german shepherd puppies in corpus christi tx

Train for 15 minutes per day One way to show your bully you love him is by taking the time to review basic commands and teach him new tricks. Mental stimulation is as important for bulldogs as it is for humans, and dogs, like children, appreciate having rules and boundaries. It helps them feel safe and secure. Daily training sessions also help strengthen the bond between you and your pup. Review the commands your bulldog has already mastered and then take a few minutes each training session to work on a new skill or trick. Look deeply into her eyes. If you want to return the love, simply speak softly to your bulldog as you pet her gently and maintain eye contact. But staring into the eyes of your own pooch can help her feel relaxed and calm. Lean on Your Bulldog—Literally. Have you ever noticed your bulldog leaning up against you? That is actually his adorable way of giving you a hug! You can reciprocate by gently pressing your own weight against him. Just lean against him enough that he feels loved and trusted. Nap with your bulldog When your bulldog sleeps in your presence, it is is the ultimate show of love and trust. That is because dogs are at their most vulnerable when they are asleep. You can show your bulldog you love and trust him back by sleeping next to him. This will also show him you consider him part of your pack. Snuggling up with your bulldog on the couch or on the floor for a couple of minutes every day can help, too. Talk to your bulldog. Studies involving MRI scans have shown that dogs understand and respond to our language better than we previously believed. Talking to your bulldog shows him that you love and care for him. Create a morning cuddle routine. Is your morning routine stressing you out? Instead of hitting snooze for the tenth time, get up about ten minutes earlier to create a morning routine with your bulldog. Start off with a quick trip outside with your bully to let them empty their bladder. Then, come back inside and spend five minutes cuddling with your bulldog. This will help set a great tone for the rest of the day—for both human and canine alike. Reassure with touch. We often instinctively pat our bulldogs on the head or hug them to show affection. Instead of patting her on the head or hugging her, massage her belly or behind her ears. Brushing her gently with a soft-bristled brush can also help, too. Praise her. Dog owners are often good about reprimanding when their pooch misbehaves, however, they tend to neglect to consistently offer praise when their dog is well behaved. Bulldogs are like children—they want to please you and crave your attention and praise. In fact, these affectionate gestures could wind up confusing your bulldog, or worse, make them feel threatened. Hugging can cause your bulldog to feel trapped. Follow Cascade Bulldogs on Facebook and Instagram for weekly updates, cute photos and inspirational bulldog quotes. Share this post. Are Bulldogs Affectionate? While every dog is unique, the vast majority of bulldogs are very affectionate to their loved ones. The bulky, tough appearance and steadfast demeanor of the modern bulldog is a relic from their origin as a 13th century bull-baiting breed. Rather than being as stoic as they look, bulldogs are friendly toward strangers and highly affectionate with their loved ones. Who are Bulldogs Affectionate Toward? As with many other bully breeds, bulldogs are known to be Velcro dogs who are hard to pry from their loved ones. Many bulldogs are loving and affectionate toward all members of the family, such as children and other animals. But unlike more protective breeds like pitties or Rotties , bulldogs are naturally inclined to seek attention and love from even strangers. How Do Bulldogs Show Affection? Many behaviors of affection, like licking, are easy to spot. But many other behaviors are often overlooked, such as bringing you a toy. Here are several ways a bulldog can show you they care. In particular, the tail and ear positions of a dog are great ways for them to express different emotions. It can mean happiness, aggression, curiosity, or even anxiety. The same can be true when a dog stops wagging their tail too. The faster the wiggling, the more excited they are. Following You Around The cynic in you may think your dog is just sticking around in anticipation of their next meal, but the truth is often much more innocent: they just love you. As a non-working breed , bulldogs are bred solely to be household companions. As a result, they are incredibly people-oriented. As you go about your day, your bulldog may follow you around to check on you, because it comforts them, or just to tag along with their best friend. Regardless of the exact reason, your bulldog is probably showing you they care by staying by your side. Making Eye Contact Humans may look at one another as a sign of love, but for most species, such as non-human primates , making eye contact is a way to communicate aggression. Even the wild counterparts of domestic dogs perceive staring as a threat! But somewhere in the long process of domestication, dogs learned our uniquely human signs of affection. That said, many dogs are still pretty wary of making prolonged eye contact for fear of their gaze being misinterpreted as a challenge. Cuddling In recent years, many dog trainers and behaviorists have pointed out that human displays of affection such as hugging are actually uncomfortable to many of our canine friends. From rubbing against you to laying on your face , bulldogs like to show affection by touching their owners as much as possible. Just as when two humans cuddle, oxytocin is also released by both partners when a dog cuddles with their human. Aside from being warm and comfortable, cuddles serve as a way for you and your dog to bond more. For such a simple action, leaning actually has a pretty profound meaning. If a bulldog leans on you, not only is it getting to touch you, but it also is able to show you that it trusts you by putting its weight against you. For a bulldog, jumping on you comes with many perks. For a start, jumping on you means they can get that much closer to your face in the hopes of bringing you down for some face licks. Leaning down to greet them or having your dog lay down before receiving some pats are two easy ways to make sure your dog keeps all four paws on the ground. The stomach is a vulnerable spot in most animals, our canine companions included. When a dog shows you their belly, they are exposing a sensitive region that leaves all of their vital organs unprotected. Of course, the tummy rubs that come with it are a welcome plus! When they lay on you, your bulldog gets to be warm, comfortable, and secure. More importantly, they get to share their love and affection with you through touch. Plus, some attention and pets are practically guaranteed! Smiling Dogs may not show their pearly whites quite in the same way humans do, but they are known to smile as a sign of relaxation and happiness. A smiling dog will have the corners of their mouth lifted up and will often slightly pant. In the case of bulldogs, this is usually accompanied by a floppy tongue sticking out! Bringing You a Toy Bulldogs might not have the most energy compared to other breeds , but they still have a fierce love for their toys. Many dogs have a favorite chew toy, blanket, or, in the case of the goofy bulldog in the below video, metal bowls. There are many reasons your bulldog would want to share their beloved toys with you, and all indicate affection. For one, your bulldog might be recruiting you as their playmate of choice. Your bulldog might also realize that it makes you happy when you see them carrying around their toys. But often times, your bulldog knows that a specific toy makes them happy, so they assume their gift will make you happy too! Putting a Paw on You For many of us, a dog randomly putting their paw on us can be a pretty perplexing behavior. For bulldogs, putting their paw on you is usually just an excellent way to get your attention and solicit some pets. Additionally, any chance to touch their owner is a choice way to communicate love. Some of the behaviors owners commonly think are acts of affection are often signs of a potential issue. Many dogs engage in repetitive behaviors such as licking, pacing, and chewing as a way to let out anxiety or boredom. Instead, this repetitive behavior provides anxious dogs with comfort and bored dogs with something to do. While dogs have been proven to experience jealousy , the way they experience this emotion has more to do with anxiety than it does love. An insecure dog feels the need to compete with other people or animals for your attention and feels that others are a social threat for your love. In a study on canine jealousy , puppies would only become agitated when their owner interacted with a fake dog, not just any object in the room. A happy, well-adjusted bulldog may be a bit pushy at times, but aggression toward others is never combined with affection. There are many things that determine how affectionate a bulldog is. Your bond, their individual personality, and how you respond to affection are all major factors. Breeders and owners have informally noticed that male and female bulldogs seem to have different temperaments and behaviors. The usual observations are that male dogs are more affectionate and playful, whereas female dogs are more gentle, easy to train, and protective. These contrasting natures have been attributed to differences in maturity and hormone levels. While some slight behavioral differences have been reported in studies , the differences attributed to males or females are often just extensions of gender stereotyping. Furthermore, differences in hormone levels are minimal for spayed and neutered dogs. As far as most experts are concerned, getting a male or female dog is a personal preference rather than a guarantee for an affectionate dog. For the most part, bulldog puppies show their affection in the same way as their adult counterparts. There are still a few differences in how these two age groups express their love. Peeing In addition to having small bladders, puppies have poor control of their bladder muscles. As a result, puppies pee a LOT. Holding their bladder when they are excited or nervous is especially difficult for a puppy. As a result, a bulldog puppy who is really excited to see you may have a bit of difficulty containing their happiness and their pee. By the time they are fully grown and develop full bladder control, your puppy should start showing their love in less messy ways. Chewing is an important behavior in puppies to strengthen jaws, relieve discomfort due to teething, and just explore the world. Pretty much anything from their toys to the leg of your chair is fair game for your puppy, but if your puppy is showing a distinct interest in your clothes or blankets, it may be a sign of love. With a sense of smell 10, to , times stronger than our own , puppies live in a world of scents. And if a puppy loves you, it also loves things that smell like you, such as your shoes or blanket. Many of the ways bulldogs show their affection to us carries over to their ways of displaying affection to other animals. Licking and tail wagging are universal signals of affection for dogs, but there are a few animal-specific behaviors. Other animals with sensitive sniffers, like dogs and cats, may communicate via smell and pheromones. Namely, bulldogs will share a friendly greeting with some good old-fashioned butt-sniffing. How to Show Your Bulldog Affection While they may not always understand complex commands, dogs are still exceptionally skilled at deciphering our body-language. Chances are, if you love your dog, it shows! Of course, knowing exactly how to show your love can be a bit confusing at times. Here are some great ways to show you care. Pet Them What better way to show your dog you care than petting them? Petting has been shown to be a relaxing and pleasant experience for humans and dogs alike. As several studies have shown, petting a dog significantly reduces anxiety and lowers cortisol , a major stress hormone. Aside from just feeling nice, petting your dog is the human equivalent of grooming and licking. While some dogs prefer to be pet in different areas or different ways, any type of petting will further your bond. Praise them Since we lack a tail or big, floppy ears, our dogs have learned to understand us in other ways. To a certain extent, dogs are born with the ability to understand human facial expressions, body language, and tones of voice. But setting aside a nice spot on the couch or helping them up onto the bed can remind your bulldog you appreciate their cuddles! As comfy and nuzzling up with your bulldog is, excess body heat can make things uncomfortable quickly for this easily overheated breed. Play With Them Although they may lounge for most of the day, bulldogs are often fond of playing. Simple games like tug of war or fetch are readily accepted by bulldogs, but they can even learn to play more complicated games such as hide and seek. When playing with your bulldog, keep an eye out for any signs of overheating such as excessive panting. Bulldogs usually show they care in many of the ways most of us would expect, like licking or wiggling their bum. When it comes to keeping you and your bulldog happy, a relationship of mutual care and affection can keep your bond strong. When she isn't writing about her favorite animals, she enjoys reading and horseback riding. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Additionally, NotABully.

