german shepherd puppy obedience training

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a breeder, so read on for tips on how to make the best decision for you and your dog. Research: The first step in choosing a German shepherd breeder is to do your research. Once you have a list of potential breeders, narrow it down by doing more research on each one. Find out how long they have been breeding German shepherds, what their breeding practices are, and whether they have any health concerns with their dogs. Health Screenings: A good German shepherd breeder will have their dogs health screened before breeding them. This means that the parents of your puppy will have been checked for common health problems that can affect German shepherds. This is important because it helps to ensure that your puppy will be healthy and free of these conditions. Temperament Testing: A good German shepherd breeder will also temperament test their dogs before breeding them. This means that they will evaluate the dogs to make sure that they are good candidates for breeding. They will check things like how the dog responds to strangers, whether they are aggressive, and how well they socialize with other dogs. This is important because it helps to ensure that you will get a puppy with a good temperament. Ask For Reviews: Once you have found a few potential German shepherd breeders, ask for reviews from people who have purchased puppies from them. This can be an excellent way to get first-hand information about the breeder and their dogs. Visit Breeder Permises: After you have done your research and asked for reviews, it is time to visit the breeders in person. It is also a good opportunity to ask the breeder any questions that you may have. These are just a few things to keep in mind when choosing a German shepherd breeder in the UK. By doing your research and asking the right questions, you can find the perfect breeder for your new furry friend. If you know any great German Shepherd Breeders who live in UK, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in UK? It really helps others who are looking for German Shepherd puppies in UK. And we believe there are many but we thoroughly review and close check the breeder before adding it to our list. If your friend and relative looking for a German Shepherd Puppies in the UK, you can share this post with them. Post navigation. It lacks the physical deformities bred into western show lines of German Shepherds and has become one of Russia's most popular dog types. It was developed in the s and s to correct behavioural and conformational issues that have been bred into modern German Shepherds, and was bred for its large size, length of back, temperament and soundness of hips. White-coated German Shepherds were once banned from registration in their native Germany, but in the United States and Canada the coloration gained a following and a breed club was formed specifically for white German Shepherds, calling their variety the White Shepherd. The variety is recognised as a separate breed by the United Kennel Club. It descends from the American White Shepherds; the first stud dog of what was to become the breed was an American dog born in and imported to Switzerland. They are especially well known for their police work, being used for tracking criminals, patrolling troubled areas and detection and holding of suspects. Additionally, thousands of German Shepherds have been used by the military. These military working dogs MWD are usually trained for scout duty, and they are used to warn soldiers to the presence of enemies or of booby traps or other hazards. They were used in World War II as messenger dogs, rescue dogs and personal guard dogs. These include search and rescue, cadaver searching , narcotics detection, explosives detection , accelerant detection and mine detection dog, among others. They are suited for these lines of work because of their keen sense of smell and their ability to work regardless of distractions. When formal guide dog training began in Switzerland in the s under the leadership of Dorothy Eustis , all of the dogs trained were German Shepherd females. These results suggested that Labrador Retrievers were more suited to guide dog work while German Shepherds were more suited to police work. They are expected to patrol the boundaries to keep sheep from trespassing and damaging the crops. In Germany and other places these skills are tested in utility dog trials also known as Herdengebrauchshund HGH herding utility dog trials. He is regarded to be the dog who has captured the most drugs in Mexican police and military history. You may improve this section , discuss the issue on the talk page , or create a new section, as appropriate. By this number had grown to over .Returning soldiers spoke highly of the breed and animal actors Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart popularised the breed further. Her offspring had defects as the result of poor breeding, which caused the breed to decline in popularity during the late s. As of [update] , the German Shepherd is the second most popular breed in the US. Degenerative myelopathy , a neurological disease, occurs with enough regularity specifically in the breed to suggest that the breed is predisposed to it. A very inexpensive DNA saliva test is now available to screen for degenerative myelopathy. The test screens for the mutated gene that has been seen in dogs with degenerative myelopathy. The test is only recommended for predisposed breeds, but can be performed on DNA samples from any dog, collected through swabbing the inside of the animal's cheek with a sterile cotton swab. Prospective German Shepherd buyers can now request the test from the breeder or buy from a breeder who is known to test their dogs. Skeletal health and supplementation[ edit ] Musculoskeletal disorders are debilitating conditions that are often associated with genetic makeup, malnutrition, and stress-related events. Canine hip dysplasia CHD is an orthopaedic condition resulting from abnormal development of the hip joint and surrounding tissue causing the instability and partial dislocation of the hip joint, resulting in pain, inflammation , lameness, and potentially osteoarthritis of the joint. Both have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A German Shepherd named Inspector Rex is the star of an Austrian Police procedural drama program of the same name, which won many awards, where German Shepherd Rex assists the Vienna Kriminalpolizei homicide unit. It became one of the staple productions of Hungarian television history, making German Shepherds the most popular dog breed in the country ever since.

