german shepherd husky mix puppy adoption

La Vergne, TN About We are a family oriented pet kennel, our objective is to produce the very best family dogs possible. We take pride in our puppies. Our kennels are cleaned everyday rain or shine. Our Waiting List: Our waiting list will guarantee your place in line for up to 2 years. You can request to be placed on our waiting list to reserve a puppy from any of our upcoming litters. Those on our waiting list will have first choice of puppies before they are advertised to the public. Once a deposit is placed your name will be added to the list. We will contact everyone on our waiting list once a litter is born in the order that the deposit is received. When we arrive at your name, you may pick a puppy or pass if there is not a puppy you are interested in. Please be advised that the deposit is good for 2 years, if not used in that 2 years then your deposit will be forfeited. We do not hold any puppy without a deposit. The deposit does come off the total purchase price of the puppy with the remaining balance due 1 week prior to pick up if paying with credit card or at pick up if paying with cash. We accept most credit cards. We do have financing for our puppies. We use Square Reader as a form of payments with credit cards and financing. A puppy pack that will include a starter pack of NuVet Supplements www. Lifetime breeder support, 1 month free insurance through AKC , access to our webpage that has massive amounts of educational material www. This page is where we keep in contact with all our fur families and would like you to join our group. We start all of our babies on Nu-Vet supplements.You can read all about it on our webpage under Nu-Vet Supplements at www. What is not included: All shipping charges to your location. All associated cost of preparing your puppy for shipping such as a health certificate and crate if shipping by air. Shipping can be handled through the airlines or ground. We prefer ground shipping over air. The shipper we use comes directly to your door. Airlines are not available in extremely hot or cold weather and you are charged a crate fee to fly them. You may also pick up your puppy at our kennel. All of our puppies are seen by a Licensed Veterinarian on or around the age of 6 weeks. We reserve the right to decline selling any of our puppies that we don't feel will fit in with your family. For the safety of our puppies and adults dogs, we will not be allowing anyone to come around the puppies until they are at least 7 weeks of age. This will help us to insure healthy puppies and mothers. Even though we have not experienced this at our Kennel, we are taking precautions. We hope that everyone understands our concerns. Parvo Virus: people can bring that virus in on their shoes, clothing and skin. Just about everywhere. This virus can wipe out a litter within hours. Puppies are very vulnerable to these kinds of diseases; their immune systems are developing and are unable to fight off this disease. Coccidia: Another disease that can wipe out a litter of puppies. It also can be carried in with shoes. But most of the time, puppies will ingest it by eating stool or breathing in the spores that are left on the ground. Stress on the mother: This could lead to inadequate milk supply for the puppies. Loose bowels and lack of appetite. We want the mother to care for her babies as long as she can, as she gives them the immunity that they need to fight off diseases, grow and get strong. We will be taking videos and pictures. We will try to post weekly, so that everyone whom is adopting one of our puppies can see them grow. I don't think this will cause an issue since most of your puppies are adopted out of state. Thank you for your understanding. Newsletter Meet our Highlighted Dogs Would you like to give a forever home to one of these sweet dogs? Give us a call now to schedule a meet and great! You won't regret it. Dax My name is Dax! I'm a young, playful dog with lots of energy! I wear my foster brothers out! I am crate trained, know sit and am potty trained. I am loud when no one is paying attention to me. I love my people and fur brothers and would be a lap dog if allowed! Adopt Dax Paintball Paintball was found on the streets shot by paintballs all over his body and beat up pretty bad. He is fully recovered and looking for his forever home. He is a lover and loves to play with toys and is kid and dog friendly. She is 1. She loves everyone and would do well in a home with both children and adults. She was saved from a small town shelter minutes before being euthanized. Adopt Emmie "Thank you Gracies for making our family whole again! We changed his name to Apollo and he has been the biggest blessing and filled a massive hole we had! He sleeps with her every night and watches over her like a hawk! Thank you Gracies for giving this little girl her forever best friend and making our family whole again! Keep up the good work! FabuFit "The adoption process was very quick and the staff has always been so sweet every time I visit! I constantly visited all the adorable cats and one day we finally were ready to adopt. We went in and immediately knew which cat we wanted, so sweet and beautiful. The adoption process was very quick and the staff has always been so sweet every time I visit! Would highly recommend Gracies project to anyone, great animals and people. Adopt yours from our reputable breeders at Premier Pups. Find Puppies for Sale at Puppies. Pug puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX from trusted breeders. Please read ALL the information about him before inquiring. Find your puppy for sale in Amarillo, TX. Puppies for Sale near Amarillo, Texas Your search returned the following puppies for sale. Originally raised in Germany to help with hunting, the iconic Dachshund has short little legs and a long body, along with a strong personality. These beautiful, foxlike pups thrive in a setting where love and cuddles are plentiful. At Premier Pups, we are a family of four-legged dog lovers that raises happy and healthy Maltese puppies. Why buy a puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of puppies in Amarillo who need a home. Will come with paperwork from the vet. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Dachshund puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX from trusted breeders. Selling My last litter produced this spring. Boxer puppies for sale Amarillo, Texas Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. Premier Pups is committed to providing four-legged dog lovers with happy, healthy Yorkshire Terrier puppies for sale near Amarillo, Texas. On Good Dog today, Pug puppies. Easy, transparent and safe: healthy and happy Labrador Retriever puppies from the best breeders. Puppies for sale from dog breeders near Amarillo, Texas. Corgis for Sale in Amarillo, TX. Standard Poodles are typically around 40 to 70 pounds. Miniature Poodles are typically around 10 to 15 pounds. Mini Schnauzer Puppy for sale in Amarillo, Texas. Boston Terrier puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX from trusted. Buy, Sell or Adopt Pets in Amarillo. Poodle puppies in Amarillo, TX may span multiple sizes, which range from: Toy Poodles are typically around 6 to 9 pounds. Find Poodle puppies for sale Near Amarillo, TX Versatile and impressive, the Poodle excels on the show floor, in parks, and in the home. Find your puppy for sale in Amarillo, TX Puppies. Please reload the page after you have enabled it. The typical price for Labrador Retriever puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX may vary based on the breeder. Yorkshire Terrier For Sale in Amarillo .Dachshund puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX from trusted breeders …. Find Puppies in Amarillo. Poodle puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX from trusted breeders. How much do Pug puppies cost in Amarillo, TX? Prices for Pug puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX vary by breeder and individual puppy. Owner surrendered, due to owner not having a back yard for Nala to run and play. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find. Coloring is light brown and white. They come from both sides of th. Amarillo is home to a diverse mix of dog breeds. Pomeranian puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX from trusted breeders. Full registration is available for additional cost. Puppies For Sale in Amarillo .Transportation to Amarillo, TX available. Dogs for Sale in Amarillo, TX. If you are unable to find your Maltese puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru. Needs instruction in h more 2 weeks ago on Adopt-a-Pet. She loves to be on your lap and following you around. Premier Pups has got you covered. F2 Pomsky Female, 14 weeks Amarillo, Texas. Find the Pomeranian puppy of your dreams through one of Good Dog's trusted Pomeranian breeders in Amarillo, TX and start the application process today. Miniature Poodles are typically around 10 to .Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. Both full blooded mini schnauzers. Find a Dachshund puppy from reputable breeders near you in Amarillo, TX. She has had her tail clipped and have tags. Boxer puppies for sale in Amarillo TX. Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX from trusted …. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. The calm, confident Boerboel does best with proper socialization and thrives off of having a job to do. Labrador Retriever puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX from. He was found at Thompson Park in early December and never claimed. His main purpose is for hunting large game. A strong dog with energy for days, the lab is a perfect park companion, as they're playful, loyal, and very trainable, though they need space to play. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. The typical price for Shih Tzu puppies for sale in Amarillo, TX may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy. Tails docked, Excellent bloodline, 1st set of s. They were born January 7, .I am an energetic 2 year old male Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Sweet, fluffy, and completely adorable, Pomeranian puppies are here to reward your love with joy and blissful companionship. She gets along with small and big dogs. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. Sweetest personality mom chocolate and tan, father black and tan both parents dapples. Our Frenchies are cared for by passionate Puppy Agents from the moment they are born until they are ready to go to their new homes. Asia Pacific. Puppies Breeds All Puppies. Text or call if interested -- Photos and contact info on Advertigo website. Look at pictures of puppies in Amarillo who need a. Partnered with the nation's most trusted and reputable breeders, we aim to deliver the cutest, happiest, and finest Yorkies to our Premier family members. Camarillo Dogs for Sale and Adoption. Moyen Poodles are typically around 25 to 35 pounds. Pomeranians for Sale in Amarillo, TX. Find Boerboel puppies for sale Near Amarillo, TX A true guardian, this breed is eager to please, protective, and devoted. Adorable Maltese Puppy Ready to go Home. They may be best known for fancy haircuts and a regal manner, but they're also great athletes and very, very smart. Dachshunds for Sale in Amarillo, TX.

She has an adorable blue and one brown eye. She weighs about 50 pounds and is good with other dogs. She barks at her kennel door so her best place would be with a wooden privacy fence. She is moderate to low activity and loves to be touched. She is good in her crate and will make some lucky family a good companion. She is lower energy so she could go with a more relaxed and laid-back family. She could also go with children. We like them to be 10 or older. She was found as a stray on the construction site and had to survive until a good Samaritan caught her and brought her to CCPAL rescue. She warms up slowly but bonds deeply to her people. She has fallen in love with the kennel fellas. She is currently in Texas and can be adopted locally in Texas or we can work with one of the wonderful transporters to get her to Washington, Portland, Minnesota, Vermont or all along the East Coast. Her adoption fee is and transport is .She is healthy, vaccinated, spayed and ready for her forever home. Rhode Island and Massachusetts are not states we adopt to because of the regulations imposed by these states Contact Marlene at or email to ccpalinquiries gmail. Online applications at www. We invite you to take a peek at our handsome, friendly, large breed American Bulldogs. We are a a team of private American Bulldog Breeders and our dogs and pups are never kenneled or crated. They are our family pets and roam our house and land. We breed loving American Bulldog Puppies for you and your family to cheerish. Learn More After breeding these amazing creatures for 22 years. We have perfected the best breeding standards that have award us the 1 American Bulldog breeder in America. At We Love American Bulldogs we take a lot of care and pride in helping educate families about the breed that are interested in bringing one of these beautiful creatures into their homes. As any breed the most important thing you can do, is educate yourself about the breed that you are about to bring into to your life. We hope by offering these documents and our YouTube videos, about the breed and about the puppy you are about to consider to be a part of your family, that you will do it with complete awareness of your responsibility to the breed and your puppy. Get a Puppy Our team at "We Love American Bulldogs" feel blessed to care for these wonderful creatures we brought into the world. We worked very hard to make sure the foundation of your puppy is stable, loving and strong. Now we hope with all the information my over 22 years experience with this breed bring me, that we will share with you, that you will stay the course and make sure these pups are the best and true American Bulldog they can be. A Day In The Life.While we do respect the achievements of more dog show oriented fellow breeders offering great praise to some of them , and while Blasco dogs have indeed stood in the winner's circle, such beauty contest victories are not our focus. We are professional breed developers, focused exclusively on hybrid, working type American Bulldogs and Bandogge Mastiffs. It is a scientific fact, outcross breeding breeding dogs together of different breeds , promotes vastly superior dog-health across a broad range of metrics. Our goal is to segregate the superior health, structural, performance and protection characteristics of the more ancient dogs, from the modern dog genome. It can be categorically stated, that all Blasco dogs, whether our American Bulldogs or Bandogges, are suitable for stable family companionship, home defense, and personal protection. Our Bandogges also being registered, pedigreed dogs , are the results of outcross breedings between American Bulldogs, South African Boerboels, English Mastiffs, Cane Corsos, Dogue de Bordeaux and other traditional and exotic Mastiff breeds. Sorry if I look a little mean, the sun was in my eyes. Except where otherwise noted, all Blasco dogs can be trained as AKC Canine Good Citizens , while retaining a strong drive towards family protection. Our Bandogges' and American Bulldogs' prey drive is subordinate to their pack drive, motivating protection of the "pack" that's you, your kids and the other animals you've taught the dog to accept. This is a big deal. It is rare that guard dogs and personal protection dogs are also trustworthy family members. Many police dogs and Schutzhund dogs that are "stable" in public on the end of a leash live in professional kennels, not living rooms. Even in hunting American Bulldogs and Bandogges do not typically kill hogs or other large game, much less your cat, chickens, goats or other domestic or livestock animals. They are bred to corral and contain, or to catch and hold a threat; i. Bandogges and other predecessors of American Buldogs were originally developed on medieval European farmyards. With no law enforcement or guns, with ruffians, scoundrels and wild beasts ever present, the Ancient World was dangerous. Children ranged many miles tending flocks, and managing unruly livestock with only their fearsome family farm dogs to protect and assist them. These dogs almost without fail will naturally distinguish between lambs to be protected and predators to be driven off or killed - a distinction clearly not prey driven. Please enjoy the site. It's admittedly long-winded. We use it as a scrap book, for memories, articles and opinion statements wanting you to know who we are, and where your dog comes from. Some basic info follows for your convenience.Please glance through it before emailing. If I'm busy you may wait a few days, but I will answer you. We also do not maintain waiting lists. Such practices attempt to get money from you as fast as possible, preventing you from shopping around. Our typical process is to email Blasco Puppy Announcements to our email contacts as puppies become available. Email me if you require clarifications. Trained adults are only rarely available. Other destinations incur additional costs. We will not ship to any venue with quarantine requirements, or to any country where dog fighting, live animal baiting, or the eating of dogs is not explicitly illegal. We provide standard day in-house evaluation before delivery. There's no cell service at the house and our landline is unreliable. We generally use email, so please don't send me call-back requests. We'll gladly speak by phone to intended buyers before you make a deposit. Just let me know that's your desire and we'll schedule a call. I'm happy to answer questions, and I answer all polite emails. That said, family and dogs keep me busy. I tend to answer emails in bursts every few days, sometimes taking as long as a week. I'm sorry about that. Nonetheless, please do email me by form or directly. Regarding the dogs pictured, some dogs are no longer with us whether having passed on, or been rehomed as adults , and we do own quite a few dogs not pictured on the site as well. Below you'll find the first few photos of our family, and our dogs, to help you get to know both of us better. There's also more pics and useful bits of information in the Dog Profiles and Photos sections. And hey, do you already own a Blasco dog? The first were hunting dogs and the second large herding dogs, who effectively protect sheep and goats. From this description of these herding dogs we quote: The lower jaw is undershot. From it grows two teeth, one on the left, the other on the right, which are only slightly exposed.These dogs have large heads and drooping ears, a strong nape and neck.The tail is thick, the bark sonorous, the jaws large; the color usually is white.I sold several dogs to folks for hog dogs. Judah with his kids. All are over pounds, "kid friendly and mother approved. Kids and American Bulldogs.Daughter Kat and son John with Doc, still a baby at 9-months with a whole lot of growing to do. Look at the peaceful demeanor of this teenage dog, totally trustworthy and gentle with children. All of our dogs develop a similar calm maturity early in life, growing in a calm, loving environment. Treat your dog like a baby bunny for the first months or so, no need to be rough to "raise their aggression. American Bulldog puppies.Our dogs meet human hands and voices at birth. E ach receives extra feedings by bottle from day-one , imprinting them as much on children as on their own mother. That says something about the bond of trust with the mother, and the early socialization these puppies already have when they enter new homes. Abi is special needs and with a unique connection to animals. She called to Mambo when he was less than a week old and still blind. He crawled feet across the floor to her a distant adventure at his age. From that moment on he preferred Abi to his own mother, often refusing to nurse off unless Abi's hand was on him. For the rest of his life, Mambo was inseparable from Abi. Of course, Mambo didn't remain a puppy for long.Mambo grew.Here's John at four hugging Mambo at under a year old. The collar is 24" making his head quite a bit larger. Mambo is over lbs. This profile shot shows Mambo's slightly longer nose. It's an important distinction between straight Johnson or Bully type American Bulldogs and "hybrid type" American Bulldogs. The "hybrid types" still achieve the heavier weights, but gain clear breathing and much better stamina. American Bulldogs like to play.John with Doc at 9-months. At this age, dog, boy and sisters had a blast. The kids would lay on the tile floor holding a leash and Doc would run them around, sliding across the floor. Doc truly loved playing with the kids. Many dogs tolerate kids, but I haven't met a well loved American Bulldog that didn't genuinely enjoy the company of little kids, forming deep and lasting bonds with the children in their families. He can catch a football, crunch up a soup bone or swallow a sock or a toy, so be sure to pick up the laundry and toys! Here the lovely wife Rebecca with Doc having just had his ears and teeth checked. Obviously we use bleach on our counters! Doc is months here, roughly pounds. This breed is not suitable for full-time crating and cages, but do okay in apartments with daily walks. Train them early and they'll be fine. Young Adult Puppies.Mambo, Doc in the rear and Pete on the right, all at or just over lbs. Pete was smallest of the litter and just look at him. He's a pound dog and can leap easily to the roof the roof of my Dodge Durango sitting on 31 inch tires a bit over six feet. Shortest dog in the litter at .Doc is also a regular flying Bulldog, but not the mischief maker Pete is. Pete was our Dennis the Menace, always into stuff, digging holes, pretending he wants to fight, but then when someone turns around snarling, throwing himself dramatically onto his back in surrender, only just teasing them. Pete is just too funny. Doc and Mambo are big fun, but a bit more serious. Not properly socializing these dogs is tantamount to attack training them. Poorly socialized, carelessly trained dogs are a high risk liability LIKELY to bite strangers in an effort to control them by forced herding and attack. To the left, Judah herds me away on Becky's command.Life Span Did You Know? The American Bulldog is a descendant of a generic bulldog type of dog breed brought into the region that is now the Southern United States by working-class immigrants many years ago. These were all-around working dogs used by small farmers and ranchers for several tasks around the farm. They were often found working as catch dogs, stock dogs, and overall farm guardians. When feral pigs were introduced to the New World, they had no natural predators and the population quickly grew out of control. In addition to their farm duties, the settlers found the bulldog-type dog to be the best solution they had for dealing with it. So, the bulldog continued to thrive, especially in the South. Johnson and Alan Scott that we have what we know today as the American Bulldog. Modern American Bulldogs can still be found working as all-around utility dogs, farm dogs, catch dogs, cattle drovers, and more. They can also be found competing in dog sports, working as a guardian, police, or military dog, and are also popular as a family pet. This dog breed is a sweetheart with a gentle, fun-loving nature. The American Bulldog is affectionate and adores their families. They also love children and tend to be good with other animals. American Bulldogs can have a high prey drive, so you will want to make sure you introduce and socialize them properly with other small animals in the household. Due to their protective nature, they can be aloof towards strangers and strange dogs, especially when they are younger. Early socialization can help them be more comfortable navigating their guardian instincts. Overall, this dog breed tends to be confident, social, and are most at ease and relaxed when they are with the people they love. American Bulldogs are an emotional dog breed and thrives on human attention and affection, so they tend to bond strongly with their owners and may come across as clingy sometimes. They will also often convince themselves that they are lap dogs regardless of their size, so make sure you are ready for a lot of love and cuddles with your American Bulldog, drool and all! The American Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are strong, high-energy working dogs that love being around their favorite humans. This makes them better suited to larger homes with space for them to run. They are not generally a good fit for apartment living, but they can adapt as long as they get more than enough exercise and attention. Because they do tend to bond strongly with their owners and want to be near them, they do not tend to do well with long periods of time alone. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, but can adapt to well to most climates. There are some health issues that can be found in specific genetic lines and are not common to the breed overall, but these can be ruled out with genetic tests. Some potential health conditions to be aware of in general with the American Bulldog include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid disorders, kidney disorders, bone cancer, and eye-related issues like ectropion, entropion, and cherry eye. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential concerns. American Bulldogs are highly trainable and eager to please, so they are a good fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. They can have a stubborn streak, so a first-time dog owner may want to consider enrolling in puppy training classes. As with any dog breed, early and ongoing training and socialization are important for your American Bulldog puppy to grow into a well-rounded, and a well-behaved, dog. This dog breed has a short coat that is generally smooth. Common coat colors are white and predominately white with patches of brindle, black, or red. More coat color patterns are emerging and becoming more common like all shades of brindle, fawn, brown, red, and more. The American Bulldog is relatively low maintenance and easy to groom and they are light to moderate shedders. They only require a bath as needed. But, you will need to be prepared to deal with some extra drool! Floppy ears tend to trap moisture and dirt, which can lead to ear infections. The ideal dental care for dogs is using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day. Dental hygiene chews or treats, a specially-formulated dental care diet, and more can be used to supplement your dental care efforts. The American Bulldog is an athletic and high-energy dog breed. They love daily walks and plenty of playtime outside. They may even enjoy plenty of other activities with you like swimming, hiking , and more. With their working dog background, this dog breed does need a job to do in order to stay happy and healthy. They also tend to be a good candidate for dog sports like obedience, weight pulling, the Iron Dog competition, and more. A fully-grown American Bulldog usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. An American Bulldog generally lives for years. Chance, one of the canine stars from the Homeward Bound films, was an American Bulldog. Featured American Bulldog Article. We specialize in Bully-type, also sometimes referred to as Johnson American Bulldogs. However on occasion we do produce fantastic standard- and hybrid-type American Bulldogs. We breed for functional and balanced temperament allowing for the American Bulldog to be a family member and a companion while having the drive and intelligence to perform desired functions. At Grand Future, we typically produce large American Bulldogs. Males range in lbs and females range in lbs. We have always bred to a significantly stricter breed standard than the current American Bulldog breed standards under U. Dogs with the following characteristics are not shown at conformation shows nor bred in our kennel: 1. Full black mask — this genetic trait is usually a result of another breed having been infused into the gene pool. Usually a dog with a kinked tail itself is not at risk of health complications as a result of the kinked tail. Teeth — dogs missing more than 3 teeth. Dogs lacking full pigmentation are more susceptible to various health problems. Lack of pigment is also responsible for deafness in dogs. We have never produced a deaf dog. Interested in a puppy? We have many repeat buyers — over 30 families have purchased 2,3,4, and even 5 dogs. Our dogs generally love children and have balanced temperament. Having produced over dogs in 7 generations, we have history and data that allows us to make some conclusions that we believe are significant. The very common problem of hip dysplasia that afflicts this breed is nearly non-existent in our kennel. Our dogs tend to have normal locomotion — good movement due to anatomically sound physical structure. Our dogs have never torn ligaments such as the Canine Cruciate Ligament CCL , which leads us to conclude that such problems are likely hereditary in nature. Our dogs have never prematurely died from heart problems, which leads us to conclude that such problems are likely hereditary in nature. Our dogs have never been diagnosed with tracheal hypoplasia — a hereditary genetic defect common in bulldog breeds that leads to potential deadly obstruction of the airway. Our dogs tend to live long. Our foundation dog lived to the age of 15 years and 10 months old. Our dogs have never been afflicted with cancer at a young age. The earliest instance of cancer has been encountered at 8 years of age by one dog. The remainder of cases have been documented at over 10 years of age. The biggest tragedy for an owner is in having to care for a sick dog as a result of poor breeding, and be absolutely helpless as that dog passes in their arms. Exorbitant medical bills end up being paid to prolong the time together even by just a little with the beloved family member. As with any animal breeding program, our kennel is not immune from problems. This drives us to continually improve. We maintain contact and help our owners in any way we can; even at 4AM or during a vacation since we have owners all over the world in various timezones. Our breeding expertise enables us to deliver healthy, beautiful, strong, and intelligent American Bulldog puppies. We provide a contractual health guarantee against the following genetic health problems — hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, Canine Cruciate Ligament CCL ruptures, cataracts, entropion, ectropion, heart, kidneys, thyroid, ichthyosis, cryptorchidism, epilepsy, and any neurological disorders including NCL. Our conversation with a prospective owner always involves questions to understand the kind of dog the person would like — the more details the better. If so inclined, the prospective owner can request guidance in picking the puppy based on personality and activity level, temperament, phenotype, and more. We evaluate our puppies at 6 weeks of age on a variety of parameters. We provide lifetime unlimited advice and guidance by phone to owners concerning all subjects relating to dog ownership. You can be sure you will have the information you need to succeed even if this is going to be your first American Bulldog puppy. Because we stand by the quality of our work, we want our owners to participate in our breeding program and we are happy to provide the necessary guidance. Our dogs are also ideal candidates for service animal work. Training a service dog requires a significant investment of time and money, making the genetic health and temperament of the dog even more critical. A service dog needs to be healthy, hassle-free, intelligent and receptive to training, have stable temperament to handle any type of environment, and of course lead a long life disease-free. All of these selective requirements for service dog candidates make Grand Future American Bulldogs an ideal fit. Join us in our mission of producing the best American Bulldogs possible! Professional worry-free shipping worldwide Of course our preference is for you to come visit our home, get acquainted with us, and pick up your new American Bulldog puppy in person. However, we understand that it is not feasible for everyone. Even if you do not live anywhere near Nevada, do not be concerned — we are highly experienced at shipping our American Bulldog puppies worldwide, as even just the list of our Grand Champions and Champions spanning 9 nations attests. We can prepare all necessary export documentation. Search this website.

The Spookalier is a hybrid breed that is produced when breeding with a Poodle. They are hypoallergenic, that is, unlikely to cause allergy in humans, so they would suit a family who are known allergy sufferers perfectly. Spookaliers are compatible with a variety of people who will provide love and attention to their new addition. Spookaliers are a mix in appearance between a Cavoodle and Spoodle, some inherit the short Cavalier, teddy-like face, and others the beautiful lone and elegant Spaniel ears. They are a very unique breed and are only very few in Australia as we are the only Spookalier breeders! The Spookalier is the perfect pet for any family, the Spaniel allows pups to be quite active but the Cavalier mix also provides a very placid aspect. Spookaliers love to socialise with other dogs and children. This breed is reasonably active, requiring regular walks and trips to the park but would also be quite happy to chill out in the yard with small children. Therefore, it is impossible to predict the exact size a pup will grow. Spookaliers can be a variety of sizes depending on the most dominant gene in each pup. Spookaliers will be a small sized breed approximately, kg and up to 40cm in height. The Spookalier colours also vary in each litter, with the possibility of anything from cream, apricot, red and black. Here at Kruizen Puppies we specialise in red and apricot Spookaliers. Spookalier Maintenance and Other Needs Spookaliers are a semi long haired breed that can either grow curly, wavy or straight, in a fleece coat depending on the genetic contributions of each puppy. They are a low to non-shedding breed that require regular exercise and would be content in an apartment or small yard. Spookaliers as with most puppies can be very energetic so it may be best to go for a walk or exercise before teaching them new tricks. The amount of grooming required is very dependent on the type of coat each individual pup inherits. All Spookaliers will require some form of grooming and clipping, especially those with a curly, non-shedding coat, as it will not fall out. However, low shedding pups will not require as much maintenance, just regular brushing and the occasional clip. Dogs with a more predominantly poodle type coat also need regular brushing to prevent knotting. Spookalier ears, as with all long-eared dogs, need cleaning regularly to prevent infection. Also, around the eyes should be cleaned daily to prevent buildup of eye discharge. The Spookalier is perfect for most family lifestyles and are beautiful little dogs. They can grow up to the size of a Cocker Spaniel, however, are generally smaller than this due to the Cavalier and Toy Poodle mix. The Spookalier is fantastic with children as they are quite small but also reasonably active and happy to run around the house or backyard with young children. Spookaliers love the water and are very happy with regular trips to the beach or river when possibly but also love to play on beautiful grassy fields. The Spookalier is a gorgeous new breed and you will never understand how you lived without one! Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. They are small to medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 15 and 30 pounds. Cavapoos have a soft, wavy coat that can be either curly or straight. They come in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, and cream. Cavapoos are known for being friendly, intelligent, and easy to train. They are also relatively low-maintenance dogs, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners. Cavapoos are good with children and other pets, and they make great companion dogs. Cavapoo Highlights Friendly and affectionate: Cavapoos are known for being loving and loyal dogs. They are always happy to see their owners and make great companions for people of all ages. Easy to train: Cavapoos are intelligent dogs that are relatively easy to train. They are eager to please their owners and can learn basic commands quickly. Good with children and other pets: Cavapoos are gentle and playful dogs that get along well with children and other pets. They are a good choice for families with young children. Low-maintenance: Cavapoos are relatively low-maintenance dogs. They require weekly brushing and occasional baths. They are not as high-maintenance as some other breeds, such as Poodles. Overall, Cavapoos are wonderful dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. If you are looking for a loving, loyal, and easy-to-care-for dog, the Cavapoo may be the perfect breed for you. Here are some additional things to keep in mind about Cavapoos: They are relatively expensive dogs to buy and own. They can be prone to some health problems, such as mitral valve disease, progressive retinal atrophy, and hip dysplasia. They are not suitable for homes with very young children, as they can be easily injured by rough play. If you are considering getting a Cavapoo, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. Cavapoo History The Cavapoo dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders in Australia started intentionally mixing Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles in the late s. Breeders wanted to mix the outgoing and calmer nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the intelligence of a Poodle. Since Poodles tend to shed less, they were also selected in an effort to create a mixed breed for allergy sufferers. Breeders continued to create Cavapoos as demand for the mixed-breed pups climbed. Even though the Cavapoo mixed breed got its start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up Cavapoo rescues, or check with breed-specific Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Poodle rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed-breed dogs and find homes for them. Cavapoo Size As the Cavapoo is a relatively new breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle parents, you can expect Cavapoos to be small to medium, depending on the size of the Poodle parent. Most weigh in at nine to 25 pounds and range in height from nine to 14 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. Cavapoo Personality Cavapoos have boomed in popularity because they have such an amicable and winning personality. That said, the Cavapoo is not a dog that tolerates being alone very much, and they could experience separation anxiety if not properly socialized and trained. The Cavapoo is an intelligent breed and lives for your validation and praise. This makes Cavapoos fairly easy to train, as they are eager to please. Cavapoos can be athletic too, which makes them great when it comes to agility and obedience competitions. As they can be somewhat attached-at-the-hip, it is important to train your Cavapoo early so they know how to be alone. Without proper training, your Cavapoo could turn to destructive behaviors, like chewing furniture and shoes or rooting through the garbage, when they are left alone. Cavapoos tend to get along with everyone and may even greet an intruder with a wag of their tail. Cavapoos tend to thrive most in homes where they get loads of attention, be it with a family or a senior citizen. Cavapoo Health Cavapoos are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to some health problems that are common in both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles. MVD can cause a variety of symptoms, including coughing, difficulty breathing, and fainting. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA is a group of eye diseases that can lead to blindness. PRA is a genetic condition that is not curable, but there are treatments that can slow the progression of the disease. Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joints do not fit together properly. This can cause pain and lameness. Hip dysplasia is often treated with surgery or medication. Luxating patella is a condition in which the kneecap slips out of place. Luxating patella is often treated with surgery or physical therapy. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures. Epilepsy can be controlled with medication, but it is not curable. Syringomyelia is a condition in which fluid builds up in the spinal cord. This can cause pain, weakness, and other neurological symptoms. Syringomyelia is often treated with surgery or medication. Dental problems are common in all dogs, but they are especially common in Cavapoos. Cavapoos are prone to tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Allergies are also common in Cavapoos. Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including skin problems, ear infections, and respiratory problems. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Cavapoos are somewhat prone to weight gain, and they can have heart issues if they do not maintain a healthy weight. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. Check their ears for debris and pests daily, and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking loudly against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as smaller breeds are prone to dental issues. Cavapoo Feeding An ideal Cavapoo diet should be formulated for a small- to medium-sized breed with high energy levels. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They can be a variety of colors , including cream, fawn, chocolate, gold, chestnut, and white. They can sometimes be solid colors, but often they are chestnut and white, or they can even be tri-colored. They usually have short, soft, and wavy or curly coats. They can become quite the fluffballs, though, and require regular grooming. Because of their Poodle parent, they are somewhat less prone to shedding, which is why some allergy sufferers do well with Cavapoos. Their curly coats make them able to tolerate moderate cold and heat. Like all dogs, however, they should not be left outside in either extreme warm or cold temperatures. Cavapoo Children And Other Pets Because the Cavapoo can be on the smaller side, they can get easily hurt by overly excited children, especially younger ones. It is important that any kids in the house know how to safely approach and play with your Cavapoo. Having said that, the Cavapoo loves everyone and generally enjoys romping around with kids. When it comes to other pets, Cavapoos can get along with other animals as long as they are introduced in a calm, slow manner. Cavapoos are generally friendly dogs, and they can get along with other dogs and even cats when properly socialized. Many Cavapoos get along just fine with other dogs and cats, so it really comes down to training, socialization, and the luck of the draw. Cavapoo Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Cavapoos because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try: Carolina Poodle Rescue Cavapoo Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. I got Roxy in January and she is such a good girl! At 5 months she already knows how to sit and give kisses. Thank you!! Just wanted to tell you we are delighted with our new mini GoldenDoodle we got yesterday! She is the sweetest pup! Meet Elsa! She is so smart! Rolls over, shakes, rings a bell to go outside! Her little personality makes me laugh every day. My wife and I absolutely adore our female Whoodle pup that we purchased from you guys. Midnight is the sweetest pup and has so much love to share. We will hopefully be back this coming fall or spring to bring home another puppy. Good morning, I wanted to share a few pictures of our red minature goldendoodle we purchased from you. She is so fun, spunky, sweet heart and loves to play. She came into our home May .What a delightful, sweet dog. Thanks Valley View! I got her in Oct of .She is my sweet baby girl with lots of personality!! She is now 3yrs old and spoiled rotten!! We got Bear sometime in the beginning of and he is the best thing to ever happen to us. We drove three hours to get him and it was totally worth it. He is a very smart dog that can learn tricks in less than 10 minutes! His favorite trick is giving hugs! I have never met another dog that is this goofy. He loves eating socks, digging out of the trash and licking bellybuttons. He also farts when he stands and burps super loud. He makes me laugh and I love him so much! Thank you! This is Alfredo and we got him 15 years ago. This pup is Gizmo and we got her in January .We welcomed Winter into our family July of .She just turned 1 years old and is a very healthy beautiful girl. She enjoys the outdoors. She had an attitude the size of a horse and uses it to her advantage at times. She is spoiled beyond belief! The joy she has brought into our life has been amazing. Thank you for our beautiful girl. She is absolutely perfect! We have our two perfect girls now but if we ever decide these two need another sister we definitely will be back! Love the Beetcher family! This is Pixie Pickles. She is a great addition to our family. She is so friendly and has the best personality! We absolutely love her! Heston family We purchased a golden doodle from you Just before Christmas last year. We have been extremely happy with him, he is quite a character. Everyone who meets him, falls in love with him right away. Including my mom. I will attach a couple pics of Tucker also. Thank you very much. I hope you have a great rest of the day. Hello There, I bought Milo from April .Pandemic started then and since then has become my super companion. I remember his dad is called snow and mom is acorn. Are those 2 still alive? I just want to see what they look like. This is Milo now. He is soo happy and super clingy with us. But over all healthy dog. I will forever be grateful of the farm. He really helped me with my depression during the pandemic. Spoiled rotten is this dogs life now! Thank you so much we love her, and will definitely be back again when looking for another puppy. He will be 2 on January 14th he is the best and smartest pup we have ever had. This is Pixie Malshi. She joined our family in October .We fell in love with her picture online and the moment we saw her we knew she was perfect! She loves being around people and has the best personality. She fits in perfectly with our family. Hello, Just a quick update. We are not the original owners. He grew to be a 20 pounder. We have his teeth cleaned every year and has only lost 2 teeth. He is in excellent health. He was trained and certified as my PTSD service dog. He has taught himself other tasks to keep me safe including alerting me when my blood sugar drops. He has saved my life several times. He is my constant companion seeing me through life threatening surgeries and complications. I groom him as part of my PTSD therapy. Wherever we go he finds the one person who needs a hug. He is fantastic with kids. His soft mouth has help so many kids overcome their fears. We named him Harley. We are crazy in love with him! She is still very shy when it comes to people but she loves other dogs. She will start her puppy class on the 25th of this month. She loves her big sister Gabby. Her favorite toy is her elephant. She loves to snuggle and gives kisses she also loves to go for car rides.