You can use the information on dog.Show more How much grooming does a German Shepherd need? German Shepherds have thick coats so they shed a lot. You'll typically need to brush your short or long-haired German Shepherd a few times a week. German Shepherds may also need professional grooming. To hel.What size crate do you need for a German Shepherd? When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to: sit and stand up at their full height turn around without touching the sides lie down fully stretched out.To find out more about potential health i.Are German Shepherds easy to train? You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own personality and prior experiences. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop their own likes and dislikes and learn to respond to.Show more Are German Shepherds good with children? Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. However, there are som.Show more. German Shepherd Dogs Dogs for Adoption - Urgent case German Shepherd Puppies and Dogs looking for homes "The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog. The two breeds most at risk are GSD's and Staffies. Their crime - to be surplus to requirement. Unwanted and unloved. They have the same right to a nice home as younger dogs. She is good with children but unknown with dogs due to lack of socialisation and a no to cats. She is housetrained and travels well in the car. Our assessor found her to be a lovely and friendly dog who is sadly not being walked and therefore pulls on the lead. She is in desperate need of a new home where she will be stimulated and exercised but in return you will have a loving and affectionate dog! Zoey - Staffs This lovely girl is 4 year old Zoey who is in need of a new home. Sadly, Zoey's owner has been unable to exercise her so she is a lively girl, she will bark when people come to the home but our assessor found her to be very friendly and Zoey certainly enjoyed a belly rub or two. She is so eager to please, our assessor took her out and found she would not stray far and came back immediately, excellent obedience. She loves to play with her ball, has no food aggression, sleeps in her crate and travels well. Has previously lived with a male dog but did dominate him and currently lives with a cat but if allowed will chase it; due to her excitable nature it would be best not to rehome with younger children. She is no longer up to date with her vaccinations and has not been spayed or micro-chipped. Zoey is a very much loved dog but sadly not given the time an energetic dog like her needs, she deserves a new loving home where she will enjoy the exercise and stimulation she so desperately needs. Benson - Suffolk Benson is a 1yr old neutered male. He was rehomed by GSDR a few months ago but has returned as there have been changes within the family circumstances, and they can no longer cope with him. Benson has become over protective of his current owner and hence has issues with other dogs when out walking. He needs a firm, experienced owner who will teach him boundaries and acceptable behaviour. This young dog will blossom into a loyal friend with the right guidance. Shiloh - west mids This poor little sad girl is 3 year old Shiloh who is up to date with her vaccinations, is micro-chipped and spayed. She is a very nervous young dog and takes time to settle when visitors arrive but is exceedingly affectionate to her people. She is in desperate need of a home where the new owner will preferably not have any other pets or young children and will be able to devote the time and dedication to this very loving dog. Blue 3 year old entire handsome white German Shepherd who is currently in foster care due to previous owners lack of confidence to control and train. Unfortunately Blue suffers from fear aggression and tries to nip and frighten anyone he first meets but the foster carer can already see improvement day to day and Blue is beginning to trust humans again and be more relaxed and settled within their home. With patience and time preferably the only pet and no children Blue should make a fabulous pet for an experienced GSD home. Micro-chipped, vaccinated and medically fit. Saber Very fit and lively 10 year old, entire. Loves to play and cuddles. Unfortunately due to family constraints Saber is living in a very confined space and left for long periods of time. He has lived with a child but due to his size it would be best to place him with older ones, can live with a steady dog but a definite no to cats!! He was originally found on the streets as a stray and his previous owner spent a lot of time in training him and received a lot of certificates, he even went to work with his owner in the office. We were informed he needed careful introduction to new people he meets but he is now in kennels and has met so many people and staff and has not been an issue; in fact they all adore him. Anyone with experience, looking for a large dog, look no further, Frank is your dog!! Although he currently lives with young children it is advised due to his excitable behaviour and size he is rehomed with much older children, he has not been socialised with other dogs but our assessor said that with time, effort and the right owner he will be fine with them but a definite no to cats. He has been neutered and micro-chipped but his vaccinations are now out of date. Although he never went to puppy class he knows basic commands but gets distracted, with an experienced owner he will make a fantastic dog who is in desperate need of stimulation and exercise. Sadly, as in many of these cases, the breeder was only interested in the money and not the long term welfare of the dog; Rocky has become too much for his current family and are unable to give him the time and stimulation a fabulous dog like him requires. Can you? Tala - Notts This lovely lad is 2 year old Tala who is up to date with his vaccinations and entire. He currently lives with children but would be best placed with much older, more experienced ones, loves to play with other dogs but a definite no to cats. Tala will need firm handling and will need to know who is the leader certainly not him! He is housetrained, travels well and will make a fabulous dog in the right home where he will be stimulated and allowed the chance to have a good run out in the fields. Camy - Lou Camy Lou is a beautiful 5yr old spayed bitch. She is a calm and friendly dog in the house. She loves her walks, being outside and also likes swimming so can be a little excitable when she thinks she is about to go out. Camy Lou has had a rough start to life. Her current owners rescued her a year ago. She was in quite a sorry state but with time and patience they have got her to where she is today. She is insured and vaccinated. Camy Lou is great with people but she suffers from toy aggression. Camy Lou responds to basic commands and has a good recall unless she is distracted by a stick or toy. Her current owners love her dearly but are sadly unable to keep her as she attacked one of their other dogs, while in the home, because of a stick. This gorgeous girl has a lot of love to give and would benefit from an experienced GSD owner with no other pets and no children. Layla - Norfolk Layla is a lovely 2yr old bitch in desperate need of some love and attention. She was being kept in a run down, outside kennel with straw as her only comfort. She is quite underweight and has little muscle tone on her back end. This will improve once she is being fed and exercised more regularly. Her owner is seriously ill and has moved away to be with his family leaving Layla to be looked after by a man, who was trying to help the owner out, but who has struggled due to his own workload and other commitments. This young girl needs time, patience and most of all love to steer her back onto the road to good health. She would ideally suit an experienced owner without young children. Willow - Nuneaton Let me introduce you to the utterly gorgeous, big boy Willow. He is 4 years old 5 in Jul , entire and not vaccinated. Due to his size and strength it would be best to rehome him to a family with much older teenagers or no children at all, definitely no cats and needs to be carefully introduced to other dogs. Our assessor did find him to be a little lively but soon calmed down and Willow enjoyed a fuss and a cuddle. Willow is very large dog and has not be shown any ground rules and therefore his new owners need to work with him but in return they will have a fabulous dog! Buddy - West Mids This lovely dog is 8 years young Buddy who is entire and vaccinations are overdue. He currently lives with a family, a cat, loves to play with other dogs in the park and previously lived with dogs in a former home. The family are no longer able to keep Buddy due to his food aggression and behaviour towards various members of the family. However, our assessor found him to be a lovely, friendly dog who was energetic and this was no doubt due to not getting enough exercise or stimulation. In the right home he would make a fabulous addition and would suit an active family preferably with older children due to his excitable nature. Petra Petra is 5 and unspayed. She has never lived with children but was fine with young children she met out. Petra does not like little dogs or cats, and she will stand up for herself with larger dominating dogs. She has been living with a male GSD and her two 5 month daughters. Friendly with people who are friendly to her. Her recall is good as long as she is not distracted. Petra does have a joint problem on her right rear leg and will struggle if walked more than about 4 miles in a day. Poor Petra has had a horrible start in life. The owner used to beat his wife and no doubt at some stag Petra too. She is very nervous of lighters and matches! She will need confident and understanding owners. Current owner rehoming as mobility issues walking all of the dogs! Louie - Coventry This lovely friendly lad is 8 years young Louie. He is neutered, vaccinated and house trained. He is sadly overweight due to lack of exercise but when our assessor took him out she found he eventually walked well on the lead after initially pulling and responded well to commands but could not test his recall. A definite no to cats and dogs he will dominate them so would be best placed as an only dog and to further socialise with other dogs. Louie is a water baby, loves to swim but doesn't like to go out of his depth, travels well in the car but hates fireworks! A friendly dog who really enjoys the attention he deserves and needs a home soon! Bruno - Cambs Bruno is a longhaired 4yr old entire male. He currently lives in a barn but is chained up as he keeps escaping and has killed the neighbours prize chickens. The neighbours have threatened legal action if Bruno is not re-homed soon. While chained Bruno shows aggression and will nip, but when off the chain he is a completely different character and is very friendly. He responded to simple commands and took treats from our assessor. Bruno is good with children, other dogs and cats. We are unsure if he is house trained but he does not mess in his barn. He is not currently walked and so will need some lead training. He shows no aggression when allowed to be free and will make a great addition to the right home. This young man just needs a chance to be a pet rather than a yard dog. Bailey - Suffolk Bailey is a friendly 5yr old neutered male. He has shown some aggression issues in his current home but he is being left to his own devices for long periods and is under stimulated. Our volunteer found Bailey to be very social and saw no signs of aggression. He needs an experienced GSD owner that can spend the time needed to channel Baileys attentions in a positive direction. Can you offer Bailey the home he so urgently needs? Jake - Suffolk Jake is a 3yr old neutered male. He is currently being left alone for long periods, not walked or groomed. Despite his lack of attention Jake is a friendly boy. He needs an experienced owner who can go back to basics and teach him some manners and give him some guidance on acceptable behaviour. Jakes long coat needs a good groom. This young dog is desperate for a home where he will be loved and receive the attention and exercise that every dog deserves. Theo This beautiful boy is 4 year old Theo who will need an experienced owner to provide him with time for exercise and socialisation. He currently lives with another dog and children but would now be best placed with much older teenagers. Although he lives with another dog and gets on well with her, he does not like other dogs when out. He is fully vaccinated and neutered. He requires a home with GSD experience who will guide and stimulate him, in return you will have a fabulous loving dog. He is up to date with vaccinations, neutered and micro-chipped. He is good with children but will need to be homed as the only pet as he likes to enjoy all the fuss and tummy tickles for himself; and following an attack by another dog when he was only 15 weeks old he can no longer tolerate other dogs or any other furry creatures. He is house-trained and has good basic commands. He has unfortunately been diagnosed with hip dysplasia but thanks to his good muscle tone the vet has advised he does not require an operation; the current pet insurance is transferrable. Our assessor found him to be a friendly and pleasant dog, walked well on the lead; his current owner sadly has to give him up as she is unable to control him around other dogs and the other pets in the home. He will suit an experienced owner who will understand his behaviour and provide him with the guidance and manners he requires. Lulu - Nuneaton This beautiful little girl is 3 year old Lulu who is fully vaccinated and micro-chipped and spayed and currently in foster. She has previously lived with children and is ok with most dogs but cannot tolerate small ones and definitely no cats. She is fully house trained but will require further training as she will pull on the lead and needs to learn a few manners. She suffers with dust and food allergies and is currently on medication and a special diet for this; she is currently insured and this is transferrable. She will require a firm handler who can provide her with the guidance and socialization she requires as well as the care needed with her allergy. A lovely girl who needs a chance to enjoy another loving home. He went to attack Ash on a number of occasions, Ash soon showed him who the boss was good lad. This shows he can be ok with the correct guidance. He is a big strong boy so pulls on lead. We would recommend that no small children as he is a very big lad. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. We also accept Paypal payments - just click on the Paypal button below. Please help support the rescue Please help us by making a donation so that we can help re home more unwanted German Shepherd Dogs. Thank you. Adopt a new best friend. By choosing to adopt, you participate in a statewide effort to provide homes for deserving and loyal German Shepherds. We cover all vet expenses and will purchase all needed supplies for your foster dog while they are in your care. Adopt a Dog Help us help future dogs. Donate your time. Campaign for fundraising. Transport dogs to their destinations. Make a difference in the German Shepherd community. Apply to volunteer with us and provide care for German Shepherds that truly need it. Apply to Volunteer We have found homes for hundreds of happy German Shepherds. Below is a list of German Shepherds that have successfully found a new home. German Shepherd adoption has changed our lives, and it can change yours, too. Bodie A friendly German Shepherd with a lovely black coat. Bodie was a lovely, personable German Shepherd that was finally adopted by a loving family after a long battle with homelessness. She also loves engaging in friendly play with cats! Jill Adopted in , Jill became a playful and positive addition to her family. Jill had previously completed behavioral training prior to adoption, making her an asset to any home. Now, she enjoys daily walks to local parks. Mesaba Once abandoned by his previous owner, Mesaba found a loving family in Georgia, who named him Mesaba after their Minnesotan roots. Mesaba now enjoys walks in the park, play time with friends, and a loving family. Giroux After previous domestic issues with cats, Giroux found a home with one of our volunteers. He now enjoys cheering up his new owner, who has previously lost a German Shepherd to age-related difficulties. Abbie After a history of neglect, Abbie was able to recover from her past trauma and find a loving and accepting home in .She now enjoys playing hide-and-find with new toys, playing in the local pond, and being part of her new family. Fletcher After abandonment from his previous owners, Fletcher was finally able to join his new and supportive family. He now enjoys long walks, lots of attention and plenty of space for personal recreation. Matilda Matilda was shy before reaching out shelter - but after some training, she was finally able to come out of her shell! She now spends time with her new family, receiving more love than she could ever imagine! Queen Adopted in , Queen is a playful and positive addition to any family. Queen had previously completed behavioral training prior to adoption, making her an asset to any home. Ike Ike is the life of the party. We are pleased to announced that after years of neglect, Ike was finally able to join a family of his own. Now, Ike enjoys playing with his new owners and enjoying a life of abundant love and affection. She was once abandoned by her previous owners, but with some care and rehabilitation, Lady was able to relocate to a loving family of her own! Schatzi Talk about playful! Schahtzi is a lovely German Shepherd that was able to join a loving family after a past of neglect. Now, she enjoys lots of exercise and good memories with his new family. See More Alumni Give in memoriam. To us, a dog is family. Every pet has a story, how they were rescued and what they meant to us. Tell us your story. History Where are German Shepherd Dogs from? Perhaps never in the history of any breed has such concerted effort been put into improving a dog, mostly due to the formation in of the Verein fur Deutsche Scharferhunde SV, an organization in Germany devoted to overseeing the breeding of the German Shepherd. Breeders sought to develop not only a herding dog but also one that could excel at jobs requiring courage, athleticism, and intelligence. During World War I, they were the obvious choice for a war sentry. The Wolfdog was later dropped as it caused many people to fear the dogs. How big do German Shepherd Dogs get? The double-coat, with a thick undercoat that sheds twice annually, loses hair continuously but can be maintained with regular brushing one or two times weekly. What are the German Shepherd Dog colors? Black, tan, solid black and solid sable. How long do German Shepherd Dogs live? Lifespan: 10—12 years What are some German Shepherd Dogs facts and information? The German Shepherd held the number one spot in American popularity for many years. Although presently it has dropped from the top spot, the German Shepherd remains as one of the most versatile dogs ever created, serving as a police dog, war dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, narcotics- or explosives-detecting dog, show dog, pet—and even shepherd. Related Content. We are always looking for new volunteers — providing temporary foster homes for these dogs is the big need, but there are many more opportunities to help. Please consider joining our efforts. We also help owners who, due to unforeseen circumstances, find themselves unable to keep their dogs. Adopting Your New Canine Family Member All of the Front Range adoptable dogs are home fostered, or in cases where no foster home is available, some may even be boarded. Approved Applicants will receive detailed info on how to meet select dogs. Our entire adoption process typically takes no more than weeks from your submitting the application until you have a dog in your home. We rely solely on volunteers to place our dogs. Our volunteers have busy lives with their own families, jobs, school, pets, etc. We DO NOT discuss individual dogs with applicants until the adoption process has been completed because there is often more than one applicant interested in a particular dog, and we do not want to promise the same dog to more than one applicant. You can take home a shelter dog the same day. The first step is to submit a completed application. Your application does not obligate you to adopt, nor does accepting an application represent approval of that application. You do not apply to adopt a particular dog. The more open you are to gender, color and age, the more likely you are to find a dog with us. Next, we call your vet and your references. We are looking for people with a history of good pet care. Ideal applicants have lots of experience working with GSDs or large breed dogs. We want homes that accept that they are rescuing a dog and are willing to work with the dog to make him a good citizen. Yes, you will have to do some work. We will schedule a home visit. Once you have been approved to adopt from us we will contact you about suitable dogs and put you in contact with the foster parents. Since the foster parents know the dog the best, they are a key part of the process in determining which home and family is best suited for their foster dog. We get dogs into rescue on a regular basis and they are placed with previously approved adopters who have been waiting for their forever dog. It is best not to focus on any specific dog until you have been approved. We welcome your interest in a dog that may steal your heart but please remember that the dogs posted on our site today will most likely go to homes of applicants that applied weeks ago. Once dogs are available, we work with our current, approved applications until we find the right family for the dog. Once you are ready to adopt, we will give you all the information we have on the dogs for which you may be a good match.