Boxer Barking Overview This breed is rambunctious and vocal during the puppy years and adult Boxers are capable of very deep barking. Most Boxers make for excellent watch dogs, so do expect some territorial barking in regard to certain triggers. However, excessive barking should be addressed as soon as it starts, otherwise things can get out of control. Many owners wonder how much barking is normal and why it seems that a Boxer will bark for no apparent reason. Though dealing with barking may seem overwhelming, luckily, once you understand all of the possible causes some you may have never thought of action can be taken and training can begin to correct your dog's behavior. So let's dive in to understand this issue and see if and when you can take steps to control this. Many people are aware that a dog's hearing is much more keen than a humans. How much more? A Boxer can hear detect noises that you will never be able to hear; these will be those of a higher frequency. Noises can be heard at frequencies approximately twice the range of humans. They will hear anything up to 60Hz compared to humans top capacity of 20Hz. Hz stands for Hertz; and 1 Hertz equals 1 vibration per each second. Also, a Boxer will pick up on noises that originate at a further distance than the human ear can detect. Therefore, when your dog is barking loudly and seems to be on alert, there is a good chance that they are detecting an unfamiliar noise and associating it with potential danger. Training Solution. The Boxer makes for a very good watch dog. It is wise to not dismiss barking in the case that your dog may be displaying correct behavior in attempting to warn you. If you quiet your dog down each time he tries to warn you, this may backfire. If your dog eventually learns that barking to warn you is un-wanted behavior, you may find yourself with a silent dog while an unwanted "guest" is breaking into your home. Appreciate this type of bark. When your Boxer barks, take a look around the home and outside. If there is indeed a stranger walking by or on your property, even if it is the neighbor retrieving something from your yard, let your dog know that you appreciate the warning. A quick pat and a "good dog" will instill your approval that the warning bark was welcomed. If you see no danger and there is not a valid reason for the barking, you should then train your dog to quiet down. They may be barking because of a car alarm 6 blocks down or a bird feet away. Your dog can be taught that this type of barking is not appropriate. It is important that you do so in a calm manner. When an owner yells or becomes frustrated, this simply makes the puppy or dog think that their human family member agrees with the barking and is making a commotion also! It is your actions and reactions that will show your Boxer that their barking is unwarranted. This is done by gently patting him or her; not in a reward action, but in a calming motion. The tone of your voice must be calm and relaxed, as you give your Boxer a pre-planned command word. The most common and effective word is "Shh" or "Calm Down". The command should be short. Dogs only pay attention to the first syllable of words. If you make your command a long sentence, you will confuse your Boxer and be speaking to no one. Self protection barking will ensue when a dog feels that his belongings are in danger. A dog can become very attached to his toys, dog bed, blankets or other objects that he uses daily. Your dog's things should not be rearranged or bothered with, other than to clean them. A Boxer will also become protective of his food and water. The eating area should quiet and out of the way of foot traffic. Boredom is often the cause of barking and whining problems ; many owners falsely assume that a dog leads a simple life and does not need stimulation and socialization like humans do. Most often these 2 elements will combine. However a dog will feel neglected or bored if: He is left alone for long periods of time He is not taken outside for a good burst of exercise at least once per day He is not receiving interaction with humans, such as play Interactive and interesting toys are not available Training Solution. There should be a daily schedule that your dog can depend on. This should include daily walks, exercise , play and interaction with his owner or owners. If you go for walks each day, spend some time throwing a ball to him, wrestle around, give him baths, groom him and talk to him while you go about your business in the home, he will receive the stimuli that is needed. This is best if a certain time is chosen for each activity. For example, a walk in the morning and a half hour of fetch every evening 1 or 2 hours after dinner. Once he is internally satisfied that he is receiving attention and can count on interaction and exercise, a dog will usually be more than happy to settle down at other times to play with his toys or just relax. Having a great selection of toys is vital for all but the oldest of senior dogs; these are not just for pups. Dogs of all ages should have interesting and