french bulldog puppie

french bulldog puppie - Conclusion What is a Boxer Basenji Mix? This type of dog is relatively new compared to some other breeds that have been around for centuries. It was first bred around the s and they are still being bred today. It is thought that this was bred by accident when two dogs who were not supposed to be together were let out of their pens! This hybrid is a very rare breed, but when you do find one, he or she makes an excellent companion. Due to their rarity, there is not much information about the Boxer Basenji Mix. This article will help you get some more information about them so you can decide if this mix is right for you! Characteristics of a Boxer Basenji Mix This crossbreed is generally considered a low-maintenance dog and has the potential to be an excellent family pet. It will likely be a medium to large-sized dog. He may look more like one parent than the other, or he may be a combination of both, with some traits more dominant than others. However, you can usually expect him to have a short to medium-length coat that is dense and sleek. Its colors are likely to be red, white, black, fawn, or brindle. He will generally have a keen expression but also a friendly demeanor too. The Boxer Basenji mix is likely to be an intelligent dog who loves games and activities that challenge his mind. He can be stubborn if not properly trained or socialized from an early age, so it is important that you set rules and boundaries for him from when he is young. How to Care for a boxer Basenji Mix This is a dog that has been bred to be an active and energetic working dog. They are very intelligent, alert, and protective of their owners. These dogs can be excellent companions for children, but they need plenty of exercise to keep them happy. A bored Boxsenji will become destructive. An energetic working dog in Basenji parentage combines with a goofy clown in Boxer ancestry to create an intelligent and high-energy companion that loves to be around people. They make excellent playmates for kids and are highly protective of their loved ones. Basenjis are known for not barking they yodel instead , and Boxers are known for being great family dogs. The result of crossing these two breeds is the playful, intelligent, and energetic dog. What we have done in this post is look at the characteristics of both breeds and show you what you can expect. Stacy I am Stacy, a dog lover and Basenji owner. I first fell in love with the Basenji breed in my teens. As an adult, they became my passion, hobby, and expertise! I love helping families with the best dog advice to make their life better. Load More. With the supervision of a vet, you need to think more about the size and age of your pup in giving the quantity of food. To ensure that your dogs do not become obese, you should limit the number of treats you give them during training. A pup is expected to be born with a medium-length coat due to combining a Boxer and a Bernese Mountain breed. Due to the short and tight-fitting coat of a Boxnese pup, it will shed less than a purebred Bernese Mountain dog. Suppose you wish to adopt a boxer Bernese Mountain dog mix puppy. In that case, you should inquire about a breed expert who did genetic testing on the parent breeds and the litters. Verifying that the breeders abide by the dog breeding regulations is crucial. Basenji Australian shepherd mix The Australian Shepherd and the Basenji are known for their courage and protection. There is no doubt that the Aussie is intelligent, active, and protective. It is also important to note that they are very loving dogs. Despite being cautious, they are not aggressive toward strangers and are affectionate toward family and children. Socialization at an early age prevents the development of any undesirable habits. They reply to positive support in the same way as all dogs. The basenji Australian shepherd mix will likely be very affectionate and enjoy spending as much time with you as possible. Make sure you do not leave them alone for long periods, as he will not cope well. Summary, Seeking to find more info about a boxer service dog. Then it is must you read this blog about the boxer Bernese Mountain dog mix. This blog is especially for those willing to adopt a great Pyrenees and boxer mix. All these mixed breeds of Boxer and basenji are too lovely and can settle down in your family. Thus, buy them and get ready to play and enjoy with these famous breeds. FAQs What kind of dog is a boxer Basenji mix? There is a difference in personality between these two dogs, although both are friendly. How long do Basenji mixes live? The maximum lifespan of this dog is about 13 years. How much does a Basenji cross breed weigh? In terms of size and weight, Basenjis are among the most miniature hounds, measuring between 16 and 17 inches high and weighing between 22 and 24 pounds 10 to 11 kilograms. Is a Basenji Heeler a good first dog? It depends on which gene pool shows up strongly in behavior. We recommended these products because they are the companies we have found helpful and trustworthy. These dogs can range in size from 30 pounds to pounds, and they often have a Basenji head with the thick fur of Akitas. This mix is fiercely independent but also loyal to its caregivers. They are great with children but can become overprotective of their family at times. Both breeds are super high-energy, so they do best when they have plenty of space to frolic and tire themselves out. Basenjis are loyal and loving, and Fox Terriers tend to be obedient and trainable. With a firm hand, a Basenji Fox Terrier mix can be a well-behaved, lifelong companion for a devoted owner. Basenji Greyhound Mix Basenji Greyhound mixes are exceptionally beautiful dogs with majesty about them. They tend to be smaller than Greyhounds, but skinnier than Basenjis. Most look like small, lean Basenji, and they exemplify the gentle and reserved nature of the speedy Greyhound. Greyhounds tend to get along well with other animals, so bringing a Basenji Greyhound mix into a household with other pets should be no problem. However, some mixes will take on the Alpha attitude of a Basenji, while others take on the calm demeanor of a Greyhound. But both are high-energy breeds that love to run! Like Bloodhounds, this mix makes an excellent member of a family with small children. They become very attached to their owners and can get lonely easily. So this mixed breed is not ideal for people with busy schedules. Basenji Husky Mix A Basenji Husky mix is sure to be an independent and tough dog, ideal for someone who loves to take their dog places and explore. Something many notice about this Basenji mix is how stunning they are. They have the smaller frame of the Basenji parent paired with the thick fur of a Husky and piercing blue eyes. Many have heterochromia, meaning two different-colored eyes, which is an endearing trait for most dog lovers. Both breeds are fiercely affectionate with owners but more aloof and standoffish around strangers. Huskies can be aggressive toward other animals if not socialized properly. Italian Greyhounds are a much smaller version of standard Greyhounds. This Basenji mix is small, weighing between 25 and 50 pounds. With a slender body and face, this is one of the cutest mixes, and they have a soft temperament, ideal for houses with children or other pets. Basenji Bull Terrier Mix Basenji Terrier mix is another common mixed breed, however, it refers to several different Basenji mixes. This mix label refers to many Basenji mixes with ambiguous origins, but it generally refers to Bull Terriers. Basenji Bull Terriers mixes are interesting because they usually look almost entirely Basenji. Sometimes their faces are slightly larger, but their body size is typical of a Basenji. This combination of breeds results in a super social and curious dog. But these little dogs are super hyper, as both parent breeds are high energy and love to play and run around. The personality of this Basenji mix can be hard to characterize, as Basenjis are friendly and bold dogs, while Chihuahuas tend to be more nervous and hesitant to engage with strangers and other animals. They are bigger than standard Basenjis and sometimes have longer hair if their parent was a Golden. This mix has a lot of energy and is bigger than normal Basenjis, so they can be a handful. They also love to play hard. A gentle dog with decent training could fit into a family with small children, but generally, this breed mix is too energetic to play safely with young kids. And while Basenjis are light-colored with beige, reddish, and brown fur, you may get a black Basenji mix thanks to the German Shepherd parent breed. Basenji Beagle Mix Beagles are not nearly as energetic and smart as Basenjis, so the Basenji Beagle mix is a more relaxed hybrid. They tend to be cuddly and loving, getting attached to their owners. This Basenji mix will be gentle and kind with children and other dogs and pets. A Basenji Beagle mix is ideal for a big family with lots of love and time to give. They can be stubborn and protective, but with the right owner, they can be trained impeccably and be loyal and well-behaved dogs. This dog will be snuggly and affectionate toward owners but likely wary and aloof toward strangers. Basenji Boxer Mix A Basenji Boxer mix is another Basenji mixed breed that people seek out for their energetic but kind temperament. This Basenji mixed breed takes on the energy and excitement of a Basenji and pairs it with the friendliness and affectionate behavior of a Boxer. Boxers are fabulous family dogs because they can be gentle and loving toward children and other animals. Basenji Poodle Mix Poodles are the most crossbred dogs because people love their mild temperament and trainability. This mix can take on many different combinations of characteristics. They can have longer fur with curls like a poodle and look like a taller Basenji. Their size also depends on what kind of poodle their parent was, whether a toy, miniature, or standard. A Basenji Poodle mix is another excellent dog for a family with small kids. Basenji Border Collie Mix Basenji Border Collie mixes are one of the sweetest dogs, but they require a lot of effort to care for adequately. Because both parent breeds are athletic and full of energy, they need loads of exercise every day compared with other Basenji mixed breeds. Their personality combines the intelligence and attentiveness of a Basenji with the herding mentality of a Welsh Corgi. But they do love outdoor time, so owners with a backyard are ideal. This mix is brilliant, loyal, and stunning. They have a strong appearance but a graceful gait, making them wonderful dogs for adventures, whether you love hiking, boating, or cycling. Great Danes, despite their intimidating size, are extremely sweet and caring. They love their owners and take every chance to snuggle and enjoy pets. They love quick bursts of activity but have poor endurance. Short games of fetch will be a more effective and enjoyable form of exercise for them than lengthy walks. The only downside to this beautiful hybrid is Great Danes have a short lifespan , deterring some potential dog owners. Basenji Cocker Spaniel Mix Cocker Spaniels tend to be a cheeky breed with no shortage of cleverness and curiosity. Mixed with Basenjis, this hybrid has loads of energy and loves to try new activities. A Basenji mixed with a Cocker Spaniel will typically be slightly calmer but still playful and adventurous. Cocker Spaniels are easy-going, so this mix will be friendlier with other animals and people compared to a Basenji. This hybrid is usually stocky and muscular, making them one of the more athletic Basenji mixes. Whether you want a Terrier Basenji mix, Basenji Hound mix, or Basenji Retriever mix, these hybrids have something unique to offer your household. Many of these Basenji mixed breeds are gentle and playful with children, making them an excellent choice for a family. But before adopting or buying any dog, gain a general understanding of both parent breeds and potential temperaments. You will also like:. She is such a sweet looking dog! She is initially nervous with new people and dogs, but she warmed up to one of our female volunteers very quickly, giving her lots of hand kisses. Trinity doesn't like to share her food with other dogs so we suggest feeding her in the crate or another room if she gets adopted to a home with another dog. She is not good with cats. Also, we would recommend a home with older children or teens; because Basenjis don't bark to warn, they warn by nipping, and a young child might not recognize when a dog is frustrated. We hope to find her a great forever home. According to www. Also called the Congo Dog, it was brought to Europe in .English breeders refined it and exported it all over the world. In Africa, it is used as a guide in the forests, to warn against the approach of dangerous animals, and as a very active pack-hunting dog of small game. The Basenji is alert, affectionate, demanding, energetic and curious. It loves to play and makes a good pet, as long as it is handled regularly from an early age. It is very intelligent, responds well to training with a strong desire to please. They can be reserved with strangers. The Basenji is somewhat aloof, but can also form strong bonds with people. It should not be trusted with non-canine pets. They are usually patient, but do best with older considerate children. The Basenji dislike wet weather. They like to chew, so giving them lots of toys of their own would be a good idea. The breed likes to climb and can easily get over chain wire fences. Basenji are very clever at getting their own way, they succeed less by obstinacy than by charm. It has the unique properties of not barking it makes a low, liquid ululation instead and of cleaning itself like a cat. It can be described as speedy, frisky, tireless at play and teasing the owner into play. Their strong desire to play can lead to behavior problems if left alone. Most Basenji problems usually involve a mismatch between owner and pet. The owners mistake the adjective "quiet" to mean inactive instead of