Full size table Discussions The incidence rate of swimmer puppies in this study was 3. The rate reported so far was 2. Although it was not possible to simply compare them, the incidence rates were considered to be almost similar. In the comparison of body weight at each period, swimmer puppies were showed significantly heavier than non-symptomatic puppies on the 10th and 28th days. On the other hand, the litter size, which had been suggested to be associated with the onset [ 1 ], was also shown to be significantly reduced in the swimmer puppy group. It was also reported that in dams with a small number of offspring, the properties of the milk were altered, and the calories also became high [ 10 ], which might lead to weight gain in puppies. In our results, negative correlations were found between the number of littermates and body weight in all individuals, indicating that the early weight gain due to the smaller litter size might have caused overweight and be involved in the onset. However, the causal relationship between the two had not been clarified, further investigation was needed for the elucidation. Most of the affected individuals in this study had a good course except for one that died, and many of them stood up or walked in about one month. The Hokkaido Guide Dog Association had taken the following management protocol based on the knowledge so far. With these simple nursing care measures, many affected individuals gradually began to raise their upper body, chests became rounded, and they were able to stand up. This might be effective as a treatment for the early stage of swimmer puppies in retriever breeds. It was possible to create a family tree based on a huge amount of kinship data and conduct a detailed examination of genetic factors. The posterior hereditability of the swimmer puppy onset trait showed a high value of 0. It indicated that the onset of swimmer puppy was mostly influenced by heredity. Subsequently, the posterior heritability of the 10th-day body-weight trait also showed a high value of 0. It is generally said that the heritability of growth-related factors tends to be high, and the heritability of mature body weight was already reported as 0. In addition, under the guidelines of the Hokkaido Guide Dog Association, the breeding environment of the mother dog was almost the same in all breeding volunteer households. Therefore, the environmental factor was relatively small compared to the genetic factor, and it might contribute to the high heritability of two traits. On the other hand, the genetic correlation between these two traits was poor at 0. Although the details were unknown, it was possible that new other genetic factors were involved in the onset of swimmer puppy syndrome in retriever breeds. In this study, it was not clarified what is the cause of swimmer puppy syndrome. Besides, histopathological information could not be obtained for many of the healed individuals. As a result, it was difficult to identify the affected area and comprehensively analyze it. In swimmer puppies, the changes in neuromuscular synaptic function, inappropriate myelination, poor development of peripheral motor neurons, and delayed muscle development were highlighted in previous reports [ 3 , 8 ]. It has also been suggested that the other genetic factors are involved in locomotive abnormalities. To elucidate the detailed pathogenesis of this syndrome, further studies are needed in the future. Conclusions This study revealed that the litter size and weight gain might be involved in the onset of swimmer puppy syndrome found in one breed dogs, Labrador retrievers. Most swimmer puppies could walk by simple nursing care at early stage. In addition, it was considered that the genetic influence on the onset was extremely high. Although the cause of swimmer puppy syndrome in Labrador retrievers still remains unclear, it is expected that this syndrome will be elucidated by further detailed analysis in the future. Methods Dogs Detailed postnatal records among the puppies born between and were used in the Labrador retriever breeding colony at the Hokkaido Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in Japan. It was excluded from this study for the dogs which could not be tracked with accurate postnatal records. Inclusion criteria for swimmer puppy Based on the inspection data by the veterinarian in charge of the Guide Dog Association, a swimmer puppy was defined as followed. Dogs that were seen to have all the following three symptoms at the same time between the 14th and 28th days after birth: 1 the forelimbs, hind limbs, or all four limbs are laterally deployed, 2 flat chest, 3 unable to stand. All individuals were inspected by the same veterinarian. Data Analysis Data were collected for incidence rate, prognosis, breed, sex, weight, and the litter size. The incidence rate of swimmer puppy was expressed as a percentage by dividing the number of affected individuals by all births. The prognosis survey was traced back with all postnatal data. The litter size, and body weight records at birth, 10 days, and 28 days after birth were used and compared between litters where swimmer puppy appeared swimmer puppy group and the litters without swimmer puppy non-symptomatic group. The correlation between the litter size and the body weight at each period was statistically analyzed. Inbreeding coefficient The inbreeding coefficient was calculated based on the assumption that the onset of swimmer puppy is a qualitative trait and a hereditary disease due to a single recessive gene. An ancestor that frequently appears among the blood relatives of the affected individual was identified, and when that individual was designated as the common ancestor A , the inbreeding coefficient derived from A was calculated for all individuals with records using the following formula. The program was modified for estimating the inbreeding coefficient originated by common ancestor A. In order to search for the causative common ancestor, individuals with golden parents were excluded from consideration, and only Labradors and hybrids were included. Heritability and genetic correlation Assuming that the onset of swimmer puppy is a quantitative trait, the heritability was calculated. Heritability is a measure of how much an individual's phenotypic value is determined by additive genetic effects. A total of records with 10, individuals in pedigree records were used to estimate genetic parameters of Labradors. The onset trait of swimmer puppy in retriever species was estimated using the best linear unbiased prediction BLUP animal model below [ 13 , 14 ]. The body weight on the 10th day was also regarded as a phenotype, and the heritability was calculated in the same manner Formula 2. The genetic correlation between the above two traits was estimated according to the bivariate BLUP animal model analysis. To calculate the posterior means and standard deviations of co variances, heritabilities and genetic correlation, samples after a burn-in of iterations were used. Convergence was determined by using visual inspection of the plots of Gibbs samples. Availability of data and materials The data containing information on common ancestry that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request and with permission of Hokkaido Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in Japan. French Bulldogs How to Treat Swimmer Puppy Syndrome You can do several things to support your swimmer puppy, including the treatment options below 11 , .Taping or Hobbling Generally, the first go-to for treatment of Swimmers Puppy Syndrome is the taping method. It's inadvisable to first try this yourself. A veterinarian who is experienced with hobbling in dogs should always show you how to tape your puppy's legs so that you don't cause any pain or damage to the limbs. To begin with, taping should only be worn for 15 minutes at a time, times a day. While taped, you should use a sling or harness to support your puppy. Although supported by the sling, your puppy's feet should be only just touching the ground. Using a harness or sling to support a swimmer puppy strengthens the dog's leg muscles but also helps relieve pressure on the sternum. Repositioning You must reposition your Swimmers puppy on their side any time you see them laying on their sternum. Encouraging your puppy to sleep on their side as much as possible will relieve pressure on the chest. Even if they are not sleeping, repositioning is a good way to reduce complications from constant pressure on the chest. Maintaining a Healthy Weight It may sound simple, but helping your Swimmers dog to maintain a healthy weight is more beneficial than you might realize. The more extra weight your pup has to hold up, the slower their progress with therapy will be. It's also worth considering that extra weight means more pressure on the sternum of Swimmers puppies. Bedding Be sure to give your Swimmers puppy a supportive, orthopedic and lofty bed not any regular dog bed that will help to keep as much pressure as possible off the dog's chest and abdomen. You can also pad your puppy's bed with blankets so that you can customize the height and supportiveness of their bedding. Massage Massage has many benefits , but it's also a great tool to help promote well-being in Swimmers puppies while also stimulating the dog's nerves and muscles 13 , Massaging your puppy after a feed can also help the digestive process along and help to resolve problems like constipation and gas. Hygiene Hygiene should never be neglected in swimmer puppy syndrome. Since these puppies aren't able to support their body weight, they are also unable to stand to use the potty or to move away from waste when they do go while lying down. Failing to clean up after your Swimmer pup immediately after their accident can cause infection, urine burns, and painful sores. Environment Scientists that studied this condition strongly suggest that appropriate flooring is extremely important, particularly non-slippery floors that prevent slippage and further injuries in puppies. Furthermore, due to pups relieving themselves where they rest, it's recommended to use pee pads in your dog's favorite spots. Applying baby powder and wiping the dog can also help to prevent fecal scalding. Kicking helps to stretch out the legs and build muscle, both extremely important things for Swimmer's puppies. Water Therapy Water therapy is recommended for Swimmer dogs that have developed a swimming reflex this happens around 6 weeks old. Keeping the pup secured, submerge them in water up to their chin. When submerged, the puppy's swimming instinct will kick in and they will begin paddling. Be sure to keep hold of the puppy but let them paddle. This helps to build up muscle in the legs and can be done for short periods, two to three times a day. Managing Life With a Swimmers Pup Rehabilitation and therapy are both great tools for giving dogs with Swimmer Puppy Syndrome a fighting chance for a normal life, but this will require a lot of commitment from you. For therapies to work, they must be done every day, multiple times a day and, for the average dog owner, this can be difficult. However, difficult or not, consistency and repetition of therapy activities and treatments are the best and only way to give your Swimmer puppy the future that they deserve. Address all correspondence to Dr. Nam-Shik Shin; e-mail: rk. The dog was diagnosed with swimmers syndrome. The dog recovered completely following 40 days of home-care treatment that involved environmental and nutritional management along with intensive physiotherapy. Forward movement with this affliction is only accomplished by lateral pedaling motions 1 — 6. Swimmers syndrome has generally been considered to be untreatable; therefore, animals that present with symptoms of the syndrome have tended to be euthanized 5 , 6. However, there have been several notable cases in which clinicians successfully treated animals — 1 kitten and 3 puppies suffering from the syndrome with a combination of intensive physiotherapy, bandaging, external splinting, and hospitalization 2 , 4. In the present case, this miniature puppy with swimmers syndrome demonstrates that owners can provide satisfactory home-care and physiotherapy. Also, this case has been followed for over 10 y, and the dog is still alive, thus providng information about the prognosis. This study presents the case of a dog that was born with swimmers syndrome; the original veterinarian had advised euthanization, but the owner chose to donate the dog to a teaching hospital. One of the authors adopted the dog and has been caring for it for the past 10 y. As a result of the home-care treatment, the dog recovered from the syndrome and continues to live a healthy life. Case description A day-old, female miniature schnauzer was presented with astasia, dorsoventral flattening of the thorax, stiffness of hind-limb joints, hypoplasia of hind-limb muscles, paddling leg motion, and panting Figure 1. A severe exorotation of both hind paws and a pronounced hyperextension of both tarsal joints were present. In addition, there was an inability to adduct the hind limbs and zero range of motion in the hind-limb joints was observed. Neither of the hind legs could be placed in a normal standing position even with manual support. At rest, the dog remained in sternal recumbency; if positioned in dorsal recumbency the dog was unable to right herself. Swimmers syndrome is an uncommon development in dogs or cats, also known as flat-pup syndrome or swimming-puppy syndrome. This syndrome leads to a deformation in their limbs, beginning with the hind limbs. This type of deformational development makes the legs twisted and results in the inability to stand or walk. Although smaller and dwarf breeds are more prone to the syndrome, larger breeds may also suffer from it. Breeds that are more likely to produce puppies with swimmer puppy syndrome include English and French Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers, Basset Hounds, and Dachshunds. In newborn pups with swimmer puppy syndrome , milk is often regurgitated. Swimmer puppies often experience difficulty with the entire digestion process; many have difficulty eliminating and develop constipation as a result. Without treatment, a swimmer puppy is also at risk of developing painful joint deformities caused by holding their legs at abnormal angles for long periods of time. It will only lie on its stomach, not on its side. Its legs, both front and back, will be splayed out. By three weeks of age, the puppy will not be able to stand or walk, and may struggle to move. When it does move, it may look like it is trying to paddle or swim. The puppy will be putting a lot of pressure on its sternum, which will contribute to the flattening of the chest and ribs. This causes swimmer syndrome puppies to have difficulty breathing and low energy levels. They will also be weak and may have problems with circulation. The puppy may also have difficulty eating. Because of the pressure on its chest, it may also struggle with keeping food down. Additionally, swimmer puppies may have sores or lesions on their bodies from lying in urine or feces. Swimmer puppies are often lethargic. By three weeks of age, the puppy will not be developing the ability to stand and walk like its littermates. Small and dwarf dog breeds are more prone to swimmer puppy syndrome that large breeds. Some veterinary experts believe that the issue is hereditary, while others point toward environments that prevent puppies from moving enough to develop their muscles properly. Others believe that swimmer puppies are born with congenital defects that occur prior to birth. Many veterinarians are willing to intervene and give the puppy a chance at having a happy, healthy life as there are quite a few treatments for swimmer puppy syndrome. Use a harness or sling to suspend the puppy for up to 20 minutes at a time, up to four times per day. This treatment is intended to strengthen muscles while taking pressure off the chest and abdomen. Every case is different; however, this is normally done gradually, for just 15 to 20 minutes per day, and only 3 to 4 times per day at first. Avoid slippery surfaces that prevent the pup from gaining traction. You can also create a soft vest for the pup to wear by cutting leg holes in an old sock and stuffing the sock with fluffy material to keep the chest elevated. Encourage the puppy to sleep on its side rather than resting on its abdomen. When you are with the puppy, help it change positions while nursing and sleeping. This gentle stimulation can help with nerve development and encourage the puppy to move its legs more, as well as to exert more force with each movement. Massage the puppy frequently, particularly after feeding. All-over massage can help stimulate muscles and nerves while aiding the digestion process. You can also encourage these movements while the puppy is suspended in a sling. Ensure that the puppy is being fed adequately, but not over-fed. Excess weight makes recovery more difficult. Keep the puppy clean. This can lead to painful lesions and cause complications with treatment. Apply a moisture barrier cream or unscented baby powder to help prevent irritation, if your vet approves. To begin with, taping should only be worn for 15 minutes at a time, times a day. While taped, you should use a sling or harness to support your puppy. Encouraging your puppy to sleep on their side as much as possible will relieve pressure on the chest. Even if they are not sleeping, repositioning is a good way to reduce complications from constant pressure on the chest. Maintaining a Healthy Weight It may sound simple, but helping your Swimmers dog to maintain a healthy weight is more beneficial than you might realize. The more extra weight your pup has to hold up, the slower their progress with therapy will be. Massaging your puppy after a feed can also help the digestive process along and help to resolve problems like constipation and gas. Failing to clean up after your Swimmers pup immediately after their accident can cause infection as well as urine burns and painful sores. Environment Scientists that studied this condition strongly suggest that appropriate flooring is extremely important, particularly non-slippery floors that prevent slippage and further injuries in puppies. Applying baby powder and wiping the dog can also help to prevent fecal scalding. Water Therapy Water therapy is recommended for Swimmer dogs that have developed a swimming reflex this happens around 6 weeks old. Keeping the pup secured, submerge them in water up to their chin. Be sure to keep hold of the puppy but let them paddle. This helps to build up muscle in the legs and can be done for short periods, two to three times a day. What is the management? Slippery floors may worsen, or in some cases, may even cause swimmer puppies. Egg crate bed liners work well. Bunch up towels and blankets and keep pup confined to a small area. Puppies should not become overweight, as this may further the weakness in the rear limbs. Most swimmers have a flattened chest from laying flat. Taping the legs in the correct position should be done asap. You will see almost immediate progress. If the pup is a chewer you will have to put a cone on while legs are taped. Swim sessions three times a day will help with building muscle. Note — the swim reflex may not develop until pups are 6 weeks or older. Submerge pup to his chin this kicks in the survival instinct to kick. Since there may be a hereditary component to this condition, dogs who were swimmer puppies would not be optimal breeding animals. Please follow and like us: Tags.