interactive toys. Kongs and others that hold treats hidden inside can keep a dog busy for hours. Illness or Injury When a dog barks or bites and this behavior is completely out of their normal behavior, it may be because the dog is in pain. Canines often feel vulnerable when weak and will act out in this way. If your dog suddenly displays behavior that is out of character, it is best to bring him for a complete examination with his veterinarian. Never just go by clinical symptoms and factor in behavior as well when assessing if a vet visit is warranted. Y Overview While many owners are concerned about a dog being too vocal, it is not uncommon for just the opposite to happen. Is it normal for a Boxer dog to not bark at all? If your Boxer puppy or older dog is super quiet and doesn't respond to any triggers by barking, does this mean that something is wrong? Here we'll discuss why a Boxer may be very quiet and why some Boxers are very laid back. We'll also touch on the subject of training a Boxer to bark at the door and if this is a good idea. First, Rule Out Other Issues Most applicable to white Boxers, but something that should be checked with any colored Boxer, is the possibility of hearing issues. If a dog is not hearing any triggers, he may not be vocal. That aside, there can an issue with the vocal cords or larynx. Dogs that have had a lot of strain on the neck due to choke collars can have nerve damage to the pharynx and larynx that could limit their ability to bark. While these issues are often accompanied by breathing issues, not barking is indeed one of the symptoms. Much more than adults, they are often lost in the moment and may have trouble focusing. For this same reason, a young Boxer puppy may seem perfectly okay when left home alone, but issues of separation anxiety may develop as he grows older and fully realizes what is happening. From the age of 8 weeks to just about the 5 month mark, it is not all that uncommon for just about nothing to bother a puppy. At this age , he may not be aware enough of his extended world to find a reason to bark. If his needs are being met interaction, plenty of toys, food, water, warmth, comfort he may not bark at all and this is perfectly normal. In fact, if your Boxer puppy doesn't bark, consider yourself very lucky and do know that this may change very soon. In regard to age related reasons of not barking, senior Boxers may also be exceedingly quiet. For some older dogs, the triggers that used to cause barking are old news. Those squirrels? Seen them thousands of times, no big deal. The mailman who comes up to the front steps? Well, he's done it about times and so far he's never actually broken into the house, so no reason to bark anymore; I trust him. The senior Boxer has heard it all, seen it all and has been exposed to just about every event, situation and element that he is likely to encounter. So, if a senior Boxer doesn't bark, this is usually just a sign that the dog is relaxed, confident with his environment and generally a pretty happy canine family member. While it's highly recommended to expose your Boxer to as many stimuli as possible so that he can learn about the world and all that is in it, in some cases a Boxer may not be introduced to anything that would trigger barking. If a dog is at home most of the time and is only taken outside for walks in a very quiet neighborhood, he may not bark simply because he has not been presented with a reason to do so. In addition, all needs are being met and the dog is feeling content. It is however, suggested to start bringing the dog to new places and to expose him to other people and other dogs; this is not done to make a Boxer bark but rather is healthy socialization to the world so that he can learn how to react and learn to handle himself well in situations outside of the house and immediate area. What's really cool about dogs is that every one is so unique and even with a particular breed like the Boxer, there's some that are hyped up, some that are super calm and many that are somewhere in-between. There's some that will only bark at really random things like when an owner sings or when seeing just one particular type of person. It just means that the dog has a calm personality; he's not bothered by things and is displaying easy-going behavior. While an owner may wish for their Boxer to at least bark at strangers that come up to the house more on this ahead , you may just want to consider yourself lucky. While behavior can be a bit unpredictable with rescues, many will have inhibited behavior which manifests as being really quiet, not barking, acting shy, timid and even showing signs of anxiety or fear. We rescued a dog that was about 10 years old and the previous 'owner' claimed the dog was mute. He didn't make a noise for a full 6 months; when he finally did and it wasn't really quite a bark, it was more like a 'booop' sound , we just about had a heart attack and then celebrated that he found his voice. Even so, he was always a rather quiet dog, never really barking at anything and only making soft noises