My name is Mitzi Michelle Brooks. I have had dogs all my life and German Shepherds most of that time. I have tried different breeds, but always come back to what I know and love. The German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for me. I breed large, old-fashioned, straight-backed, German Shepherds with a special focus on health and temperament. I am a very small breeder, all my dogs live with me, in the house. They are first, and foremost, my beloved pets. In my litters, I concentrate on the things that matter most to me: Health and Temperament. My dogs are all larger than the breed standard but with no compromise to their health. All my dogs are medium to low energy, making them easy to train and ideally suited for families. I do not breed: dogs that are hyper, dogs that show any signs of aggression, working dogs, high drive dogs, or dogs with excessive angulation. Puppies are born and raised in my home! That means your puppy goes home with you already socialized with other dogs, with cats, and familiar with all the sights and sounds of a normal home. All puppies are also current on vaccinations and on a set deworming schedule. The puppies bred here are sold as companions and pets. Just as working dogs are bred to work, my puppies are bred to live in and be a part of a family. With their low to low-medium drive, my pups are very easy for their new parents to train and still possess that famous German Shepherd instinct to protect their home and their family. These soft temperaments mean that my dogs are happy to go out and play, but just as happy to come in, lay at your feet, and interact with their family. It gives an estimate of the risk for painful osteoarthritis OA of canine hip dysplasia CHD later in life. With this information, preventive and palliative strategies can be recommended by the PennHIP-trained veterinarian. It has been extremely helpful to me as a breeder to OFA-certify my dogs. If the breeders have been breeding a long time you should see lots of names.You are supporting puppy mills if you buy a dog with these registries as they are mainly for puppy mill breeders, You know what you get with AKC because of record inspections and DNA. All Buyers should beware! Both are breeding females that are not German Shepherds they looked like husky crosses but are registering them as German Shepherds and the registry does not care. I have personally seen it and so have many others. Are you looking for size? Here are some pointers! Most breeders of large german shepherds exaggerate by 50 lbs and several inches or more! Vet certified weight means nothing if you can't call the vet! Size means little if temper , health and longevity are not there!

Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Puppyhood The first growth phase — puppyhood — has six development stages. During each of these stages, a puppy learns a lot of things. Neonatal Stage This period lasts from birth to 13 days. The puppy needs a lot of nursing from its mom because it is rather helpless. Its ears and eyes are closed, so it does not have any senses. The little pups should completely rely on their mothers for nourishment and care. By 2 weeks, they double their birth weight. They start crawling, and then their eyes and ears begin to open. The first milk teeth appear. The puppy can even stand up, but too unstably and shakily. This makes it possible for little ones to hear, smell, and taste. They even try to walk. Their baby teeth continue growing. The period between weeks is also called a transitional one. At the end of the third week, the motor skills start developing fast. The puppy can already control its temperature and body, namely, bowel movements. It begins to interact with its littermates. Nevertheless, the pup is still largely dependent on its mother. Though, you can interact with it. At the end of this period, the little cub is ready to explore the world. Its baby teeth are almost complete, and it can stand up more stably. It starts barking and growling a bit. The puppy grows quickly now. It actively interacts with its littermates. The baby dog can walk, and its baby teeth are complete. You can also consider the German Shepherd behavior stages from now. Its mental development starts because it discovers the world actively with its senses. Its walking improves, and it can make attempts to run, so it can even sometimes get in trouble. The puppy can start eating dog food. That is why it is important to begin weaning. The little one can recognize and greet its littermates and people, get interested in new things, and continue to explore the world. However, at this age, the first fear period can be experienced. Read our detailed guide about 6 week old German Shepherd puppy. It is the best period for taking your pet home. This period can be psychologically traumatic, so be careful not to expose the pet to direct sunlight because it may be afraid of it for its entire life. All the fears need your special attention. You need to nurture, but not encourage them. Read our detailed guide about 2 month old German Shepherd puppy. So, your puppy is three months old now. It is playful and active. Its teeth are complete. It is weaned and eats dog food. The feeding recommendation here is the overall one and a half cups, three times a day. It is also time to get your pet vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. At the end of the third month, your little GSD can simulate its behavior after other dogs and humans. Training can start. Read our detailed guide about 3 month old German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy already has all its baby teeth, and adult canines and incisors begin to push through. It can even try to bite or nip you. The puppy coat begins to disappear and gets ready for replacement by the adult double-layer coat. You can see a racing stripe on its spine where the adult hair will grow. The puppy displays quick growth at this time, and it becomes stronger to withstand the possible fierce competition with its siblings if it is still staying with its family. It needs a lot of biting and chewing now for the correct growth of its adult teeth. Your pet needs consistent socialization and potty training now. After three months old, you should think about such vaccination as DHPP — distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The juvenile phase lasts from 3 to 6 months, and it can be divided into three stages by month. Continue socializing and start more substantial training. You can consult the German Shepherd weight chart here to see whether your pup develops properly. So, be attentive to the games you play with your pet. Some of them can be dangerous and traumatic because your puppy may not know how to manage its body during them. You can give it two cups of kibble totally three times per day because it needs a lot of nutrition to grow. DHPP and rabies vaccines are recommended at this age. Your little pup is ready to explore the world. However, as a true teenager, it can become more stubborn and try not to listen to your commands. It starts to understand dominance and tries to persuade you in its leadership. Read our detailed guide about 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. During this month, it can gain about 10 pounds 4. Its ears have stably perked up by this time. It looks more like an adult dog but, as a true teenager, it is very playful and is always ready to go around. The adult teeth continue to appear. Sexual maturity starts emerging. You should feed your pet around two cups three times per day. A lot of training is also needed. Read our detailed guide about 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. It needs a lot of training and positive reinforcement. Now, your pet is fully house-trained, and it needs a lot of new experiences. The sixth month is a transition period to the Adolescent Phase. The ears are completely upright. Males achieve sexual maturity, while female puppies can experience heat cycles. Hormones start working, and male puppies can start marking the territory and looking for females to mate. The adult coat grows longer and gets its normal double layers. Adult teething is about to finish, and all 42 teeth appear. You should feed your dog with the overall two or three cups two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Adolescence Phase Months German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years 36 months old. Females become adults when they are 2 years 24 months old. However, these criteria differ for every puppy. That is why the adolescence phase lasts from the end of the 6th month to the end of the second year of age 24 months on average. By the end of this phase, the puppy reaches its full size though it will continue slightly growing. Your dog can display testing boundaries, so disobedience is widely encountered if the dog is not properly trained. German Shepherds do not look like puppies anymore. Within this period, some dogs can display their second fear period at approximately months old , though to avoid long-lasting psychological trauma, you should ignore the fears. Some dogs may occasionally forget their skills that they have already acquired, so you may need to repeat training again. Here, the reinforced training is useful because some puppies can become entirely rambunctious. Your pet will also need more socialization since it reaches its sexual maturity, and some of its reactions can be pretty unexpected. Its sexual maturity continues, which may cause some aggression because of increases and decreases in hormones. The puppy does not gain weight so fast. Teething is finished. The German Shepherd starts looking more similar to an adult dog, with its standing up ears and well-developed muscles. The food your dog needs involves two or three cups total, given two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 7 month old German Shepherd puppy. It displays a lot of aggression. It can bark or lunge at other animals, kids, and unfamiliar people. A lot of training and reinforcement is needed. You can teach the youngster new tricks to deal with their aggression. The dog has strong adult teeth, and its ears are well-formed and perky. The transition to adulthood continues. As for food, your dog needs two-three cups in total two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 8 month old German Shepherd puppy. It does not grow fast, gaining about a couple of pounds per month. The dog needs two-three cups of food two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 9 month old German Shepherd puppy. They are very active and need a lot of attention and training. Sometimes, they can be really goofy or clumsy because they are still learning and do not know how to behave in many events. Your pup is very smart and clever but tends to display a lot of aggression if not supported and reinforced properly. The dogs should eat two-three cups in total per day. Read our detailed guide about 10 month old German Shepherd pupp y. It starts to challenge you as an owner and likes to demonstrate its leadership. You should teach it to be responsible and obey your commands. A lot of training and reinforcement is crucial. Still, give it two or three cups in total per day. It becomes a bit destructive, but be sure not to get angry or upset with it. It needs your patience and positive attitude. Such vaccines as DHPP and rabies are recommended at this age. It should also transit to adult food. Give it three or three and a half cups total twice a day. Read our detailed guide about 1 year old German Shepherd puppy. Years 1. This time is considered a transition period. The dog may have problems with fears and memory breakdowns. It may even forget how to do familiar things and should be trained again. However, its attention span is longer at this age, so it can have a more thorough obedience training. The dog should eat three or three and a half cups two times a day. Year 2 months — The Second Transition Phase This is one more transition period known as young adulthood. Your dog still displays some aggression. That is why they continue to need reinforcement, training, and socialization. It has already gained its athletic frame and strong muscle, and only several pounds are lacking for reaching its adult weight. In fact, you get a German Shepherd full-grown pet now. The DHPP vaccination is recommended at this age. Continue to feed your dog with three to three and a half cups in total twice per day. It has become a loyal and protective family pet or an obedient and enduring working dog. The young adulthood stage lasts from the second to the third year after the puppy was born. Its size is typical now for an adult dog. However, it may continue to grow slightly, but the changes are not noticeable at all. At this phase, you can also notice that your pet becomes more and more active. It needs a lot of exercise and training. A lot of physical activity is essential for the dog to stay in high spirits. The period between the second and third years of life is also called the adult growth stage. This is the time when your friend gets its excellent breed characteristics. It loves attention very much and continues to learn new things eagerly. The dog enjoys training sessions and strives for new experiences. It becomes calmer and more confident. Its hyperactivity slightly decreases. It displays a lot of self-control and discipline. Continue feeding your dog with three to three and a half cups twice per day. It will be its constant adult diet. Vaccination against rabies is recommended and required by authorities at this age. Seniority Phase This is the last phase of German Shepherd development. It may seem wonderful, but your dog can continue to slightly grow. The phase is divided into two periods — early senior years old and late senior years old. Unfortunately, you need to focus on its health rather than on training. Such health issues as hip dysplasia, joint pain, and decreased stamina can appear at this age. You need to have consultations with your vet more often. During this period, your dog does not change its weight and height considerably. Though, you can observe slight changes in weight. On average, these dogs live years. You need to attend to their health and comfort. The dog may remain energetic and playful, but it slightly slows down. It wants to rest more and gets much calmer. The animal may suffer from some pains, so it may need pain relievers for spine and joint problems and arthritis. It may also need nutritional supplements and changes to its diet. Special senior and sensitive stomach food may become the best choice. Avoid jumping and hard playing. Continuous veterinary monitoring is needed if some symptoms are worsening. The accepted proportion that is considered ideal is .The weight is usually not taken into consideration. If your pet does not correspond to this proportion, there may be a health issue you do not know about yet. That is why you need to monitor the parameters carefully. To be sure that everything is OK, multiply the length of your dog by 0. You will get the perfect height. However, there can be some divergences. If they are minor, you have nothing to worry about. The German Shepherd is rather thin, or even skinny. This results in bad proportions. The ideal weight of your German Shepherd is lbs kg for males and lbs kg for females. You can get either a heavy or obese dog, and it can be a result of overfeeding or certain health issues. How to Check the Weight of Your German Shepherd The simplest method to see whether your dog is underweight is to check whether the ribs are visible on the sides. If you can see that the shape of your dog reminds you of a barrel on the ribs, it means that it is overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs, but there is too much skin on the sides, your dog is overweight. However, if you feel the ribs and only a thin layer of skin, it is underweight. It does not matter whether your dog is underweight or overweight. In any case, it can cause health problems if you do not repair the situation. The best way to succeed is to make changes to the diet. If your German Shepherd is underweight, you should enrich the content of its food. However, do not make it eat if the dog does not want to. That can lead to more severe problems. Make a slow transition to food with higher fat content. Or you may even give your dog puppy food because it is rich in nutrients. If your pet is obviously overweight, the best thing is to cut off the food. However, you also need to do it step by step so that the dog finally can eat just half of the amount you have recently fed it. The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder and an average weight of pounds kg. Nevertheless, some German Shepherds can grow bigger and even reach pounds kg. You need to be sure about its proportions though to understand if your pet meets the standards. If you see some deficiencies, meet your vet for a more thorough evaluation. When does a German Shepherd stop growing? German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years old. Females become adults when they are 2 years old. How tall is a German Shepherd? The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder. An average male reaches inches cm in height, while an average female should be inches cm tall. The body of both males and females should be longer than their height. How big do German Shepherds get? How much does a German Shepherd weight? In general, an average male reaches pounds kg in weight, while an average female should be pounds kg heavy. This is a very strong and brave dog that can become a perfect guardian and protector. If you decide to take a GS puppy, you need to follow its growth stages accurately to be sure that it develops properly. You should follow a high-quality diet, provide your dog with a lot of exercise, and ensure its proper training and socialization. Your German Shepherd cannot stay healthy and active if it gets some health problems related to its weight or height. Sometimes, these issues are not obvious and understandable to the owner. That is why it is important to know the main development parameters of your German Shepherd growth stages to cope with possible challenges. We hope that this article, together with the weight and height chart, will become your effective and helpful guide. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. How about some details regarding their feeding habits, behavior, medical needs, grooming regimen, and exercise requirements? In this section, you will find everything you need to know to keep them healthy and assist with things such as toilet training and teething. She will discipline them and make sure they learn to be independent. They then begin to go to the toilet independently and venture away from mom. At week 8, they play, can be housebroken, and bark when startled. The famous GSD ears will start to stand up, and you can begin leash and crate training. They must be handled and groomed and realize that human commands and dominance are the norm. During this time, the mother will nurse the pups until they are old enough to begin eating puppy mush , which is softened kibble. Allow puppies to eat as much as they like at each meal. At 6—8 weeks, their first shot from the vet is due. Smith, Shutterstock 12 weeks is a turning point for your pup. Their coordination will come on in bounds, as will their learning and social skills. They will be eager to learn but easily distracted, so have plenty of patience. If you become angry, it will stunt development if they become fearful of you. Your pup is officially into the juvenile period now. All of his puppy teeth should be developed by now and are normally very sharp. So, beware of your fingers when playing. At 12 weeks of age, puppies can start to eat three to four set meals a day with measured amounts. Purpose-made dog-approved chew toys are best, not teddy bears or old shoes. As they grow through this period between three and six months, GSD puppies are more juvenile than babies. They will be more boisterous and energetic. But on the plus side will feed easily, be more friendly with animals and people alike, and more than likely be housetrained if you have managed them correctly. They will be stubborn at this age when training and could ignore you, or not come when called. The best approach is to ignore any sassy attitude and only praise and fuss when back to being obedient. His internal organs and systems are fully developed and functioning as they should, while the skeleton is still growing. His full set of adult teeth should be present and correct. Your GSD is now becoming independent and will want to roam different areas and interact with their world on many more levels. Be aware that they could weigh 50 lbs at 6 months, so caution is needed with control and safety as they explore. He may also seemingly forget commands that he has been taught. It is best to ignore, not mollycoddle, any fearful reactions to new things to not reinforce the negative behaviors. By 6 months of age, you can reduce the feedings to three per day, now paying attention to the total calories consumed. Between the ages of 4—6 months, he will shed his puppy coat too. He might still be a bit goofy, gangly, and stubborn when it comes to training. German Shepherd females are reaching sexual maturity at this age. They may have their first estrus heat period. So, be mindful of letting them off the lead during this time if other dogs are around. At 9 months, your GSD can be tested for heartworm and treated if needs be. Speak with your vet about this for more detail. You can add small amounts of solid adult formula into the puppy food to get him used to the texture. Making it the optimal time to stimulate them as much as you can with obedience training and work activities. Your GSD should be comfortable in all situations, and with all types of company as their bond with humans should be well established. Their unique personality and quirks should be apparent and set them apart as your dog. They will have developed vocal and body language traits that you recognize and use for their needs. If male, he will be reaching sexual maturity and cocking his leg when urinating. He might also be looking to challenge dogs and humans for the title of pack leader. The key to cementing all your hard work so far is to be consistently firm with any boundaries he tries to push. By 12 months, they should be on adult formula only. German Shepherds stop growing between 2 and 3 years. This is when they fill out too. It starts to slow at around the age of 1, but he will continue to grow until he reaches maturity. During this time, they are considered to be adolescents. This is the same for their mental maturity too. This is the same for all German Shepherd types. Females tend to mature faster, both physically and mentally, than male German Shepherds. There are different stages within this time frame before maturity. And these are the neonatal stage 1—2 weeks , the transitional stage 2—4 weeks , the socialization stage 4 weeks to 3 months , the juvenile stage 3—6 months , and the adolescent stage 6 months to 2 years. Research has shown that neutering dogs can affect their growth. But how exactly? But early indications show that early neutering can increase the length of time that the bone grows. Meaning potentially taller dogs. But this also poses questions about whether this affects the joint alignment and whether it can cause any problems. And for the German Shepherd breed and his heightened propensity for hip dysplasia, this is a concern to be aware of. But waiting for full skeletal maturity also poses risks. Because neutering for females can reduce mammary cancer. If spayed before her first heat, it can eliminate the chances of this type of cancer altogether. As they will be able to offer you tailored advice for your German Shepherd. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth The dangers of growing too fast can affect their skeletal development. Conditions caused by growing too quickly are joint dysplasia and osteochondrosis. By feeding him a kibble that is designed for large-breed puppies will help control the rate at which his bones grow. This is because they have the optimum ratio of calcium and phosphorus levels in the food. So, always feed him large-breed puppy food during his developmental stage. This is most common in German Shepherds, but also in some Labrador Retrievers. It is an inherited disorder of growth hormone deficiency, and it will make the affected pooch always appear puppy-like. Growth Distinctions of Different German Shepherds. German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. When your German Shepherd is the ideal weight, you can feel their ribs, although they are not easily seen, and they are not covered in a layer of fat. There should be a defined waistline when your dog is viewed from above and a noticeable tummy tuck when they are viewed from the side. Underweight German Shepherds While German Shepherds are growing, they will be thinner and look gangly until they fill out in adulthood. It is sometimes recommended to keep your growing German Shepherd marginally underweight but not unhealthily thin while their joints grow and strengthen. Purina defines two levels of underweight: thin and slightly underweight. Thin: Ribs, hips, and spine are easily felt, and there is no fat covering the sides and back. There is noticeable muscle loss around shoulders and thighs, an overly pronounced waistline from the top view, and an overly pronounced tummy tuck from the side view. Slightly underweight: Ribs can be easily felt, hips and spine may be slightly visible if your German Shepherd has shorter hair, but there is no fat covering. There is an obvious waistline from above and a marked tummy tuck from the side. If your German Shepherd is underweight or thin, speak to your veterinarian. It could be that they are just growing quickly, often becoming lightly underweight after a growth spurt and then putting weight on until the next growth spurt. You may just need to change their food or feed them larger and more frequent meals. However, their low weight may indicate parasites or another underlying medical condition. Elderly German Shepherds can struggle with being underweight. This is why senior dog foods typically have a higher calorie count. Overweight German Shepherds It is important to prevent your German Shepherd from becoming overweight while they are growing. Extra weight on developing joints and muscles can cause problems. German Shepherds can also suffer from hip dysplasia, which is worsened by excess weight. Other excessive weight-related conditions include diabetes, pancreatitis, heart problems, respiratory problems, kidney disease, and arthritis. Related: German Shepherd Joint Problems: All You Need to Know Your German Shepherd is not likely to become overweight in the first 9 months of their lives because their growth rate easily matches their calorie intake. When your German Shepherd reaches 9 months, growth slows down significantly, and you may need to adjust their food quantities to account for this sudden reduction in calorie requirements. A helpful tip is to switch to low-calorie treats during this stage, especially considering training needs to intensify, and people often use treats for positive reinforcement incentives. And instead of switching to a calorie-restricted food or reducing the amount you feed your German Shepherd, speak to a veterinarian about switching from puppy food to adult food. Purina defines four levels of overweight: slightly overweight, markedly overweight, obese, and clinically obese. Slightly overweight: Ribs can be felt slightly, but there is an obvious layer of fat covering the ribcage and back. There is a slight waistline when viewed from the top, but it is not clear. There is a slight tummy tuck towards the hind legs when viewed from the side. Markedly overweight: Ribs are not easily felt, and there is an obvious layer of fat over the ribcage. There are fatty pads along the lower back and at the base of the tail, making the waistline absent when viewed from above. Obese: Ribs are difficult to feel because of the fatty layer covering them. There are significant fatty pads along the lower back and at the base of the tail, making the waistline absent when viewed from above. And the tummy bulges outward and sags slightly when viewed from the side. Clinically obese: Ribs cannot be felt under the fatty layer. There are significant fatty pads around the neck and legs, along the lower back, and at the base of the tail. The waistline is absent when viewed from above. The tummy significantly bulges and sags when viewed from the side. Miniature German Shepherds are much smaller and have completely different development requirements and problems. Final Thoughts The weight and growth charts provided in this article are designed to provide guidelines for the developmental milestones your puppy should be reaching in the first years of its life. Male German Shepherds are bigger and heavier than females, and from weeks old, these differences become apparent. Although males and females have different weight and height targets at each stage, they should hit the same percentages of their adult weight at the same age. If your puppy is slightly above or below the average weight or height at a given age, it does not mean that there is a problem. However, if your German Shepherd puppy starts to fall more and more behind, or if they miss other developmental milestones other than weight and height, it may indicate an underlying medical condition, and you will need to take your dog to see a veterinarian. Deficiencies in weight can compromise growth and the general condition of your German Shepherd, and excess weight can cause joint injury and other serious medical conditions. Keep all of these things in mind and be observant of your growing pup and how you approach feeding and training in accordance. By doing this, you will ensure that you have a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted German Shepherd for many years to come! However, there are certain breeds that are easier to train than others. Thankfully, German Shepherds fit into that category because they are very intelligent and quick learners. This includes house training , crate training , basic obedience commands as well as learning tricks. We recommend attending a puppy kindergarten class as part of your German Shepherd puppy socialization strategy. Once your pup knows their basic obedience commands, you can enroll them in Schutzhund training aka IPO. Partnership and teamwork between yourself and your dog are the basis for this type of training. Note that the Schutzhund environment is not a place for dogs with aggression issues, neither towards other dogs nor people! If they pass that initial level which includes a temperament test, they can move on to IPO 2 minimum age 19 months and IPO 3 minimum age 20 months. That said, protection dog trainers recommend starting training classes that include bitework and high jumps once your German Shepherd puppy is 12 months old. Dutch and Czech are two other languages that commands are frequently taught in. Stanley, my former long-haired GSD dog walking client, started going to Schutzhund training when he was a little over 12 months old. His owners practiced commands in German with him on a daily basis, and I remember getting a print out of his German commands as they asked me to use them on our walks as well. Lots, ha! German Shepherds need a minimum of 2 hours of physical exercise per day, but generally speaking, the more exercise you can provide your GSD with, the more they will thrive. Remember, German Shepherds are high-energy, athletic dogs bred to be active all day long, especially if they come from a working line! Physical Exercise Ideas for German Shepherds As far as physical exercise, this can be a mix of walks, runs, bike rides, fetch and playtime. This is Nala, one of my former pet sitting clients. She was crazy about frisbees and balls. One of my favorite ways of increasing the energy and calories a dog burns on a regular walk or hike is by using a doggie backpack. Mental Stimulation for German Shepherds Besides providing a good physical workout, dog backpacks also burn mental energy. As you probably know, bored dogs can quickly become destructive as they figure out ways of entertaining themselves. For example, chewing up your furniture and shoes, scratching doors, raiding your kitchen trash can or digging up your flower beds. So do yourself a favor and make sure your GSD gets plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog, and that applies to German Shepherds as much as it does to any other dog breed! Former GSD client Remi pooped after a long walk. Bottom Line So, how big does a German Shepherd get? Well, German Shepherds are medium to large size dogs, so they can weigh anywhere between lbs. That said, the average expected weight for a male GSD is between lbs, and the average expected weight for a female GSD is between lbs. Both reach sexual maturity somewhere between months and are considered fully grown at about the 2 year mark. Keeping that in mind, your GSD breeder should be able to give you a good general idea of how big your German Shepherd puppy will grow to be! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Barbara is a trilingual, something dog lover, e-book author, founder, copywriter, dog nutrition blogger and editor at K9sOverCoffee. Post navigation.

As Golden Retriever owners, we want to ensure our pups are getting enough restful sleep to remain happy and healthy. But how long do Golden Retrievers need to sleep? In general, a Golden Retriever sleeps between hours as a puppy, hours as an adolescent and adult, and hours as a senior dog, every day. Unlike humans, Goldens sleep in smaller bursts that equal this total amount of time overall, rather than in one long stretch. This article will go in-depth about how much Golden Retrievers sleep, how sleep patterns may change with age, and give some information about Golden Retriever sleep in general. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! Dogs descended from wolves, who tend to sleep for long periods in the wild. This trait has been passed down to domesticated dogs, whose seemingly strange sleep patterns can invoke worry in their human owners. The most common sleep-related concern is whether a Golden Retriever is sleeping too much. Just like babies, children, and teenagers all have different sleeping habits on their way to adulthood, Goldens to need varying amounts of sleep from puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Golden Retriever puppies, like older dogs, sleep a lot. But how much is a lot in this instance? Well, puppies are rapidly growing toward their adolescent and adult sizes, so they need lots of sleep for their bodies to grow and mature. For this reason, Golden Retriever puppies often sleep between hours a day. Thankfully, this is the easy part. Before they start growing and getting into trouble exploring, you can just let a Golden Retriever puppy sleep as much as it wants in between feeding and potty time. Sleeping more is actually a good thing at this stage! Explained , it covers the sleep requirements of a Golden puppy in great detail. Once past the puppy stage, adolescent Golden Retrievers usually sleep between hours a day, but this can go up to as much as 18 hours a day. The breed factors in too, as larger working breeds, like Golden Retrievers, have more energy than other dogs. This means an adult Golden Retriever may not need to sleep as much as some other breeds. Another important consideration is how much stimulation the dog is exposed to daily. A larger dog breed, such as a Golden Retriever, is considered a senior dog at just 7 years of age, and senior dogs begin sleeping more often and longer. Senior Golden Retrievers sleep a lot, just like their puppy counterparts. On average, older Golden Retrievers sleep hours, but this can vary greatly depending on the individual dog and their temperament. Some dogs remain high energy throughout their life, and others suffer mobility problems like hip dysplasia especially common in the Golden Retriever breed that makes too much physical activity painful. You should observe the sleeping habits and preferences of your dog, and tailor your approach to raising them based on that, rather than generalizations. Another huge factor that can influence how much a dog sleeps is where they live. Trips to the dog park and regular exercise help — jogging with your Golden Retriever is a great exercise for both of you! Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! Here are a few ways to make sure that your Goldens sleep is the best it can be. Have a Regular Routine Just like humans, dogs will benefit from having a regular daily routine. Having standard times of the day when you feed or walk your Golden Retriever will help establish a rhythm to their day. A routine will allow your dog to set up a sleep pattern they can count on. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise! The best way as a dog owner to make sure that your Golden Retriever is getting the quality sleep they need is to give them plenty of daily exercise. A well-exercised Golden will be extra relaxed, and sleep soundly. A tired dog will have used up enough of their energy for the day to have no problem sleeping, while a dog with pent-up energy will have difficulty going to, and staying asleep. A Comfortable Sleeping Place All Their Own Having a comfortable place to sleep that they can call their own will go a long way towards having a well-rested Golden Retriever. This is particularly true for puppies and older dogs. A Golden Retriever puppy will benefit from crate training , while an older dog will benefit from having a comfortable dog bed that is easy on his joints. Having the right sleeping arrangement for your Golden Retriever will not only help your pup sleep better, chances are it will help you sleep better as well. As long as you provide your Golden with a loving and stimulating home, they will self-regulate the amount of time they spend sleeping based on their individual needs. How Much Sleep Golden Retrievers Actually Need July 26, Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Do you ever wonder how much sleep your Golden Retriever should be getting? How long Golden Retrievers sleep depends on several factors such as age, health, and lifestyle. Golden Retrievers sleep about 12 to 14 hours each day, with puppies and senior Golden Retrievers sleeping a little bit more. The age of a Golden Retriever is often the most significant factor that influences how much they sleep. Dogs are a crepuscular species. This means they are naturally most active at dawn and dusk. Evening zoomies, anyone?! They tend to sleep for chunks of time throughout the day and night, and can be fairly flexible and adaptable with their sleep patterns. Golden Retriever puppies need about 18 hours of sleep and rest each day. Puppies are baby animals, and babies need a lot of sleep. They are undergoing major physical and mental growth, and sleep is important to ensuring proper development. You might notice that some days your puppy seems to need a lot of sleep, and may even exceed 18 hours. Long naps might indicate that your puppy is having a growth spurt, and needs the extra rest. Other days your Golden Retriever puppy may not be as inclined to rest for quite as long. So the 18 hours is more of a guide, than a strict plan. Proper sleep helps keep your puppy happy, healthy and well-behaved. Want to potty train your puppy fast? Golden Retrievers aged 6 to 18 months need about 14 to 16 hours of sleep per day. This can seem like a lot, but this is because their brains are going through a big reconstruction from puppy brain to adult dog brain. They may not be 8-week-old puppies anymore, but sleep is still extremely important for adolescent Golden Retrievers. Adult Goldens need about 12 to 14 hours of sleep each day. How much your adult Golden sleeps in a day may vary depending on their overall health and activity levels. Just as with younger Golden Retrievers, adults can be negatively affected by lack of sleep. Dogs who are sleep-deprived can experience health and behavioral issues as a result. Senior Golden Retrievers need about 18 to 20 hours of sleep each day. Just like human senior citizens, older Goldens tend to slow down and sleep more. Some senior pups also have health issues that can cause them to sleep more too. Golden Retrievers enter the senior category starting at 8 years old. And in some cases, a lack of sleep can actually cause health problems for your dog. Maybe they have allergies that make them super itchy, causing them to wake up frequently from naps. Some Golden Retrievers can have anxiety issues that make getting enough sleep a challenge. Even digestive issues can create sleep difficulties for Goldens. So when it comes to sleep and health, it goes both ways. Some Golden Retrievers are experts at putting themselves down for a nap when they start to feel tired. Others seemingly never tire and are always ready for the next thing. While taking a nap and sleeping through the night might seem like normal, natural things for a dog to do, some will need more help and support to get sufficient rest. Good sleep for dogs means they are getting the right amount of sleep for their age. But it also means they are getting high-quality sleep, which means uninterrupted stretches of sleep. Dogs will usually nap for 30 minutes to several hours at a time. So quantity and quality are both important when it comes to good sleep for your Golden. Goldens are highly intelligent, and if you only focus on physical exercise, they may struggle with getting enough sleep because of excess mental energy. Some ways to incorporate mental exercise are puzzle toys , training games , and time to sniff in nature. Some Goldens excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience and nose work, and those can be excellent mental enrichment opportunities too. Nutrition Just like in humans, nutrition can also play a role in sleep for dogs. A healthy, balanced diet is an important part of getting proper rest. Essentially, think about what factors make it easier for your dog to fall asleep and stay asleep. If your dog tends to want to involve themselves in all the happenings in your household and, as a result, is sleep deprived, it might help to use a crate , pen , or baby gate to help them settle down. Confinement can be great for puppies and teenage Goldens as well, who may not have the skill of putting themselves down for a nap quite yet. Sometimes covering the crate , or draping a sheet over the pen, can cut down on visual stimulation and help pups fall asleep more easily. Consider what kind of surfaces your dog likes to sleep on. Some love a cool tile floor. Others enjoy a plush dog bed. Think about temperature too. Do they need a fan? Or a blanket? Other things like calming music and lavender can also help soothe dogs and help them fall asleep, whether during the day or at night. Just like humans will put babies and children down for nap time, you can do the same for your dog. Then make sure their sleep zone is set up to their liking. For some Goldens it can help to give them a toy to chew or lick , which can promote relaxation. So you might give them a yummy stuffed kong to work on as they transition from active and awake to relaxed and asleep. If you notice your dog sleeping more than normal, it could be an indication that they are sick. Excessive sleep could also be due to other factors such as warm weather, stress, or a particularly long hike, for example. If their increased sleep is accompanied by lethargy, lack of appetite or other changes in behavior, definitely consult your vet. Sweet Golden Dreams Understanding how much sleep your pup needs at the various stages of their life will help you ensure they are getting the right amount. A well-rested Golden is a healthier, better-behaved dog who can enjoy a happier life with you. And to help your Golden sleep well, read this post about the best bed for your Golden Retriever next. Getting a Golden Retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Related articles:. Weather Health All these factors can contribute to how much your Golden Retriever puppy sleeps, either increasing or decreasing the amount of sleep. Knowing which factors affect sleep is important because your Golden Retriever puppy must get enough sleep to grow and develop normally. So, understanding how to create the best sleep environment for your puppy ensures that it gets enough sleep and quality sleep. Age Age is typically the single most significant factor in the amount of sleep. As your puppy grows, it will require little less sleep. The amount of sleep should get down to about 14 — 16 hours a day as the Golden Retriever grows in adulthood. The younger the puppy, the more they sleep Puppies play a lot when not sleeping and often at a furious pace. As well, they grow and develop rapidly. That all requires a lot more sleep. As they slow in growth, their amount of sleep trends down slightly as they age. However, even adult Golden Retrievers spend the majority of their day sleeping. Activity Level Next to age for puppies, activity level is often the most significant contributor to sleep volume. Although puppies spend a good portion of the day and night sleeping, they still require activity, such as physical exercise, and mental stimulation e. How much activity they need is discussed below in the tips section. However, consider that more play and exercise means a more tired puppy and more sleep. Weather When temperatures rise in the summertime, it may be uncomfortable for a young puppy to sleep. Dogs typically have a much harder time dealing with hotter temperatures than we do. So, during hot summer nights, your puppy might find it difficult to cool down and sleep, especially if you lack air conditioning. Ceiling fans work well for circulating heat and keeping the room cooler. You can also sleep on the main floor or in the basement, which is often cooler than sleeping upstairs. For example, I have a mattress topper that I carry to the main floor during hot summer nights. Health Sick puppies or puppies with medical conditions might need more sleep. As well, some medications can impact sleep. If your puppy is sick, the extra rest helps it recuperate. If the puppy has a medical condition or one that requires medication, then make sure to discuss potential sleep impacts with your vet. It is essential to be informed and know what to do. Sleep during the day and night can differ, but both are important. Dogs, including puppies, very much live their lives by their internal clocks or circadian rhythms. While a sleep schedule is often most important through the night, ensuring the puppy has adequate sleep when it needs it during the day is also essential. Just like babies and toddlers need naps for healthy development and growth and to not be cranky or overtired , puppies also need to nap for the same reasons. Consider these tips to ensure your Golden Retriever puppy can sleep through the day. Do Not Disturb the Puppy When Napping Puppies are adorable, and often we are tempted to pick them up or play with them. However, it is essential to not disturb a puppy when napping. They are sleeping because their bodies need it. Consider how you feel when abruptly woken from a deep nap or sleep. For example, teach children to wait for a puppy to wake up before playing or cuddling. Try not to wake a puppy while napping — their growing body and minds need that sleep Schedule Nap Times Earlier, we touched on how important consistent sleep is to a puppy and how they sleep naturally based on a circadian rhythm. Typically, puppies will nap after a bout of exercise and play during the day. A natural routine may look like this; they eat, go potty, play, then nap for 30 minutes to two hours. Understanding that they typically sleep after an activity ensures that you can set aside quality time for napping. It also allows you to schedule some of YOUR activities during this time. For example, cooking and cleaning are much more difficult with an underfoot puppy that is eager to play. Teaching your Golden Retriever to settle to a mat or elevated bed helps in this regard. Scheduling activities can also ensure your puppy tires at the appropriate time. For example, understanding that puppies like to play after a meal, make sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise in the evening after supper. This will help expend his energy into the evening, so he sleeps through the night and