noiseless; thus, they become harassed by an active, though relatively silent, dog. They have a life expectancy of years. The purebred Basenji is around 23 pounds in weight and 16 inches tall. Hybrid Personalities A mixed breed dog can take after either one of their parents, or can have aspects of each temperament. Is This A Healthy Choice? The Basenji is a relatively healthy breed, as they have been designed with a working purpose in mind. They needed to be fit to get the job done. When you buy a mixed puppy, they can still inherit genetic diseases that either breed is prone to. To avoid those issues as best as you can, make sure both parents have had thorough health testing. Akita Basenji Mix The Akita Basenji is likely to be a sizable pooch with an adult weight range of 22 to pounds. A Basenji Akita pairs the hound-like Basenji with the spitz-type Akita, giving you a dog who is strong, brave, independent and active. With this dog, you have an interesting temperament mix. A Basenji Akita mix can be a powerful, independent, loyal and people-centric pup with moderately reliable guard dog instincts. This dog lives 13 to 15 years. The Eskenji brings together a spitz-type working dog breed with a hound, ensuring an active, energetic pup with a strong hunting drive. Basenji Pitbull Mix The Pitsenji is one-part terrier, one-part hound and all parts unique. Their life expectancy is eight to 15 years. This dog inherits strong instincts to herd and hunt from each canine parent. A Basenji Australian Cattle Dog mix may not be the right companion canine if you have young children. First-time dog owners may also want to try a less complex crossbreed. This dog is all nose, eyes, ears and hunting instincts—never let this pup off-leash. Your Baseagle grows up to weigh between 20 and 30 pounds with a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. Beagles are famously friendly with everyone. Basenjis are aloof toward strangers, so you can see a mix of these traits in your Baseagle. This pup inherits a highly active personality with strong instincts to herd, chase and hunt from each parent dog. This mixed dog could have the makings of a strong and reliable guard dog. Expect a dog weighing between 22 and 80 pounds with a life span of 10 to 14 years. Basenji Chihuahua Mix Your Basenji Chi is a petite pup with a weight range of 3 to 24 pounds and a life expectancy of 13 to 16 years. If the Chihuahua influence predominates, you may also find your dog grows up to be a good family watch dog. Cocker Spaniel Basenji Mix The Cocker Spanenji can weigh anywhere from 20 to 30 pounds with a life span of 10 to 14 years. This dog inherits sporting and hunting instincts from both parent dogs. Their sensitive nature only responds well to the most positive training methods. Corgis have an affectionate, people-centric, playful pup with strong herding and watch dog instincts. From the Basenji comes a poised, independent, athletic dog. This dog inherits an independent spirit and an aloof manner with stranger from both parents. With early and ongoing training and socialization, this is one of the few Basenji mixes who may turn into a reliable watchdog. Adult weight range is 22 to pounds. The Great Dane is known to be good with young children, while the Basenji is not recommended for families with young children. Greyhound Basenji Mix Your Greysenji weighs 22 to 70 pounds and lives 10 to 14 years. This dog is a hound through-and-through and a speedy one at that. Basenji Italian Greyhound Mix The Italian Greysenji has an adult weight range of 7 to 24 pounds and a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years. This dog inherits the classic hound temperament from both parents, along with a lightning-fast gait. A Basenji Italian Greyhound mix may be a bit clingier than your typical Basenji mixes, owing to the Italian Greyhound influence. This dog is part Terrier and part Hound. She may do best when kept as an only dog. This is definitely not one of the Basenji mixes for you if you are looking for a reliable watchdog. However, for families with older children who enjoy an active lifestyle, the Labrasenji can be a good choice for a family pet. Poodles today are bred in three sizes, which means your adult Basenjipoo may weigh anywhere from 4 to 70 pounds. Basenji Saluki Mix The Saluki Basenji weighs 22 to 65 pounds with an average life span of 10 to 17 years. This dog is singularly attractive—lithe and lean, graceful and a natural athlete. Both parent dogs are ancient hound breeds developed to hunt and race. Neither breed is particularly easy to train. This is probably not the best choice of companion canine for first-time dog owners. Basenji Whippet Mix The Whippenji weighs 22 to 40 pounds and lives 12 to 15 years. More importantly, this Basenji mix is fast—a world-class racing dog who inherits the hound temperament from both parents. A Basenji Whippet mix sheds somewhat, but coat care is a breeze. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Basenji is affectionate, energetic, and intelligent. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Basenji or the Boxer? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Basenji Boxer Mix. While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Basenji Boxer Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Basenji Boxer Mix puppies for sale. If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills. Basenji History The Basenji is a hunting dog originating in Africa, and people there hunt with them to this day. She can also issue a warning growl. Wailing when unhappy is another part of her vocal repertoire. Although kennel clubs classify the Basenji as a sight hound, she in fact uses both her eyes and ears when hunting. Paleontologists have scientific reasons to suggest that the Basenji is a descendent of the earliest known dogs. In isolated Africa, she lived and thrived for thousands of years and was not known to Europe until about .Her size, shape, colors, coat texture, and temperament all are much the same as they have been for thousands of years. Attempts to bring the breed to England failed until around , when successful breeding stock was finally established there. The Basenji arrived in America shortly thereafter. The American Kennel Club formally accepted the breed in .Boxer History Boxers are large, muscular, square-headed dogs that are extremely playful and have a lot of energy. The typical Boxer is intelligent, alert, and fearless, yet friendly. He's loyal to his family and loves to play with them, but he's also headstrong, especially if you try to use harsh training methods with him. They are extremely patient and gentle, especially with children. They are high energy dogs and need a lot of exercise. Because of their strength and courage, Boxers have a wide use in the military and the police, as well as search-and-rescue work. When specifically trained for guard work, Boxers are excellent watchdogs and will restrain an intruder in the same manner as a Mastiff. Boxers also excel in obedience, agility, and schutzhund a demanding three-phase competition event that tests the dog's tracking, obedience, and protection abilities. Boxers should not be left outdoors for extended periods of time. Their short nose doesn't cool hot air efficiently in the summer, and their short coat doesn't keep them warm in the winter. The Bullenbeisser had been used as a hunting dog for centuries to hunt bear, wild boar, and deer. They were trained to catch the prey and hold onto it until the hunters arrived. The Boxer we know today was developed in the late 19th century. Lehman of New York. Unfortunately, there weren't many female Boxers in the U. When Word War I broke out, Boxers were enlisted into the military, serving as messenger dogs, carrying packs, and acting as attack and guard dogs. Boxers started becoming popular in the U. This popular mix is known by several names, including the Chisenji or the Basenji chi. Basenjis are athletic dogs with a muscular build who enjoy an active lifestyle. Basenji Chihuahua Mixes are known to have a strong prey drive and make great watchdogs, so they need both proper training and outdoor exercise at all times. They are however prone to breathing health issues, such as Brachycephalic Syndrome, because of their smushed-in faces. They typically weigh between 3 puppy and 25 pounds, with an average lifespan of 14 years. The Basenji Lab mix has a high energy level and requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation daily. This intelligent dog can be a little stubborn, however, hence why obedience training is so important. They also tend to shed more than other mixes and are known for not being the best watchdogs. The Basenji Lab mix typically weighs between 20 and 80 pounds, with an average lifespan of years. Pit bulls are known as brave and loyal dogs who quickly become family-oriented pets. They do extremely well with children. Basenji Pitsenji mixes need to be exercised frequently, either by long walks or active games like fetch, but they do well with other animals as well. Because of their strong prey drive, you should keep them on a leash when walking them. The Basenji Pit Bull mix is a strong and muscular breed so proper training and socialization are important. This breed usually weighs between 20 and 70 pounds with an average lifespan of years. The variance difference is because of the type of breed used in the crossbreeding. Some parent breeds may be healthier than others. The Basenji German Shepherd mix is a working dog who needs to be kept busy and stimulated, whether with running or training. Basenjis are also known for being independent and a bit aloof, especially around strangers. They shed quite a bit, so regular grooming is important, The Basenji German Shepherd mix has a medium to high energy level and can weigh from 25 to 90 pounds with an average lifespan of years. Because of their genes, they are susceptible to health issues like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and bloat. Beagles are happy and outgoing dogs who love spending time with their owners and getting plenty of physical activity every day. The Basenji Beagle mix is a light-shedding breed, so they are good for people with allergies. The Basenji Beagle mix has a medium energy level and typically weighs between 20 and 30 pounds with an average lifespan of years. Basenji Corgi Mix Corsengi These are versatile breeds that love spending time with children. Corgis are intelligent and eager to please, making them perfect for obedience training. They do well with other family pets provided they are introduced properly. However, the Basenji Corgi mix is usually very calm and loves to cuddle with their owners. They are also highly adaptable dogs who will quickly become attached to your family. The intelligent Basenji Corgi mix responds well to training, making them great for active owners. Their energy levels vary according to the breed used in the crossbreeding process. The Basenji Corgi mix typically weighs between 15 and 30 pounds with an average lifespan of years. They can be affected by certain health issues like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. Basenji Poodle Mix Basenjipoo The Basenji Poodle mix is a cross between the intelligent and energetic Poodle and the smaller, yet playful and loving Basenji. Basenjipoos do well with families who want a dog who is both obedient and easy to train. They do well with children but can be a bit shy with strangers. Because of their energy levels, Basenjipoos require daily exercise and training to keep them happy and healthy. The Basenji Poodle mix has a medium to high energy level and can weigh from 5 to 70 pounds with an average lifespan of years. They are considered a healthy breed but are still susceptible to common health issues like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and bloat. These dogs are very social, which makes them great with kids. However, they are sometimes stubborn and require gentle consistent training. Boxerjis are easy to train but need regular mental stimulation like puzzle toys or interactive dog games. They do well in homes where their owners work from home or can take them on daily walks. The Basenji Boxer mix has a high energy level and typically weighs between 30 and 80 pounds with an average lifespan of years. They are considered a healthy breed but are still affected by certain health issues like heart disease, hip dysplasia, glaucoma, skin allergies, obesity, and ear infections. These types of dogs are very friendly around children and love spending time with their families. They can be stubborn but with proper training will become obedient lap dogs with excellent memory skills. The Basenji Husky mix has a medium to high energy level and typically weighs between 25 and 75 pounds with an average lifespan of years. Their coat is low to non-shedding but still requires brushing to keep it healthy. Excellent watchdogs and natural workers, they need a lot of exercise and a strong owner who can set rules from the beginning. They are generally a healthy breed but can be affected by certain health issues like epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and eye problems. Yes, the Basenji is a good family dog. They are very loyal but have a quiet, reserved personality that makes them excellent companions. However, they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep themselves happy and occupied. Can Basenji Mixes Bark? Yes, Basenji mixes can bark. Some mixes like the Boxer Basenji mix tend to be quieter and reserved. However, like the Basenji, they may not bark often and only for a good reason. Other mixes like the Basenji Poodle mix tend to be vocal dogs who will bark at strangers, other dogs, or any noise. You can identify a Basenji mix by looking at its physical characteristics. They have a thin, muscular body with a low-shedding coat and upright ears. However, these dogs can vary in size depending on the breeds used in the crossbreeding process. Depending on the breed used, they may be small like the Poodle or Corgi mixes, or medium like the Boxer mix or Labradoodle. Is A Basenji Mix Hypoallergenic? Yes, they are often considered a hypoallergenic breed. However, they do shed a little like any dog, but they do not produce enough dander that causes an allergic reaction in people with pet allergies. Conclusion Basenji mixes are a great option for those looking for a unique and special dog. They come in all shapes and sizes, so there is sure to be one that is perfect for your family. These mixes are great for families with kids but require regular, daily exercise. They usually have a high intelligence level and make perfect watch dogs. While generally easy to train, early sociability and obedience training are important to ensure they become the perfect canine companion. With a lifespan of years, these dogs are around for the long haul. They are typically quite healthy so long as they are fed a good diet and receive regular exercise. Which Basenji mix looks like a perfect fit for you? Share with us your favorite below! I mostly work with Puppy Rescue , Inc.