Age: As your French Bulldog gets older, he will have a lower digestive capacity. Adult dogs only poop around three tim es a day, while puppies can go up to six or seven times. This is because puppies are growing, and their bodies need extra nourishment from food along with energy from digestion. Puppies usually have smaller bowel movements, especially when they are teething. You may begin to notice larger, looser stools once your Frenchie puppy starts getting teeth. Younger dogs also tend to drink more water than older dogs, so their poop is also more watery. If your French Bulldog is on a high-quality diet with no gravy or anything added to the kibble. In that case, you should notice smaller stools that are brown in color and resemble small pebbles. If your Frenchie is on low-quality food, their stools will be yellow and have a stronger odor that is cruder. However, if your dog has diarrhea or is vomiting, some of the stools may resemble more of a pudding consistency. Other signs such as excess gas and low stool output can indicate that your French Bulldog is not feeling well, and you should contact your veterinarian immediately. How long after a Frenchie eats do they poop? French Bulldogs should have a bowel movement after every meal. Depending on the size of your French Bulldog, they should have a stool at least 30 minutes after each meal. If your Frenchie is taking over an hour to have a bowel movement after eating. Some dogs may take longer to go than others depending on the size and age of the dog. How many times should a French Bulldog puppy poop? As mentioned before, Frenchie puppies will poop more often than an adult French Bulldog. However, there can be other Frenchie poop problems you want to look out for. If their poop is yellow, then their diet probably consists of low-quality food, or they might be eating too much. Blood on Their Poop If your Frenchie poops blood, this could indicate many problems. However, if there is dark brown or red blood, then your French Bulldog might be bleeding from their stomach or intestines, and you should take them to the vet as soon as possible. This could be because of parasites or worms, but in a worst-case scenario, it could also mean your dog has problems with its pancreas or liver. Runny poops in French Bulldogs should be investigated by a vet to figure out the underlying cause. Why does my French Bulldog puppy have loose stools? A puppy French Bulldog with loose stools is actually pretty normal. Puppies are constantly growing and eating, which means their digestive system is working overtime to process all of their meals. This can cause the stool to be soft for a few days until the puppy gets used to having more food in its system. What do you feed a puppy with loose stools?? To help your puppy get back to normal, you should give them rice or oatmeal. Milk should be avoided altogether because it will make the stool softer and could also cause diarrhea. If your French Bulldog still has diarrhea, then you should take him to a vet. How do I make my French Bulldog poop more solid? If your French Bulldog is eating low-quality food, their poop will be softer and have more odor. Why does my French Bulldogs poop smell so bad? If you have been feeding your French Bulldog low-quality food for a long time, then their poop will probably have a very bad odor. Changing them over to wet or dry high-quality food will most likely solve the problem. You should use a stool softener or give them canned pumpkin to help with their digestive system because dehydration can also cause constipation. If the problem continues, then you should take them to the vet. But if your Frenchie seems upset or uncomfortable after pooping, then that might be a sign of constipation or diarrhea. If your French Bulldog is eating his own poop, then this could mean he has a nutritional deficiency. Conclusion Adult and healthy French Bulldogs should poop a maximum of three times per day and in normal consistency. If your Frenchie is struggling to poop and seems uncomfortable, then he probably has some kind of digestive problem that needs to be addressed by a vet. It is important to watch your Frenchie when they are pooping, so you can monitor the color and amount of poop that is being passed. These signs and symptoms should serve as a guide when determining what type of bowel movement is normal for your Frenchie. For very mild incidents, and when waiting for the vet consultation, there are a couple of constipation management suggestions you can attempt: Plenty of water: Please ensure that your Frenchie has access to clean water. Constipation conditions can be improved if you ensure your French Bulldog gets sufficient water. You will find that providing wet food instead of dry food will also help. A daily feeding schedule 2 to 3 meals a day may benefit. Particularly, the amount of fiber in the food can impact constipation; therefore, having the right amount should help improve intestine motility and minimize constipation. Feeding too much or too little fiber can exacerbate constipation, so talk to your veterinarian, and they should be able to provide adequate diet recommendations. Avoid These When Your Frencie Is Constipated There is indeed a lot of misleading advice online regarding natural treatments for dog consti p ation. It is important to remember that you must always speak to your veterinarian before offering any remedy to your Frenchie. Enemas: Enemas must only be delivered by a veterinarian and therefore should not be given at home. The chance of harm or even contamination is significant, so professionals need to manage this procedure. Milk: Since so many dogs are lactose-intolerant, certain people say that dairy is a successful home cure for constipation by functioning as a laxative. Even milk can lead to diarrhea and is not recommended, as it can cause more health issues on its own. Laxatives: Your vet should be the only person to prescribe laxatives or stool softeners. If the constipation of your Frenchie is not resolved, then obstipation — the inability to expel the colon on their own may happen. In this situation, the bowel becomes filled with an unbearably large volume of feces. Without medical treatment, your Frenchie may suffer from this more serious type of condition and typically progress to the point that the following symptoms become visible: Lack of appetite. Starch They Are Inactive or Obese Frenchies who have extra weight are much more prone to chronic farts, as silly as it sounds. So keep your Frenchie at a healthy weight with constant exercise. Even daily walks will help you with this. When Frenchies roll in their poop, it can be their canine instincts, or they just like doing it. Not surprising since dogs like gross stuff and Frenchies are no exception. If you want to understand this odd behavior more, here are some explanations that may help you. By hiding their scent with poop, their prey cannot detect them and run away. Although your Frenchie does not need to hunt , this instinct is still passed down today. To mark their territory, they may rub their scent on it to override the smell. This can be a warning or a signal that your Frenchie was there. By letting the pack smell them, the others will know where the returning dog was. Your Frenchie considers you as part of their pack. And because of this, they may want to let you know where they went. If your Frenchie has a hard time pooping, there are a couple of ways you can help them. You can try out the tips below. But if your Frenchie does not improve the next day, you should visit your vet. Never give your Frenchie an enema or laxative. You should only do so if your vet recommends you to. So you can add more fiber into their food to make them poop! You can feed them pumpkin, pears, apples, or any food rich in fiber. Add this to their meals, and see if there are any improvements. Make sure not to feed them too many fruits, though. While they may help, fruits are high in sugar. Make Them Drink More Water Sometimes, the solution may be as simple as increasing their water intake. Dehydration can make your Frenchie constipated. This is because their body will suck the moisture from their feces. And that makes it difficult for your Frenchie to poop. Try Giving Them Milk Milk is a great laxative for humans as well as dogs. But remember, some dogs are allergic or intolerant to milk. So you should only do this if you are sure that your Frenchie does not suffer from these. Their bowel movement will also see the benefits of exercise. Even a quick stroll with your Frenchie will help stimulate the movement of their poop. This will also help your Frenchie know what to expect since they like routines! Frenchies are notorious for being a stubborn breed , which is why it is challenging to train them. But they are also an intelligent breed, which makes it easy for them to understand your commands. When their stubbornness kicks in though, they may not want to listen to you. So you have to keep these in mind. Do not worry though, you just have to be consistent with training and do a lot of repetition. Make potty training fun too, as Frenchies learn best with this. Reward them for their good behaviors, but do not punish them when they make mistakes. Making your Frenchie fear you will do more harm than good, especially when potty training. Fear and anxiety can increase the likelihood of them making accidents. It is generally thought that female Frenchies are easier to train than males. The difference is in their personality and temperament. Male Frenchies are independent, mischievous, and energetic. They tend to have an alpha-dog mentality and may try to assert their dominance over you. This is a problem when potty training them. They will try to fight for that alpha spot, even with you. So male Frenchies may need more patience when you train them. Female Frenchies are docile, shy, and calm. This is why many consider them as easier to train. But you must take these with a grain of salt as these are only general observations. Frenchies have varying personalities within the same sex, so use these as a guide. You can start potty training your Frenchie as young as 8 weeks of age. Starting this early will be easier and may give you better results. Training an older Frenchie can be harder since they are set in their ways already. Other than that, you need to consider that it will take a lot of time for them to be completely potty trained. So the earlier you do this, the earlier they can complete this. It may take you 8 to 10 months to fully potty train your Frenchie. But this depends on how consistent you are in training them. Some Frenchies may take longer than this, while others will learn earlier. Some claim that it will take about 1 to 4 months to potty train a Frenchie pup. While others say that it will take up to 8 to 10 months. There is no cut and dry answer to this, so be consistent and patient as your Frenchie learns. Make sure you have a potty pad, treats for rewards, and a dog leash. Now, prepare yourself and gather all your patience. This can be a frustrating journey but you will get there. Below are some steps you can follow to successfully potty train your Frenchie. Step 1: Set a Schedule You need to be consistent in your timing so that your Frenchie learns when they should do their business. Take them out first thing in the morning, after their lunch, and after dinner. It is also a good idea to take them out after playing or drinking water. That way, you give them more opportunities to poop or pee. Step 2: Know Their Body Language Eventually, you will be able to tell if your Frenchie needs to potty with some signs. This can be pacing around, whining, barking , and staring at you in the eye. Knowing these will be helpful so you know when to take them out outside of their schedule. This will help them avoid accidents as well. This can be your garden or a designated potty place for them in your home. Even if they have outdoor access, it is best to train them with potty pads as well. During the nighttime, they cannot go out by themselves. So a potty pad will come in handy when they want to relieve themselves while you are asleep. Step 4: Use a Command Word The moment they start to relieve themselves, say a command. Make sure that it is simple enough for your Frenchie to understand. Saying a command when they go potty will help them associate it with the action. So do not forget to do this, soon, they will understand the meaning. This will help them to associate the command and action with something good. And this makes them more likely to repeat this good deed in the future. Now, repeat all the steps until they learn. Remember, be consistent with the timing, command, and treats. This time though, you may also need a crate to train them. Keep in mind that Frenchie pups do not have full control over their bladders. This happens when they are at least 4 months of age. So expect some accidents here and there. So here is how you should potty train your Frenchie pup: Step 1: Follow a Potty Schedule Whatever their age, your Frenchie needs to go at the same time each day. This should be first thing in the morning, after dinner, and some potty breaks throughout the day. Since Frenchie pups need to pee more, take them to their potty area after they play and drink water too. Step 2: Keep Them in a Crate This is important if your pup still does not have complete control over its bladder. Other than a crate, you can also block off a section in your home and keep them there. Puppies need constant supervision, or they will pee all over your home. By keeping them in one area, you will limit their accidents. Like in the previous section, this includes pacing, circling, barking, and staring. Keep in mind to make them go potty in the same area all the time. In time, they will learn that this is the only area you allow them to relieve themselves. That way they will associate the words with pooping or peeing. This positive association with the training will set you up for success. They will be more inclined to do the good deed again, which can speed up the training process. It can be harder to train them since they are set in their ways. But it can also be easier since they have complete control over their bladder. They are still trainable, though. You can potty train your older Frenchie with these steps below. Place them here when you cannot supervise them or between potty breaks. Step 2: Set Up a Potty Space Your Frenchie must go potty in the same area every time, whether it is indoors or outdoors. Use a potty pad and place it in an area where you allow them to do their business. You should act like nothing is happening so that you do not distract them. Wait for about five minutes and check if they try to relieve themselves. If they do, give them a treat as a reward. Otherwise, take them back to their confinement area. After 10 to 15 minutes, take them to their potty area again. Keep doing this until they potty. Step 4: Give Them Supervised Playtime Once your Frenchie finishes, make them play indoors while you watch for about 15 minutes. After this, you can take them back to their confined space. This is a crucial step. It prevents them from associating potty time with getting confined afterward. They may not like this and your Frenchie may think you are punishing them. Keep repeating steps 1 to 4 throughout the day and be strict in following this routine. The more you do this, the faster they learn. And always remember, give them praise and treats! So keep track of when they are most likely to go potty. This will also help to prevent any accidents since you can expect them when they need to go do their business. How to Potty Train a French Bulldog in the Winter If your Frenchie likes to go outside to potty, this can be tricky during the winter season. But making them go potty outside is still possible. Below is how you can do this. Step 1: Create a Snow-Free Potty Area A balcony or porch will do but if you do not have one, you can still create a space for them. You can shovel a spot where your Frenchie can go potty. This will be the spot where you allow them to do their business. Make sure you are protecting their paws with socks and keep them warm with a coat. Although they are sensitive to the cold, they enjoy frolicking around in the snow too. By playing with them in the snow, you are teaching them that this white stuff is not something to be afraid of. Step 3: Watch Out for the Signs The more you spend time with them, the better you will understand their body language. Whenever you Frenchie paces, whines, barks, or stares at you, they may need to go potty. They may hesitate to do this in the cold, but keep on encouraging them to go out. If they will not budge, it may be too cold for them. With this, you can make them potty indoors instead. Step 5: Give Them Moral Support Frenchies are sensitive to the cold and going out in the winter can make them uncomfortable. Stay with them while they go potty so that they feel more at ease. This will make them feel that it is safe to go potty during the winter as well. This way, they will learn that those words mean that they should relieve themselves. Step 7: Give Them Treats When they are successful in pooping or peeing in the right place, give them a treat as a reward. This will make the experience even more positive for them. With this, you may speed up the training process. The frequency, color, and consistency will all tell you something, as well as how often your Frenchie should poop. How often should a French Bulldog poop? There is no definite rule for how much your Frenchie will poop each day, as there are a number of factors that can influence this, including their age and diet. However, your French Bulldog should be pooping at least once a day, with the average for an adult being between 1 and 5 times daily. If that is the case, my advice is that you try to get them outdoors at least 3 times a day so they can do their business. To put this into perspective, we are lucky enough to have a dog flap that lets our Frenchie Claude go outdoors whenever he needs to poop or pee. That takes him out into a fenced off concrete area in our back garden yard for US readers. Having spoken with other French Bulldog owners, the general consensus is that 3 to 5 poops a day is pretty typical. What should healthy Frenchie poop look like? The ideal stool should be chocolate brown and a little firm in consistency. In the end, if your Frenchie is pooping just once a day, and there are no abnormalities when you inspect the stools, there is likely nothing to worry about. On the flip side, if your Frenchie is pooping more than five times a day, and you notice that the poop is abnormal in any way, then this could indicate a variety of medical issues. Here are some of the most common factors: 1. Age As a general rule of thumb, puppies tend to defecate and urinate more often than adult Frenchies. As they get older and their toilet routine stabilizes, you should see the frequency of their toilet breaks reigning back a little. Eating too much Another strong factor that can determine how often your Frenchie is pooping, is their diet. The more a dog eats, the more it will need to go. If you feel that your Frenchie is pooping a bit too much, it might be worth checking if your dog is at a healthy weight, and if you are feeding your Frenchie the right portions. Try tempting them with treats you know they love to see if this is the case. However, if your Frenchie refuses treats and food for more than forty-eight hours, take them to a vet immediately, as this indicates serious health issues. Fiber Fiber is a vital component for a healthy diet for your Frenchie, as its assists with bowel movement, water absorption, and provides energy, but too much can have a detrimental effect. Excessive fiber may give your Frenchie gas, hard stools, diarrhea, and can also increase the frequency of defecation. This is especially important before making any big changes. Although some small variations from the ideal poop can be expected, you need to keep an eye out for drastic changes. Worms in the poop When inspecting a fresh stool, if you notice anything that looks like small pieces of rice, your Frenchie may have worms. The worms can be quite small, but may also be long and skinny, but always tend to be an off-white or tan colour. The following colours indicate serious health issues: 4. Yellow poop This colour stool indicates a possible infection or that your Frenchie has ingested something that is irritating their digestive system. It can also indicate a parasite, food allergies, or that your Frenchie has developed problems with their gallbladder, liver, or pancreas. Green poop Green stools indicates that your Frenchie has been eating large quantities of grass. Dogs tend to do this when they have an upset stomach, which may indicate an imbalance in their diet. However, green poop can also indicate that your Frenchie has a parasite; that they have consumed rat poison; or that they have other digestive issues. It may be an indication of parasites, ingestion of toxins, inflammation of the bowels or colon, and infection of the anal sac. It can also indicate trauma to the digestive system. A perfectly healthy poop should have no coating at all, and when you clean up after your dog, the stool should not leave any kind of trail or mucus behind. This type of poop often accompanies diarrhea and might be an indicator of large bowel inflammation. Soft or runny poops indicate more serious concerns that may warrant a visit to your veterinarian. The key is to look for drastic changes. If they get softer and softer with each passing day, book your Frenchie in to see your veterinarian, and take a sample with you if you can. However, this can be a sign of a problem if they continue to eat poop into their adult life. It can be annoying for you and other people walking in the same area. Getting a french bulldog to pee outside is probably a lot easier to get it to poop outside as well. Don't worry, here is a great beginner's guide to training your french bulldog to poop outside. Dogs have shorter digestive tracts than humans do. After they eat, they need to poop and or pee about 10 to 30 minutes after. If you're the type of owner that leaves food in the dog bowl for the dog to eat freely throughout the day, this will make it harder for the dog to stick to a consistent poop schedule. Make sure that you are feeding your french bulldog no more than three times a day if it is a puppy. If it is an adult french bulldog, aim only to feed it twice a day. Sometimes, the dog won't wait an exact 30 minutes before it decides it wants to go poop. This is true for dogs that have already been disciplined for doing it indoors already. If the dog is afraid, it might just do it while you are not paying attention. What you need to do is just let the dog outside every 15 minutes. The American Kennel Club suggests that you should repeat this cycle until you both are used to the routine. You don't have to let the dog out every 15 minutes of the day. Do it after you know that the dog has eaten or had something to drink. Almost every dog owner has faced this. They go outside and wait around for the dog to poop or pee. After waiting around forever, they become frustrated and decide to go back into the house. For some reason, this is when the dog finally decides to poop. Most dogs aren't ready to poop once you take them outside. Sometimes it might be due to the weather. It could be too cold for their bowels to become relaxed. It could also be because the dog is distracted by the environment. If you decide to bring your french bulldog back into the house after it has failed to poop outside, don't allow it to poop inside. Make sure that it goes to its cage or crate as soon as you come in. Or you can keep it next to you on the leash to prevent it from doing it in a secret place. In 15 minute increments, take the dog outdoors again. Keep doing this until you see that it is ready to poop. Once it finally does, you can then allow your dog to stay outside for a certain amount of time, so it can play and run around. Most Dogs Don't Poop in Certain Weather Conditions Most breeds won't feel comfortable with pooping or even peeing outside while it is raining or snowing. They will only be ready to go when it is warm or comfortable outside. You can fix this by bringing your dog out for activities while the weather is colder. Unfortunately, if you walk your dog outside in unpleasant weather, that means that you are going to have to withstand it as well. You cannot just let the dog out in the yard to poop or pee. Once your french bulldog gets used to the routine and can handle going outside on its own, you are going to have to go with it. Most dogs need you to make modifications to the area so that it can feel comfortable enough to go. You can try shoveling out a small patch or area of grass where the dog knows it can go comfortably. If it is raining, you could also have a tent outside for them to go. Whether you keep or remove the tent after a while depends on your dog's preferences. Try experimenting with different items to add to the environment. What If the Dog Poops at Night? Most dogs will prefer to poop during the day. But there will be times when your dog will prefer to do it at night. This can be a challenge at first, depending on what time of night it wants to go. If your french bulldog notices that you are more reluctant to take it out at night, it will try to find somewhere to poop in the house while you are sleeping. The best thing you can do is change the time that your french bulldog eats its last meal. This ensures that it will have to take its last poop at an earlier time of night. If it is at night, it will be much earlier. TheKennelClub suggests that you make sure that you are not continually changing up the dog's diet or feeding it inconsistently. Doing so can also cause variations in poop times. It is also a good idea to make sure that your dog can get to you when it needs to go outside. Try teaching your dog to bark or perform different actions that let you know it needs to poop. Make sure that you sleep with the door open so you can hear these signals. Or make sure that whatever the dog touches or presses itself against to make noise, it is close enough to your sleeping area that you will be able to hear it when it happens. For most people, potty training a pet can take an insane amount of time. That is why it is easy for them to relate to those that get fed up with the process. Most people want to punish their dog for not complying with the rules or routine. This is a bad idea and needs to be avoided as much as possible. American Humane notes that punishing your french bulldog will only make it anxious about going to poop. It will only harbor that fear and use it to go poop in a secret place while you are not present or attentive. This will also make them reluctant to pooping in front of you. Web MD notes that a dog will poop in the house because it is either stressed or not aware of how to ask you to let it out to poop. It could also be because it is adjusting to a new routine. Never attempt to punish your french bulldog for this. Be even more resistant to discipline it if you found out it pooped in the house. If you catch your dog trying to do it, try to get them to stop and come over to you. Make calm gestures, or it will become afraid. Once it gets to you, take it outside for a few minutes even if you both know that it is already finished going. Conclusion Remember that patience and consistency are key. Nothing that you teach your dog is going to sink in overnight. It takes humans a bit of time to get used to new routines or new hobbies. It is the same way for french bulldogs. Check out this YouTube video guide to learn more about how you can properly train your pup to poop outside. Shannon Cutts As a freelance pet writer and blogger, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to this site.