helps him settle during the time you usually compress in the evening to watch TV. Teach the Puppy to Self-Soothe Like children, puppies can become overstimulated, making it difficult to wind down. While play and exercise are essential, too much can be overwhelming. Disrupting nap times may cause the puppy to be overtired. As noted in the first tip, do not disturb the puppy when napping. This is the first step to teaching a puppy how to self-soothe. In this way, it gets the largest block of quality sleep during the night, which coincides with when we need our best sleep as well. So, how do you ensure that your Golden puppy sleeps through the night? Below are some suggestions to help with that goal. Give It Enough Exercise During the Day While overstimulating a puppy can impact sleep, so can understimulating a puppy. All that pent-up energy from lack of physical and mental activity during the day means you might have a puppy that is energetic well into the evening and gets up frequently during the night. How much activity do puppies need? In addition to playing and mental stimulation, puppies need their month in age x 5 minutes of physical exercise twice per day. So, for example, take a 3-month-old Golden Retriever puppy. It would need 15 minutes of exercise twice per day or 30 minutes total. Lack of physical and mental stimulation can affect both the quantity and quality of sleep. For example, a small puppy that does not get enough physical or mental stimulation will have pent-up energy. As a result, you may find a puppy that not only seeks more attention but will sleep less than a more stimulated and tired puppy. A well-exercised puppy is a tired puppy Keep a Regular Schedule It is crucial to put puppies on a consistent and regular sleep schedule. The goal is to teach the puppy to hold its bladder through the night and get the most extensive single block of its sleep through the night when you are sleeping. An erratic and inconsistent schedule during the night can affect how much your puppy sleeps. For example, if you are constantly up to all hours, and your puppy is often up with you, it may impact your ability to get your puppy on a consistent sleep schedule. Dogs, including puppies, do not live their lives by a clock. So, the last thing you want is a puppy that is up during the night and sleeping all day, because that is what it is accustomed to. And as discussed earlier, puppies need both enough sleep and good quality sleep for healthy brain and body development. Establish a Routine Puppie catches on to routines very quickly. Often they will know when you are getting ready to leave in the morning when you brush your teeth and start getting dressed. Bedtimes can be similar. He then goes out for a potty break, gets a treat, and then immediately runs up and jumps on my bed, and goes to sleep. He knows his routine because it was taught as a puppy. Someplace where you can hear the puppy is beneficial should the puppy need to go potty during the night. Also, make sure the room is dark, cool, and quiet. Night Is Not for Play Your puppy may need a potty break during the night, or it may not be ready to sleep yet. In addition, they often want to play afterward or do not need to go potty but rather want attention. Then, bring the puppy back to its bed or crate and go to sleep. Resist the temptation if it whines or tries to engage you in play. The puppy needs to learn that nighttime is for sleep. The same patient and positive rules apply. Keep putting the puppy in its bed calmly and with lots of praise. Crates work well because they can be closed, which prevents the puppy from escaping and engaging you. Most puppies, once accustomed to crates, will love them! Bailey slept in his crate as a puppy, but now sleeps on my bed Just be prepared to ignore whining, barking, and crying as the puppy tries to get you to give in to your guilt by playing on your heartstrings. Training a puppy, especially during the night, can be challenging. So, if you need training help I reviewed the best online dog training courses to determine the best ones. The link is in the big gold box at the end of this post. Expect your Golden Retriever puppy to sleep upwards of 16 to 20 hours per day. Most of all, enjoy those times of sleep. When the puppy is not sleeping, it can be a whirling tornado of crazy activity. Raising Goldens: Recommendations and Resources. They tend to sleep for long periods, making many people wonder if their Golden retriever puppy is healthy. So, how much sleep does a Golden Retriever puppy need? In general, Golden Retriever puppies need to sleep between 15 and 20 hours each day. A Golden puppy is a ball of energy when awake, and needs several hours of sleep after each play session. A young Golden retriever puppy is growing rapidly, and needs all that sleep to grow and build their muscles. Be sure to keep reading if you have a young Golden retriever pup at home! This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! How Much Sleep Your Golden Retriever Puppy Needs Adult Golden retrievers tend to spend more time asleep up to 12 hours a day than many other dog breeds because they are big dogs and expend a lot of energy. You can expect your Golden retriever puppy to sleep much more than that! It is not uncommon for a new Golden puppy to sleep between 18 and 20 hours each day. When your new puppy is awake, it is burning a lot of energy, as they are always on the move! They are also growing a lot during this time, which requires plenty of sleep. Golden Retriever Puppies: Factors That Impact Sleep In addition to needing sleep to grow, there are several other factors that could cause your Golden retriever puppy to want to take naps more often, such as: The weather: Hot weather can make dogs feel fatigued. You can help keep your puppy cool by taking them on morning walks when the sun is low. Also, you can keep your Golden cool by letting them play in the water. Golden retrievers love water and can even learn to swim if introduced to it at a young age. And Is It Safe? Their diet: Problems with their diet can also cause puppies to feel extra sleepy, a puppy needs a high quality puppy food like Blue Buffalo Natural Puppy Amazon to provide plenty of energy throughout the day. Poor quality foods are full of ingredients that will sap your pups energy as they try to digest it. Sickness: If your puppy is sick, he or she may start to sleep even more. Keep an eye out for other symptoms, such as vomiting. They are bored: An older puppy 6 months to a year might be taking naps if there is nothing else for it to do. Make sure that you play with them often and get them to exercise every day. Try to have plenty of puppy toys around the house to keep them engaged. Overall, it is normal for a golden retriever puppy to sleep a lot as they are growing rapidly, and need sleep to grow and develop. The above factors could also be causing them to take more naps, which is normal. You can try changing their food and getting them onto a better sleep schedule if you are concerned they are sleeping too much. Even if your young puppy is sleeping for 20 hours a day, they are likely healthy. How To Put Your Golden Retriever Puppy on a Sleep Schedule If your Golden retriever puppy is waking up during the night or being disruptive when they should be asleep, you will need to put them on a sleep schedule. Like human babies, puppies have to learn to sleep through the night. Having a consistent routine can help your puppy get more restful sleep, which will keep them healthy and happy! Feel free to make any changes that will fit your lifestyle better. Just remember that consistency is the key. Yes, Golden Retriever puppies do sleep a lot, especially during the first few months of their lives. In fact, they can sleep up to hours a day. This is because puppies need lots of rest to support their rapid growth and development. As they get older and become more active, they will naturally start sleeping less. Golden Retrievers are known for their high energy levels and love of play. Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them considered among the most popular breeds worldwide. Their high energy levels also make them perfect for dog shows and other activities requiring a lot of exercises. Because of this, golden retriever puppies need more sleep than humans. This breed of dog has an inquisitive nature and needs plenty of energy to keep it engaged. Golden retriever puppies are born with an instinct to play, so providing them with plenty of opportunities to play and exercise is important. These include the age, health, and maturity of the puppy, as well as its activity level. Golden Retriever puppies need a lot of sleep in order to grow and develop properly. On average, a Golden Retriever puppy will sleep between 16 and 20 hours per day. However, the amount of sleep they need may vary depending on their age, activity level, and overall health. Puppies that are more active and playful may need more sleep than those who are less active. It is important to create a comfortable sleeping environment for your puppy, such as a cozy bed or crate, to help them feel safe and secure while they rest. When determining how much should a Golden Retriever puppy sleep, consider all of these factors and adjust the amount as necessary. How Much Sleep Your Golden Retriever Puppy Needs Golden retriever puppies require around hours of sleep in 24 hours when they are months old. After this, their sleeping hours reduce to hours a day as they become more experienced and efficient sleepers. This is the amount of sleep golden retriever puppies require for proper physical and mental development. The golden retriever breed is known for its ability to wake up quickly, so puppies need to get the sleep they need to grow and develop properly. During the first six months, puppies require hours of sleep daily. By the age of two months, golden retriever puppies should be sleeping hours daily. Before reaching this sleeping threshold, golden retriever puppies should be taken out for walks or playtime several times each day to keep them active and stimulated. Puppies also need plenty of nutrition and daily exercise to ensure a healthy lifestyle. As a general rule, golden retrievers sleep more as they age. They mature faster than other dog breeds and become less excited by new surroundings and people. A well-balanced diet will ensure the golden retriever has enough nutrients to stay healthy and energized during the day. If your house or yard is too busy or loud for the golden retriever, it might need help falling asleep at night. Establish a regular sleep schedule for your puppy when you bring it home. Keep crate sessions short — no more than 1 hour every 4 weeks of age — as this will help your puppy sleep soundly and avoid being overexcited or tired from too much sleep. You can also feed your puppy before bedtime to encourage good sleeping habits. Avoid erratic and inconsistent schedules during the night, affecting how much your puppy sleeps. Instead, ensure that your pup gets at least 18 hours of sleep daily by setting a consistent sleep schedule and feeding your dog simultaneously each day. Taking your puppy outside for a bathroom break and giving them breakfast daily is a great way to help them adjust to their new sleeping schedule. Additionally, spending some playtime together before bedtime is a good way to ensure they have plenty of energy for the night. Let your puppy out as soon as they stir after waking up from sleep, and feed them an hour before bedtime. Afternoon Routine For Your Golden Pup To help your puppy sleep at night, giving them a healthy lunch and plenty of playtimes during the day is important. You can also take them on a walk or play with them to keep them busy. Try taking your puppy for a potty break about an hour before bedtime and ensure they have enough time to use the bathroom. This will help reduce the risk of accidents in their sleep. Following this routine can help your puppy sleep well at night and enjoy a healthy and happy life. Evening Routine For Your Golden Retriever Puppy Establishing a sleep schedule with your puppy will make it routine to feed and exercise him at certain times of the day. In addition to feeding and exercise, you can also take a walk with your puppy or give him an outdoor bathroom break before bedtime. Additionally, it is important to establish a consistent routine with your puppy and family members. By consistently putting your puppy on a sleep schedule, you will help him learn to sleep when it is time for bed. Establishing a regular sleep schedule with your puppy can help him develop into a well-behaved and healthy dog over time. They generally sleep hours in 24 hours. This includes periods of sleep at bedtime and sleeping time. On average, puppies sleep hours per day from birth until the age of 4 months. This also includes nap times and rest periods between activities. When puppies are given longer sleeping stretches, they learn to sleep through the night by 4 months old. This helps them develop good sleeping habits that last throughout their lives. It is important to provide puppies with plenty of social and playtime opportunities to develop healthy sleep habits and social skills. How To Help Your Golden Retriever Puppy Sleep Providing a calm and comfortable environment is one of the best ways to help your golden retriever puppy sleep. You can do this by ensuring your home is free of distractions, such as other animals or children, and your golden retriever puppy has appropriate and comfortable bedding. In addition, limit the screen time for both you and your puppy, which can lead to excessive sedentary behaviour. These simple steps will help promote a better sleep routine for your golden retriever puppy. To ensure your puppy gets enough rest, the longest time they should be left alone should be at most four hours. This will help prevent your puppy from getting bored or destructive and help them sleep better at night. Puppy naps provide another valuable source of good quality sleep. Even though puppies do not experience Rapid Eye Movement or twitching while sleeping, naps are still a vital part of their sleep cycle and play an important role in their overall health and well-being. You can do a few things to help your puppy sleep through the night and avoid waking up during the night. Feeding your puppy at least an hour before bedtime and withholding water for 30 minutes before bedtime can help ensure your puppy is well-fed and ready to sleep. Avoiding disturbing your puppy when it naps can help ensure it gets enough sleep. Besides, give your puppy a bathroom break before crating for the night. The benefits of ensuring your golden retriever puppy get enough sleep go far beyond just a tired pet. It helps them develop healthy habits, such as sleeping through the night and waking up independently. It also helps their emotional development as they master their internal clocks. Plus, they feel more mentally sharp and less disease-prone if they get enough rest. Make sure your puppy gets at least 8 hours of sleep every night, and it will be just fine. Happy supper time. Conclusion When it comes to puppies, one of the most important things you can do is give them enough sleep. A Golden Retriever puppy should sleep between 12 and 14 hours per day, which will help them develop strong bones and muscles and a healthy immune system. Golden Retriever puppies require a lot of sleep and can sleep for long periods. From the first days of their life, golden retriever puppies sleep for at least 18 hours a day. They usually sleep for about 16 hours per day, with their sleeping cycle lasting about eight hours. Remember that golden retriever puppies are bundles of energy and love to play. We hope our information helped you to know how much should a Golden Retriever puppy sleep, including golden retriever puppy sleep requirements. Frequently Asked Questions: 1. A Golden Retriever puppy needs plenty of sleep, around hours in 24 hours. During the day, a Golden Retriever puppy needs multiple naps to recharge its growing body. Adolescent Golden Retrievers should be supervised for at most four hours. Golden Retriever puppies should be allowed to potty every hour at a young age. Ans: Golden Retriever puppies can sleep up to 20 hours daily and should receive frequent naps throughout the day. Golden Retrievers typically sleep hours per day as adults. Puppies need to sleep extra hours to support their growth and development and should be supervised for at most 5 hours during their first six months. By 4 months old, Golden Retriever puppies can generally sleep through the night. It is normal for puppies not to drink water all night and to sleep anywhere from hours in 24 hours. From weeks old, puppies may sleep hours in 24 hours. With proactive training and crate training, puppies may be able to sleep through the night by 10 weeks old or earlier. Golden retriever puppies may get darker as they age, but this is not a given. Some Golden Retrievers may stay lighter in color throughout their lives. When exercising a Golden Retriever puppy, the limit should never exceed four hours. Golden Retrievers should be supported for long periods as they reach full adulthood. Puppies need hours of sleep in 24 hours to fuel their growing bodies. Some common signs that a Golden Retriever maybe not getting enough sleep include drooping eyelids, excessive yawning, lethargy, decreased activity levels, and increased irritability. If you notice any of these signs in your puppy, it is important to take action to ensure adequate rest. By: Author Jennifer Seegmiller If you are a new proud owner of a Golden Retriever puppy you may think and wonder how can this little puppy be so full of life and energy one minute, and then completely asleep and dead to the world the next. You may wonder what is a normal amount of sleep for your puppy or full-grown Golden Retriever. Adult Golden Retrievers will sleep on average hours a day. Golden Retriever puppies will sleep hours a day in a hour period. How much your Golden Retriever sleeps depends a lot on their personality. Golden Retrievers are high-energy dogs so they may sleep a little less than other breeds. If you are fit and active your Golden Retriever will likely be also. If you are relaxed and laid back, your dog may be similar to you. Continue reading to find out. How much sleep does a Golden Retriever need? Puppies, adults, seniors Golden Retriever Newborn Sleep Patterns This stage of life is very short and full of lots of shut-eye! Newborns generally nurse every 2 hours but even while doing so they will have their eyes shut and look as though they are eating in their sleep. As they grow they will slowly start to spend more time awake. Around 3 weeks old they will have around hours of active time a day broken up into small spurts of energy and exploring their world. They need plenty of sleep to fuel and recharge their growing bodies. From months old, Golden Retriever puppies will generally sleep around hours in a hour period. This includes sleeping at night and daytime naps. Your puppy will sleep in longer stretches at night, but will still need to get up to relieve its small bladder and stretch. He may even have a burst of energy and seem like he wants to play. With some patience and guidance, your puppy can learn to sleep through the night by 4 months old, maybe even sooner. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. If you use these links to buy something we earn a small commission. Older puppies from around months old will sleep about hours throughout a 24 hour period. At this point, they should be more active and inquisitive during the day and will be better about sleeping through the night in hour stretches. They will also take multiple naps during the day, as well as times of rest when they appear to be just lying around, but somewhat alert as well as high energy awake time when they will want to play and train. When will my Golden Retriever puppy sleep through the night? Golden Retriever puppies will generally sleep through the night by about 4 months old, but it can range from 8 or 9 weeks old all the way through 6 months old. Some puppies may also go through a sleep regression when going through a growth spurt or teething. Towards the end of this article, we will discuss those in the heading sleep problems and solutions. Fun fact: Senior dogs, as well as puppies, tend to twitch more in their sleep! This is due to a part of their brain called the Pons which regulates muscles and keeps them still while they sleep. Golden Retriever Adult Sleep Patterns Your adult Golden Retriever will normally sleep around hours in a 24 hour period, but more as he ages. In this study, researchers found that older and middle-aged dogs slept more during the day than young adult dogs. This was because they took more naps, not because their naps were longer. They tend to run out of energy and need to rest more often than the younger group. Older and middle-aged dogs also slept more at night than younger dogs because they had long stretches of sleep at night waking up later and woke up fewer times during the night. Golden Retrievers are bred to hunt and herd. It is ingrained in them to want to do a job! They tend to be pretty high-energy and love to be kept busy with games and exercise. Because they may have a bit more energy than other breeds, they may sleep a little less than other breeds as well. Some owners I talked to said that if their Golden Retrievers are left home alone all day they tend to just sleep since there is no one there to engage them with play or give them a reason to exercise. So as you can see their sleep schedule greatly depend on the kinds of habits you develop for your dog. At this time you will probably start to see your dog slowly increasing the amount of time it is resting and sleeping. Senior Golden retrievers will sleep hours a day on average as they get to be years old and older they could be sleeping up to 18 hours a day. For older Golden Retrievers, these could be signs of more serious issues such as dementia, arthritis, hypothyroidism, or other conditions associated with older age. Your Golden Retriever may be waking up more at night because its bladder is getting older and they need to use the potty more often. You can try and help with this by taking them out right before bed and limiting their water intake just before bed as well. Can Golden Retrievers sleep outside? Golden Retrievers can sleep outside if they are provided with adequate shelter and brought inside in extreme weather. However, it is not recommended that Golden Retrievers sleep outside. Golden Retrievers thrive on relationships and being close to their owners; sleeping outdoors can be lonely for this social breed. Even though sleeping outside may not be the ideal solution for your Golden Retriever, your dog most likely loves being outdoors! Many Golden Retrievers may have a desire to live outdoors all day long, and some may even ask to be outside at night. If your dog is comfortable with this and you live in a temperate climate, there is really nothing wrong with your dog living and playing outdoors, as long as your dog has adequate shelter and socialization it needs to thrive. After speaking to many Golden Retriever owners I found that the majority of them have their dog sleep inside. Most owners state their hot or humid climate as being the reason their dogs sleep indoors with them as well as their dogs need to be by their side following them around day and night. Some owners who have a dog door allow their Golden Retriever to choose whether to sleep indoors or outdoors. Why does my Golden Retriever sleep so much? Many factors could contribute to your Golden Retriever sleeping a lot. Puppies and senior dogs sleep more than adult Golden Retrievers. Stress, anxiety, boredom, diet, or disease can all be factors for why your dog is sleeping more than usual. In most cases, it is normal for dogs to sleep 12 or more hours a day. Lethargy or a lack of energy and enthusiasm can be a sign that your dog is being affected by something more than just laziness or a bit tired. If this describes your dog then definitely consult with your vet. Many diseases and age-related problems can come with a change in sleeping patterns. Some dogs will sleep more in the wintertime because the days are shorter and colder. You can read this article I wrote to learn more about that. Do Dogs Hibernate? Winter Weather Questions Answered If you think your dog is sleeping a lot because of boredom you can always make an effort to have more playtime and exercise sessions with your dog. You could hire a dog walker we have a neighborhood teen that loves to walk dogs for a very reasonable rate! Or join a fun program you can work on together like this popular brain training for dogs course! Sleep problems and solutions for puppies and adults If you are struggling with getting your Golden Retriever to settle down and sleep at night you are not alone. Things that may be making this challenging can range from crying or whining at night, waking up in the middle of the night, struggling to settle down, or waking up too early in the morning. Some dogs will start to sleep well through the night then a few weeks or months later start to wake up again. This is called a sleep regression and can be normal. Similar to human babies when puppies are teething or going through growth spurts it could cause them to wake up at night or have difficulties sleeping. This routine can include using the restroom, bringing the noise level down, dimming the light, creating a relaxing and calm atmosphere. Give them plenty of exercise: Since Golden Retrievers are bred to herd and work on a farm or ranch. Golden Retrievers need plenty of stimulation and exercise each day. Two hours a day for a high-energy Golden Retriever should be the minimum. The best time for a good exercise session is about 2 hours before bedtime. Try to include high cardio exercise as well and engaging brain activities so that your Golden Retriever will be both physically tired as well as mentally tired. If your dog sleeps in his own bed, or in a crate, having something that smells like you and a small stuffed animal to snuggle with can help him feel more safe and secure. This is especially true for puppies. One Golden Retriever owner said that the only way to get their dog to settle down and sleep is to put him in his crate in a quiet place with a blanket draped over the crate. Try changing meal times or limiting food and water: Take up their water after a certain time of the evening. If your Golden Retriever seems to need a bathroom break in the middle of the night all the time you can try changing his meal time to be a few hours earlier so he will get the poop out before bed or a few hours later so he can hold it until tomorrow. Either way, you may want to slowly adjust the time of his meals to see if that will help with the late-night bathroom breaks. If early morning waking is a problem, try figuring out what it is that may be waking them up: Is the sun coming up? Try adding some darkening curtains. Are there noises such as birds or early morning traffic? Try adding some white noise by using a noise machine like this one from Amazon affiliate link. All it takes is some investigative work to try and figure out what may be causing the problem. If nothing seems to be working, your dog has changed his sleep patterns suddenly, he seems very lethargic and low on energy all the time, or he has other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, blood in his stool, or other concerns then you should take him to the vet immediately to get checked out. Pro Tip: If you are not able to get a hold of a vet near you, or you want to avoid an unnecessary ER trip, there are online resources that you can turn to. Here is our best recommendation:.

Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. Vet bedding fleece on a roll is ideal puppy bedding. You can line both his bed and his car crate with this. Buy several pieces so that you can pop one in the washing machine when it gets dirty or if he has an accident. There are lots of lovely beds you can get to go around the house, but in those first days veterinary bedding is an essential alternative to keep his crate cosy and clean. Puppy Toys For Labradors Puppy toys need to be sturdy. Many puppies destroy soft toys quite quickly though they are so adorable, you may not be able to resist buying one or two. Kongs and rope toys are very tough and seem to survive the onslaught of puppy teeth. A Radio If you intend your puppy to sleep alone in the kitchen from the first night, you may find it helpful to leave a radio next to his crate. Just a simple, cheap Portable Radio with the volume turned down low can serve the same role as some human company. It just helps him feel less along during those first few nights when he may be feeling very homesick. Puppy Harness There is no rush for this, but once your puppy is too heavy to carry, and going out and about on the ground, he needs some kind of safety restraint. These days I usually recommend a harness as they avoid pulling on the puppies neck. The kind where the lead attaches at the front and on the back are ideal. You can find an expert review of the big brands of harnesses, from a professional trainer here. When he is older and has learned to walk next to you, you can buy him a collar. To let your puppy know when he has done something you like. It is a really useful tool to help you teach your puppy to be quiet, and to learn simple skills. It will make training your puppy much quicker, easier and a lot more fun. Getting a recall to whistle established at an early age gets your puppy training off to a great start. I recommend the Acme Dog Whistle. There is plenty of information on the use and choice of dog whistles in this article: Should you buy a dog whistle .It will help to get you off to a great start with your new puppy. Rachael Ray Nutrish is another brand I love for Labrador Retriever puppies as it is packed with DHA for healthy brain and eye development and specially formulated for young, growing dogs. You can also select different sizes and recipes. My favorite is chicken and brown rice. Bedding And Toys Lab puppies need quality bedding and toys for teething. Labrador puppies grow quickly and have sharp claws and teeth. Puppies also go through a teething phase and will need special teething toys to help soothe their sore mouths and help keep your furniture safe. As far as bedding, the best bedding for a Labrador puppy is going to be made of high quality material that is soft and plush while also being sturdy enough to keep them off the floor and support their growing bodies. KONG toys are wonderful tools to use during crate training , but they also help with separation anxiety , boredom, and the teething stage that all puppies go through. Enter the Nylabone Puppy Starter Pack. These flavored chew toys come both textured and regular to help get your pup and your furniture through the teething stage safely. Cuddly toys like the Smart PetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy above can help your new Labrador puppy adjust to sleeping on his own, assist in crate training, and may even help alleviate anxieties including noise phobias and separation anxiety. Puppy blankets are a must and can be used for multiple purposes in your home for your pup. My favorite puppy blankets are blankets that are specially made for dogs, like the Luciphia fleece blankets above. While you can use any blankets on hand, blankets that are specially made for dogs are usually a bit more durable, easier to wash, and have been made with quality and safe material for your pooch. Puppy blankets just make it easy to always a comfy place for your puppy to rest his head no matter where you are. Ultra Squeaker Ball is an absolute favorite in my house and with my clients. I especially love using this toy for puppies who are just getting the hang of playing fetch. For puppies, picking up on how to play fetch can be tough. Balls that squeak or make noise when thrown help to make the game more exciting and help encourage young pups to chase whatever is making that high pitched sound! Leashes, Harnesses, and Collars Collars, leashes, and harnesses are important tools to help socialize your puppy. Getting your puppy used to wearing a leash, harness, and collar is an important step towards socializing them. So even though your Labrador puppy will outgrow his harness and collar quickly, I still suggest investing in these items. Here are five of my favorite leash, harness, and collar products for Labrador Retriever puppies. As I mentioned above, puppies are especially fragile so steer clear of attaching a leash to their collar and try to help them adjust to wearing a harness that is comfortable. What I like about this harness is that it is adjustable so you can use it a bit longer as your puppy grows. Best of all it is the perfect length five feet for puppy training and is a leash your Lab puppy can take with him into adulthood. It is built like a standard leash, but it offers you control over how far away your puppy can get. This is excellent for puppy parents who live in busy neighborhoods or who are working with a puppy who likes to wander. Large breed puppies like Labrador Retrievers require crates that grow with them. This is why I love crates that come with dividers so that they can grow with your Lab puppy. I also recommend playpens, as Labrador puppies are notorious for being very active and energetic. Lab puppies are also incredibly curious and tend to chew a lot in their first few months, which is why indoor dog gates will also be an important part of puppy proofing your home. Take a look at some of my favorite puppy-proofing products below. Nobody likes cleaning up potty accidents. Of course, no one wants a big, bulky pen that takes up half of their home either! I also love that the pen is big enough for puppies to grow into and allows them to learn how to explore a space larger than their crate while keeping them and your home safe from their curiosity. And since crate training is such an important part of puppyhood and actually helps your puppy adjust to being alone and feeling secure, we recommend investing in a good, high quality crate you can use for years. It has two separate doors for entrance and exit and it comes with a divider so it can be adjusted to the size of your dog as he grows. Just remember to leave your pup inside his crate with a KONG and some bedding so he is comfortable, and remember that puppies who are younger than six months old should not stay in their crates for longer than four hours. For those of you who plan to leave your puppy out and about while you are gone and after he is trained, of course , then a crate that folds may be your best bet. The MidWest Foldable Dog Crate posted above is one such crate that is not only made well, but also stores well. Like most crates ideal for Labrador puppies, this crate also comes with a divider so it can grow with your dog. Along with crates and puppy playpens, you also might consider getting a gate to keep your puppy from entering places in your home that may pose a risk to him. Many of my clients keep gates up in their kitchen entryway, or gate their living rooms where puppies are tempted to chew on wood furniture. Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate Sale Buy on Amazon For those of you worried about installing something or accidentally damaging walls or paint, there are always free-standing gate options, like the Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate. I do like the way these gates look and the simplicity of them, however, they are not always the most secure and may not stand up to a strong and curious puppy. These gates are also not ideal for leaving puppies unsupervised as they can sometimes find ways to knock them down. Grooming your Labrador puppy early on not only helps to socialize him and prepare him for a life of vet visits, groomer visits, and physical contact with people, but it also helps to keep him clean and healthy. Like babies, puppies are more sensitive to certain products and require products that are specifically designed to be gentle on their sensitive skin and fur. Be selective of the shampoos, dog brushes , and other grooming products you pick for your Labrador puppy and make sure you always use high-quality products. Some of the products I recommend most for grooming a Labrador puppy are listed below. Pet Care Sciences Puppy Shampoo. Non-slip bottom dog dishes Puppies naturally move their dish around as they are eating, especially if the dish has a flat bottom that easily pushes around the floor. We have found that dishes with a non-slip bottom can help so that your puppy is not chasing around his food dish. Make sure that it is large enough. And since dogs grow fast, that means they will likely grow to that size within a year to a year and a half. Almost all dogs we train eat between 4 -6 cups of dog food a day. So, make sure that your dish is large enough to accommodate this many cups. Water dish It is vitally important that your puppy have access to clean water for drinking. With the puppies we raise, we have found that it can be challenging to keep a small water dish full, so we prefer to use these 2-gallon water dishes. They are easy to fill and allow us to only have to fill them a couple times a week instead of several times a day. We suggest that you introduce a lead to your puppy as they start to grow in confidence and walk further from you when outside. There are two great reasons to do this early on. First it teaches your puppy how to handle the pressure of not being able to go wherever they want whenever they want. And it keeps your puppy from developing a habit of running away from you. A Flexi-lead works especially well if you want to give your puppy a little more freedom to go do his potty business but still keep control. Toys Puppies need toys. If you do not give them toys that they CAN chew and play with, they will chew on your sofa leg, or a book or a blanket or anything else they can find. So, purchase some good durable puppy chew toys. But watch your pup carefully. As they get older and stronger, they will be able to rip apart cloth toys and ingest them. Or they will chew rubber toys into small pieces and eat them. When your pup gets strong enough to destroy toys, it is time to take away the puppy toys and give them only dog toys designed for older , larger dogs or quality rawhides that they can chew that will not cause digestive problems. Stay away from rope toys. Many puppies have managed to ingest strings and ropes requiring surgery to remove them. Puppy-sized bumper If your plan is for your Labrador puppy to become a hunting or competition dog, you should have a puppy sized bumper. Learn more about teaching your puppy to fetch in this post. Barriers I recommend that you section off a small portion of your home and not let your puppy have full run of the entire house. Learn more about housebreaking your Lab puppy in this post. To section off a part, it can be helpful to have some child-gates available or an area of your home that you can close doors. This means that you need to show your puppy where the boundaries are and what is and is not allowed. To do this, you will need a few more tools. This is often when we see dogs that are running away from their owners, playing keep-a-way when retrieving and just basically being naughty. A lot of this could be avoided with the use of a check cord. Yes, a check cord can be cumbersome and often a pain to use, but it only takes one or two times of your puppy running away from you to make it worth it. Put a check cord on your puppy and allow them to drag it around with them. This alone is a great lesson for a dog. Dragging the weight is a type of pressure that they will need to learn to deal with. Occasionally, step on the rope and allow your dog to feel the pressure of being stopped and controlled. These sound like such minor things, but you would be surprised how much more well-adjusted your puppy will be just from learning these minor lessons. Chain or prong collar As your puppy gets stronger, it will get more and more difficult to control your puppy with a lead just hooked up to a nylon collar. As you notice that your puppy is getting harder to control, is pulling you around or dragging you down the street, you need to move to a chain or prong collar. Actually, it would be best if you changed to a chain or prong collar long before this becomes an issue. Remember, it is always easier to fix problems when they are small rather than waiting for them to become huge problems. Larger bumpers for retrieving dogs As your dog gets larger, you will want to move away from the puppy bumper and start using regular sized retrieving bumpers. We prefer to use plastic or rubber bumpers since they do not get as dirty or smelly as the canvas ones. They also last a lot longer and can be used for both water and land retrieves. Learn all about the different bumpers used for training hunting dogs here. Orange is a color that is difficult for retrievers to see, so that color should not be used for young dogs that are just learning about retrieving and hunting. Save the orange ones for advanced dogs working on blind retrieves. Final thoughts on What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? There are many things that you will need for your new puppy both now and in the future. Take some time to prepare before you bring your puppy home so that you will avoid buying things on impulse that you may or may not need. If you are planning on using your puppy as a hunting or competition dog, check out 6 vital tools every gun dog trainer needs. You can email me at ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? The crate which we suggest is foldable which makes it extra convenient. Dogs are naturally den animals and a crate provides them with a place where they can relax and feel safe. Crate training and choosing the right size Crate training makes toilet training a million times easier, and keeps your puppy safe at night whilst the family is asleep. The best puppy crate is one which is big enough for them to stand up, stretch out, turn around and lie down in. But no bigger. Or by buying an adult sized crate which comes with a divider, to allow you to provide the correct amount of space for your growing puppy. Bedding You will of course also need bedding to line the crate. This fake fleecy fur bedding comes in a roll and you can either buy a piece to fit your crate or cut to it to size yourself. For puppies, you should avoid any dog bed with a fancy liner and a stuffed or padded interior. Your pup will probably rip it open and eat the contents in no time. Check out our indestructible dog bed article for some great inspiration. Food is obviously the most important item on your new puppy supplies list. Puppy Food To start with, your new pup will need to eat three to four times a day. Having a supply of the new brand ready will allow you to make this changeover from the old food to the new, before the old runs out. The best puppy food is one which is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Puppy Bowls Next up on the new puppy supplies list are their food and water bowls. Most of them are dishwasher safe, and cheap to buy. You can have a couple in the cupboard, making it easy to keep the food bowl shiny and clean between meals. The downside of the usual stainless steel food bowls is that they can tip over, not to mention the horrendous noise as the puppy chases them around the kitchen! To avoid these disadvantages, find a non-slip version with a steadier bottom. Those designed for use by dogs and puppies. Ceramic water bowls help to keep the water cool as well. The best part of getting a new pup is the fun you have playing with them — and for this puppy toys are real Labrador essentials! Between 12 to 24 weeks your pup will be losing their baby teeth and their new teeth will be emerging. This is a very uncomfortable time for you pup — the reason why they chew everything in their path. You can protect your shoes, furniture , and even cables, by making sure that they have plenty of toys to chew instead. Puppy toys are fun to buy, and there are a lot of choices out there. We have a couple of real firm favorites when it comes to puppy toys. Puppy kongs are brilliant. Kongs bounce around and can be played with if your pup feels like it, or picked up and carried around. Just make sure that the rope is thick and not easily shredded. Be sure to avoid small toys, or those with small parts that can be chewed off, that your pup can swallow. They can cause choking or blockages in their bellies. Besides being too small, the toys in your puppy supplies should also not be too big. They should be able to get their mouths around their toys easily. Having to stretch to chew on or pick up toys or bones that are too big can injure their growing jaws. Collar and leash You should introduce your pup to their dog collar and leash as soon as possible. They can get used to wearing their collar in the house from a young age, before going outside for walks. It has a convenient quick release buckle as well as an ID tag. Dog harnesses, instead of collars, are becoming increasingly popular among dog lovers. Always use a harness for a dog that has problems breathing. It also has a thick padded handle to protect your hands. A pup might still squirm and try to get away. Then you can start brushing again. Letting your pup inspect and sniff the brush also helps them to get over any fear. This specialised pet brush has fine bent wires that gets rid of mats without hurting. Amongst the most useful Lab puppy essentials on our new puppy checklist are puppy barriers. There are a few options for creating barriers, to keep your pup safe and give them some space when they need a break. The most popular puppy barriers are actually baby gates. They make fantastic human toddler and puppy barriers — you might even use them to separate the two. They come in a few different sizes, and fit into most doorways or hallway spaces. The human members of the family can easily come and go, whilst keeping the puppy securely contained. You can start using it with your pup from a very young age. Combined with treats, they let the pup know exactly when you approve of their behavior. Their use is rapidly increasing in popularity. Using positive reinforcement training and working with a clicker will help you to both train your puppy, and to form a stronger bond and better relationship together as he grows. Almost last but not least on our new puppy checklist is puppy insurance. There have been astonishing advances in the veterinary treatments that are available for our pets today. Most things you can be treated for, your dog can be treated for too. Open heart surgery, complex hip operations, and advanced cancer treatments are all available to dogs. Read The Small Print And do read the small print before you buy, some of the cheaper policies will dump you at the end of the year if your dog gets a long term condition. I did not read the small print and this happened to me. So take care to choose a policy that keeps on renewing as long as you keep on paying. Many dog owners would recommend the final Labrador puppy accessory on our new puppy checklist as the most essential. Covering everything from the first days at home, through crate training, potty training, dealing with teething and much more. Do you have any tips for our readers? Are there other items that you wish you had bought before your Labrador puppy arrived and would add to our puppy supplies list? Why not share your thoughts in the comments section below. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. These sprays are safe for your dog, and the bitter taste discourages chewing. In many cases, chewing can be kept under control with training, positive reinforcement, and mental and physical stimulation. However, some puppies and dogs will try to chew no matter what, making these products quite useful. Conclusion The list of products that could be useful to your life with a Labrador could go on all day, but these products are some of the most important. Keep in mind that any new pet needs a checkup with your veterinarian to verify they are healthy and up to date on things like vaccines, heartworm testing, and dewormers. One pet supply that you may not have thought of is pet insurance. With a balanced, personalized plan like Spot Pet Insurance offers, you may be able to manage your pet's vet costs and avoid surprises. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement.