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french bulldog puppie - Whilst all dogs are unique, German Shepherds are certainly on my list of the more hyperactive breeds… and if you own one, you might be wondering when your German Shepherd is ever going to calm down. Are German Shepherds calm dogs? I would say German Shepherds are not calm as a sweeping generalisation. This is primarily because they are bred to be working dogs, which means they are literally built for chasing, catching, herding and other high levels of athletic activity. This means that naturally, German Shepherds have a lot more energy than your average dog and, as a result, are a lot more hyperactive and quite low down on the calm scale. When do German Shepherd puppies calm down? When a German Shepherd reaches the one year old, you should expect them to calm down a lot over the subsequent 6 to 12 months. Although your German Shepherd may continue to be hyper after two years, it will never be to the same extent of them in their adolescent age. Again, this is a generalisation. Their hyperactivity peaks and troughs throughout their life, so below is a rough guide: 2 to 4 months At this age, your German Shepherd will be very excited and fascinated by everything. It will have a lot of pent-up energy, so it is important that they have plenty of opportunity to healthily release it via exercise or playtime. If not, you risk instilling harmful behaviour patterns. Yes, your German Shepherd will still appear more hyper than the average dog at this time, and this is because the gap between the physical and the mental development is most pronounced. But, with patience and plenty of means to healthily expel of excess energy, you can feel assured that at this stage, your German Shepherd will calm down considerably. They will still have their moments, but at this point they will ideally have an established routine and exercise regime that keeps their energy levels at bay. When they get to this age, they will be a lot more inclined to relax and snooze as opposed to charging around, but you should still keep up with their exercise. A lack of physical and mental stimulation As we have seen from the above, the key to controlling a hyperactive German Shepherd is routine — this can have a huge calming effect. Their routine should involve plenty of exercise that not only challenges their body and keeps them from getting overweight , but stimulates their mind too. Hyper German Shepherd, what to do? Give them plenty of exercise! The same can be said, in turn, for a lack of mental stimulation. German Shepherds, as hunting hounds, are incredibly intelligent creatures. There are many easy ways to mentally stimulate your dog, such as teaching them tricks and commands or providing them with interactive toys where they have to work for their treats. They just need to be challenged in order to calm down. A lack of attention All dogs need love, and German Shepherds are especially affectionate, widely renowned for their good temperament and status as the ideal family dog. However, hyperactivity alone is not a symptom of hyperkinesis. Other symptoms of hyperkinesis include: Attention seeking behaviour. Short attention spans. Impulsive nature. There are several steps you can take in order to tackle that behaviour in a positive, long-term manner. Teach your German Shepherd tricks: it will make them more disciplined, occupy their mind and provide them with some much-needed mental stimulation. Offer them breaks from playing: and provide them with an area to retreat as mentioned, German Shepherds struggle to self-regulate, so encouraging them to rest and giving them an area to associate with relaxation helps them to learn to develop healthy boundaries. Make their exercise more challenging: when on walks, trying using an extended lead so they are free to run, or maybe set up some jumps or hoops in your yard to encourage their inner athlete! Reassess their current routine: as mentioned above, if your German Shepherd seems unusually hyperactive, you should ask yourself whether they are getting the appropriate amount of physical and mental exercise. German Shepherds thrive on routine, so if they are getting less than what is recommended, the simple answer to is up their activity and make a new routine! More on this in the next section. Did You Know? There are certain characteristics in the GSD breed that make them the best police dogs. Do German Shepherds calm down after neutering? It will depend on the age they get neutered, and what behaviours they might have already learned to enjoy. A German Shepherd with no testosterone can display some subtle behavioural changes. This can lead to behavioural issues such as: Increased aggression. Mar 10, German shepherd dogs are an active breed. If you live with one, you know what we mean. As working dogs, they are high energy and have lots of brain power, too. And even then, as long as they have the ability, they still love to have fun and play well into their senior years. Since German shepherds were bred to work all day, they have lots of stamina. Built for herding and guarding livestock, they have plenty of energy to burn. They can easily get destructive, frustrated, develop anxieties, and even get depressed. Bored German shepherds are unfulfilled, unhappy dogs. The age a German shepherd begins to slow down is unique to the individual dog. The energy level expended in these sessions will lessen as the dog ages, their physical condition declines, or they develop orthopedic problems, etc. By the time a German shepherd reaches 8 — 10 years old, they are usually content to play, roam around the yard, go for a short walk, enjoy the outdoors, or go for a car ride. Taking them out for several short sessions several times a day is better than 1 — 2 long sessions. Some experts suggest exercising your puppy 5 minutes for each month of age several times per day. So, if your puppy is 4 months old, you would go for a minute walk several times a day rather than one power walk for an hour. Training Training your puppy will also help tire them out. You can also burn off energy by reinforcing training throughout the day. By doing things like having your puppy sit and wait for food, sit at the door before they go outside, or sit before you hand them a toy, you can work in the type of training that will also help calm them down. By exposing your puppy to new people, places, scents, noises, and animals, you will help them grow up into a confident dog that is free from fear and anxiety while burning up some of that puppy energy. Things like stuffed Kongs, puzzle toys, chew toys, snuffle mats, games, problem-solving like finding treats , scented toys, and more are all fun and help burn off steam so they can relax. Teach your Puppy to Relax or Settle Down Did you know you can also teach your puppy to relax and settle down? But, at the end of the day, your puppy can learn to chill out for a while. You can do this by marking calm behavior with a verbal command. Other tips for calming a high-energy puppy include: Crate training Confining to an exercise pen Mental games, such as sniffing and finding things Treat dispensing toys Switching out toys Calming the environment To recap, German shepherds, are working dogs that have lots of energy. They will be active from the day they come home and remain so well into their adult years years old. The age they begin to slow down depends upon the dog, their overall health, breeding, drive, etc. You can expect your adult dog to start becoming calmer around 6 years old. But even senior dogs continue to enjoy activities that they are physically able to do. After all those needs are met, you can teach your puppy how to relax and be calm. We hope you found this information helpful. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. If a hyper dog gives you anxiety, it could make your dog even more agitated. Some of the things you can do to signal your calm demeanor are as follows: Lower your voice — Speaking in a low baritone makes your calmness more noticeable to a German Shepherd. Minimize physical movement — Do not wave your arms or move too much when getting your GSD to calm down. Your physical stillness can inspire internal peace in your dog. The goal of you being calm and showing it to your German Shepherd is to get him to control the excess energy. But if you do this step right, step 2 will be safer. In either case, your dog is not in an ideal state to exercise around the public. As long as you have a backyard, you can let the German Shepherd Dog run around, exhaust at least some of his pent-up energy, and then take him on a long walk. But if you have the German Shepherd as an apartment dog and neglect his exercise, getting him to calm down safely can be rough. Look into getting him a physically engaging dog toy and let him play with it while you sit next to him, calm as a cucumber. Do Not Reward Hyper Behavior German Shepherd puppies are cute and manageable, making owners inadvertently condition them to be hyper. When you come back home, your dog is likely to be excited. Your puppy might jump on you, and you might pat him. This transaction rewards the dog for being hyper, reinforcing the behavior. And as the puppy grows, you have to reckon with the consequences of having a large dog trained to be over-energetic. Treat your German Shepherd puppy as a fully grown large dog when setting boundaries. And regardless of whether your GSD is a puppy or an adult, you can always start holding back on rewarding behavior when the dog is hyper. Usually, attention is the unintentional reward humans give when a dog is hyper. To avoid rewarding a German Shepherd for being too energetic, you should ignore him when he starts acting up. Reward the Dog With Attention For Being Calm If you ignore your German Shepherd unless he is barking or displaying hyper behavior, you might unintentionally incentivize him to be more excitable. Even negative attention can be satisfying to a GSD that is usually ignored. And when a large dog crosses a certain threshold of hyperactivity, you cannot afford to ignore it. When All Else Fails: Use Calming Products As mentioned earlier, rewarding the dog while progressively getting calmer can instill the importance of being relaxed in your canine. If all of the previous natural techniques fail, you can try calming products. Usually, these products are meant to help the dog feel less anxious around loud noises like thunder or fireworks or help with separation anxiety and travel sickness. Some of the most effective calming products on Amazon for GSDs are: Zesty Paws Calming Dog Chews — Calming chews work unbelievably on German Shepherds because they have over 40x the scent perception capacity as humans. These soft chews help with hyperactive and aggressive behavior. It releases oxytocin and helps the dog calm down when it is anxious. This study of 32 dogs found that aromatherapy diffused lavender odor for canine travel-induced excitement calmed the dogs down. Speak with a low baritone voice and drawn-out words to soothe the dog and reward him for calming down. You may use products like a calming jacket, scent, or calming chews if needed. Above all, the most healthy way to calm your GSD is to spend time with him and give him plenty of exercise to exhaust that excess energy. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Do you want to learn how to exhaust a German Shepherd to tire them out so you can stop feeling worn out and stressed? So, how do they do it? They use essential dog skills, which you can learn easily right here. Below, I will show you exactly how to exhaust a German Shepherd even a puppy to not only tire them out… But to calm them down, too. German Shepherds have one of the highest exercise needs and are considered not only athletic but highly intelligent. These two traits, coupled together, make for a breed that may seem hyper and overactive. Some might even refer to their dog as having ADHD. Instead, they probably need a more creative daily routine to help them meet their breed-specific needs. Can you teach your German Shepherd how to be calm? Calm is hard to train a German Shepherd to perform on command. Being calm is a learned behavior that takes time to master and requires daily interaction and ongoing training to perfect. How to Exhaust a German Shepherd Learning how to tire out and exhaust a German Shepherd is a process that you can learn. But it does require time, effort, and grit. Stick with the program for a few months to see the best effects. Your German Shepherd is a well-muscled athlete whose body structure is designed for endurance. Think you can outrun and outdistance your German Shepherd? Never forget that your dog is first and foremost an athlete and must be challenged regularly and exercised in a variety of ways daily. Instead of focusing on walking your German Shepherd, consider all of the options you can introduce to your working breed dog. Follow these steps for a rounded exercise plan: For puppies, let them enjoy off-leash exploration in your yard or use a long line leash in a safe area and encourage them to explore at least 20 minutes daily For adults, try hill walking to increase muscle, or using fallen logs, tree stumps, and other natural obstacles and having your dog move around and jump over them to improve coordination and balance Find a physical game your dog loves, such as tug, and play it for an extra 15 minutes in the morning and evening Offer them mind games, described below, to have them use up their mental energy Find new activities to enjoy together with your German Shepherd, such as backyard agility or dog parkour You can create a breed-based exercise program that includes a variety of physical movements, like the German Shepherd exercise routine found here , to help you learn new exercises that engage your dog. When they master one of the mind games, you can increase the difficulty with a different and harder challenge. Exhausting their mind through mental challenges encourages calm, thoughtful play. Playing mind games also includes: reduces boredom are great for small spaces are perfect for bad weather days increase confidence and problem-solving skills Mental stimulation and mental exercise are best played 2 to 3 times daily for 5 to 10 minutes each session. Add in a mental enrichment session in the morning before you leave for the day and after their last walk to help calm them down for the evening. Wondering what mind games your dog will like? Or, how about learning how to play these fun mind games for German Shepherds to reduce boredom? You can always find new toys your German Shepherd will love for some exciting games together! Step 3: Let them sniff to calm themselves. Are you guilty of pulling your German Shepherd along on their leash outside, rushing them through the routine, and hurrying them along? Did you know that sniffing is exhausting work for your German Shepherd because they have to mentally process the source of the smell? Compared to the meager 5 million olfactory receptors in our human nose, German Shepherds have around million scent receptors source! Sniff to Calm Routine Try adding in more time to simply let your dog sniff and enjoy the smells around them. Try this sniffing routine to help calm a hyper German Shepherd: Set aside at least 15 minutes of your walk for sniffing. You can split this time during the beginning, middle, or end of the walk as you see fit. You can even visit a new path or trail to allow your dog to follow their nose for different scents. If you want to let your dog off-leash to sniff but keep them safe and close, then consider using a long line leash that allows your German Shepherd to sniff around freely while staying safe and nearby. Step 4: Encourage appropriate daily chewing. Chewing is actually beneficial to hyper, overexcited German Shepherds that need to calm down. Kong toys to the rescue! When they become too hyper, focus their attention on the Kong toy. I love to keep multiple stuffed Kong toys in my freezer. Freezing the Kongs increases the time it takes for my German Shepherd to earn her meal, so she stays calmer for longer, and working for her food tires her out. Feed your German Shepherd from a Kong toy for at least 1 of their daily meals to give them an outlet for their hyper energy. This is one of the daily essentials that I use to help exhaust my German Shepherd. Kong toys for German Shepherds are an essential item when tiring out your dog. The guide not only shows the most durable Kong toys, so you spend less money, but also the exact ways to use the Kong to prevent and lessen unwanted behavior issues. If you want an even more chewing variety, then choose from this list of German Shepherd Toys for Bored Chewers. Step 5: Build and practice new tricks and training skills. Or, do they only know their commands inside the house? Do you train your German Shepherd daily? Spend at least 10 minutes a day, preferably broken up into smaller minute fragments spread throughout the day, working on polishing up their old skills and learning new tricks. If you need a refresher on the basics, you can get step-by-step instructions here: German Shepherd beginner obedience at home. Even more tiring for your German Shepherd? Take them to different, safe areas on a leash, work on what they know, and see how well they perform. Start in your home, then try different rooms, in the backyard, front yard, or while on your daily walks. You can then see what you can polish up or add to their skill set. The German Shepherd is a dog built for endurance, athleticism, and tireless work. Every week, you add just a few more minutes of running to your routine. The same is true for trying to tire your German Shepherd through physical exercise alone. What adding more exercise does is simply build a more powerful and athletic German Shepherd. Your German Shepherd is more than a well-oiled athletic machine. Give all their senses a workout to truly tire out your German Shepherd. The best way to exhaust a German Shepherd depends on their age, health, and unique personality. But, as a general rule, you can use the following exercise formula to help you exhaust and tire out your German Shepherd. Adult healthy German Shepherds need a minimum of 60 minutes of physical exercise, but most adult German Shepherds do best with minutes of exercise, split throughout the day. This time should include about 15 to 30 minutes of high-intensity physical activity, such as tug or off-leash running. Also, include at least 15 to 30 minutes of mental activity and brain training, a daily chewing session preferably with a food-filled frozen Kong. And last but definitely NOT least, set aside 15 to 20 minutes of your day or longer to enjoy one-on-one time with your German Shepherd to help them bond with you. Exhausting and tiring out your German Shepherd means a complete and balanced routine that you perform daily over a long period of time. Consider that your German Shepherd puppy might not need you to exhaust them if they seem too hyper and wound up. Puppies need lots of sleep and rest and may act wild, crazy, and uncontrollable when what they really need is a quiet place to rest and get a nap. Always give your puppy the opportunity to find a place where they can rest, away from the bustle of the family. Many German Shepherd puppy owners have had success feeding their dogs a stuffed Kong in their crates or beds when they have a lot of energy, which encourages calmness and helps them to tire while in their resting place. Try giving your hyper German Shepherd puppy a frozen Kong to help with teething and give them an outlet for their hyper energy or a way to help calm themselves and drift off to sleep. Running your puppy while their bones are not fully fused can cause lifelong damage and put them in pain. Your German Shepherd puppy needs the right amount and type of exercise for their age. Examples of good exercise for German Shepherd puppies include: playing with other dogs and puppies of similar energy levels while supervised self-directed play indoors and out in safe areas short walks that gradually lengthen over time, preferably on grass As your puppy grows, you can slowly introduce more activities, such as going up and down stairs, jumping onto soft surfaces, and swimming. Try the following routine when looking for safe exercises for your German Shepherd puppy. The workouts listed in the post work on the essential physical movements your puppy needs to master while protecting his or her soft joints. There are more fun games to tire out your German Shepherd here you might miss out on! A properly stuffed and frozen food-filled Kong can keep a dog busy for minutes or more while tiring out their minds. And puzzle games will provide your German Shepherd with a way to work out when the weather is less than ideal to release some of their energy and improve their problem-solving skills. In other words: Tiring out and calming a German Shepherd requires a healthy balance of both mind and body exercise. Knowing how to exhaust a German Shepherd means thinking smarter, not harder. Spend time not only with physical movements but also with mental enrichment, as well as their innate desire to chew and sniff. While it takes some time to see the benefits of adding these tips into your daily life, the new routine will give you more freedom with your German Shepherd and help prevent annoying behaviors. They might seem tired the first few days, but German Shepherds have extraordinary athletic abilities and are known for their quickness to adapt. The end result of all your running and jogging? A German Shepherd is capable of learning almost anything, even being calm. How awesome is that? Catherine Krasavin, BS Hons. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Engaging in rougher play than usual. Excessive barking, yipping and snarling. Even in hyperactive ways. To stop this bad behavior, curb it as soon as they display it. Try doing it when you come home. If they jump at you, turn away from them. Then walk away. Another scenario to ignore their bad behavior is meal time. You know how it is most of the time. They may knock the bowl out of your hand and scatter food everywhere. Frustrating, right? Use meal times to teach them manners and self-control. As soon as they jump all over you, go back to what you were doing. Ignore them until they calm down. Wait a few seconds, then go back to the dog food. If they display the same behavior, ignore them again and wait until they calm down. If you have reached the part of pouring the food before they jump, put the bowl out of reach. Then go back to what you were doing and ignore them. Repeat until you can give the food without them jumping all over. You can do this for other bad behaviors such as excessive barking. Follow the same steps above. Or, you can teach them to sit and wait for their food. Do this when they have calmed down from jumping and barking. Their meal would serve as their reward. Can you imagine all 80 pounds 36 kilos of them jumping all over you? Your German Shepherd puppy is not far from that. Would it make them hyper again? One of my friends owns a dog named Oreo. She was worried that rewarding Oreo with attention might make the dog jump at her. She tried it on Oreo, and the dog simply looked at her with the tongue out. The dog even calmly lay down for a belly rub. If it worked on this dog, you can try doing it on your own dog. Reward them with attention and see if your dog remains calm. I do not guarantee that they will always remain calm. But if they become hyper in response, go back to tip 1. Aside from attention, you can also reward them with treats. Note: A calm dog is a happy dog. Your dog can do this up to twice a day until they are fully grown. For example, 3-month old pups can take a minute walk. Or you can divide it to walking 10 minutes and fetch 5 minutes. Gradually increase the time while the puppy grows. But as owners found out, not all German Shepherd puppies are the same. How long puppies can walk depends on their limits. Some can do minute walks times a day at 2 months old. Others can only do one minute walk together with other exercises. At first, you can do minute walks twice a day. Or you can add another minute walk. Caution: Do not push puppies too hard at a young age. If they get tired, stop the walk and let them rest. In addition to walks, do short play sessions in the park or mental exercises at home. Then build on these walks and play sessions as your puppy grows. By having a job, hyperactive behavior is slowly eliminated. So their energy is redirected to more productive things. An example is putting away their toys. It might take a few tries. But with the right motivation, German Shepherds will learn it. Remember, they are smart and can learn tricks in a few tries. Another example is playing scent games. German Shepherds are very good at this. So good that police use them to sniff and identify bombs and other dangerous items. Let them prove their skill at home. Hide items such as anise and clove. If you have a yard, you can do it there. If not, right inside the house will do fine. Another job you can give them is carrying things. German Shepherds love to please their owners. So carrying things for you will be a very important job for them. They can learn carrying things through the Fetch Method. Repeat until they pick the item every time. Then reward them. Move a few feet away and have them bring the item to you. Reward them accordingly. Have them carry the item as you walk around the house or outside. Always reward with praises and tasty treats. Or firewood from the shed to the house. Let your German Shepherd carry their own water and treats in a small backpack. The extra weight will help tire them out. Now, different scents have different uses. Rose is good for reducing anxiety. Rosemary, on the other hand, works to reduce tension and fatigue. Lavender and Roman chamomile will work wonders for your hyper German Shepherd. Lavender promotes relaxation and sleep while chamomile puts the mind at ease. Caution: Scents are not applicable to dogs that have allergy to a particular scent. Consult with your yet. Ask your vet for recommendations for ones that can calm a hyper dog. Does music work the same way in dogs? Will they relax once they hear Beethoven or Mozart? Apparently, yes! Particularly ones where they can sing along. This research observed shelter dogs exposed to classical music, heavy metal and altered classical. Dogs exposed to heavy metal display body shaking, suggesting nervousness. Another study has the same findings. This one observed 2 groups of dogs. One group was observed with classical music. The other was observed in silence. The study found out that when exposed to classical music, the dogs were calm. Their stress levels decreased significantly. Not only that. Dogs were in a relaxed state not standing up and not barking while listening to music. But why classical music? The answer lies in the tempo. Music with long, continuous tones beats per minute is relaxing. Think of classical, reggae and soft rock. This was proven to relax dogs. On the other hand, music with short, choppy tones is excitatory. That includes hard rock and heavy metal. These have a faster tempo that caused an increase in anxiety and agitation