A little about us North Mountain Kennels is proud to offer quality German Shepherd puppies for sale, bred from some of the best sires and dams in the world. From meticulously bred service dogs to family pets, North Mountain Kennels has the perfect German Shepherd puppy for you. About Our Breeder Audrey is not just your average dog trainer. She is highly educated in all things K9. She has obtained 2 Masters Degrees from London Hanover University College of Zoological Studies with a concentration in canine behavior from a neurological perspective. This allows her to learn that what we "see" as the outward behavior and how it begins on a cellular level in brain. Truly understanding at an in-depth level of the animal that many "Trainers" do not understand or have any desire to understand what creates behavior and where it begins in the brain. Knowledge is power and with this knowledge Audrey Estep carefully crafts training plans developed for each puppy in training rather the a cookie cutter approach to all dogs. My services are designed with you and your pet in mind, and I believe in working as much with you as with your pet. Happy Healthy Bloodlines Great genetics make for a confident well rounded puppy that is suitable for companion, sport, IPO, or police K9. However, not all great quality breeding stock are titled European German Shepherd dogs. I'm selecting dogs with a history of producing consistent sound and healthy offspring. Not all dogs in my program have an OFA score on hips and elbows. My dogs generally have a European score on hips and elbows since they are tested prior to import. Furever Friends My puppy program revolves around creating the most sound animal for whatever your purpose is from birth. Puppies are exposed to a number of environmental obstacles, smells, sounds and sights to ensure confidence and sociability. Our Puppies All puppies are vaccinated, treated for internal and external parasites, micro chipped and come with AKC papers to register you puppy. What our customers have to say about North Mountain Kennels Don't just take our word for it, see what our customers have to say about us, our puppies, and the programs we offer! Proven Results. Before you purchase your dog from the breeder, you should consider getting some basic knowledge about owning German Shepherds. The Virginia German Shepherd rescue group can be reached by visiting their website at German Shepherd Rescue, or via email at IrianandaisVagina dot com. All puppies are screened for temperament and health problems before any decision is made on the dog to adopt. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Richmond, Virginia are all given a health guarantee before they are offered for adoption. Also, all puppies go through home inspections by a licensed veterinarian. If your puppy has health problems or behavioral problems, please contact the rescue group immediately so that the dog can be spayed or neutered and also receive psychological treatment if needed. There are many different places that German Shepherd puppies can be found for sale in Richmond, Virginia. Your first place is by looking in the classifieds of your local newspaper, as there will usually be many advertisements placed there. Other locations include pet stores, breeders, and rescue groups. Many of these places will have a list of dogs they have available, along with a brief description of each dog. Once you have an idea of the type of dog you want to adopt, visit each one to see if they have what you are looking for. The second place to look is online. Several web sites list puppies for sale in Richmond, Virginia, as well as other cities around the commonwealth. Some sites also allow you to search by Breed, Gender, Age, and other criteria. Often the best way to choose is to read the description of the dog carefully and to call the phone number provided for that purpose. You might also find descriptions and photos on the web site by clicking on the Dog Listings link at the top of the page. This will take you to a page with a large number of pictures and descriptions, so you will have a good idea of the dog you wish to adopt. Once you know the dog you wish to have, you need to decide whether to purchase from a breeder or a private seller. There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods. If you purchase from a private seller, it is important to remember that the puppies may not be properly socialized with other dogs, or have not had any previous training. Besides, there is always the possibility of disease or genetic problems. In most cases, however, when you purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder, you are buying a great dog and you have an opportunity to learn about his background. The Internet also offers a great opportunity to interact with others who are interested in German Shepherds. You can look at many different classes and view the pictures of dogs who are there, as well as hear from many people. You can also talk to the people who are selling their dogs and get their names and phone numbers. This gives you the best chance of contacting the right one and making an offer. Also, you should consider the cost. If money is not a factor, then German shepherd puppies for sale in Richmond, Virginia can be found for as little as twenty dollars. However, if you are looking for something nicer, you may need to spend a few hundred dollars. Of course, if you are prepared to pay a bit more, you can usually get an older dog that is also a show quality dog. First, you should make sure that the dog is healthy and that it has no health problems that are not known yet. You should also consider any behavioral problems that the dog might have and make sure they are not extreme or bad. You can check with the American Kennel Club to see if there are known problems with your dog and if the problems are serious. This will help you avoid buying a dog that may have a future problem. Finally, you should ask the breeder plenty of questions about the dog and the breeding procedures. You should be sure that you know what to expect and that you can provide adequate proof that you can take care of the dog properly. It is also a good idea to find out if the breeder has socialized the puppy with other dogs in the area. Ask the breeder how many times the dog has been exposed to different people and other dogs before you buy the puppies and make sure that you have the time and money to maintain the dog over the next few years. Share this:. Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Richmond location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Dog Training Elite Richmond recommends starting dog training as early as possible, soon after a puppy is ready to leave its mother. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands, and smart German Shepherd puppies do great with early training. Dog Training Elite Richmond has adult dog training programs as well. A complete puppy training typically takes a few months. Adult dog training can take longer or shorter, depending on whether a dog needs to unlearn bad habits in addition to being trained. Working with a German Shepherd and the owner directly in the home allows dog trainers to create personalized training plans for individual dogs, as well as address any unique needs or issues. Once a dog has completed in-home training, they can take group classes for more in-depth training - Dog Training Elite Richmond offers both puppy and adult dog group classes. Beginning training in the home also helps owners bond with their dogs so when the dog trainer leaves, no progress is lost. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter. Empowering Owners We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. Personalized We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. Environment Specific We train wherever issues tend to arise i. Supportive We support owners in the off-hours when training is "not in session". Involved We work with all members of the household. Satisfaction Ratings Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors. Also, be consistent about rules - establish at the beginning, for example, whether or not your dog is allowed on the couch. An energetic dog with little to no exercise can become a destructive, disobedient dog. Training is a great way to give German Shepherds the mental and physical stimulation they need. Dog Training Elite Richmond has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs alike based on positive reinforcement. German Shepherd training with our in-home option is entirely possible. Read on to learn more about the Dog Training Elite Richmond training method. All Sizes. All Ages. The Dog Training Elite Difference Dog Training Elite Richmond uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Richmond never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out. The Dog Training Elite Richmond training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Ready to turn your dog into a loyal and loving companion? Find a German Shepherd trainer near you today! We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call! We love working with Dog Training Elite! Paul is such a phenomenal trainer and is extremely knowledgeable in his trade. Everyone in our family has mentioned how our corgi Gingers training has transformed him into a completely different dog from where we started. He used to bark at everything that moved, jump up on guests, and barely ever listen to a command. One of the standout features of their service is that they come to your home, providing personalized training in an environment familiar to your pet. From the very first session, the shift in behavior of our corgi, Ginger, was clearly evident. Anyone familiar with corgis knows of their characteristically headstrong nature, and Ginger was no exception with his stubborn streak. However, with Paul's guidance, we saw immediate results within a couple days and an awe-inspiring transformation in Ginger within mere weeks. Previously, Ginger's challenges, like bouts of incessant barking, jumping on visitors, and his inherent stubbornness, had us at our wit's end. It's a joy to see him thrive! The freedom we now enjoy with Ginger is incomparable. Being able to take him anywhere without a second thought about his behavior is liberating. Everywhere we venture, we are met with admiring glances and praises for Ginger's discipline and training. Our Saturdays are further enriched by the group classes at Dog Training Elite, where Ginger mingles with other well-trained dogs, continuously expanding his learning in a lively community atmosphere. Paul's personable demeanor, coupled with his expertise, ensures that every training session is both enjoyable and productive. And whenever we encounter a new challenge with Ginger, Paul's readiness to assist, combined with his patience and enthusiasm, shines through. In conclusion, Dog Training Elite Richmond comes with my highest recommendation. For anyone hoping to transform their furry companion's behavior while building a strong bond, this is undoubtedly the place to be! Around the age of 2, he started becoming very dog aggressive. I went through countless hours of training, numerous trainers and unspeakable amounts of money to get the problem corrected. I was at the end of my rope. I used them for training initially and the results were incredible. We love Impawsible Pups! Gus has been going to Impawsible Pups since he was just a tiny fluffy pup — 7 years ago! He received his training as a puppy here, played nearly every Tuesday and Thursday for daycare here, and spent a few weeks a year here while his humans travel to places he… Read More »We love Impawsible Pups! But what I love most is the pool!!! Philly has blossomed so much since I started bringing her to Impawsible Pups. Philly has blossomed so much since I rescued her 5 years ago and started bringing her to Impawsible Pups. She used to walk in shaking like a leaf, and now can barely wait for me to open the car door when we pull up. When I first got her, she did not know basic commands… Read More »Philly has blossomed so much since I started bringing her to Impawsible Pups. At Impawsible Pups, it is our job to ensure your pet stays happy and healthy. Your dogs and cats are more than just numbers. Come in and check us out today! Contact Us!