What Is A Mini Labradoodle? The difference is that the Labradoodle is mixed with a standard-sized Poodle, not a mini one. Some puppies will have more Lab in them, others will have more Poodle. A distinctive feature of multi-generational puppies is their ringlet coat, which happens to be super soft and almost rug-like. The Mini Labradoodle comes with many coats, either white, tan, black, apricot, caramel, chocolate, red, silver, cream, and grey. It almost sounded like we were naming off desserts for a while. When it comes to Miniature Labradoodles, the options are endless. When compared to its parent breed, the Mini Labradoodle has a heavier body than the Poodle with more muscular forelimbs. It has a more narrow snout and muzzle than the Labrador. As mentioned in the first paragraph the average lifespan of a Mini Labradoodle is 12 — 14 years. More research needs to be done on the distinct illnesses or diseases that could affect this dog. The Labrador, for example, is prone of hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, eye disorders, and cruciate ligament injuries. Poodles, on the other hand, have their set of issues, including patellar luxation a knee injury of sorts , cataracts, sebaceous adenitis, and other skin problems. Mini Labradoodles are the America or, actually, it was the Caribbean islands of dog breeds. This breed can be found in a lot of pop culture memorabilia. Labradoodle Monopoly token Even some of the biggest celebrities in the world have Mini Labradoodles at home. The Prince and Princess of Norway are big fans of this breed. As mentioned above the smallest version of a Mini Labradoodle ranks between 14 — 16 inches 35 — 40cm at the shoulders. But what if a Miniature Labradoodle takes after its Labrador mom or dad? Mini Labradoodles can get as big as 21 — 24 inches 53 — 60cm if there are a lot of Labrador genes mixed in. One size does not fit all. In terms of weight, a smaller Mini Labradoodle will be between 15 — 25 pounds 6 — 11kg. A lager Mini Labradoodle will weigh between 50 — 65 pounds 22 — 29kg. This breed is full of surprises. Is The Mini Labradoodle Hypoallergenic? Want to know a secret? There is no such thing as a non-shedding dog. All dogs shed to some extent. This breed is considered allergy-friendly and hypoallergenic. That being said, we can never promise that you or someone you know will never get a reaction. It could be its saliva or dander. Because their parents are so different in size, temperament, and appearance characteristics, your life as an owner becomes a box of chocolates. The general temperament of a Miniature Labradoodle is silly, playful, and fun. These dogs are a safe choice because they tend to be friendly to everyone. Strange people, strange dogs, cats, babies, toddlers — you name it, they love it. Of course, there are some exceptions to the rule. And it all depends on genetics. If your Mini Labradoodle is more Labrador, it may be wary of strangers. Poodles are more aloof. Labradors are prone to boredom but more playful and sweet. They like to run around and swim. Poodles are smarter and more relaxed around the house. Less active and need less exercise. In China, for example, the first gene-edited dogs from were reported to have muscle enhancements and better running ability, making it optimal for hunting or police applications. They were two Beagles named Hercules and Tiangou. Here are other Poodle and Labrador mixes that qualify as designer dogs. Also called Miniature Labrapoos, Labradoodles, and Labradorpoos, the Miniature Labradoodle is a well-known hybrid breed in a smaller package. They are sweet-natured and smart, and they love to spend time with their people. They are affectionate with their family. They are also tolerant and compassionate, and they tend to be well-behaved around people of all ages and other pets. Labradoodles are generally healthy and should live to be 10 to 14 years old. These qualities make Miniature Labradoodles an ideal family dog that does well with other pets and children. Even the most inexperienced dog parents find this breed to be easy to train and eager to please. They are too gentle and sweet to make a good guard dog, but they can be useful watchdogs. They are small and fluffy, square and athletic. Long, furry ears are set on the top and back of their heads. Their muzzles can be medium to long. The Miniature Labradoodle coat varies a great deal, ranging from straight to loose curls, and usually kept about 4 to 6 inches in length. The coat may be one of three textures. They could have hair similar to fur in shedding dogs, they could have a more dense and non-shedding wool, or they could have more of a silky fleece. They come in a variety of colors: Gold. January 23, 0 Comments WorldAnimalFoundation. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. These cute little designer dogs can be great family pets and good companions for work-at-home people. They were bred for those who loved the standard Labradoodle but wanted something smaller. This crossbreed is a popular choice for both experienced and new dog owners because of their calm temperament. They get along with other people and dogs and are easy to train. They can be stubborn, but they are very reward-driven. Even someone with allergies can potentially keep this dog. The idea originally started when breeders bred purebred Labrador Retrievers and standard Poodles to make more hypoallergenic dog breeds with Labrador friendliness and intelligence, creating the standard Labradoodle. But as wonderful as Labradoodles are, they can get pretty huge. Both the Labrador and the standard-sized Poodle are pretty big. So reputable breeders started breeding the purebred Labrador Retriever with the purebred Miniature Poodle to make a smaller version: the Mini Labradoodle. These cute little dogs are known for having big personalities despite their smaller bodies. They love their humans and can sometimes be protective of them. They also love running around and playing. Mini Labradoodles are highly intelligent, like their parents, and are very easy to train. They combine the loyalty, intelligence, and easy trainability of the Labrador with the low-shedding, more allergy-friendly coat of the Standard Poodle and Mini Poodle. Vital Statistics Height: inches, highly dependent on parents Weight: pounds, highly dependent on parents Average lifespan: years Energy level: High energy and needs lots of exercise Trainability: Highly intelligent dogs and easily trainable Shedding: Low shedder, high grooming needs History of the Mini Labradoodle Miniature Labradoodles are a relatively new crossbreed. They are believed to have been bred in Australia in the s when a breeder made the first successful cross of a Labrador Retriever and a Mini Poodle. And so, a reputable breeder wanted to mix the Labrador Retriever with a breed having a non-shedding coat. The standard Poodle was the perfect candidate. Both standard Labradoodles and Miniature Labradoodles came along from this need. First, the standard Labradoodle came along. Standard Labradoodles were popular but much too big for some people. So then the Lab was mixed with the Mini Poodle to make a smaller pup. Generally needs .You should have a good decade or so before you have to worry about health problems related to aging. Some dogs may live longer or shorter lives depending on how healthy they are. Lifestyle management can help maximize the time you have with your dog. Be on the lookout for health issues potentially passed down from the parents. Size Miniature Labradoodles are meant to be smaller versions of the Labradoodle. The designer dog mixes the traits of Labrador Retrievers and Toy Poodles to make a smaller dog. Smaller individuals may be around 14 inches tall. That said, the exact size may depend on the characteristics of the parents. These dogs still come from a fairly big breed. Larger individuals may be closer to 24 inches tall. It can be difficult to determine how big a Mini Labradoodle puppy will get until they grow. Weight Smaller Mini Labradoodles may weigh around 10 pounds or more. Again, they may be bigger and heavier depending on the genes inherited from their Lab and Mini Poodle parents. Larger individuals may weigh up to 30 pounds. Coat The Mini Labradoodle is meant to have the Poodle coat, a low-shedding coat that is allergy-friendly. The coat type and color can vary from individual to individual based on the genes of the Poodle parent or Labrador parent. Some coats may have a wool texture, coming from their Poodle genes. These coats require a lot of grooming. Other coats may be a soft, fleece texture. It may be wavy or curly. Some individuals may also have a hairy, straight coat closer to that of Labrador Retrievers rather than a Poodle coat. Color Mini Labradoodles can come in many colors. They may also be single-colored or multi-colored. It depends on the genes they inherit from their very different-looking parents. Mini Labradoodle Temperament and Personality Mini Labradoodles are believed to be the perfect family pet and companion because of their family-friendly characteristics. They are great with kids and other animals and are all-around easy to get along with. That said, they can also be protective of their family. Miniature Labradoodles can get lonely easily, and they do not like being left alone for too long. Leaving them alone for eight hours or more a day may lead to depression, separation anxiety, and the destruction of your furniture. As adorable and friendly as they are, they may not be the best for families that are out of the house all day. As tempting as it can be, avoid overfeeding your Mini Labradoodle with high-fat treats, no matter how much they beg. Like their parent breed, the Labrador, they can get overweight if overfed. Also, keep their age in mind; puppies and senior dogs need different kibbles. Mini Labradoodles and any breed should be kept on a puppy-based kibble until they are a year old to ensure they get the nutrients needed to grow properly. Seniors, meanwhile, may need senior food that helps them get the most nutrients out of their food. As they age, some dogs have trouble getting the nutrients they need from normal kibble and lose weight at an alarming rate. Family Compatibility Mini Labradoodles are great family dogs because of their friendliness. They can get along great with families and other pets. These dogs are also very playful and love family interaction. You can potentially take your Mini Labradoodle on hikes, trips, or errands without too much trouble. Children should also be taught not to be too rough with them, no matter how easygoing they are. No jumping on them, pulling their tails or ears, or chewing on them. Even the gentlest dogs have limits. Mini Labradoodles can get lonely easily and even depressed if left alone for too long. That said, they can suffer from some health conditions passed down from their parent breeds. Some health concerns these dogs may be at risk of are hip dysplasia, obesity, and bloat. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip develops incorrectly as a puppy, causing problems later on. It can cause pain and dysfunction as the dog grows. Over time it can cause problems like arthritis and mobility issues. Obesity is a common problem among Labradors that can be passed down to their Mini Labradoodle children. Therefore, avoiding high-calorie treats and overfeeding them too much is best. Obesity can cause a range of other health problems in the future, like arthritis or joint pain. This is a hereditary disease passed down from Labradoodle parents. Mini Labradoodle puppies are more susceptible if their parents had it. Do not breed your Mini Labradoodle for Mini Labradoodle puppies if they have this disease. Exercise-induced collapse occurs when a dog overexerts itself while exercising. This particular problem is more common among Mini Labradoodles, so keep an eye on them when running around. This can be life-threatening. While your Miniature Labradoodle is running around and exercising, watch for symptoms like a lack of coordination, muscle weakness, or other signs of exhaustion. Make sure they stop and take a break if they seem to be tiring themselves out. Owners should also be careful of diseases like hypothyroidism. In addition, you should clean their ears periodically to avoid ear infections. Mini Labradoodles need consistent grooming and coat care to keep their fur from matting and getting messy. They need to be groomed multiple times a week, at the least. Daily brushing is recommended if possible. These dogs are incredibly active, coming from two very active breeds. They need a good minutes of exercise a day. They enjoy running and need to be able to burn off all that energy. Mini Labradoodle Training The Miniature Labradoodle is considered very easy to train, even for new dog owners. When all else fails, you can pull out a bag of dog treats to get their attention. You should start training early to avoid behavior problems later on. Keep a bag of low-calorie treats handy during the early days of training. Praise good behavior with a treat as soon as it shows desirable behavior. If your Miniature Labradoodle does something wrong, do not lash out at them, as it may worsen things. Punishments like hitting may lead to fear or aggression that would not have existed without it. Instead, redirect them to the right behavior and then reward them. These little guys can be stubborn and set in their ways if you wait too long. They love their humans, but they can also be a bit protective of them. Teaching your Mini Labradoodle puppy early on that other people and animals are safe is a good way to avoid any future problems like growling or lashing out at strangers. Trust me; you do not want to wait until your dog starts getting nervous about new people and animals to start socializing them. Once they start getting antisocial, it gets harder to mingle them. So go ahead and start taking them out and letting strangers give them treats and pets. Do Mini Labradoodles Bark a Lot? Miniature Labradoodles are not known for barking a lot. Depending on the individual, they may occasionally bark at the door or bark while playing. This breed is generally seen as a moderate barker. Any excessive barking can usually be addressed through positive training by rewarding quiet behavior. They may get into trouble and chew things up out of frustration or just get depressed to the point of illness. Never leave a young Mini Labradoodle puppy alone. They may get into something and get themselves hurt. Is the Mini Labradoodle Hypoallergenic? The non-shedding coat of the Miniature Labradoodle is more allergy-friendly than most. They can also be a good choice for those with concerns about allergies. These small to medium designer dogs are intelligent, loyal, and love pleasing their humans, much like their parent breeds. Mini Labradoodles also require consistent attention and will get lonely if you leave them alone for too long. Make sure you have the means to care for any dog you decide to get. Kelly Smeby Kelly Smeby is a freelance writer specializing in pets and animals. She has written several articles about pet health, training, and behavior. Kelly has lived with many types of animals since early childhood. Kelly has also lived with multiple cats, birds, and fish. Kelly currently lives in Florida with a two-year-old Pekingese and a cat and continues to learn new things from them every day. She enjoys learning even more about animal health and behavior and sharing that knowledge with others through writing. She has a strong background in research, business, and writing from her time in college. Kelly hopes to use her experience to help other pet owners who need help understanding their dogs, cats, or other pets. She hopes her work will help promote better understanding between humans and animals. Leave a comment Your email address will not be published. Post Comment. We are happy to refund deposits any time for any reason. We will clearly announce the pricing for each mini Labradoodle litter in a litter announcement. Apply Now If you are interested in a miniature Labradoodle puppy please consider filling out the application. Years ago, we'd announce litters to nearly people on an email waiting list. Within the first minute or two, the entire litter would be spoken for, and families who received a doodle puppy felt like they'd won the lottery. Since then, we've developed a thorough application process, seeking the very best mini Labradoodle forever homes. Please do not place a mini Labradoodle deposit unless your doodle application is accepted. We seek to fairly and thoroughly evaluate each miniature Labradoodle application within business days at which point we let you know the answer for your mini Labradoodle application: "yes," "no," or "wait. Your mini Labradoodle application does NOT obligate you to give a deposit or adopt a mini Labradoodle puppy. The mini Labradoodle application is simply your first step to express a level of interest in getting a mini Labradoodle puppy. After giving a deposit, your family would receive mini Labradoodle litter announcements in an effort to match you with the perfect miniature Labradoodle. Each adopting family has the option to pass on as many Labradoodle litters as they want until finding the perfect doodle puppy. Seeking to be the best mini Labradoodle breeders, we refund doodle deposits any time for any reason. It doesn't make sense to us why nearly every other mini Labradoodle breeder requires non-refundable deposits. We have FAR more demand than supply for our mini Labradoodles. Your application helps us determine if your family would make an excellent forever home to one of our precious mini Labradoodle puppies. We have no desire to keep a family's mini Labradoodle deposit if they've located a mini doodle with another breeder or if they've chosen not to get a mini Labradoodle at all. Life Span Did You Know? Second-generation crosses could include a Labradoodle and a Mini Poodle or two Mini Labradoodles as parents. This hybrid dog breed was originally developed to create smaller potential service dogs that might be a good fit for people with allergies to dog fur. With a mixed breed, you can end up with any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Often, Mini Labradoodles are smart, friendly, and sociable dogs that are highly trainable. They are often found working as service dogs and therapy dogs and living as beloved family companions. Although they are not recognized by the AKC, the Mini Labradoodle is recognized by other canine registries. A Mini Labradoodle is a combination of two friendly dog breeds that crave human affection and are always happy to have company. These dogs also tend to have playful, energetic personalities and low prey drives. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their smaller size, these dogs can be injured by accidental rough play or accidental falls, so any interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised. Miniature Labradoodles will usually bark to alert you when someone is at the door, but generally are not prone to nuisance barking unless they have been trained into it. It may not be a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles may be initially wary of strangers, but tend to warm up quickly and will often be happy to make a new friend. Miniature Labradoodles are highly adaptable. Provided they get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation, they can adapt well to apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to do best in moderate climates, but can tolerate warmer or colder climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Although they tend to have a fluffier coat, they are also smaller and may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks in the cold. Mini Labradoodles are also very much companion breeds. They bond closely with their families and thrive on being near them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Mini Labradoodle puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done to help allay any concerns you may have. Miniature Labradoodles tend to be highly intelligent and eager to please. This generally makes them easy to train and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. In fact, their parent breeds are considered some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. These dogs respond best to consistent training and positive reinforcement. Puppy training classes can ensure that owners of any experience level learn the latest training techniques and start building a strong bond with their puppy. Grooming requirements with a Mini Labradoodle can vary. On the Poodle side, you have a low-shedding, but high-maintenance, coat that needs daily brushing along with trimming and grooming every weeks. On the Lab side, you have a higher shedding coat that is more low-maintenance, requiring some weekly brushing or brushing a few times a week and intermittent bathing. Overall, Mini Labradoodles range from having a non- to low-shedding coat. They can have one coat type or the other, or a combination of both of them. So, you will want to be prepared for brushing a coat a few times a week and the possibility of more grooming needs. Regardless of coat type, there are some other general grooming tasks you can count on. Regular dental care for your dog will help prevent serious dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay later in life. This is especially important for dog breeds with floppy ears as they are more prone to developing ear infections. Miniature Labradoodles can be high-energy dogs. In general, they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. Since they love to be around their family and can have an exuberant and outgoing personality, they will likely be up for more playtime if you are. This little dog may get tired more easily at times and could push themselves too far in their excitement. On the other hand, they may just keep going and going with no signs of slowing down. What is most important is making sure your Miniature Labradoodle gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Fully-grown Mini Labradoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Miniature Labradoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Labradoodle Article. Active and needs lots of exercises History Of The Breed The labradoodle has been around since the s as a mix of the Labrador retriever and a full-size poodle. This breed was developed to create dogs with the loyalty, intelligence, and trainability of the Labrador retriever, with the low shedding coat of the poodle. The loyalty and high intelligence of poodles made them a great personality match for a Lab as well. Despite being bred as companion dogs, standard poodles are actually pretty big. They are at least 15 inches tall and can weigh anywhere from 45 to 70 pounds. When you combine that with a Labrador, which is inches tall and can weigh 70 pounds, you get a pretty big dog. They tend to be around inches tall and can weigh pounds. They are dogs that take up quite a bit of space! Of course, you can get a smaller labradoodle by breeding a Lab with a miniature or a toy poodle. This is not as easy to do as there can be a huge size difference between the pure-bred parents, but some breeders have been working for several generations to gradually reduce the size of their labradoodle pups. Mini Labradoodle Appearance There is still quite a bit of size difference between the miniature Labradoodles that you can get from a breeder; they can weigh anything from 15 to 30 pounds, and most will measure somewhere between 14 and 16 inches tall. The appearance of miniature Labradoodles can be more predictable than that of standard Labradoodles as they are usually bred from two labradoodle parents, rather than directly from the parent breeds. They will almost certainly have the low-shedding coat of a poodle since this is one of the principal traits that is controlled for. They could have a wool coat that needs daily brushing to release hair that gets caught up in the wiry texture or a fleece coat that is wavy. These may shed slightly more, but this coat is easy to care for. They can vary significantly in color since poodles come in a variety of colors, unlike Labradors which are yellow, black, or chocolate. They can be apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver-beige, or white. They may also be bicolor, though this is relatively rare. Temperament Labradoodles are highly intelligent dogs. Both Labradors and poodles are considered among the most intelligent breeds and can learn a new command with as few as five repetitions. Their offspring will certainly inherit this intelligence. Labradors are also highly trainable because they are eager to please and love having something to do! They are also reward-driven. This means that mini Labradoodles will be highly trainable as well. Both parent breeds love people and tend to form tight attachments with their families quickly. They are also pretty relaxed with strangers and are more likely to want to make friends than raise the alarm when someone shows up at the door. This is one of the reasons that they make excellent guide dogs or other working dogs. You should always pay attention when your miniature labradoodle starts barking. They can be a bit more standoffish with other pets, but socialization from a young age can teach them to make friends. You should take the time to introduce new pets into the home and let them get to know each other from a distance first when dealing with these dogs. Because both parent breeds love being around people, so do their miniature Lab children. They can become highly stressed and even develop depression. It is also common for them to become destructive when they feel frustrated. Since they are highly intelligent pups, they need a lot of mental stimulation. Teaching them tricks can be a great way to activate their minds, and puzzle toys can keep them distracted for a while, though they tend to figure things out pretty quickly. Be warned that they are also excellent escape artists, so all escape routes from the house need to be secured. Labradoodles love children and instinctively know how to be careful and protective of them. Of course, you should never leave children unattended with any dog for the safety of both, but a miniature labradoodle will love playing with kids, and the two high-energy forces can work to wear one another out. Activity Levels Despite their smaller size, miniature Labradoodles need almost as much exercise as their larger labradoodle cousins. They need at least an hour of active exercise each day, preferably split into two 30 minute periods. In addition to formal exercise, they do best when they have some outdoor space at home that they can potter around in and use to let off a bit of energy throughout the day. Nothing will make these dogs happier than accompanying the family on hikes and other adventures. Thanks to their Lab parent they also love the water and tend to be excellent swimmers. Health Concerns A miniature labradoodle may live as little as 10 or as long as 18 years, which can be very difficult to predict, but you should expect your canine companion to be with you for quite some time. While they are generally healthy dogs, they can be predisposed to a few health conditions that pet parents should be aware of. The first is gastric dilation, which is basically bloating. Gaining weight can be an immediate sign of this, but it wreaks havoc with many of their systems. This is another good reason to watch what you feed them, and consult your vet about relevant medication. These collapses can be life-threatening, so it is important to monitor your dog during exercise and rein them in if they show any sign of muscle weakness or lack of coordination. Consult your vet for long-term treatment. This can also be a sign of centronuclear myopathy, which is not unknown in this breed. Hip dysplasia can be another common issue, which is exacerbated if you overexercise your dog as a puppy. Restrict exercise until they are fully grown to ensure against abnormal growth. Eye conditions including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are also pretty common, but most breeders should be screening for this. How To Find A Mini Labradoodle Puppy Labradoodles are a popular breed, so there are many active breeders, but finding one who specializes in miniature Labradoodles can be more challenging. Thankfully, there is a big community that loves this type of dog so there are many forums where you can ask around and get advice. Having read our guide to the miniature labradoodle, are you considering whether you should adopt one? Consider the following to make your final decision. This can lead to destructive frustration and serious depression. They do best in households when there is nearly always someone about, or when they can go to work with you. Their good behavior and low shedding mean that they are good dogs to take with you to other places. You also need to take the time to train these dogs, as they need lots of mental stimulation to keep them entertained. Are you willing to commit the time to their development? Despite their small size, these are high-energy dogs. As well as formal exercise, they will love joining you on weekend adventures and would rather be on the trail than sitting in front of the TV watching Netflix with you. Do you have the type of lifestyle that your dog will enjoy? Do You Have Kids? Miniature labradoodles are great with kids and they know how to both be protective and play gently. The key is to teach children how to treat dogs gently as well. They might not be the best fit for very young families just because they have lots of energy and need lots of attention. It can be a challenge to juggle the needs of young children and an energetic young pup at the same time. There are, however, lots of things to look out for to make sure these pups stay healthy and happy. They will bark during play or if they want to get your attention, but excessive barking is uncommon and is normally something that you should pay attention to. Do labradoodles chew furniture? Find our recommendations for the best puppy chew toys here. Can mini labradoodles be left alone? These dogs should not be left at home repeatedly for long workdays, though. These dogs do best when they have company for most of the day. Do labradoodles bond with one person? All dogs have a tendency to bond more strongly with one person than everyone else. This is usually their principal caregiver, but they have big hearts with room for everyone in the family, plus most of the strangers they meet. The miniature labradoodle is a smaller version of the original labradoodle that can do better in smaller family homes; however, they still have the same high energy and need at least some outdoor space to call their own. If you have always wanted a labradoodle, but resisted adopting one because of its size, the miniature labradoodle might be exactly the dog you are looking for. Do you have experience with miniature Labradoodles? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Stick to softer surfaces, like grass and dirt paths, while your pup is young and their bones are not fully fused. Most GSD owners simply want to take train their puppy to walk on a leash in the neighborhood and park without getting pulled down the street. There are three basic ways to communicate how you want your German Shepherd puppy to walk on a leash with you: the stopping method, the turning method, and the luring method. The Stopping Method Open the door, but only open the door if your dog is sitting. This step could take some time and practice. Once you both are out the door, have your dog sit again. You need to lock the door and your dog needs to sit for this. During your walk, have your dog sit for you at various times. When he does offer a tasty, high value, quick-to-eat treat. Now immediately start walking again and give the release cue. Stand still and wait until he sits. This could take a while. This is important, especially because one day your little pup will be large enough to injure you if they pull you along on the walk wildly! This will take lots of time and patience. But setting a strong and obedient walk foundation allows you to enjoy your walks more and maintain control over your large breed dog as they mature and grow stronger. The Turning Method Use the same steps as above to get outside your house and begin your walk, except instead of stopping and waiting on your dog, turn in the opposite direction and begin walking the other way. Quietly turn around and guide them along when they get a few steps ahead of you. You may also tire of turning. But stick with it. Either of these techniques takes plenty of patience and a strong mental character. But your dog loves to learn. Their mind is like a sponge at this young age, but they also lack obedience skills and an attention span. Use treats and toys to get your dog to follow you. The Treat Luring Method: Hold the treat at their eye level in front of them so they can see and smell the treat. Take one or two steps forward, having them follow the treat with their nose and eyes. They will probably keep following the treat. She loves them! Take a couple of steps forward while squeaking the toy. As they follow, keep stepping forward and squeaking the toy. After a few successful steps forward, let them play with the toy as their reward. Keep up this game to motivate them to follow you. Eventually, your dog gains confidence in their new surroundings and with your help and will walk on their own. Never allow your dog to run loose near traffic. Never unleash your dog in a new area. Never allow your dog to eat objects found on the ground. They could be poisonous! Never think a person running or someone on a bicycle sees your little pup. Puppies are quick moving and can dart in front of a moving person causing them to trip and fall. This can also injure your dog as they may fall on top of them or kick or step on them. Pup is distracted Remember that being outside with your dog is equivalent to you going to Disney Land! Give them a chance to develop their attention skills, or use the high value treats to make them pay attention to you. If you are limited in the places you can go, choose different routes so your dog gets to experience new smells and sights. The dog looks stressed or afraid Find quieter areas to walk in or use the lure and reward method to help them overcome their walking fears. Carry them home and end your walk. Next time, go a shorter distance and take less time. Use positive training and rewards to communicate. The best walking setup for a puppy is a no-pull harness that connects at two different points in the front and back. No-pull harnesses are great for introducing your puppy to structured walks while keeping them safe and happy. Need More Manners Training? Your GSD needs to learn more than just walking nicely. He also needs to learn all the basics of obedience. Use this free training guide to get started today! This activity is usually one of the longest and hardest to teach since you are competing with the sights and smells of the great outdoors! Stay patient, positive, and stick to your training. Your doggie will love you for it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. Beginners often have a lot of questions: how long should they walk with a German Shepherd, how often should they do it, and what are the rules of feeding and vaccination. Therefore, before the responsible purchase, it is important to get acquainted with the nuances of ownership. At what age can you walk a German Shepherd? Experts have different opinions about the age at which a German Shepherd can go for a walk. There are two polar positions, so owners should consult their breeder or veterinarian. Some experts, when asked how to properly educate the pet, argue that it is categorically not recommended to walk puppies before they reach 3 months old. This is due to the high vulnerability of puppies to infections, which they can catch while playing with other dogs during the period when routine vaccinations have not yet been done. Put napkins or gravel or sand on it. Keep a close eye on your puppy. The negative side of this approach is the increased likelihood of encountering puddles of urine at night even in adulthood. According to the opposite opinion, up to 2 months old puppies still have the immunity received from their mother, so you should start walking outside as early as possible. Increased production of vitamin D due to exposure to sunlight, preventing the development of rachitis. Frequent exposure to nature increases the production of general immunity. If you decide to walk your puppy from an early age, you must choose a small but clean area and prevent him from coming into contact with other animals, especially stray ones. Until the German Shepherd reaches the age of six months , you should carry him in your arms when walking up a flight of stairs. His spine is not yet strong enough, so sprains when going up and down are detrimental. How long should you walk The duration of a walk with a German Shepherd puppy should increase in increments. In the first days, minutes is enough to familiarize the dog with the world and empty the bowels and bladder, but you need to go out times a day. It is better to go out right after feeding. Further, the duration of time outside should be in accordance with age: three months — about half an hour, the puppy should definitely run; four months — from 40 minutes to 1 hour; at six months, the normal mode of walking is established — at least two hours, twice a day. If it is possible to walk longer, you should take advantage of the opportunity. You need to figure out how to walk your German Shepherd correctly. To do this, you need to follow a few tips. It is important to use every walk outside to teach your dog to potty outside the apartment or house. While the dog is still very young but is already used to having to pee outside, spontaneous but short walks at night are likely. Up to 6 months old, it is important to make sure that the dog does not jump over any obstacles. As with ladders, this harms the skeleton and back muscles. You should try to take your German Shepherd outdoors during daylight hours so that he can enjoy the sunlight. After exploring the nearest surroundings, you should decide where to walk for an extended period of time. Great if there is a park or square nearby where it is allowed to walk the dogs. It is also important to go to special doggy playgrounds. You need to give your pet some freedom to get to know other puppies and adult dogs. It allows: Control the movements of the dog and accustom the puppy to the leash. Helps in the initial stages of training. Prevents him from eating unhealthy food picked up off the ground. Provides safety when stray dogs appear. More mature dogs can be leashed to a collar. Answering the question of when you can put the collar on the puppy, many experienced breeders responded with a recommendation to do it as early as possible, so that the puppy got used to the foreign object initially. Before buying a collar or harness, it is important to pay attention to the material: Leather — is the most durable, suitable for walks and training, but it is recommended to replace it in rainy or snowy weather. Leather gets wet, stretches, and loses its durability from moisture; Tarpaulin — holds its shape in all conditions, but is prone to contamination and has a short lifespan; Synthetic — is versatile and does not have the negative qualities of the previous 2. To properly put on the harness or collar during the period of accustomization, you need to create a comfortable atmosphere for the puppy: calmly call by name, and offer a treat. Before buying, it is important to measure the pup. This will allow you to choose the optimal size collar, in which the German shepherd will feel comfortable, and walks will be a pleasure both for the pet and for its loving owner. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. In general, a German Shepherd puppy can open its eyes after 7 to 10 days after birth. A German Shepherd can start to focus and see things after about 14 days, after birth. Upon birth, its ears and eyes are closed. Its umbilical cord is still attached. Their heartbeat is slow. After three or four days, the umbilical cord of a GSD puppy gets dry and falls off. At this stage, your GSD puppy relies on its mother in everything. Its mother will feed it, clean it, and protect it from everything. Its temperature starts to normalize as well. At two weeks old, the nervous system of a GSD puppy is still not fully developed. At this age, it will start to open its eyes and ears. After the second week, it can have fully opened eyes and ears. A GSD puppy at this age starts to crawl too and can do its bowel movement on its own. In normal circumstances, a GSD baby will open its eyes at around 10 days according to pets. It can walk and it will start exploring around. At this stage, it starts to form a bond with other puppies and with humans. Its emotional development starts to develop as well. Your puppy will start to roam around. A slight noise will make it react. It will start to notice other living things like cats or other animals in the household. It will start to notice you, its owner. You can introduce it to a pet toy too. It will start playing with humans at this age as well. At one month, a GSD puppy already has a full set of teeth. Its temperature is now normal so is its heartbeat. You should also start exposing your puppy to kids to see how it will react or its behavior around children. At two to three months old, your puppy is learning quickly by now. Its motor skills have greatly improved by this time and it has reached sexual maturity. At the age of six months , a GSD is now considered an adult. A female GSD experiences its first estrus period at this age. For both male and female GSDs, this is their juvenile stage. It means it is their most active phase in life. Your GSD would want to go outside all the time, play, or run. It is about doing outdoor activities. It now raises one leg when urinating to show ownership and leadership. After 12 months of being with you, you can now feel the bond that your dog has for you. Your GSD will continue its maturity until it reaches three years old. If it has been two weeks and your puppy has not opened its eyes yet, you can check if its eyes are clouded with dirt birth buildup dirt. You can do it again the following day according to Dopappy. If the eye is infected, use saline water to clean its eyes. A drop of saline water two to three times a day should do the trick. German Shepherds of all ages are susceptible to eye problems. Among the common eye problems that GSDs are at risk of are: Cataracts.