when he did want to vocalize. Should You Train a Boxer to Bark? Here's the thing about teaching a dog to bark. To do this, you have to increase his level of territorial awareness and encourage the dog to become frustrated enough to bark at a trigger. And once this behavior is praised and rewarded, it often can domino to many other elements. If you want to train your Boxer to bark when someone's at the door, this can develop into him barking at other people in all other situations and even to other triggers like cars and other animals… and you may find yourself wishing you were just content with a quiet dog. With this warning well in place, if you do want to train your Boxer to bark, it can be done. This is for owners who want their dog to bark when strangers approach the house, simply to announce to them that a dog is indeed present. How to Teach a Boxer to Bark Keep in mind that this training is only to bark if someone is outside the house at the door and in no way involves any sort of aggression that would lead to biting or out-of-control behavior. You'll need an assistant to be outside. Your helper should announce his arrival with 2 to 3 rings or 5 seconds of noise… wait for a count of 15 and then repeat. You'll be ready inside with your Boxer, with treats hidden in your pocket but easy to access. Be sure to use something special that would not usually be given. Crisp, microwaved bacon often works well be sure to blot out the grease and to have this in a zipped plastic bag so that your Boxer can't pick up the scent. Be in a relaxed vibe, giving no indication at all that anything is about to happen. When the noise begins, immediately jump up and in a very serious and concerned voice, say' What is that? Some Boxers move into a more alert mood if the owner does a 'stage' whisper. If your Boxer does not bark at all for these sorts of things, expect him to be rather confused in the beginning. He may pace a bit and even may make a soft whining noise. At first, that is all that is needed, just for him to be aware that someone making noise at the door was cause to be alert. Give him a pat and then be sure to change the vibe to a relaxed one. You can let in your helper and be sure to speak in a happy tone to that person to convey that after being on alert, the visitor can turn out to be a friendly one that is welcomed into the home. As you move on, at some point your Boxer will let out a bark and at that point, you'll give the special treat immediately. It's important that the treat be given within just a second of the bark, so that the dog realizes exactly what he's being rewarded for and importantly, learns that no more is needed nor expected. Be sure to use a 'release' word such as 'Okay' or 'Clear' and then use a happy, relaxed voice to indicate that there is not a threat. If at any time your Boxer seems anxious instead of simply alert or gets too revved up, it will be time to stop this sort of training, since you really don't want to risk your dog's normally happy state of mind simply to get him to bark Summary If your Boxer puppy does not bark, he may very well outgrow this and it's recommended to not encourage barking since it can spiral out of control. If you wish to teach your normally quiet Boxer dog to bark at the door or another trigger, do be careful and stop if aggression is shown. Remember that refraining from barking is not a bad quality to have. Having a calm, content and relaxed dog that feels comfortable with his environment is much more appealing than a dog that barks at every little thing. This is not a breed that should be expected to intimidate people; even if his size and a bark caused someone to stand at attention, his wet sloppy kisses and expressive eyes would give away his friendly personality soon afterward. Things to do now.Become a Member - Receive reminders when we add new pages of information and submit photos of your Boxer to be placed on the site. Browse Boxer Dog Supplies - A round-up of our recommended products for optimal care. Check out our book - Simply the most comprehensive, helpful Boxer dog book that exists. Print Are you wondering whether your Boxer will bark a lot or not? You will be happy to know that they are not yappy dogs. Boxers are known for their unique ways of communicating with their human family. Boxers are generally not big barkers, but they are vocal in the sense of growling and whining. If a boxer barks, chances are there is a good reason. Boxer is a medium-sized dog breed with a short and tight-fitting coat. This powerful and high-energy dog is square-jawed and muscular. Do Boxers Bark a Lot? Reasons for Boxer Barking Issues Boxer dog barking is due to many reasons. It can represent anything from excitement to stress. All dogs barks do not mean the same thing. Boxers have several distinct vocal communications they use depending on the situation. There are certain situations when you will find that Boxers tend to start barking more than usual. They will do everything in their power to protect their family. If they sense danger, they will start barking to alert