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. 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. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of choosing the right German shepherd puppy for you, there are several things that you may want to consider. Is this the right breed for me? It breaks my heart that more and more German shepherds are being abandoned or dumped by first-time owners who are unprepared or uneducated about the breed. When choosing a new canine companion, most people often ask what kind of puppy they want instead of what kind of dog they want. And here lies a big difference between the former and the latter. All puppies, no matter what the breed or cross, traverse their first year through the exact same phases, but when they reach adulthood, each dog can have different breed-specific characteristics. Can you afford the cost of owning a German shepherd? Where do you live? Is your apartment German shepherd friendly? Is your home big enough to house a full-sized German shepherd? Do you have enough time to care for a German shepherd dog? Are you willing to sacrifice weekends and evenings to train, socialize, and exercise your shepherd? Do your family support your decision to get a German shepherd? Is there someone in your family who is allergic to dogs? How will you share responsibilities? If you live alone, do you have someone to assist you? Is there a doggy daycare nearby? Sure, female shepherds may tend to be a little more protective of their owners and people, whereas male shepherds may tend to be more protective of their territories. Females may be a bit more affectionate but more prone to mood swings, while males may be more dominant and aggressive. Neutering can make male German shepherds less aggressive and less likely to roam looking for available females. Today both sexes can equally be equally loving and loyal to their owners and families, and both can be equally brave and protective. In conformation, SV and other organizations recognize both male and female. Female shepherds are smaller and appear more refined or feminine than the male ones. Really, when faced with the question of which sex is best for you? It really all boils down to the individual puppy. Most owners get their German shepherds from a breeder, a shelter, and a rescue group. Out of the three, a breeder is the most expensive but the best place to get your future shepherd. Be cautious with breeders who are reluctant to share information and stories about their dogs. Another sign of a reputable breeder is that they have a take-back policy on all their puppies. Where do you find a list of potential breeders? You can find potential German shepherd breeders through the internet, specifically through major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club or local breed clubs or through advertising the local paper or magazines. Some people even go to the extent of attending dog shows and performance events to find the best breeders in their area, which I encourage you to do if you have time. Sometimes you can find wonderful German shepherd puppies at the local shelter or rescue group. Adopting a rescue shepherd is considerably less expensive than buying a puppy, and you can potentially save their lives. Just understand that they are a bit more of a gamble. Visit The Puppies More Than Once When scouting for a potential puppy, you may be headed to a number of different breeders and shelters. Ideally, you want to visit when the puppies are awake, not when they are napping or sleeping. Ask to stay for a couple of hours so that you can observe how they are playing together. But they are not all alike; they can range in temperament from very bold and outgoing to quiet and shy. When observing a group of German shepherd puppies playing together, you may notice that some pups are bossier than others. You may also notice some puppies that are more cowardly than others. The group of pups you should be looking at and working to decide is the puppies that fall somewhere in between the two extremes. These puppies are exuberant, curious, playful, but not too domineering or pompous in manner or behaving timidly. From this group, you can decide which one to pick. As a rule of thumb, choose a puppy with a temperament that will work well with yours. A good breeder should have done puppy testing when the pups are between 6 and 7 weeks of age. This means they should be able to tell you which puppy has a personality that will complement your own. Male German shepherds tend to stand between 24 and 26 inches tall and weigh between 85 to pounds. Female shepherds are about 20 to 22 inches in height and weigh from about 60 to 75 pounds. German shepherds have a double coat, meaning they have two layers of fur: a medium to long outer coat and a thick, soft undercoat. The length of the outer coat can vary from short to long. The coat can have a range of colors. The most common is black and tan. Other colors include all black, sable, or white. This will help him to point you in the right direction toward a particular pup. Often if your breeder has not already picked a pup for you, you will find a puppy that is naturally drawn to you. Walk over to the puppies, play with them, and rub them gently, then walk away. There will usually at least be at least one puppy that will follow you as you walk away. Play with this puppy and walk back. Kneel and call the pup to you. Are their coats healthy and shiny? Are their eyes clear and bright? Are their living areas kept clean with no visible signs of illness? As touched on earlier, you should ask for a detailed medical history too, such as vaccination records, hereditary diseases, etc. A good breeder should provide you with a health guarantee in the form of writing it. This health guarantee guarantees that the puppy is healthy at the time of the sale. Depending on the contract, you will be given 48 to 72 hours to ensure that the puppy is indeed healthy. Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful and useful as you raise and train your German Shepherd. Here are some of my favorite reviews for German Shepherd supplies that I personally use and recommend. Here is my recommendation for the best dog food for German Shepherds. Leash: A leash is a must-have for any German Shepherd owner. With a good leash, you can give your dog the freedom they need while keeping them safe and under control. Here are my top picks for the best leashes for German Shepherds. A harness that is improperly fitted or used can cause serious injury to your dog. Read my review of the best harnesses for German Shepherds here. Different bowls serve different purposes, and the bowl that you need will depend on a number of factors. See my recommendation for the best dog bowl for German Shepherds here. There are a ton of different factors to consider when choosing a crate. Beds: German Shepherds need a bed that is comfortable, supportive, and durable. This breed is known for being high energy, so you need a bed that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. House: It can be tough to find the best dog house for German Shepherds. Shampoo: You want to find a shampoo that is specifically designed for German Shepherds. This breed has a lot of furs, and you need a shampoo that will be gentle on their skin and coat. Shock Collar: A shock collar is a training tool that can be used on German Shepherds. It delivers an electric shock to the dog when they exhibit certain behaviors. While some people are against the use of shock collars, I believe that they can be helpful in certain situations. Read my review of the best shock collar for German Shepherds here. Vacuum: If you have a German Shepherd, you need a vacuum that is specifically designed to deal with all of the furs they shed. Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but it can be hard to keep up with. The right vacuum will make your life much easier. Related posts:. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.

About Us Experienced Breeders We have been successfully breeding quality labs since .It all began as a hobby for my oldest son that has grown to a small family business. Happy, Healthy Bloodline We live on a acre farm with 3 large ponds. This picture to the right is Samson. He was our first Charcoal Lab that produced several beautiful puppies. Our number one concern is producing great family pets. We have also produced some great hunting stock as well as service dogs in the past. A Furever Friend Labrador Retrievers are the best big dogs for the average family. This is a past silver puppy. This is Roxy's first litter. More info coming soon.See Available Puppies page for more info 6. See Available Puppies page for more info 5. See Available Puppies page 5. See Available puppies page 3. See Available puppies for more info 2. See Available puppies for more info 1. They were both born the first week of Jan .See Available Puppies for more info 5. See Available puppies for more info 5. See Available puppies for more info 4. Pics coming soon 2. Pics coming soon.See Available Adults page for more info 2. See Upcoming litters for more info 1. See Upcoming Litters for more info 1. See Available puppies for more info .See Upcoming Litter for more info .See Available puppies for mor info .See Available Puppies for more info .See Upcoming Litters for more info .See Upcoming Litters for mere info .See Available Adults for more info .This will be a chocolate litter .See Upcoming Litters for more info 9. See Upcoming Litters for more info 8. See Upcoming Litters for more info 6. See Available Puppies for more info 6. See Upcoming Litters for more info 4. This has been in the works for a few years now 2. More info to come soon.See Available Puppies for the latest info .Her name is Layla pics coming soon .See Upcoming Litters for the latest info 9. See Upcoming Litters for more info.See available puppies for the latest info.He is just a puppy now, but he will grow fast! See Available Puppies for more info. We tragically lost Hercules. See Available puppies page for more info 6. See Upcoming Litters page 6. See Upcoming Litters page 4. See Available puppies page for more info. Hoping to replace her in .See available puppies page. We are seeing awesome results! Please let us know what you think! See Upcoming Litters for more info. These breedings didn't take! She had one yellow puppy. She will be having a litter of puppies in November. Sign Up For Updates Be the first to hear about new litters, availability, and helpful pet advice. Email Address. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Having a dog helps teach responsibility to children. Caring for the dog will teach children that their pet is dependent on them for food and exercise and love. Dogs require a lot of care; they need to be fed, walked, played with and trained. Children come to understand that dogs have to learn discipline in order to be pleasant around the family and others. Children come to appreciate discipline by observing how important it is in their dog. Having a dog teaches children patience, commitment and selflessness. Caring for a dog takes a great deal of responsibility. Children learn to be less focused on themselves and more patient with others. Responsibility is a key factor in leadership development in children, and one of the best ways of learning responsibility is in the home with the family dog. Being responsible for a dog teaches children valuable life lessons. The lessons that children learn from having a dog are priceless and may just help in being successful in life and in a career. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .The distance from Louisville to Washington DC is miles. The distance to the Kentucky state capital is 49 miles. Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! We have answers. The Louisville Labrador Retriever puppies for sale on our site have pedigrees that can be traced back to their forefathers in Newfoundland. These clever and strong dogs were used to retrieve objects from fishing boats, by diving into the cold seas. The Labrador Louisville puppies are better known these days for being great family pets. Can Uptown help? We can definitely help! Our goal is to help you easily connect with Louisville Labrador Retriever breeders who raise the happiest, healthiest pups. Why is Uptown different from other places with Louisville Labrador Retrievers for sale? We want your puppy search to be memorable for all the right reasons. Are there any Labrador Retriever puppies for sale Louisville available now? There certainly should be! Labradors are the most popular breed in the USA, so there will always be breeders with available litters. A word of warning though, these little puppies get snapped up by new families extremely quickly. You can still access all their health details, and know that their breeder adheres to our Breeder Pledge standards. Do you sell puppies from the cheapest Labrador Retriever breeders Louisville? Do you recommend specific food for a Labrador Retriever for sale in Louisville? Will a Louisville Labrador Retriever for sale make a good family dog? Want to play in the backyard for hours? A Lab will too! Fancy snoozing in the sun for an hour? They will want to do that too! Their sweet natures mean they get along with everyone, other pets included. Are Labradors for sale Louisville easy to train? Labradors are clever and motivated, one of the reasons they make such great working dogs. They love learning new challenges and making their owners happy. Labrador Retriever puppies can be boisterous, so signing up for puppy training classes is a great way to socialize your puppy and teach them good habits.

Winston demonstrates eagerness to please and loves to spend time training. Lee and family do such a great job socializing their pups that Winston acclimated to our household of 3 cats and a 6 year old labradoodle within hours! He is a very loving little guy and clearly had a great start at Berkshire Poodles! Could not have made a better choice in breed of dog and breeder. After only a little over 2 weeks she has blossomed into such a sweetheart. She has continued to amaze me with her intelligence. She was going in and out of crate after 3 days and now I have her actually jumping up at string of bells on door and barking to go out. She has not had an accident in the house in over 5 days. Thank you Lee, for such a wonderful companion. She walked on the leash pretty much like she had been doing it all her life! Got her home and she adapted so quickly! What an awesome pup! Lee and his wife were so kind and accommodating we couldn't ask for a better transition! Would recommend this breeder to anyone looking for a great poodle! They obviously love their dogs! Crystal Dewey We really had a good experience with Lee and his father in regards to picking out our puppy and having the information and local references we needed about her health and care. She was an adorable puppy and has turned into a well behaved loving member of the family. She's a beautiful dog too and gets compliments everywhere we go. Ginny Our Pally, now nine months old, is a delight in every way. She is smart, curious and very affectionate. She is never aggressive with anyone, human or canine; she just loves to be companionable and learn new things about the world. She has one weakness: socks. But if you keep your sock drawer closed, she is a practically perfect poodle. Get in touch. Berkshire Poodles. Life Span Did You Know? Although the Poodle is the national dog of France, they actually originated in Germany over years ago where they were commonly used as a duck hunter. Their curly coat protected them from the elements and they were bred for their excellent swimming skills, high intelligence, and incredible retrieval skills. The Poodle comes in three sizes — Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Throughout history, this dog breed has served many purposes. From living in the lap of luxury as companions to nobility to working out in the field as a valuable hunting companion to entertaining people in circuses around the world, the Poodle is right at home. Although they are more popular as a companion dog, the Poodle still maintains their athleticism and working dog instincts. Poodles are known for their intelligence, cheerful disposition, and sensitive nature. They are versatile dogs that make great family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their sensitive nature, they tend to be a better fit for older children who understand how to approach and interact with a dog appropriately. These dogs prefer peace and harmony in the household, so very young children that are too loud or rough can stress them out. The Standard Poodle also tends to be quite energetic until they are about two years old and may be prone to knock over small children in their excitement. Standard Poodles also tend to make great watchdogs and have some protective instincts. Without proper socialization, they can become skittish, nervous, and wary of strangers. Making sure any puppy is socialized early and often helps them grow into a confident, well-rounded dog. Standard Poodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their energy level tends to make them better-suited for larger homes with room for them to run. But, they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive the exercise, mental stimulation, and affection that they need. They tend to do well in most climates. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to very hot and very cold weather. These dogs are in-tune with their owners and thrive on human companionship and affection, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Poodles are a relatively healthy dog breed, but there are some potential health concerns to be aware of. Because of their larger, barrel-chested body type, the Standard Poodle is also at risk for bloat. Responsible breeders will screen and test their stock to ensure the genetic propensity for breed-related conditions is not passed along to the puppies. Poodles are highly intelligent, sensitive, and eager to please their owners. They are highly trainable, pick up things quickly, and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Because they are sensitive and in-tune with their owners, they respond best to consistent, positive training techniques focused on rewards and praise. Poodle coats are curly or corded and come in a wide variety of colors. Although Poodles are known for their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats, their coats still require a lot of maintenance. Keeping your Poodle in a short clip can help reduce daily maintenance, but still requires regular professional grooming every four to six weeks to maintain it. A longer coat requires daily brushing in order to prevent matting in addition to professional grooming every four to six weeks. Regular professional grooming often helps with this as nail trimming should be done monthly, at least, to keep nails from growing too long. Dental care for dogs , like brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, is essential to protecting them from painful dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You, your dog, and your groomer will thank you for it! Who knows? If you ensure these experiences stay positive, they could even become a bonding time that your dog enjoys. These are high energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise and mental stimulation every day in order to be happy and healthy. They love to stay busy and may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, taking trips to the dog park , hiking with you, and more. They also tend to be a good fit for several dog sports, such as agility, dock diving, obedience, flyball, tracking, and more. A fully-grown Standard Poodle usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. They can be slightly smaller than the usual as the Standard size is denoted by being more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder. A Standard Poodle generally lives years. Featured Standard Poodle Article.

