like to play with German Shepherd puppies in quite a rough manner. This can include pushing them, or rolling them over. Behaviors like this can make puppies very excitable, and encourage biting during play. Encourage calm play between your family members or friends and your puppy. Herding Instincts The German Shepherd breed has a history as a herding dog. The creator of the breed, Captain Max von Stephanitz, bred the German Shepherd in an attempt to create the ultimate all-round herding breed. This was all the way back in the late s. Although the history of the breed has changed over time, from herding to working dog, their origins remain the same. Many herding dogs are prone to natural chase instincts. They may chase small children or other animals — particularly those that are making lots of noise. And, these herding behaviors can include nipping at heels. Once again, your behavior can minimize biting from this cause. Exploration Another common explanation for young German Shepherd biting is their natural curiosity. And, they may do this partly with their mouths. What you really want to know is, when will it stop? However, you can minimize the period by making a few easy changes to your behavior when biting occurs. The best ways to stop puppy biting and minimize the biting period are training and prevention. This means training your puppy to be gentle with you and other people, and taking away opportunities for your excited puppy to bite humans. You may need to go as far as to completely separate your GSD puppy from small children and people who insist on rough play with puppies. We know that this can only encourage biting. Remove Yourself Calmly If your puppy starts to bite you, during play or any other time, the best solution is to calmly and quietly remove yourself. You can use tools like baby gates to keep your German Shepherd in a puppy-safe room. In fact — your puppy will learn that biting during play or cuddles only results in you leaving, and them ending up on their own! Not only will this help to show your puppy that biting is not an acceptable part of playtime, but it can also help your own sanity to remove yourself from those sharp teeth occasionally. Think About Clothing You should also think about the type of clothing you wear around your puppy. Loose, hanging clothing can be appealing to your puppy, and provide something easy to grip on with their sharp teeth. Wear tight fitting clothing to minimize the number of things your puppy can bite at. Use Distractions If you, or young children in your household, are keen to pet your puppy without being bitten, you should make the most of distractions like treats or toys. You can hold a chew for your puppy to keep their attention and mouth distracted whilst someone pets them! Often, puppy owners only think about biting whilst their puppy is actively gnawing on them. One method is to reward them with treats when you are petting them and they are not biting you. Another is to reward them for calm behavior around the house. This way they learn that acting calmly and letting you touch them without biting will earn them good things! One popular method to stop puppy biting is to squeal, squeak, growl, or make another loud noise. Some people claim that this method replicates natural puppy play and tells your GSD when they are being too rough. For some owners, this may work. If this is the case, making a noise when your puppy bites will act as a reward, and encourage your German Shepherd puppy to bite you even more. This is one reason why puppies biting children is so common. Many children will make lots of noise, especially if a puppy bites them, which can lead to further nipping. This is similar to the method above, if used alone. This is why training has to be done in small stages — first you must teach the puppy what action you want, and then you can give the action a name, or command. Punishment Methods The best methods to stop your puppy from biting involve positive rewards for the behaviors you want. Studies on dog training and behavior have shown that punishment based methods are often associated with an increase of problematic behaviors. Punishing your puppy for biting can lead to distrust and fear from your puppy. The causes of puppy biting that we looked at earlier in this guide apply to all GSD puppies. In fact, they apply to all puppies of any breed. Biting and chewing is a normal puppy behavior, and a normal part of play. As long as you react to this behavior in the right way, it is a period that will pass. The biggest fear for most German Shepherd puppy owners is that their puppy is aggressive when it bites. German Shepherd puppy biting can be accompanied by ferocious growls or snarls. It can even draw blood. So are behaviors like snarling and growling. And, if your puppy is biting hard enough to injure you, they may not have learnt proper bite inhibition yet. This is the process where your puppy learns to be gentle with his teeth on your skin. The positive reward methods we discussed earlier in this guide are the best way to teach your puppy bite inhibition. Remove yourself calmly and quietly whenever your puppy bites. And make sure to reward any calm behavior — including when your puppy lets you pet it without biting. Speak to a Behaviorist If you think your puppy is exhibiting aggressive behaviors, such as guarding their resources, you may want to speak to a behaviorist. They will be able to look at your puppy as an individual case, and analyse their behavior properly. Do Adult German Shepherds Bite? The German Shepherd breed is known for being aggressive in some circumstances — they make popular guard dogs, and are number one candidates for working dog roles in the police and military.