among dogs. In addition, heavy metal music has loud percussion that can frighten dogs. Some dogs love to chew on shoes all the time. Or they destroy blankets or the fabric of your sofa. This chewing obsession can drive anyone crazy. If your German Shepherd is a puppy, they could be teething. Chewing relieves any pain and discomfort associated with it. On the other hand, older dogs chew to keep their jaws and teeth strong. This is what dogs in the wild do as well. However, it becomes a destructive behavior if they direct it toward inappropriate items. In situations like this, dogs chew out of boredom or frustration. Caution: Do not punish your dog when they chew inappropriate things. Never place them in their crate as punishment. Teaching them what is okay to chew and what is not is one way to solve the problem. Another is to give them toys and chew bones. In doing this, take note of the kind of toy they chew for long periods of time. If they love chew bones, then keep offering those. However, here are a few reminders when your German Shepherd a bone: Give them raw meat bone. Let them chew on it for minutes. Then store it in the refrigerator. Discard bones after 3 or 4 days. Always supervise your dog when chewing a bone. If your German Shepherd is an adult, give them a large bone. They could chip their teeth while chewing. These might cause blockages or damage the intestines. Your German Shepherd needs interaction to avoid boredom. This way, they redirect their energy to productive things. Play can be in the form of physical or mental exercises. Play games such as Frisbee or fetch. Or teach them the shell game. You can also involve members of the family in the games. For instance, you need to go to work. Your German Shepherd has to know that the crate is their safe haven. Such as a punishment. Caution: Leaving your puppy in their crate longer than 6 hours is not advisable. It will only make them anxious. Staying in the crate too long will end up in pent up energy. And once out of the crate, they are bent on releasing that energy. When crate training your puppy, remember these: Ignore them when they cry while in the crate. Wait 20 minutes until they calm down. If they are just starting the training, it may be difficult at first. There are times when they cry in the middle of the night. But this gradually stops when they reach 3 or 4 months old. It is flattering to some extent. That level of attachment says a lot about the time you spend with them. It only becomes a problem when they learn to crave for your attention. To prevent this, let them play on their own for a while. This teaches them not to crave for your attention all the time. German Shepherds are basically tireless furballs. Lack of or insufficient exercise is one reason why they are hyper. Take them walking early in the morning and late at night. Or take short walks throughout the day as long as the weather is good check out tip 4 for more info. They can also socialize and play with other dogs. If you have a lawn, take your puppy out for some games. Play fetch or tug of war. No yard? No problem. There are games you can do inside the house. Swimming is also a fantastic exercise for your puppy. Let them swim in your pool or somewhere that allows dog swimming. Aside from swimming, running will tire them out. However, there are important guidelines when doing this activity. First, make sure your German Shepherd is 15 months old or older. By this time, their bones and muscles are fully developed. Second, ensure that they are trained well. Basic commands such as sit, stay and stop go a long way for their safety. Third, get them a clean bill of health by checking with the vet. Physical exercise and mental stimulation give you a tired, calm dog. German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs. Help them work their brains by giving them mentally stimulating activities. Hide and seek is a fantastic example of this. It promotes physical exercise and reinforces the recall command. To do this, distract your dog long enough for you to hide. You can throw a ball and have your dog run after it. Then find the best spot for hiding and call your pooch. Just look at this adorable German Shepherd looking around the house for the owners: As you can see from the video, the game is an opportunity for an exercise. The dog goes from room to room several times until they find the owner. The dog has to work harder to find where the scent of the hiding owner is. This game is also a nice way to teach your puppy their name. This is mentally stimulating as your dog uses their nose to find each treat. Note: Spend 30 minutes or more for mental exercises. You can also give them interactive toys to keep them busy. You may unknowingly be feeding them with food that has unsafe ingredients. Many dog foods are made with additives, preservatives and colorants. These have no nutritional value at all. If anything, these only make hyperactivity worse. According to an article by canine nutrition expert Dr. Conor Brady , several things answer the question. Many dog foods are made with chemicals to make them last longer. These are not safe. Another reason is the high dose sugar and low dose protein. High dose sugar can spike blood sugar in humans. Imagine what it can do to a dog. In addition, dog foods contain only the minimum amount of protein. Why is this so, when protein is the building block for serotonin and dopamine? Serotonin and dopamine are the happy and calming chemicals. Lastly, dog foods contain low levels of vitamin B complex. This is responsible for energy levels and behavior. Also, B complex contains vitamin B6, which produces dopamine. Of course, you need to teach your puppy first to love riding a car. Then switch off the engine. Do this until your dog becomes comfortable riding a car. This is also a huge opportunity to mentally stimulate them and tire them out. During a ride, there are a lot of things for them to process. New smells, new faces. This could be a whole new experience altogether. You can drive to new places where you can run, walk or just explore. And by the time you get back home, your German Shepherd is hopefully spent. Because your dog is only a puppy, avoid exposing them to dog parks immediately. Some dog diseases are highly contagious, such as parvovirus. Also, dog parks are open to all dogs of breeds, sizes and temperaments. Some dogs could be rough or simply violent. This could lead to a traumatizing experience for your puppy. Caution: Ensure that socialization is a fun experience. But take them out of situations that frighten them. What you can do, though, is to slowly introduce your dog to others. If not, then perhaps a neighbor or a friend has a dog your puppy can meet. Arrange playdates if possible. Or barking right in their face. One way to prevent this is to instill some manners in them. Teach them impulse control. Impulse control teaches your dog how to engage with you. That is, without lunging, nipping or excessive barking. Make them sit before you open the door or clipping the leash. Before you give them dinner, wait for them to sit. And when they do just that, reward them with what they want. They will associate sitting with getting what they want. In a big way, this teaches them to calm down before they can have the good stuff. Remember to be consistent on your part. It comforts them. So when you have to leave, give them something such as a used shirt. When they are alone, having your smell will feel as though you are with them. For your puppy, the stinkier, the better. Some days going outside for walks or runs is not permissible. Puzzle toys will keep your German Shepherd busy and entertained. The only downside is that they will tire of it after they have figured out how it works. That will get them through obedience training. That way, it can prevent behavioral problems later on. This was exactly what this research found out. It studied dogs divided into 4 groups: puppy class, puppy party, adult class and no class. The puppy and adult classes underwent an hour of training each week for 6 weeks. The other 2 groups did not undergo formal training. The findings showed that the groups that attended training responded well to commands. The puppy class group also showed positive responses to strangers. The study concluded that this could prevent behavioral problems such as disobedience or fear of strangers. That being said, spend at least 30 minutes each day for their training. Train them young starting with basic commands. These are useful commands that you can use at home or when outside. Also, get them busy with leash and off-leash training. This is particularly useful for when you are taking walks or running. Think agility, flyball or disc dog. Getting involved together in sports can strengthen your bond. In addition, these sports provide physical and mental exercise at the same time. A word of caution, though. Formal training can be expensive and time-consuming. But if you do, you can do the sports for fun. Daily running, check. Puzzles and toys, check. Most of the time, exercises, training and activities solve the problem. But if your German Shepherd is still hyper, it could be a medical condition. So check with your vet because the problem could be thyroid dysfunction, allergies and even ADHD. Yes, you read that right. ADHD is common in human children. Apparently, the same symptoms could be seen in hyper dogs. One study in found out that social and physical factors were associated with ADHD-like behavior. ADHD-like behavior refers to inattention and increased motor activity. The social factors mentioned were: Number of social contacts. The duration of the period of separation. On the other hand, the physical factors were: Frequency and duration of walking. The amount of playtime as puppies. For your peace of mind, have your vet run tests to rule out any problems. Either way, it will help toward calming your German Shepherd. Some owners and dogs thrive on routine. For instance, your German Shepherd eats their breakfast at 6am and 6pm. On the other hand, structure is for people who dislike strict schedules. You can set a schedule for activities without being strict about the time. For instance, your dog knows you will take them for a morning walk when you wake up. And not necessarily at 6am. This is great for days when you feel like sleeping in. Take some time to reflect on yourself. There could be problems at work or other stressors that keep you agitated. Without you knowing, all these reflect on your body language and tone of voice. You reflect energy that your dog catches on. One can easily give in to frustrations when training a puppy. But yelling and punishment will only make your puppy more hyper. Also, be consistent. Stick to the rules you set for your hyper German Shepherd. So fixing it will not happen overnight either. But committing to do the right thing will get your dog to the result you want. Related posts:. They are most commonly brought home from a breeder at the age of 8 weeks to 6 months. This is also the juvenile stage when they start acquiring negative or positive habits. German Shepherd puppies can be hyper because of the following reasons: Lack of Exercise German Shepherds were bred to carry out tasks that require a lot of energy, such as herding. Therefore they need exercise to stimulate them. Puppies are always full of energy and therefore tend to run all over the place. They are also naturally built as strong, athletic dogs, and hence require a lot of exercise. Rewarding Bad Behavior When your German Shepherd puppy is hyper, giving them what they want, such as attention or food, to calm them down, encourages bad behavior. The puppy learns that to get what they want, they have to exhibit excited behavior. Boredom Hyperactivity in German Shepherd puppies can result from boredom. In most cases, dogs are left home alone as parents go to work and children go to school. An untrained puppy will end up re-arranging the house and not like an interior decorator! Lack of Training A German Shepherd puppy may act hyper if she is not properly trained. Therefore, regular training is essential to teach your GSD puppy discipline from a young age. This will help your puppy to know the difference between playtime and when to listen. Feeding the Wrong Food Dog owners tend to be overly kind to their puppies and may share food with them. However, certain foods may lead to their hyperactivity. Apart from causing hyperactivity, some of these foods, like chocolate , can be toxic to puppies leading to illness or death. If you are uncertain about what to feed and what not to feed your German Shepherd puppy , consult your vet. Separation Anxiety German Shepherd puppies often suffer from separation anxiety when their owners leave for business trips or vacations without them. This can also happen when the owner simply leaves for the day to go to work. They can express themselves by being destructive or peeing in the house while you are away. Getting Wet German Shepherd puppies who run around outdoors, just like a child, have to be bathed. This dryer comes with adjustable heat settings, a wide selection of air speeds, and a great warranty to boot. How to Calm Your German Shepherd Puppy As much as you love your puppy, all the hyperactivity and destruction can be overwhelming. The following are ways to calm a German Shepherd puppy. Properly Train Your Puppy Training enables your puppy to obey your commands. While you can train a German Shepherd to follow complex commands, only the basics are necessary. Make sure to always train your puppy in an area where there are few distractions, such as in your home or yard, and then progress to more distracting environments. This slow acclimation will also help to properly socialize your German Shepherd , which is essential for your puppy to grow in to a well-adjusted adult. When giving commands to your puppy, be sure to use an authoritative voice and issue them in a slow-low pitched voice. High-pitched commands which are spoken rapidly will only serve to over-excite your puppy. Below is a YouTube video showing you some simple and effective ways to