you. Greeting bark Boxers bark when they greet people or another dog. Greeting bark is high-pitched and repetitive, with brief pauses. It is a friendly bark and Boxers usually get excited with relaxed bodies and wagging tails. When lonely for a much longer time Boxers are affectionate companions and need the attention of their owners. Boxer puppy barking may simply be attention-seeking behavior. If a Boxer is kept alone for a long time, it may start barking to draw some attention. Your furry member might be barking in the hopes of getting a treat or some playtime. Playful bark is accompanied by a wagging tail and a happy body position. Communal bark If your Boxer answers when he hears other dogs barking , it is usually a social response. Anxiety and stress No matter how happy-go-lucky your Boxer is, they all get anxious and stressed from time to time. They will start barking more often when under stress. Illness bark Not all Boxers are vocal when they are sick. Many Boxers often bark or whine in response to pain. Illness bark means your dog is feeling ill and is looking to you for comfort. Keep in mind that barking is natural and a means for your Boxers to communicate and express themselves. Do Boxers Bark A Lot? The best way to stop this is to prevent this habit in the first place. Try to figure out potential causes of barking and give your Boxers better things to do. Here are some tips to help you stop excessive barking in Boxers. If your Boxer keeps barking when he sees something outside, you might want to make a barrier to remove the stimulus. Cover the windows with curtains or blinds. You can also use spray-on glass coating or removable plastic film that makes windows opaque. Use privacy fencing to block views to neighboring yards or the street. You can give your Boxer an activity so that he is not focused on the stimulus. Teach quiet command Train your Boxer to stop barking using a command or sound. These commands are useful to train your Boxer to be quiet on command. Stay patient and consistent until your Boxer learns it completely. A relaxed Boxer is a well-behaved dog. If you teach your Boxer emotional impulse control, it will be more pleasant to live with. Impulse control is the ability of dogs to resist excessive barking. Challenge your Boxer physically and mentally Barking in Boxers is often the result of pent-up energy. Your Boxer might need physical and mental stimulation to release its pent-up. Give your Boxer plenty of physical activities and mental stimulation to reduce their physical or mental imbalance. Physical activity can be long walks, running at the dog park, games of fetch, tug of war, playing flyball, or backyard agility. There are plenty of interactive toys including chew toys or puzzle toys that will reduce excessive barking. Set up a quiet zone If your Boxer barks when left alone in the house, set up a safe and quiet place for them away from the front door. You can also use a white noise machine to mask external sounds while producing soothing sounds for your Boxer. Rule out anxiety Boxers who suffer from anxiety might bark excessively. They need extra support, love, and patience. Give your anxious Boxer a sense of security and safety. Avoid leaving a lonely Boxer by itself for long periods if possible. You can also try natural supplements to keep your Boxer calm. If your dog still seems to be anxious or stressed, you speak to your vet. Check their health Every Boxer is different but a healthy Boxer usually appears relaxed and comfortable. If your fur buddy is having some type of health problem, you need to examine it and take it seriously. Discuss with him if you suspect there might be an underlying medical issue. The causes of barking and subsequent action plans also vary with age. A senior Boxer will have different needs than a Boxer puppy. Seek professional help If training and other methods are not working for your Boxer, you should seek professional help. You can call a dog behaviorist for expert opinion and professional guidance or organize obedience training. Pet parents can also manage excessive barking by enrolling in dog training classes. This may actually stimulate the dog to bark even more. Do not hit your Boxer or use harsh devices like shock collars. This is not only painful but also unkind. It is one of the fastest ways to turn neighbors into enemies. All these methods are harsh, unkind, and cruel. Boxers often bark because they are trying to tell you something. If you can figure out the cause, you can fix the issue. Barking can be a real pain in the ears, but the right combination of techniques and training will help your Boxer learn when to keep quiet. Regardless of the reasons for excessive barking, there is always a solution if you know where to look. Unfortunately, excessive barking is a common reason many dog owners rehome their furry friends. Barking can annoy your neighbors as well. Hope you enjoyed reading this article! Did you find it helpful? Feel free to share your thoughts with us. Copyright CaninePals. All Rights Reserved. References and Further Reading:.