Amazon, amazon. Promising review: "I've used these poop bags for years. We have a pug and have fostered pugs. It's the only brand we use. Pet odor and stain remover for pets to clean up after your pug. This cleaner helps get rid of stains, odors and residue left behind accidents your pet may have around the house. It's safe to use around pets and children. She hasn't 'sneaky tinkled' anywhere since using this product. Pleasant scent as well. Will re-order. A Barkbox two-in-one toy that'll stand up to even the most destructive doggos. After your pup is tired of playing with the outer pineapple, they'll find a smaller one inside of it for even more play time. Amazon Promising review: "This immediately became one of my pug's favorites. He can be a destructive little beast and loves to eviscerate his toys but has hardly made a dent in this one despite his best efforts. Wrinkle paste to keep your pug's wrinkles feeling itch-free and cute as can be. Use this paste for tear stains and tail pockets, too. We have bathed, used medicated wipes and honestly, nothing lasted for more than 12 hours and then the stink was back. I work at a veterinary office so I tried pretty much every appropriate option. I saw this product while browsing and thought the name was cute and then I saw the great reviews and thought maybe we should try it out. This stuff is a miracle! I have applied a small amount daily to her face folds and the stank is gone. She also appreciates that the product is not scented. I am so happy! Glad for Pets carbon training pads that'll absorb moisture from accidents and eliminate odor while you work on house training your smush-faced cutie. Use these in your pug's crate or around the house. Promising review: Great absorption, easy cleanup. For some reason, the dogs tend to use this brand much more reliably than any other puppy pads. I have two pugs and these pads can hold a lot of liquid before leaking. Milk-Bone beef-flavored dog treats made with real bone marrow so good, even the pickiest pugs will enjoy them. Promising review: "Perfect size for my pug, and he loves these little treats! A medicated shampoo to help sooth your pug's itchy skin and get them squeaky clean. This shampoo will help get rid of rashes, greasy skin, or bacterial infections on your dog's skin. His diet had not changed and he had not gotten into anything that would have caused a skin irritation. After our older dog passed away, he started having these itchy spots a few weeks later so it may be stressed related, if that's even possible! He seemed to be miserable so I found this and decided to try it instead of spending a bunch of money at the vet's office. After two washes, his itchy spots were gone. It's now four months later and the itchy spots have not returned. I'm so glad I tried this product before going to the vet. It's great and it really works. Greenies treats for when your pug's breath needs to be freshened up. Just give them a Greenie to chew on and they'll have fresh breath and clean teeth by the time they finish it. My new puppy did not care for them at first, but has since come around and followed in her sister's footsteps and runs into her crate to get one. A super quiet professional nail grinder to use when it starts sounding like your pug is tap dancing on the floor with their long nails. This one has two speeds and three ports so it'll work on any size dog. The stay at home order had me faced with trimming nails by myself. I decided to try a grinder. The research led me to this one. Not too loud. Easy to handle and clean. Strong enough motor. I started out slow and would just do no longer than five seconds of pressure on the grinder at a time. The grinding also leaves the nail smoother than a clip. Saving money and now that the nail is the correct length I just need to maintain the nail. A really great purchase. A life jacket for when your pug decides to go for a dip. It's waterproof and has a neck float to make sure your furry friend keeps their head above water when swimming. The chin rest is the best part- neither of them had been swimming before and neither of them had too much trouble. The handles on the back make it very easy to put them into and out of the water as well as guide them as they swim. An adjustable gate to keep your pug from going where they shouldn't. Just use this gate to block off the areas of your home where you don't them to venture! Promising review: "I bought three of these gates and they are perfect for keeping my pug on the balcony, out of the kitchen, and out of my mom's room. It is very sturdy, easy to install, and easy to open. I wish the door went both ways and had a larger opening but the low price makes up for the small inconvenience. I definitely recommend for pets. A maximum strength joint supplement in chewable tablet form, because it'll help your pug get their groove back. Promising review: "I've had my 8-year-old pug on this brand for about five months now, what with her beginning to show a few warning signs for arthritis setting in, and I can absolutely say she's done terrific with them. She's nimble, capable of leaping up and down places I'd prefer she NOT sometimes she gets so excited, she forgets to use her stairs , and has always loved the flavor. And to date, she's certainly suffered no ill side effects. Blue Buffalo dog food that'll give your dog all the proteins and carbs it's a chicken and brown rice recipe! Promising review: "I decided to do a taste test with my dog. I put a little bit of her Iams dog food on one plate and then on another plate I put Blue Buffalo food, which she had never tried before She sat about 3 feet away waiting for my signal. She proceeded to eat the Blue Buffalo dog food first. This indicates a clear preference for Blue Buffalo. So we are now switching to a better quality premium dog food. It costs more, but our dog is family. Greenies Pill Pockets for when you need to trick your pug into taking their medication. Simply pop a pill into the pocket, squeeze it to seal, and that's it! My pug has figured out how to remove pills from peanut butter, bacon, yogurt, wet dog food, and other treats. Wellness puppy training treats flavored with lamb and salmon to help get your pug trained in no time. Thanks to the bite size and softness, I can break into smaller pieces for training purposes. My pug Rex has been able to use the pad for potty training because he knows he will get a small treat. Zesty Paws allergy immune supplement to help if your poor little pug has itchy skin, hot spots, or seasonal allergies. Give them one of these daily to support their immune and digestive issues. One jar includes 90 supplements. Promising review:. You can also attach the leash to the front and train your Pug how to walk properly on a lead from a very young age. With the Health Harness which is already puppy proofed against chewing you don't have to worry about your puppy chewing or ingesting the plastic buckles found commonly in dog harnesses. You can be worry free knowing each of Frenchiestore Health Harness comes with premium materials such as metal buckles. Always look for durable chew toys for your Pug, they have very powerful jaws that will go through toys like water. We recommend getting the Vet Pet Box for a new puppy. Every product in the VetPet Box has been hand-selected by veterinarians for quality and safety. All you have to do is specify what breed of dog you have Pug is on small breed category then click "need more customization" there you can choose your pet is a puppy and chewing style we recommend choosing "Powerful Chewer" and thats it! You'll be able to choose what plan you want and you'll be covered for as long as you. Pug dogs can't rely on a thick coat of fur to keep them warm during the winter. Signs your Pug might be cold: shaking, shivering, seems uncomfortable or anxious. If your Pug is hunched over, or stiff with a tucked tail. If your Pug is exhibiting change in behavior and is more vocal. If on a walk your Pug is seeking a place to hide or reluctance to keep walking or tries to turn around to go back home. Pug puppies are usually very energetic though they also sleep a lot , so after an exhausting day of expending all that energy, a real dog bed, nice and comfy will be just what your Pug needs. To minimize back issues an orthopedic bed would be optimal for your dog's back. Car seat - the first experience your puppy will have is the car ride home. Puppy gates - You will need to section off an areas of your home that could pose a danger for your new Pug puppy such as the kitchen. Pugs are very curious by nature and they get into everything. In order to avoid your Pug pup from getting into the kitchen cabinets or the trash it would be helpful to put some boundaries and use baby gates. Not only is it helpful in minimizing dangers it is also beneficial for potty training your Pug puppy by not allowing full range of your home. Bathrooms - can be a very dangerous place for a Pug puppy. In order to avoid your puppy from going into the bathroom unsupervised you would have to make sure to close your bathroom door every single time. A trick that would be helpful is hanging a sign on your door, wall or above the sink reminding you to close the door when you leave the bathroom. Fireplaces - does your home have a fireplace? Make sure you block it off from your Pug pup. Grooming supplies - dog shampoo should be carefully picked for a Pug pup as they often have sensitive skin. Nail clipper and facial anti bacterial wipes for your Pugs' folds and tear stains. Puppy pee pads - if you are planning on house training with dog wee pads you should consider having them ahead of time prior to the puppy coming home. You should find a vet - preferably one that is knowledgeable in the Pug breed and you are comfortable with that lives close by. In case of an emergency you don't want to start looking for a vet and calling everyone, or traveling very far. You need to have your vet already picked and ready to be dedicated to your Pug. Pet insurance - Prior to bringing your Pug dog home is is a good idea to have pet insurance. In this video we'll cover all the puppy proofing tips, best ways to puppy proof your house or apartment, and tons of puppy safety tips. There are some great puppy hacks in this video too. Raising a puppy shouldn't be stressful, so get the best puppy training tips and grab the puppy checklist so you can be fully prepared for your new puppy's arrival. Pug puppies are known for chewing everything around the house, whatever they find they will chew or try to eat it. If puppy proofing your entire house seems like an insurmountable task, create a dog space. You dedicate an area of your house solely for your Pug, preferably one that you and or your family frequent. You can secure this area by using the puppy fence. This not only keeps your puppy in a safe and protected area, it also helps to not overwhelm them. You should go through your home and look for anything that could be hazardous to your new Pug puppy. Electrical cords, choking risks, shoes or anything of the sort should be cleared out. You also have to be conscious of any dangling cords that your Pug could chew, trip over or worse. As soon as you put all of these in place, you are all set and ready to bring the newest family member home. Bringing home your Pug puppy The most efficient way to raise a well-adjusted, well-mannered Pug is to expose them to everyday scenarios and experiences as soon as possible. The first experience your puppy will have is the car ride home. You should make sure the breeder will not feed your puppy right before the car ride home to avoid stomach upset or vomiting. As mentioned above having your Pug puppy secured in a car seat will be the safest option. This is because consistency goes a long way in training a well-behaved all rounded Pug dog. Now that you have gotten home, resist the urge to spoil and over indulge your Pug. You should start training your puppy early and refrain from excessive scolding, use positive reinforcements, and lots of praises. Potty training your Pug puppy takes patience the easiest way is to take your puppy outside every half hour or so and encourage them to go. Bringing them to the same area will help them quickly understand that this is their pee area. Always give them a treat as soon as they pee outside. Continue to do this, and then gradually drop the treats and use only praise. If you are training your Pug to go indoors on pee pads, just do the same as mentioned above. How long do Pug puppies sleep at night? Pug puppies can sleep anywhere from 12 to 18 hours per day, only waking up occasionally for an hour or so every few hours of rest. It is best to develop a nighttime routine. If you wake up your puppy to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, you will develop this habit with your puppy. In adulthood your Pug might wake you up in the middle of the night and you want to avoid developing this habit if possible. It is best to establish a night time house training routine. Take your Pug puppy to the bathroom right before bedtime and immediately upon waking up. Puppy proof the outside of your home and garage Antifreeze taste sweet to your dog however can be lethal. Remove any rat poison or traps around your home. Fence off areas where there could be toxic plants such as wild mushrooms or any water sources like pools. Pugs are not good swimmers and most will sink. Make sure your backyard is safe and secure without any way for your Pug to get out of the fenced area. If needed fix loose fencing or holes prior to your Pug's arrival. Always watch your Pug puppy when going outside since puppies get bored easily. Once they are bored they will get destructive and exhibit bad behaviors such as digging holes throughout your backyard or chew patio furniture etc. Always keep your trash secure, and away from your Pug. Pugs are prone to obesity, watch their weight, give them lots of exercise. Regular check ups with the vet will help them stay healthy. Keep them under supervision at all times, and spend time with them especially in those first few weeks. Congratulations on getting a new family member, you now know how to house proof for a new Pug puppy. You have all of the information you need here to ensure your canine journey goes as smoothly as possible. We care about you and your Pug. Is it OK if it sleeps in my room? What is something to look out for if we need to train it in a certain way? Also, Boxers are rambunctious little puppies so how can we get their mind on a different track. Leave a comment. Leashes There are two types of leashes to have: 1 - Short, soft-handled leash. This is perfect for when you are housebreaking your Pug, as a method to tether your pup to you. The short 4 or 6 foot length keeps your Pug very close, and the soft handle allows you to slip this over your wrist or slip in through your belt loop. For every day use. With this, you are able to adjust the length depending on what the situation. For walks, keep it short. When taking your Pug out to the bathroom, allow more length. Recommended leashes are below. Please note that if you are using a blocker, images may not show. And if you are on a mobile phone, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4 items in the grouping. A collar puts pressure on the neck; a harness displaces pressure across the stronger chest, shoulders, and back. You may wish to have a collar for ID purposes; if so, be sure it is a break-away collar. Read more about why a harness is best for a Pug or look below for recommended harnesses and a break-away collar. Beds One of the biggest reasons to get your Pug his own bed is to help create the right set up for when your puppy or dog is home alone. Separation anxiety is a very common issue with this breed since there is such a tight bond between Pug and human. A big part of helping a Pug deal with isolation is to offer what will be perceived as a safe den. Dogs that are left to roam full rooms or the entire house often struggle more with loneliness. When a Pug is in a canine playpen see also: Playpens and within that has his own bed, this offers a secure feeling of having a den, which is an innate, basic canine instinct that automatically makes a dog feel safer. In addition, there are other important benefits including proper support ;this is vital for this breed since the Pug is prone to hip and back issues. You'll want beds to be made with quality memory foam. The right bed can also help with breathing problems, as it allows a Pug to position his body and head to keep breathing passages open. Body Care Items General Upkeep There are certain grooming tasks that need to be done regularly on your Pug; if not, all sorts of issues can occur: Wipe the wrinkles - Pugs easily develop yeast infections in their wrinkles if they are not cleaned on a regular basis. We recommend wiping the wrinkles every day with a hypo-allergenic grooming wipe. Paw wax - Apply a paw wax once a week. This will help protect against hot walking surfaces in the summer, slippery frozen surfaces in the winter as well as prevent 'snowballing' which is when snow freezes between a dog's toes, and to keep the paws in good shape. Nose balm - A Pug's nose can get chapped in the winter, or suffer from sun exposure in the summer. A nose balm or butter can protect the nose, and also heal drying, peeling, chapping, or cracking. Body wipes - Grooming wipes for the body allows you a quick way to keep your Pug clean in between baths. If your Pug has allergies to pollen or airborne allergens, wipe your Pug each time he comes back inside. If your Pug tends to have urine splatter up, or tiny bits of feces that stick to the rear end, a canine tushie wipe can help quickly clean that area. Below are our recommended body care items. Medicated Body Care Products There may be times when your Pug has an issue that an over-the-counter medicated product can help with. It is always a good idea to check with the veterinarian if you are not sure of the diagnosis. Wrinkle infections - A wipe with chlorhexidine and ketoconazole can help cure both bacterial and yeast infections. Added aloe helps soothe sensitive skin. Ear infections - For Pugs that are prone to ear infections, the ears should be cleaned monthly, though a vet may recommend weekly. And to help cure ear infections, a liquid or powder ear cleanser can often remedy the issue. If the ears are super-itchy, a solution with hydrocortisone can bring relief. Below are our recommended wrinkle infection wipes, and ear cleansing solutions. Bowls Out of all of the supplies that you obtain for your Pug puppy or dog, you might think that choosing the bowl is one of the easiest tasks. However, not putting thought into this can bring about a host of issues. The wrong bowl can cause a Pug to have trouble eating, show the effects of contact reaction most often manifesting as discoloration to the nose , and even lead to dangerous bloat caused by eating or drinking too fast. The best bowls for a Pug are floor level, stainless steel, slow-feeder dishes, or alternatively, a floor level, stainless steel bowl with an added portion pacer ball. Read more about bowls for Pugs or look below for our top recommendations. Brushes Because Pugs have such thick coats, it's very important to use the right brushes that will reach down through all that fur. There are 3 times you'll be using a different sort of brush: 1 - For baths. The goal during baths is to remove debris, but also to remove accumulated body oils from the skin. Often, a bath brush is needed to reach through the fur to do this. If not, you'll