train your German Shepherd puppy: Give Your Puppy Enough Exercise German Shepherds have more energy than most other breeds, and walking by itself as exercise will not be enough to keep excess energy at bay. Playing games such as fetch, going for runs, walking on hilly areas, and teaching your puppy to swim are healthy ways to wear your puppy out and curb hyperactivity. If you do not have adequate time to exercise your German Shepherd puppy, consider getting a dog walker. Did you know that German Shepherds are great frisbee dogs? This fact escapes most GSD owners, and because of this they often miss out on some great fun to be had with their dogs! Read this great article all about German Shepherds and their ability to play frisbee. Socialize Your Puppy As we mentioned above, a great way to calm your puppy is by regularly socializing her with other puppies, adult dogs, as well as other people and animals in general. Socializing your puppy will tire her out both physically and mentally, while at the same time making her the well-adjusted dog that you want her to be. This is because your German Shepherd puppy will learn that to be rewarded, she will have to behave appropriately, and that bad behavior will only result in being ignored. Aromatherapy Essential oils such as vanilla, ylang-ylang, lavender, sweet orange, and chamomile can be soothing to your dog. Test some of these on your German Shepherd puppy to see which one works best. For more information on aromatherapy and its benefits and potential harmful effects on dogs, check out this great article below: Is Aromatherapy Bad for Dogs? Setting up a good routine for your puppy is your responsibility. Make sure to not feed her too late at night, and always make sure that your puppy gets at least a moderately long walk before bed. A useful practice is putting food in a dog toy when your puppy becomes hyper. This will enable her to shift focus from hyperactivity to concentration. One great toy for this is a Kong Treat Dispensing Toy. This toy is designed to be filled with any number of goodies, and will keep your GSD puppy occupied for a long time! Some great examples of treats that you can put into a Kong are: frozen mashed banana and yogurt mashed potatoes and rice frozen Xylitol free peanut butter pureed and frozen watermelon and strawberries pureed and frozen turkey and cranberry mixture Essentially, if you can dream it, and it is safe for your puppy, you can stuff it into a Kong and keep your puppy occupied. Additionally, there are a number of other treat dispensing puzzle toys that will work to accomplish the same goal of reducing hyperactivity in your puppy while increasing mental focus. Stay Calm Reducing hyperactivity in you German Shepherd puppy begins with you. Puppies pick up on the energy you put out. If you become excited around them, they will copy you and start running around or barking loudly. To them, they are doing nothing wrong. In fact, a puppy will think that it is doing a great job by imitating you, the pack leader. So it is important that you set a good example for your puppy through your own behavior. It will take time to train and calm your German Shepherd pup because they are naturally energetic, strong, and athletic dogs — they love activity! Always use positive reinforcement as opposed to punishing your German Shepherd puppy. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are loyal, courageous, make excellent guard dogs, and bred as herders. German Shepherd puppies are generally hyperactive from the age of 3 months to 3 years. Later on, they become more mature and calm. Training puppies from 8 weeks to 6 months enables them to acquire and retain positive habits. Dog owners need to properly socialize their puppies, play with them, and use toys not only to challenge them mentally but also to require their full concentration, thus reducing their hyperactivity. Consistent training is also essential. If you are unable to do this on your own, we strongly suggest reaching out to a professional dog trainer. This will be a great long-term investment, and save you the difficult task of teaching an old dog new tricks. I will try to mention as many as I can below. Exercise German Shepherds are a breed that was bred to do intensive tasks for hours on a daily basis. If you think that your German Shepherd is not currently getting enough exercise then one of the first things for you to do would be to make sure that it does. You might not think that giving your German Shepherd more exercise will make it behave more calmly but it can actually make a big difference to its behavior. Related post: Ways to exercise your German Shepherd. Attention Another cause of its hyperactivity could be that it is looking for attention. If you think that this might be the case then you could try ignoring it when it is trying to get your attention by acting hyper and then rewarding it with your attention when it is being well behaved. Boredom It could be that your German Shepherd is hyper because it is bored. This is again due to all of the new things going on around it. You have been encouraging it It could be that you have been inadvertently encouraging the behavior by giving it things that it wants like food or attention in order to get it to calm down. Separation anxiety The cause of the hyperactivity could be due to it having separation anxiety. This is where it does not like being left without you and it can cause it to become anxious. Related post: Why is my German Shepherd so anxious? A lack of training If you have not been giving your German Shepherd much training then it could be the reason that it acts hyper. Consult with your vet if you think that this might be the cause. How to stop it from being hyper Below are some things you can do to get your German Shepherd to be less hyper. Train it To get your German Shepherd to stop being hyper you can give it lots of training. Start by teaching it to do simple things such as to sit and stay in an environment like the home where there are not many external distractions. Once you can get it to do that you can build up to teaching it harder things such as to come to you on command. If you would like some more tips on how to train your German Shepherd, take a look at the German Shepherd training book on Amazon. You can watch the video below for advice on training hyper dogs. Another way is to teach it to play fetch. By doing so you will be able to get your German Shepherd to do a lot of running over a short time period that will be more likely to effectively wear it out. You could also teach it to swim. There are apps that you can download now that will let you hire a dog walker in your area through the app. So, you should be careful not to reward it when it is acting hyper. Instead, you can try ignoring the hyperactivity if you can and then reward it when it is being well behaved. Calming chews There are chews that you can buy that are designed to calm your German Shepherd down. This is something that you might want to try. Instead, you should train it to behave a certain way in specific situations and stick to training it over the long term. If you just train your German Shepherd once and then stop training it for a while then it will forget its training. Use positive reinforcement If you punish your German Shepherd for acting hyper then it will likely think that you are punishing it for the last thing that it did which is coming to you. A better alternative would be to use positive reinforcement training where you reward your German Shepherd for behaving the way that you want it to. Related questions Will my German Shepherd stop being hyper? If your German Shepherd is still young then it will likely stop being hyper as it gets older. But, in order to get your German Shepherd to calm down the best thing that you can do is to give it lots of training and to give it regular exercise. Why is my German Shepherd hyper all of a sudden? If your German Shepherd has started to be hyper suddenly then it could indicate that something is wrong and you should consult with a vet. 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. They tend to be very watchful and protective of their family, barking at anything new or unusual they encounter. Their unique coat is weatherproof and sheds only twice a year. While they require regular grooming, this breed also has a fairly long lifespan of ten to twelve years on average as compared to some other breeds such as dachshunds that live an average of to years or so. They have been known to respond by biting when they feel threatened enough. Owners should never leave original equipment such as muzzles, collars, leashes etc with them unattended or out of sight because they may chew on them. When your German shepherd is look like a hyper dogs, giving them what they want, such as attention or food, to calm them down encourages bad behavior. Regular puppy socialization with other pups, adult dogs, and humans and animals is a terrific method to calm your puppy. You might also try providing it with toys or calming chews or bones as additional distractions. The majority of German shepherd puppies will outgrow their energetic behavior. This is the most common question that many new potential german shepherd owners have been asking for years. They are commonly known as Companion, Therapy, and Assistance Dogs due to their unique aptitudes. We will discuss all quick ways to calm down the German shepherd quickly. Your days and nights look very similar if you have a hyperactive dog. Your Shepherd wants to play or run around when they should be napping. A German Shepherd puppy may act hyper if she is not properly trained. If you are uncertain about what to feed and what not to feed your German shepherd puppy, consult your vet Doc. Instead, you need to teach your pup what time they should rest, so that they calm down when they should be resting and quieting their mind. As much as you love your german shepherd puppy, all the hyperactivity and destruction can be overwhelming. Many German Shepherd puppy owners have successfully fed their dogs a stuffed Kong in their crates or bed when they have a lot of energy, which encourages calmness and helps them tire while resting. Why do German Shepherds sleep so much? Just like with people, every dog is different. Of course, sleeping through the day is ideal if you wish to keep your dog calm and quiet during normal waking hours. You can usually train them to sleep anywhere from 8 to 10 hours a day at least , depending on how well you follow these tips. What if my dog naps too often? Dogs who sleep more than 12 hours a day may experience serious health problems like obesity, joint issues, and more. These dogs are also at an increased risk of developing heart conditions that can result in death, so play it safe by limiting their nap time to just 10 or 11 hours. How do I make my German shepherd less hyper? German Shepherds are high-energy, high-maintenance dogs who need a lot of exercise and stimulation. They can be great guard dogs because of their watchful natures and strong protective instincts, but they may be too much dog for first-time owners to handle. If your German Shepherd appears unusually lively, consider whether they receive enough physical and mental exercise. Their long coats require lots of brushing and combing, especially when shedding usually twice a year. In fact, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America does not allow anyone under age 16 to handle a puppy at their facilities unless under direct supervision. It can cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis that may require surgery to repair. If you want a dog who… A hardy, rugged working dog from Germany with great stamina, focus, and intensity — plus a thick coat that makes him look imposing enough that he might actually be able to protect your home! Easily bored, so training can be challenging. The breed is known as an intelligent troublemaker. May try to herd children or other pets. Requires extensive daily grooming to prevent mats from forming in their thick coats. Not a good choice for first-time dog owners. A breed suited best to experienced dog owners willing to invest time in exercising and training their energetic pets. Also not a good choice for those with limited space or who can only take short walks; this is a moderate energy dog requiring regular opportunities for sustained exercise. FAQs What is german shepherd like to be around? This breed needs plenty of opportunity for exercise and mental stimulation, and lots of human companionship. Will behave differently often destructively when left alone and not given sufficient attention. Lots of barking, howling, whining, and other vocalizations that could annoy neighbors! Tendency to jump or lean on people passing by your home. Barking may pose a nuisance to close neighbors. Probably not a good choice for homes with young children. No guarantee of stability and friendliness around small kids, who could accidentally harm a dog this large. How aggressive are german shepherds? The breed is known to be aggressive toward other dogs, especially from behind fences. It may try to herd people or other animals in the household. Submit a Comment Your email address will not be published.