The breed actually originated in and around Nottingham, England, which was the center of lace making. This small bulldog was a companion to the lace makers and ratter-in-chief. As the Industrial Revolution took hold in England, cottage industries such as lace making were threatened by mechanization, and many lace makers relocated to France. Toulouse-Lautrec even put a Frenchie in several of his paintings. French Bulldogs are surprisingly good watchdogs. City dwellers love Frenchies. Besides snoring, they make all sorts of snorts, grunts, yips, and other odd noises. If only Rosetta Stone taught Frenchie-language! French Bulldogs can be very stubborn and hard-headed. However, even after they learn a trick or behavior, they may do their own interpretation of it. They may circle the coffee table or jump on and off the furniture, and it will always be exuberant. French Bulldogs have a huge celebrity following just like Toy Poodles for sale. French Bulldogs are sensitive just like Dachshunds for sale. With a mischievous sense of humor, Frenchies are enormously entertain .Of course, children need to be taught how to play with a dog, regardless of breed. Plan on buying lots of toys; a Frenchie is a toy terminator, and enjoys ripping out stuffing and squeakers. Be careful what toys you choose for him and avoid ones that could be choking hazards. Their personalities are as large as their big bat ears. Adaptable, loving, smart, and mischievous, the French Bulldog is pretty much irresistible! We were reluctant to put a deposit because we almost got scammed before and the sell was so trustworthy he held our puppy for us. And when we were ready, he shipped the puppy over as he promised. Thank you guys for everything and making our family complete Ann Belcher Here is a picture of our Heavenly Deja, the day she was delivered to our home from Lovely home French Bulldogs by Thomas. Are you in search of affordable French Bulldog puppies? Look no further! Our main goal is to help you find the ideal and perfect French bulldog puppy for sale in your area. You can buy a healthy cheap teacup French bulldog puppy for sale today by browsing through our French Bulldogs Available for sale page History of cheap French Bulldog puppies Despite what its name may imply, the french bulldog was developed in England. When activities like this were outlawed in England in , the English Bulldog was bred down in size, resulting in the Toy Bulldog. During the Industrial Revolution, these Toy Bulldogs were brought to France by English lace workers, and the French immediately took a liking to the little dog. So, they began to import more and more of the breed. Over time, the Toy Bulldog became a breed of its own, and was eventually named the French Bulldog. Frenchies are very adaptable, so they make great pets for first-time dog owners. They adjust well to other animals, too, and are great with kids. This handsome Mini French Bulldog puppy is waiting for his new loving family! He is raised with children that play with him daily. This cutie is social, friendly and loads of fun. This fella will instantly make everyone fall in love with him! He is ACA registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. Look no further! Browse our website and embark on the exciting journey of finding your perfect furry friend. Our platform connects you with a wide range of affordable French bulldog puppies, each one waiting to become your loyal and loving companion. With our dedication to affordable prices and reputable breeders, you can find the perfect Frenchie for your budget and create a lifetime of memories together. Unveiling the History of French Bulldog Puppies The history of French bulldog puppies is a captivating tale that dates back to the s. Originally bred in England as companion dogs, these adorable canines quickly gained popularity across Europe. French bulldogs eventually made their way to the United States, captivating the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. At Cheappuppiesforsale. Understanding the Temperament and Health of French Bulldogs Frenchies are known for their unique temperament and distinctive personalities. These affectionate and sociable dogs make fantastic companions for individuals and families alike. They are known to be friendly, playful, and adaptable, making them a great fit for various lifestyles. How much do frenchies cost About Daisy Hi there! My name is Daisy. I have just met you, and I love you. My current family has raised me to be the most amazing, little puppy you will ever meet. I love to play, take naps, and give kisses. I am a great puppy and will come home to you up to date on my vaccinations and vet checks. I am in search for stuffed animals and toys; will you help me find them? I love to play with everyone. Will you be my new family? Sex: Female. French Bulldog French Bulldog Puppies for Sale Recognized for their large, bat-like ears, the French bulldog resembles a charming miniature version of the large Bulldog. Today Frenchies are also among the most popular of small dog breeds and are quick to embody large quantities of smarts, comical expressions, and playful moments. Many French Bulldogs are quick to flaunt a mind of their own and have no problem adopting stubborn behaviors. So be sure to begin training while your puppy is still young to avoid obnoxious doggy behaviors. French bulldogs are highly adaptable and are happy to settle into either a tiny city apartment or a sprawling countryside dwelling. Always avoid excessive heat during those daily walks. Early mornings or cool evenings are preferred with a French Bulldog as they simply prefer life cooler. Born companions, Frenchies adore their humans and love a good friend. Never leave your Frenchy alone for long periods of time as they highly dislike chilling by themselves. In appearance, French Bulldogs carry a compact and muscular build with a heavy boned structure. Their easy-care coat is smooth to the touch and presents a gleaming, fine texture. You can rest at ease when your French Bulldog is on guard duty. These favorite little buddies are selective in their barking and yap only when necessary. Little Frenchies are an ideal match for a vast variety of lifestyles and have proven themselves to be great friends with people and other animals who cross their paths. Learn more about the French Bulldog breed here. Related searches:.