just be skimming the surface of your puppy or dog. The goal with this high-shedding breed is to brush often, reach down to the skin to pull up dead hairs from way down deep, and with a brush hairs will cling to to pull them out of the coat. A grooming mitt is a great choice, since its super easy to use and most Pugs like how it feels. When your Pug is shedding like mad, it'll be time to get serious. For this, a de-shedding tool that is gentle yet completely wipes the coat of loose and dead hairs can save you and your home from becoming a shedding mess. Recommended bathing brushes, mitt, and de-shedding tools are below. Car Seat There are 2 extremely good reasons to have your Pug ride in a car seat, or use a canine safety belt: 1- To save your dog's life. And this is no exaggeration. There are over 16, car accidents every single day in the U. Most regular drivers will be involved in 3 accidents in their lifetime. If an accident occurs and a dog is not restrained, he will be thrown, it's just a matter of with how much force. In an accident at 35 MPH, a Pug that weighs 10 lbs. If the car is going 55 MPH, and a Pug weighs 20 lbs. Most likely. But, when a dog can see out of the windows and his body is secure and not swaying with every turn, acceleration, or deceleration, motion sickness is often prevented. The 1 recommended type of seat is a raised booster seat. A canine safety belt is another option, and while this will help keep a Pug in place to stop swaying, he won't be raised any higher. Note: For either type, the inner harness of the seat or the connector of the safety belt must be connected to a dog's harness , not a collar. This is vital to prevent serious neck injury. Read more about the importance of a car seat for a Pug or see below for recommendations. Cleaning Supplies There are a few things that fall under the category of cleaning supplies that you'll want to consider having: 1. Enzyme cleanser for pee or poo. Urine contains enzymes that will not be removed with regular soap and water. Though humans cannot pick up on these enzyme odors, dogs can. So, if a Pug pees in the house, and it is not cleaned in the right way, enzymes will be sending out a very strong signal that essentially says 'This is the bathroom area! And, not suprisingly, a dog will pee there again. So, an important step in cleaning any accidents, and to help stop territorial marking, is to use the right cleaner. In addition, this sort of product is fantastic with swiping away lingering odors of both urine and bowel movements. Even if you regularly brush your Pug, some hairs are bound to end up on your flooring, your furniture, and especially on your Pug's bed. Hairs get trapped in the weaves of fabric and can be hard to pull up. Poo bags. Most likely, you walk your Pug in an area that expects owners to clean up after their dogs. And if not, doing so is just plain good manners. One method of keeping poo bags with you is to use a nifty holder that clips to the leash. This way, there's nothing extra to carry. Our recommended enzyme cleaners, fur remover tools, and poo bag clip are below. Of course, a dog's fur helps keep him warm, but canines are not invincible; they get chilled just like we do. In fact, intolerance to the cold is one of the top reasons dogs are not exercised enough in the winter. Super-cold days can also interfere with a Pug being cooperative in going outside for bathroom needs. When a dog's core body back, flanks, belly is warm, this can help regulate all-over body temperature. For this reason, a vest or coat during harsh weather conditions can really help. For times that your Pug just needs a little something, a shirt or hoodie is the way to go. Read more about how clothing can help a Pug stay comfortable, or look below for recommendations for clothing that fits Pug puppies and dogs. Dental Care Items Why dental supplies? Far too many dogs suffer the terrible consequences of what happens if oral hygiene is ignored by owners. Yet, when you have just a few of the right items, it takes very little time to take care of this. What can happen: All around the clock, plaque is being produced. It is a very sticky substance that clings to teeth. Within just 3 days it starts to harden into tartar. At that point, it is much more difficult to remove. The plaque and tartar eats away at the enamel of the teeth, clawing its way below the gum line, and causing teeth to rot. This can lead to quite painful dental infections and will eventually cause a dog's teeth to loosen and then fall out. What to do: Chewing on toys helps to some degree; however, this by no means removes all of the plaque. You will want your Pug's vet to perform a yearly dental exam to check for any issues and to do a professional cleaning, if needed. At home, you can do your part by: Brushing your Pug's teeth once per day with a quality toothbrush and an effective paste. Since dogs swallow the paste, be sure to never use human products, and instead opt for a canine brand that has a flavor dogs love like chicken or vanilla. Please note that these do not have a foaming agent since it can cause dogs to choke. Use a spray. For dogs that strongly resist having their teeth brushed, another alternative is to use an effective dental spray. Use a water additive. This does NOT take the place of brushing or using a spray, but is a complementary method to help prevent issues. This is a flavorless supplement that is added to a dog's water and helps kill bacteria both in the bowl and in the mouth. Offer a daily dental treat. These are really fantastic tools to help your Pug's teeth stay clean and strong. Be sure to choose the variety that is right for your particular Pug. The 'Teenies' are for dogs 5 to 15 pounds. The 'Petites' are for dogs 15 to 25 pounds. Below are our recommended dental care items. Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Repellent It is very common for owners to be unsure of what is needed in this regard, or to be unaware of the consequences of not offering protection. These vary quite a bit. For example, Heartguard Plus does not do either of these. However, Revolution works to repel both fleas and American Dog Ticks. So, you will want to check the packaging on the heartworm meds that you are using on your Pug to see what it works for. Fleas are a top concern and even dogs living in very clean homes can easily catch these. Fleas can jump several feet from one dog to another, and also can be found living outside in various places that a dog may be walking through. Just one bite can cause a severe reaction with intense itching. And a full-out flea infestation can really take a toll on a dog. Also, if a dog has fleas, they are in the house as well; they like to burrow deep into carpeting, beds, and furniture. Ticks are a concern in just about every state in the U. While many go dormant in the winter, all it takes is a day or so without any snow, and they can wake up. Mosquitoes are another often overlooked concern. In the summer, dogs can get quite swarmed, and a few bites can cause irritating itching. It's best to steer clear of chemicals when you can. Many dogs have adverse reactions to pesticides and some even have fatal reactions. If your area does not have a severe tick threat, you may find that an all-natural product works very well. Food and Snacks The food that you choose to give to your Pug for both meals and snacks will have a huge effect on your dog; both short term and long term. You'll want to choose all natural, wholesome foods that do NOT contain artificial flavoring, coloring dyes, or synthetic preservatives. While these sorts of things are bad for all dogs, the Pug breed in particular is sensitive to these chemicals. You'll also want to avoid high grain content, corn, and soy, since dogs can be allergic to these. Wheat - but very rarely rice, also is a top concern. Steer clear of by-products and generic meats or oils. When you feed your Pug the right food, he'll look healthy and feel healthy; this has a major effect on how he'll feel each day and his health well into the future. Read more about Pug feeding guidelines that includes timing, common issues, and more, or check out the details regarding which snacks are best for a Pug , or look below for our top 2 recommended kibbles and top 2 treats. Note that the Wellness has two recipes, for puppies and for adults. Once your Pug reaches 1 year old, make the switch to adult food. For treats, choose dry treats for snacks given in between meals, and moist treats for giving rewards. Also please note that if you are using a blocker, images may not show. Fur Loss Help When there is a thinning coat or bald patches, it is vital to have this diagnosed by the veterinarian. Causes can range from severe allergies to mites to hormonal imbalance. Only once the underlying cause has been determined and treated, it may be time to move forward in helping a Pug's coat to grow back in. So, again, these remedies should not be used on a Pug that has not yet been diagnosed. Some of the reasons for hair loss with dogs are quite serious and must be addressed. This all said, there are a few things that can help a Pug grow his coat, if the dog is in good health. For best results, we recommend using all 4 remedies. Lotions - Certain lotions work on two fronts at the same time. The act of massaging lotion into balding areas stimulates blood flow and hair follicles; this alone can prompt some growth. Concurrently, the ingredients in the lotion can work to improve both skin and coat health. We recommend DerMagic rescue lotion see below ; this should be massaged onto the areas 2 times per day for 1 week, then 1 time per day for all following weeks. When used in conjunction with other products such as specialty shampoos see next , fur may fully grow back within 2 to 3 months. Specialty shampoo - A shampoo rich with emollients such as tea tree oil can help boost the benefits of the lotion. DerMagic offers such a shampoo. This can be used every 2 weeks or so; once your Pug is lathered up, leave this on for 10 minutes. Be sure to pat, not rub, when you dry your dog. Melatonin - You will want to consult with the veterinarian before giving this to your Pug, since it can cause some drowsiness, can interfere with some other medications, and should not be given to dogs with certain health conditions including canine diabetes. This OTC medication that is actually a naturally occurring hormone in both people and canines has shown some promising results in treating alopecia in dogs. It can take 2 to 3 months to see results, which is the same time frame as the lotion. Dosing is typically 1 mg per day for dogs under 10 lbs. Omega 3 fatty acid - This essential oil cannot be produced by the body, so dogs must recieve it via their diet. While high-quality dog food will contain omega 3, extra supplementation can help improve skin health and boost fur growth. We recommend a liquid omega 3 fish oil that is derived from wild fish, not farmed fish. Our recommended products to help a Pug's fur grow back in are below. Playpens If there was just one supply item that drastically changed pet ownership, it would be a playpen. It's amazing just how beneficial these are. A majority of problems that owners face can be solved with the right enclosure. And do keep in mind that we are talking about a larger large area in which a Pug has plenty of room to play, sleep, eat, and feel comfortable as opposed to a crate which can be terribly confining. An indoor portable dog pen can help with: Destructive chewing. Toothbrush and dental chews 1. Pug Eggs Although other dog owners may never have heard of this term, but most pug owners are familiar with pug eggs. A pug egg is a plush squeaky egg toy that pugs love to play with. For some reason, pugs love them! Get your pug some pug eggs here. The Fluff Trough The Fluff Trough is a an elevated dog feeder that was especially designed for flat faced breeds. This helps promote better digestion, as well as a more comfortable eating experience. Get your Fluff Trough here. A dog bed — with chin rest! Pugs are experts when it comes to relaxation and sleeping. For some reason, chin rests are very important to pugs. Your hand, an arm rest, a pillow, a coffee table, pretty much any elevated surface will do. Nose Butter Flat faced dogs, like pugs, have sensitive noses. They are far more susceptible to dry noses than dogs with longer snouts. Their coat is very tightly-packed — it holds roughly hairs per square inch! Compare that to a Yorkshire Terrier, who has only to hairs per square inch. Some pugs even have double coats, both an undercoat and topcoat of fur, meaning they shed even more. They make removing fur from clothing, couches and cars a breeze. Get yours here. Pulling a dog on a collar can cause neck injuries, or worse; it can raise the amount of pressure in the eyes, or damage the thyroid gland. Since pugs have sensitive eyes and breathing issues to begin with, this is especially important to avoid. Harnesses provide more control over your pug, discourage pulling and jumping, and are especially great for dogs with respiratory issues and neck injuries, like pugs. Get your pug a great harness that is comfortable, durable and safe. We made a list of the best harnesses for pugs here. Cooling Mat Never had I ever heard of a cooling mat before I got a pug. A cooling mat is a mat with a cool gel interior that is activated when touched. It gets — you guessed it — cool when you apply pressure, and relaxes and soothes your pet. My pug uses his cooling mat in the summer months, and I put it in his travel carrier when we fly or go on a road trip. Get your own cooling mat here. Cooling Vest A cooling vest, like a cooling mat, is great way to keep your pug comfortable during the summer months, and is especially great for a pug on the go. My pug wears his cooling vest on walks, hikes and especially hot days. Cooling vests use shading and evaporative cooling technology to keep your pug from overheating. All you have to do is soak the vest in water, wring it out, and zip it on to your pug. We recommend this Ruffwear Jet Stream Vest. That way you can scrub them clean, and not have to worry about rashes, itching or bumps later. A pet ramp Older pugs can develop issues with mobility or weakened back legs. This ramp is adjustable to many different heights, making it compatible with most of the furniture in your house. The material is thin, so Boogie can feel the ground and feels secure. Boogie is a size small the red ones. Salmon Oil Your pug should have a healthy diet that includes important nutrients like omega fatty acids. Zesty Paws and Grizzly both sell wild caught salmon oil that come in easy to use bottles with hand pumps. No hide rawhide Rawhides give your dog hours of chewing pleasure and entertainment, but they also pose a huge risk. This can cause your dog to choke, or create a blockage. Earth Animal no-hide rawhides are a healthy alternative. Plus, they help maintain healthy teeth and gums, while being nutritious. Your dog will stay busy for hours, but with no added risks. ID Tag While a naked pug is cute, a safe pug is even cuter. Better safe than sorry! We like these simple tags that look good and last forever. Wrinkle paste If you own a pug, then you know that all of those wrinkles and folds can get pretty funky. Boogie used to get frequent yeast infections in his folds before we changed his diet and started using wrinkle paste. The wrinkle paste cleans and protects wrinkles by forming a water repellent barrier that helps keep moisture, fungus and bacteria at bay. We like the Squishface brand , which also sells wrinkle wipes and tear stain paste. Ear cleaning solution Besides wrinkle and fold maintenance, pugs need their ears cleaned regularly too. Have I mentioned that pugs are sensitive? Boogie was plagued with frequent ear infections when we adopted him, and this solution seemed to do the trick. Regular cleanings when we noticed him itching or rubbing his ear helped stop the awful cycle, and saved him a trip to the vet. Avoid this stuffed animal massacre scene and get your pug no-stuffing dog toys. We buy these. Kong Enrichment toys are a great way to keep your pug busy, their mind sharp and their life enjoyable. Our favorites are Kong toys. You can fill them with tasty treats, use them to mentally and physically stimulate your pup, and even bust one out during a training session. Learn about how to stuff your Kong and get over Kong filler ideas. You can get your very own Kong here. The good news is, weekly brushings will help remove loose hair and keep the indoor shedding to a minimum. You can read more about how to deal with a shedding pug here. If you live in colder climates, or are traveling to one, make sure your pug stays snug with a sweater or jacket. I especially like to use them on winter walks. These sweaters are stylish and warm, and they fit round pugs! Check the sizing before ordering. Toothbrush and dental chews Ooph. The dreaded dental. Pugs, like other brachycephalic breeds, have breathing issues. Their flat faces make things like going under anesthesia risky, especially if your pug is overweight or older. Prevent the need for dentals with good oral care. What items are a must for the pug in your household? Share with us in the comments! Pin for later! The last thing you want is for it to malfunction near a busy street. And to do that, a lot of trainers recommend a shorter leash to keep your pug behind you. But good ones are pretty pricey, there are two other options: Pug Harness — We know that pugs are one of few brachycephalic breeds ie. There are many advocates of harnesses within the pug community. However, one drawback is that it can teach your pug to pull on the leash, and for that reason many trainers recommend using a standard collar… Collar — Just because I want Benji to look like a little badass, he has this spiky collar. Young pugs should be outfitted with small-size collars, although they will quickly grow out of it over time. Crate Most pug owners opt to purchase a dog crate with a divider. As your pup grows, then you can remove the divider. For more details, checkout our guide on How to Fly with a Pug. So my advice? Start with a small bed with a removable cover. A dog waterproof seat cover will also save you in repair or cleaning costs. I have an SUV, and when it comes to long road trips, I have Benji in the cargo area, where I have a weather resistant and washable removable mat. With that being said, for your pug puppy, I recommend a low calorie snack, with supplements to support your puppies development. Benji would actually vomit every now and then when he was younger — and I just chalked it up as normal. If you feel like you want to make some changes, just make sure to choose a food meant for small breed puppies. A lot of this is attributed to nutrition. But truth be told, I messed up with Benji as a pup, now he hates getting his nails cut. Dogs have blood vessels called a kwik that grow within the nail and if you cut to short, your dogs gonna hate ya. Just be consistent with nail trimmings, this prevents the kwik from growing too much. Just make sure to get a nail cutter that has a stopper that can help stop you but not completely prevent you from hitting the kwik. I like this one on Amazon. But some pug owners swear by it. Puppy shampoo Since Benji has allergies , I use a few speciality formulations for him. I like this one with the scrubber built-in. I would highly advise in getting a carpet cleaning washing machine. I had to clean the carpet multiple times to get the water even looking remotely translucent.