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french bulldog puppie - Listed below are answers to the most common questions I receive as you are preparing to take your puppy home: 1. What is my puppy eating? We are feeding your puppy PawTree. They have a multitude of other flavors you can try out after your puppy comes home too. You can buy this food by clicking the PawTree picture at the bottom of any page on our website. You can find out more information at www. We also encourage you to set your order to their EZship so you never run out. They also offer personalized food by filling out a pet profile so we encourage all families to head over to fill out their pet profile for personalized food plan as well as personalized bags of dog food when they arrive. How many times per day should my puppy be fed? We feed puppies, weeks old 3 x per day. We try to keep them on a schedule such as: a. Once the puppy reaches 12 weeks, we cut them back to eating 2 x per day, eliminating the noon feeding. Increase the amount you feed based on the recommendations you will find on the dog food bag as suggested by weight of the puppy. We do not recommend free feeding — give your puppy about 20 minutes to eat, then pick it up and put it away. Water should be provided at all times, except during the night. Wet the food for about 30 minutes prior to giving it to the puppy so it softens to aid in digestion. However, if you see loose stools it is almost assuredly overfeeding so back it off until the stool is firm and then slowly add back in. When can I start training my puppy? We like to see training start as soon as you pick up your puppy from my home, or your puppy arrives via car or airplane. We recommend transporting your puppy home in a crate that is lined with a bath towel. Feeding time is a fantastic opportunity to train as you can spend a few minutes several times per day with teaching the basic commands of sit, stay and come. We provide a helpful training booklet with detailed information on training on our Puppy Tips page. What size crate should I buy for my puppy? Most puppies that will mature to a medium size will need a large crate once they have reached maturity. Plastic crates are an option as well. If you have any questions please ask us. What type of collar and leash do I need and what size is best for my puppy? We like to buy the less expensive, adjustable-type of collars and a nylon leash. We do not care for the expandable leashes that allow the puppy to walk way out in front or way off to the side of you. The smallest setting for the collar would be about 8 inches and expanding out from there. We use small carabiners to attach the stretched chain between the collar and the leash. This will prevent your puppy from chewing your new leash. If you are reserving a small size pup then I would suggest an XS collar. Another option while they are very young is a slip leash style. Some families like to train in harnesses. This is also a tool you can use. Sizes will vary from company to company, but most go off of weight. Ask us the estimated weight of your future puppy at the time they will go home so you will have a rough idea of what to purchase. It is never a bad idea to weight to buy until you can size your puppy in person though as each harness will fit differently. You can play the radio softly if your puppy is in a different room from you as this is how they were raised with us. You have to find a system that works for you. However, keeping consistent for the first few nights will build a sleep pattern in your dog you will enjoy for its entire life. How many times per night will my puppy need to go out to go potty? We suggest you feed your puppy dinner no later than p. Make sure that you see puppy go potty and poop before putting him to bed for the night. If your bedtime is p. Then only if puppy is whining, let him out very methodically to potty no playing and put him right back to bed. How many times per day should my puppy need to go potty? Puppies will always go potty right away after they wake up and after they eat. If you take puppy out right after eating, see him go potty, then allow about 30 minutes of some free time in your home before making his world small using a temporary fence or leash. On average they can typically hold their bladders for 2-hours, but every puppy will react differently to stimuli in your home. Should my puppy have contact with other vaccinated dogs? We like to make sure other dogs have not only been vaccinated, but are also free of parasites. Worms of all sorts can live in feces and it just take a quick second for your puppy to ingest enough to get a parasite. This product should be alternated every 6 months. There are countless natural remedies as well as chemical based options you can find at your vet. We always prefer natural options first, but in some cases the chemical based products are needed. Check with your vet or trainer for their recommendations in your area. We strongly suggest topical or collar options only. How often should I give my puppy a bath and what should I use? We do not bathe our puppies unless they are dirty and we use baby shampoo or something gentle. We usually suggest people decide what they like in the look of their Labradoodle. Do you like the longer, shaggy look, or do you like the shorter, more manicured coat? If you leave the coat longer, you will need to keep it combed out and mat free. Do you have recommendations for where to stay when we pick up our puppy? We are located only 20 mins from Lebanon, Oregon. There are numerous hotel options in Albany, Springfield, or Eugene that you can explore. The difficult part is deciding which one will have the greatest positive impact on their well-being. The following are some of the top options for dog foods for your Labradoodle: Dry Food: Due to its affordability and accessibility, dry dog food is a preferred option for Labradoodles. The nutrients in high-quality dry food are appropriate for a different life stage of your Labradoodle. Dry food has the greatest shelf life when compared to other types of dog foods. Wet Food: Wet food or canned food is another option for owners. Labradoodles enjoy the variety of flavors in canned food that come in interesting shapes like other meaty foods. Owners may combine wet food with dried food because wet food alone is typically more expensive than dry food. While it can be costly, doing so guarantees that their pups receive high-quality food. If you only give the same food to your Labradoodles, they could develop picky eating habits. Hence, it makes sense to follow the advice of the majority of veterinarians to combine kibble and wet food with a ratio of 20 to .Make sure the food you choose is sustainable and highly recommended by experts. Ensure that it will suit your needs, those of your dog, your financial situation, and your way of life. The average price of a Labradoodle is already costly. Hence, it is important to choose the kind of diet that will also suit your budget. Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Labradoodle Dog owners must be aware of the foods that can be harmful, poisonous, or trigger an allergic reaction in their Labradoodles. The following is a list of some harmful or poisonous foods that you must never give your pet Labradoodle: Alcohol: There is no enzyme that can digest alcohol in Labradoodles. Hypoglycemia , metabolic acidosis , respiratory difficulties, or central nervous system CNS impairment could result from ingestion. Avocado: Avocados contain the fungicidal toxin persin , which has been linked to the death of many dog breeds, including Labradoodles. It can cause vomiting, loose stool, and heart damage when taken in large doses. Chocolate: The major alkaloid in cocoa and chocolates, theobromine , cannot be broken down by an enzyme found in the stomachs of Labradoodles. As a result, even small quantities of chocolate can cause toxicity. Additionally, they could become uncontrollable, have convulsions, throw up, and have diarrhea. Grapes and raisins: As a result of the tartaric acid found in grapes and raisins, Labradoodles experience diarrhea , vomiting, dehydration , and kidney failure. Unfortunately, even one full grape can cause fatal injuries and irreversible harm to Labradoodles. Onion, garlic, leeks, and chives: All of these vegetables contain N-propyl disulfide , which robs red blood cells of their ability to carry oxygen. Consuming these veggies over time may cause hemolytic anemia. It is frequently present in toothpaste, gum, candies, and syrups. Listed below are foods that may seem harmless but are actually hazardous for Labradoodles: Cooked bones: Cooked bones are prone to shatter into shards. They can hurt your Labradoodle as well as obstruct its mouth, throat, and stomach. High-sugar foods: Your Labradoodle is more likely to develop health issues, including diabetes, obesity, and teeth damage, if it consumes too much sugar from other dog foods. Avoid cheap dog food, which usually contains too much salt. Consuming too much salt can result in seizures, renal failure, diarrhea, and vomiting. If ignored, this results in gastrointestinal blockage and death. Bring your Labradoodle to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately if you think they have accidentally ingested any of the aforementioned foods. A smart technique to make sure that their nutritional demands are being satisfied is to switch to a new food. If you want to gradually introduce a new food to your Labradoodle pup, make sure to introduce it in little amounts every day. The timeline provided below will help you introduce a new food to your Labradoodle: Days. From left to right here are some examples of faucet lixits, an adapter to allow for a Lixit to always be on a faucet without need for removal, and then indoor or traveling Lixits. Over the years, with many conversations with Vets, that I respect, I've learned that puppy food is essentially a marketing ploy. In fact, when we first found Life's Abundance they didn't even have puppy food. It was redundant for them to carry puppy food. However, after pressure from so many customers that had decades of "Puppy Chow" commercials engrained in their heads, Life's Abundance decided to include a puppy food. If you prefer to feed the puppy food for the first couple of months we understand and feel is your decision to make and we do support you. We just ask that you stay with Life's Abundance as it's the best dog food and it's what your puppy has been consuming it's entire life, as well as, it's mother's entire pregnancy and life. This video is a great video to explain how to compare dog foods. First, I have strong opinions about most things, it's just my personality. I'm a Momma Bear type with my doodles. Some of my insanity I was just born with and the other sixty percent was gained by enduring some tragedies I don't ever want any of my families, including you, going through. In case you don't know, Life's Abundance, the company that makes all our food, supplements, treats, grooming products, and cleaning products are all delivered right to your front door for a very affordable amount. Life's Abundance food is very affordable and I will include a video at the bottom for you to watch. The dog food is made fresh every two to four weeks then immediately shipped out so your doodle's food isn't sitting on some shelf, on some semi-truck, in some warehouse, who knows where , and for who knows how long. Instead, we know where the food is being made and it's then on our front door step. Why does this matter? Well, your doodle can't say to you, "Hey, my food tastes moldy and I think it's why my liver and kidneys are hurting me but you won't know until I have bloody urine or I'm really sick. Do you think you could get me some fresh food? Many years ago I had a lab mix that was getting really sick and after being diagnosed with terminal liver problems did we realize the food was moldy. Next, one of our doodles many years ago got into a bag of China made chicken treats and ate more than the recommended serving and within four days she was dead. It was the worst tragedy that even writing about it now makes my stomach ache and my eyes tear up. My doodle was a normal, happy, fun loving doodle then suddenly the next morning she was so severely ill we had to go straight to the vet. Our doodle had no appetite, didn't want to move, was non-stop vomiting, with increased diarrhea with blood in it, she kept drinking water despite her belly looking so full, and she was constantly peeing and it was text book for poisoning from these treats. Telling this story has done me in for the night and I'm going to continue with my site later. I only explained this to help you from experiencing the heartbreak our family endured. From our experiences we searched long and far for a USA made dog food that never had a recall. When we did this search we found Life's Abundance. I checked and double checked this company. We learned it was started by a Vetrinarian which really impressed me from the beginning. Our doodles tested the food and loved it. We tried all the products and loved them. I searched all the dog food review websites and found rave reviews with an average of 4. I love that it was made fresh and never sat in a warehouse or on a store shelf for months, in most cases. I've heard of some big box companies buying tons of food from different companies to get discounts and most of the food sits and waits, in some random warehouse that isn't temperature controlled, for the food to sell so it to can make in onto a shelf at your local store to then be purchased by you. The question remains, how long has that food sat from when it was first made? With Life's Abundance, I know the answer, it was made fresh then shipped to you and I. Without a doubt, I will continue to find good products for our doodles and I will passionately share them with you, our doodle families. If for some reason Life's Abundance changes their quality or their product goes downhill or there is a better product then I will change our website and I will tell you why. I take being a "Full Service Breeder" seriously. I believe that my job begins once you adopt one of our doodles. When you adopt your doodle and take it home you are also gaining a doodle friend and confidant that you can call and get support from for life. I'm here to help you so you can just enjoy your doodle and come to one place for sound, honest advice. As my mother used to say, sometimes I'm too honest so be careful what you ask : lol. Dog owners often get bombarded with endless choices as well as countless adverts from the dog food companies, who all claim that theirs is the best. When it comes to dog food, the simple answer is no one food is best for all dogs. But the question is: which diet is the best for your Labradoodle? Luckily, there are many different options when it comes to dog food. The most popular manufactured foods include a complete diet dry , with or without a biscuit mixer and semi-moist. Some dog foods