Black, black and tan, liver, blue, sable, bi-colored Suitable for: Singles and families, homes with yards, active owners Temperament: Smart, loyal, active, playful, protective Understanding this playful mixed breed means learning about both the German Shepherd and the Jack Russell Terrier, as their offspring will likely take on traits from both breeds. We break down everything that you need to know about both parent breeds and ultimately, this interesting mixed breed dog. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. They grow quickly due to their German Shepherd genes, but they typically do not get nearly as big as a purebred German Shepherd does. Some are thin and wiry, and others are thick and smooth-coated. It all depends on the traits that a Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd mix inherits from their parents. When you bring a Jack Russel Terrier German Shepherd into your home, you can expect to have a loyal and protective dog by your side. They love to learn, which makes them relatively easy to train, but training should start during puppyhood. These dogs are playful like their Jack Russell parents yet protective like their German Shepherd parents. They are loyal to their human companions, both children and adults, and will stand guard over them whenever a threat is perceived. These designer dogs are sociable and enjoy playing with kids in the yard whenever the opportunity arises. They can also settle down and cuddle when spending time indoors with family members. When it comes to interacting with others, these dogs are typically welcoming both at home and in outdoor social situations. Are These Dogs Good for Families? This mixed breed can get along with other dogs that do not live within their household if they start socializing with them from a young age. A Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd mix should start meeting other dogs from the time that they are just a few weeks old, to ensure that they do not become skittish or aggressive while around other pooches later in life. These dogs may or may not get along with cats and other animals that live inside their household. Early introductions, training, and supervision can all increase the chance that your mixed pooch will get along with other smaller pets. You should also know what to expect when it comes to training and grooming. There are also health conditions that these dogs are susceptible to. Commercial dog food that contains animal protein as the first ingredient and does not include any fillers, like corn and soy, or artificial ingredients is the best option. Fresh vegetables, such as grated carrots and chunks of boiled sweet potato, can be offered as supplemental snacks occasionally. Fresh water should always be available. When in doubt about what to feed your pooch, consult with your veterinarian to get a customized diet plan to follow. They should go on walks daily and have an opportunity to play in a fenced yard or run around in a public dog park. Time playing hide-and-seek or training indoors when the weather is bad will get these dogs through the day without becoming too bored or destructive. Since they are smart and eager to please, these dogs typically take well to training and can learn to come, sit, and stay quickly. They also take well to obedience and guard training, although professional training may be required to get them started. These dogs do not typically get knots or mats, but bathing might be necessary after a day outside. They should get enough outdoor exercise to keep their nails naturally trimmed, but if the nails become long and sharp, trimming should take place. Dental chews can help keep the teeth and gums healthy as time goes on. Minor Conditions. However, a mix could be on the larger size if it takes more after its GSD parent and more on the smaller size if it takes more after the Jack Russell parent. They also can have a rough or broken coat too. German Shepherds have a double coat of medium to long length ranging in colors from black and tan, all black , sable, liver, blue , and bi-colored. A mix between the breeds can create either the shorter coat of the Jack Russel or a medium-length coat more similar to the German Shepherds. The coloring of the coat will depend on whether the pup takes more after their GSD parent or their Jack Russel parent. A German Shepherd Jack Russell mix will need to be brushed once a week. They may need to be brushed more frequently like two or three times a week in the spring and fall during shedding season. Baths can be given every weeks, nails should be clipped about once a month, and their teeth should be brushed regularly. Bite Force German Shepherds have a strong bite force at around psi. A mix of these two breeds will likely lead to a dog with a bite force in the mid to upper s, but some of this depends on whether the pup takes more after their GSD parent or their Jack Russell parent. German Shepherd typically run about 32 miles per hour, and a Jack Russell runs at a speed of about 30 miles per hour. Thus, you can expect a Jack Russell German Shepherd mix to run between miles per hour. Expect them to need a minimum of one hour of physical activity each day, as well as some time for mental stimulation. Since both breeds are smart a Jack Russell GSD mix will thrive in households that focus on training and provide opportunities for them to mind. Temperament The German Shepherd Jack Russell mix can be an excellent family dog and can also be good with other dogs , and even cats given the proper socialization. This dog will be energetic with a spunky personality, friendly , love to play, courageous, loyal, vocal, have the drive to work, and loving and affectionate. Both German Shepherds and Jack Russell are vocal dog breeds so expect a cross between the two to produce a dog that likes