They are outgoing, active and affectionate companions who have a lot of energy and love making their owner happy. They have strong retrieving instincts as they were bred to be gun dogs, so they love both soft toys and diving into bodies of water. It is highly unusual for the puppy's owner to care for them during this time and is best left to a responsible, reputable breeder. Your puppy's body will double in weight as their muscles, organs and bones develop. Nutrition During the neonatal stage, your Labrador puppy will get most of their nutrition from their mother's milk. At around 4 weeks you may wish to introduce a mush of minced protein such as beef, but always consult your vet first before changing your puppy's diet at this stage. Health During this time it is important to monitor your Lab for any infections, diseases or birth defects. Puppies are unable to urinate or defecate by themselves initially, so their mother helps them but may additionally require your assistance. Keep your vet's contact details close by and educate yourself thoroughly on this stage of puppy development. By the end of this period, your puppy will be mobile and will explore the world mouth first — be sure to keep choking hazards and toxic foods out of their reach. Behaviour During most of this time your Labrador puppy will be asleep or inactive, but they will soon be playing with their brothers and sisters. After weeks they will go through as much sensory development as a human baby does in a few months. It is important to avoid disturbing the puppies' mother as she will be likely be protective, but some interaction with the young pups is normal so they become used to human touch. This is a formative time for your puppy and will be when they learn to walk, play, bite, hold their bladder, and interact with others. You will soon notice their attentiveness to you and their intense love of play — many Labs keep this caring and fun attitude for their whole lives if you foster it. Nutrition During the weaning stage, you should slowly introduce into their diet a nutritionally complete dog food which is appropriate to your Labrador's large size and young age. Labs are notoriously greedy and will quickly gobble down food and snatch treats from hands. You should familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid and hide as your puppy will soon find ways to get into forbidden snacks found only in bins. Labradors puppies instinctively like to 'dig' inside their water bowls so much of their water will end up on the ground. Make sure to get your puppy used to touching inside their small ears as they are prone to ear infections and will need regular checkups. Behaviour Due to the changes in their environment, your Labrador puppy will likely be under a significant amount of stress. It's important that you provide lots of attention and positive reinforcement for good behaviour at this time to establish boundaries early. Labradors are eager to love anyone but can be overbearing, so you should introduce them to a number of different people and environments so that they are not overwhelmed with excitement later in life. PUPPY By the time your Labrador Retriever reaches puppyhood their personality will be well developed and you will have established a loving, social friend who wants to maximise time with you and others. Your Labrador puppy will do well socially and behaviourally from puppy training classes as long as treats are involved. Nutrition Your Labrador puppy's diet should be based around a high quality, nutritionally complete puppy food. You may also wish to introduce them to fresh, lean raw meat — however, don't feed your puppy any meat you would not feed to a fellow human being. Bloat is potentially fatal but can be combatted by feeding your dog two smaller meals per day, a habit you should start while they are a puppy. A rough guide is that they should exercise for minutes per day and less after 5 years when many lose their appetite for long marathons of activity. Your pup will need brushing every few days, with more frequent grooming during seasonal changes to combat shedding. Bathing should be infrequent as this can damage the waterproofing of their coats, however, you should wash them after swimming or rolling in muck. After around 8 weeks your puppy will be due for some vaccinations, so they will need a checkup at the vet and to arrange for boosters after that. Studies showed that dogs supplemented with a diet of bovine colostrum had a quicker and stronger immune system response to CDV vaccine as compared to dogs fed a control diet. Colostrum supplemented dogs maintained a higher antibody level even after 40 weeks A diet supplemented with Colostrum helps bridge the immunity gap in puppies that occurs between 3 weeks and 5 months of age. Behaviour Do not be complacent with training your Labrador puppy — almost all are very gentle and well behaved, but this does not mean that training is unnecessary. Labs are very loving and patient with all that they meet, but they often do not know their own size. To combat this, they should be trained in how to act around small dogs and children to avoid intimidation or accidental injury. They will also benefit from obedience training to drop things from their mouths, avoid rushing across busy streets and make sure they come when called. Recommended Articles. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator so you will need to monitor them with portion control. Using a cheaper brand is a poor option at half the price. You will use twice as much and you will have to clean up larger amounts of waste in your yard. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity. The amount of food a Labrador puppy requires will increase then level out during first 14 months of their life. At months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set. We do not recommend desexing you pup until at least 3 years of age. This allows for an appropriate development and supply of hormone which in turn produces proper bone, muscle and vital organ development. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. We do not offer our dogs table food at all. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods particularly including carbohydrates will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease. When you Lab reaches 14months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopaedic conditions. And do not feed them coffee or tea as they can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These toxic substances can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system. Onions, garlic, raisins and grapes can be severely toxic in labradors. Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy. Eggs yokes are an excellent source of protein. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can, in extreme cease, lead to skin and coat problems. Liver contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Raw bone chewing will control tartar buildup on a pups teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones. Commercial Puppy Foods Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. We feed our dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator. The same food as the bitch You should feed your new puppy with the same brand of food as the bitch received during lactation. From 2 weeks into pregnancy, our expectant mothers are fed 'Royal Canin Labrador Puppy' food. Introducing a new brand of food If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds. Pawlinglabs uses Royal Canin Labrador as our preferred option. Growing labradors Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provides an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand. Medium or large? Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 — 18 months of age. Mature female labradors are medium and weight approx kg. Mature males are large and weight approx kg. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionalist. Sound skeletal development Sound skeletal development in labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18mths of age. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about mths of age. Feeding and Overfeeding Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development. Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing labrador puppies. And it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including labradors and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders. Nutritional management will be critical in the to prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels. A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. Brands like Eukanuba and Royal Canin are specifically formulated for young, growing labradors. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation. Housing safety and activity levels Housing safety and activity levels are under the your influence. Nutrition is also under your control and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth. Most pet owners feed commercial dog food. These prepared diets are balanced and complete. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. That is the answer to the question: what do Labrador Retrievers eat? Labrador Retrievers are noted for their readiness to eat anything they can find, whether or not it is food. The owner must guard against this, for the inquisitive Labrador Retriever can eat things that are not good for it, or even toxic. Real Food Labrador Retrievers do very well on real food such as you eat. Here are some categories you will want to include. Real meat, such as beef, chicken, and turkey. Fresh, raw fruits such as apples, bananas, and cranberries. Fresh, raw vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, celery, potatoes, and spinach. Certain dairy foods are good, too, for Labrador Retrievers: cottage cheese, eggs, and yogurt. Labrador Retrievers need some grain, but not corn. Make it brown rice or oatmeal. You can do your own cooking for a Labrador Retriever, if you wish. Actually, there is not a lot of cooking to be done. Some people prefer to cook the meat as this kills any bacteria that are present. We are impressed with what it offers an energetic Labrador Retriever. Embark dog food offers what you need for a healthy, safe Labrador Retriever. Do Not Feed the Labrador Retriever As the signs in zoos prohibit feeding animals because they might get something that is not good for them, so you should have a mental sign that reminds you what not to feed your Labrador Retriever. What do Labrador Retrievers eat? As we said, they will eat everything. You must be the guardian of the food dish. Many commercial dog foods are actually harmful to your dog. It is said that the well-known commercial dog foods you see in your supermarket are composed of rejects. Cereal companies wanted to profit from rejected grain. If the USDA inspection said their corn, rice, and wheat could not be used for humans, they decided, they would make and market dog food. The grain failed inspection because it was moldy, rancid, or contained contaminants. The meat packers had similar problems with meat that failed inspection. When the two got together, they produced commercial dog food. Your Labrador Retriever depends on you to feed him what he needs to make him healthy, and to replenish the calories he burns in his active lifestyle. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. When do you switch from puppy food to adult food? Are you a first-time, inexperienced puppy owner? Are you confused about what to feed your Labrador puppy? Do you wish to provide your beloved puppy with the best diet but are confused as to what that is? We have compiled this article for you to help you figure out the best options for your puppy. What to feed your puppy? What are the different types of food available? There is no one food type that everyone agrees to be the best and most effective for your Labrador puppies. Even experts disagree on what type of food is the absolute best for your beloved puppy. There are 4 main types of food for dogs. Each one of them has its fair share of pros and cons. Kibble or dry food Many people regard kibble as the best food for puppies. Dry food is by far the most popular feeding method due to its convenience and price. But is it any good? If you go for high-quality kibble food brands, you can be sure that the food is providing your dog with all the necessary nutrients it requires. However, if you choose to go for cheaper brands of kibble, you will not only be unsure of the quality of the food, but they will also lack the necessary nutrients that your dog requires. It is convenient, cost-effective in the long run, and comes in a wide range of flavors. However, dogs can become bored of kibble, and they will never be as excited to eat dry food as to eat actual meat. Despite criticism, this type of dog food has some benefits. This makes cleaning after your dog much easier for you. It also reduces the risk of bloat, which can be a potentially fatal condition. Dogs fed on kibble are more at risk of bloat. It makes them clean, glowing, and shiny. It reduces the risk of obesity, and your dog enjoys a slim but healthy figure. Dogs enjoy eating meat more than they enjoy eating dry food. However, there are some cons to a completely raw diet. When dogs bite down on a bone, they swallow small fragments that could form a blockage in the intestine. This blockage, in the best-case scenario, causes constipation, and in the worst-case scenario requires immediate veterinary surgery. Wet food cans and pouches A puppy might prefer wet food over kibble as it looks and tastes way more appetizing. However, as in the case of dry food, if you choose a cheap brand, it will not have the essential nutrients your puppy needs. So choose high-quality brands that will ensure the nutrition that your puppy needs. An advantage of wet food, compared to dry food, is that it contains a higher percentage of liquid, which helps hydrate the dog and make it feel fuller. Home-cooked puppy food If you are reluctant to buy mass-produced puppy food from the market, you can always prepare a homemade meal for your dog. You have to make sure that the meal consists of all the necessary nutrients required by your dog. How much should you feed your puppy? Like human babies or any baby animals, puppies also need more meals than adult dogs. A puppy will need about 3 or 4 meals a day. If you are feeding your puppy 3 meals a day, and your pup has loose stools, then take the amount of food for 3 meals, and divide it into 4 meals in a day. How do you recognize quality puppy food? There are a lot of choices to choose from when you go to buy puppy food. So how do you choose the one with the best quality? If you go for one of the well-known, popular, and widely consumed brands, the chances are that the puppy food of these brands is of high quality; hence, their popularity. So, do not be reluctant to spend some bucks, and get your beloved puppy the food it deserves. What is to be done if your puppy is not eating? Not all puppies are greedy for more and more food. It is a proven fact that puppies tend to eat more when they are eating in a group, and generally eat less when they are eating less. Hence, for the first few days that your puppy spends without its brothers and sisters, it may not eat as much and have a reduced appetite. Usually, a reduced appetite is not something to worry about, but it is best to mention it to your vet in the next checkup or if the problem continues to persist. Click here to find the best dog food for your Labrador Puppy When do you switch from puppy food to adult food? A small dog like a Chihuahua might become an adult when it is around 9 months of age. However, a larger dog breed like a Labrador will need another 4 to 6 months to become an adult. You also have to reduce the amount of food you give to your dog as it will not need as much food as an adult as it is needed as a puppy. You may also change dog food brands if you feel like it. Now that you are aware of different alternatives of puppy food that are available for you, and of some main questions regarding dogs and their food, it is time for you to decide what type of food will suit your dog the best and what brand you are going to purchase your dog food from if you are not making a homemade meal. If you want to find the best pet insurance for your labrador, click here. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.