contain only natural ingredients. Then there is the option of feeding your dog a home-made diet. Some owners swear by a raw diet while others feed their Labradoodles vegetarian food. Within the manufactured options, there are many different qualities of food. Usually, you get what you pay for. Expensive ones are more likely to provide better nutrition for your doodle in terms of minerals, nutrients, and high-quality meat, whereas the cheap ones will most likely contain a lot of grain. Dried food also called kibble in the USA tend to be less expensive than other dog foods. They have improved a lot over the last few years, and some of the more expensive ones are now an excellent choice for a healthy, complete diet. Dried foods also contain the least fat and the most preservatives. Often semi-moist foods contain a lot of sugar and artificial substances, which is why some dogs seem to love them. Choosing the right food for your Labradoodle is very important. The diet influences his health, coat, and even temperament. It can have an effect on his health, coat , skin, energy levels, and temperament. There are several different types of food that you can feed your labradoodle — dry, semi-moist, canned, frozen, or freeze-dried are just some of the options. You can also feed him a home-made or raw diet. Many owners of labradoodle with allergies or skin conditions are now considering this option. Dry Dog Food for Labradoodles Dry food is a popular choice for Labradoodles, especially for large dogs who get through a lot of food. It is also less expensive than other dog foods. It is worth paying for a high-quality dry food as cheaper ones may contain a lot of cereal. It also means that you have to feed larger quantities to ensure your dog gets sufficient nutrients. Canned Dog Food for Labradoodles Canned food is another popular choice. Dogs also love them. They love the taste, and it generally comes in a variety of flavors. Canned food is often great mixed with dry kibble. If your labradoodle has lost interest in food and on a dry food diet, then you can add a small amount of canned food. Canned food tends to be more expensive than dried food. Many owners do not like the mess that it makes. If you store a part-opened tin in the fridge, then it can have an overpowering smell when you open the fridge door. Semi-Moist Dog Food for Labradoodles These are the commercial dog foods shaped like pork chops, salamis, burgers, or other meaty foods. They are the least nutritional of all dog foods. They are full of sugars, artificial flavorings, and coloring. You may give your doodle one as an occasional treat, but they do not provide the nutrition that your labradoodle needs. Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Labradoodles The frozen food manufacturers often make this for dog owners who like the convenience of it. You can store them for six months to a year. They do it to make sure that their pets are getting the right nutrition they need. Feeding your doodle a home-cooked diet can be time consuming and expensive. The tricky part is sticking to it once you have started with the best intentions. Raw food for Labradoodles If your doodle is not doing well on commercially prepared dog food then you might need to consider a raw diet. There is evidence that they are becoming increasingly popular among the Labradoodle owners. Raw food diets emulate the way dogs ate before the existence of commercial dog foods. After all, dry, canned, or other styles of cooked food for dogs were mainly created as a means of convenience. However, raw diets are not without controversy. Supporters of the raw food diet argue that a carefully planned raw diet gives the dog numerous health benefits, including a healthier coat, more energy, cleaner teeth, and get rid of bad breath and doggy odor. But the critics say that the risks of nutritional imbalance, intestinal problems, and food-borne illness caused by handling and feeding raw meat outweigh any benefits. Scientifically, the jury is still out. This is one of the most frequent questions that all the Labradoodle owners ask. But there is no easy answer. The correct amount of food for your labradoodle depends on several factors such as: Breed. Changing food without gradual transition will probably result in an upset tummy and possibly diarrhoea. Why do I feed my dogs and puppies dry kibble? The better brands have been scientifically developed by experts for growing puppies. They contain the correct amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants the puppy requires. The puppy maintains a healthy weight. There are as many opinions about the best diet to feed your dog as there are dog foods. Your choice may come down to what suits your lifestyle or what your Vet recommends or based on your past experience or recommendations from others. I do know however, from the many dogs I have had and the many foods I have tried with them, that feeding mainly a quality dry kibble like Royal Canin or Hills Science and giving them chicken wings, or chicken frames or raw meaty bones a couple of times each week is easy, keeps them in excellent health and generally avoids tummy upsets and diarrhoea. Helpful Tips If you are introducing your puppy to new food, be sure to do it gradually, introducing a little of the food each day and slowly increasing the new food as you reduce the old food. Be consistent with what you feed them or their tummy will get upset. Talk to your Vet about what they recommend to feed your puppy, and follow their recommendations for food quantities. An overweight puppy or dog will end up with health problems. Clean fresh water must be available to your dog at all times during the day. Wash their food bowl and water bowls regularly to minimise bacteria. Chicken wings or chicken frames and raw weight bearing bones are great to feed your puppy a couple of times each week - great for their teeth, and to help when chewing everything in sight is an issue. You cannot give your dog only raw meat. Got more questions? Do some research - find reputable websites and also post questions on our Facebook group , the community and ourselves are happy to share our experiences and help where we can. Cooked bones can splinter and get caught in their throat. Do not feed your puppy chicken necks. Wait until they are 12 months old before introducing chicken necks. Not only will mealtimes become a pain, but you might accidentally feed them something that may make them unwell. Put them outside or on a lead away from table where they can have their own meal. Keep rubbish bins, inside and outside, secure from your puppy. This is a wonderful place for puppy to explore all these amazing smells. But you are asking for trouble and possibly a very costly trip to the vet as a result. Chocolate amongst other things, is poisonous to puppies and dogs, make sure all the members of your family are aware of this, especially children who want to spoil their new puppy. As they grow you will move from four meals per day at 8 weeks old, to just one or two in adulthood. And you will want to use as much of their daily kibble as you can in training. Helping to strengthen the bond between you, as well as to teaching them which behaviors you want to see in your home. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy When it comes to feeding your new Labradoodle puppy there are plenty of options to choose between and a number of things to consider. Puppies grow up fast. The first thing to keep in mind is that puppies have different dietary needs to adult dogs. Getting too much of some nutrients, and not enough of others can lead to developmental problems. Growing pups digest food and absorb nutrients differently than adult dogs too. Their gastrointestinal system also works much faster than that of an adult dog. Puppy Nutrient Requirements Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, relative to their size. In fact, they need about twice as many calories in relation to their body weight compared to that of a full grown Labradoodle. Compared to mature dogs, puppies also need: more protein to support growing muscle more fat to fuel growth and a different mineral balance to aid in the rapid development of their bones. For example, one study showed that puppies fed a low phosphorus diet suffer from impaired appetite and growth, diminished skin and fur quality, and a disturbed musculoskeletal system. Too much calcium can also negatively affect bone development, by accelerating it. This is a serious joint condition that leads to painful arthritis and lameness. The smaller and younger your puppy is, the more often they need to eat, since their stomachs are too small for big portions. Labradoodle puppies that are 4 months or younger should have their food split into 4 meals a day. When they reach 4 and 6 months old this can be reduced to 3 meals. Knowing how much to feed your Labradoodle puppy can be tricky. So the feeding charts on the packaging are a good place to start. This basic pet calorie calculator can help determine how many calories a puppy needs. Overfeeding Labradoodle Puppies Canine obesity is a big problem for many dogs and the Labradoodle is no exception. Some Labrador Retrievers are known to have a genetic mutation that causes them to have an insatiable appetite. But there are plenty of genetically normal dogs who will always want more food. If your puppy is constantly hungry you can try giving him smaller, more frequent meals. In fact, for training purposes we recommend using as much of each of the meals rations as you can as training treats between meals. These days there are a lot of brands vying for space in the dog food market. So deciding what to feed your Labradoodle puppy might be the most difficult question of them all. Puppies that are 8 to 12 weeks old should continue eating the same food they were eating at the breeders. If you want to change their food, wait until they are fully settled at home. Then transition gradually to a different diet to avoid causing an upset tummy. You can do it over the course of a week, like this: Feed 1 part new food to 3 parts old food on the first two days. Equal parts old food and new food on days three and four. And three parts new food to one part old food for two more days after that. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Dry Food Most puppy parents choose one of the many commercial dry puppy foods available. There are many reasons why these diets also known as kibbles are so popular. They are. Is kibble, cans, raw or homemade food better? Swapping Puppy Food Brands Moving into his or her new home is a challenging and exciting time for your Labradoodle puppy. Keep feeding what your pup is used to for at least two weeks. Then, slowly start mixing in the new food you have chosen for your pup. Labradoodle Puppy Diets Puppies have lots of growing to do. This means that they need more of certain minerals and nutrients for example calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. Your labradoodle pup will also need a higher amount of good quality protein. This is definitely not the case, though. This—among other things—can cause joint problems, such as hip dysplasia. Labradoodles are a cross between two breeds that are both already at high risk of developing hip dysplasia. The most important thing of all is to avoid overfeeding a Labradoodle puppy, as we will see later in this article. This is called hypoglycemia. Generally, a feeding schedule for your Labradoodle pup can look like this: 2 — 4 months: 4 meals daily 4 — 6 months: 3 meals daily 6 — 8 months: 2 — 3 meals daily Older than 8 months: 2 meals daily. Just make sure to divide the total daily amount onto multiple feedings. You can make slight adjustments to these amounts if your pup is looking a little slim or chunky. The number of calories your pup needs will also change as he or she gets older and heavier. There are a couple of different options out there. Commercial dog foods offer complete and balanced nutrition for your growing pup — this means that they have all the right nutrients in all the right amounts and ratios. If a puppy is fed an inappropriate diet, this could lead to long-lasting growth defects or other malnutrition diseases. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Kibble Kibble is the most popular type of dog food out there. There are only two things you need to pay attention to when choosing kibble: It should be designed specifically for puppies, and it should be high-quality. Research shows that higher-priced dog foods tend to have higher nutrient digestibility than lower-priced kibble — so it might be worth spending a bit more. Choose a kibble that contains a meat protein source as the first ingredient, and steer clear of ingredients like corn, soy, and cereals. Due to its high water content, the aromas and taste of the meat unfold better, making wet food the most palatable food there is. This comes at a bit of a cost, though: Wet food tends to be more expensive than kibble, and of course it spoils more easily. To get the best of both worlds of commercial dog foods, you can combine or alternate between kibble and wet food. The BARF diet consists of lots of raw meat and bones, as well as some veg and fruit. Supporters of raw feeding think that it will make your dog healthier, although there is no solid evidence for this yet. Raw meats are often contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter. These bacteria could potentially cause diseases in your pup. However, this is extremely rare, as the digestive tract most dogs can handle these bugs just fine. This means that there is a lot less danger of bacterial infections from raw meats. Keep in mind that cooking for a dog is not the same as cooking for yourself. Avoid spices, onions, garlic, cooking oils, and too much salt. These are dogs that will always want more food and are prone to obesity. It can help to space out meals or add one or two feedings a day if your dog is constantly hungry. Another option is to make your dog work for small amounts of food throughout the day — be it with puppy training, food balls, or puzzles. The possibilities are endless.