to bark , whine , groan and maybe even howl from time to time. This is typically caused because of excess gas or too much food or fluids. Additionally, they are also prone to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Jack Russell Terriers are known to have eye issues such as dislocation of their eye lens. Basically, the lens becomes unattached from the ligaments that hold them in place. Additionally, they are also prone to tracheal collapse and pancreatitis. Although some of these conditions sound scary, all dog breeds are prone to some health issues. Being aware of the potential issues with both breeds of a mixed pup will help you know what to look out for during their lifetime. This lifespan is based upon the life expectancy of both breeds. Accordingly, a mix between the two is usually either the result of accidental mating or artificial insemination by a breeder that intentionally wants to create this mix. Final Thoughts A German Shepherd Jack Russell mix is a great dog to add to your family, but they may be difficult to find as there are not many breeders who actively cross these two breeds. You can also see how the Doberman , Dutch Shepherd , Husky and Australian Shepherd compare to the German Shepherd if you are considering other breeds altogether. Hypoallergenic No History The terrier is a hard-working English dog. It was named after John Russell, an avid hunter who crossbred different strains in order to create the perfect hound for chasing the game and flushing it out from cover or rather biting its foot without killing it! The shorter variety remains Jack Appearance German Shepherd Jack Russell mixes are a playful, loyal and protective breed that has the appearance of one or both parent breeds. They also have an intelligent temperament making them easy to train as well! They seem to do very well with children as well as other animals! They need to brush them three times per week in the spring and fall months with regular vacuuming for allergies! German Shepherds bark to communicate with other animals and humans, but they can also be very loud. To make sure your pet has enough energy, serve them meals packed with vitamins and minerals as well! Give your pet 1. Make sure the kibble contains essential minerals like salt or vitamins so that their bodies stay strong with all this hard work they do for us every day and night. One thing I always recommend when buying topical products such as lotions is also including calcium supplementation because our skin becomes less effective over time without these nutrients helping repair damage from outside elements such as weather factors. Health Problems Hip and elbow dysplasia is a condition that affects the German Shepherd, and Jack Russell terrier breeds. Your pup needs to be healthy and happy. The cost of a Jack Russell German Shepherd hybrid puppy can vary depending on many factors. For example, you may pay more to buy one from an established breeder who has been breeding these dogs for years rather than purchasing your pup at Petco or Walmart! You may want to take a look at the breeder before buying your new furry friend. Wrapping Jack Russell Terrier German Shepherd mixes are one of a kind, high energy dogs that need plenty of attention and love to thrive. These hybrids have the protective instincts typical in GSDs but also boast playfulness as terriers do! Post navigation. The size of the dog is not predictable even if the same dogs are bred together more than once. The results of this cross have been producing dogs that have a great instinct to protect their loved ones. This is a mix that loves to walk on streets and in yards and gardens. They seem to do very well with children as well as other animals. As with any dog, purebred or mixed breed, there are certain qualities you want to look for to make it the ideal family pet. They possess strengths and weaknesses that can be compensated for or modified. Dog trainer, Sarah Wilson, suggests certain qualities should be intact from the beginning that will make a dog a more personable and pleasant pet. Your dog should love people When you meet a new puppy or dog that adores everyone, wags its tail nonstop, and approaches people of all sizes and ages, this is not just a result of socialization. Those types of dogs do not need to be purebred and come in every size, color, and mix. A dog that is not able to self-soothe will bark at noises and then continue to bark until you make him stop. This can be miserable. You want a dog who will eagerly greet guests, but then be willing to go lie down. A dog who can self-calm may cry the first few times when crated, but will eventually fall asleep and be able to fall into a comfortable routine. This is a good sign of a dog who can self-soothe. Choose a dog who is life-resilient This a term used by experts who train Seeing-Eye Dogs. It is a temperament test. Puppies are exposed to something new three times. The test is to see if the puppies are calmer or get more startled with each repetition. A good dog will tolerate other dogs The ideal dog does not have to love every dog he meets, but he should not be aggressive toward others. While training can alleviate or make the aggressiveness less, it is not easy and it is very time-consuming. Sarah understands that finding a dog with these qualities is a gift. Success has been had with mixing Shepherds with Terriers and producing a mid-sized dog that is not only personable but quite athletic. The Daily Puppy has a YouTube video that will melt your heart and make you want to own one of these unique mixes. Be aware that the potential exists for a puppy to strongly favor either breed or its characteristics. German Shepherd The Shepherd personality is very active. They are very intelligent and are easy to train and have strong guarding instincts. They do require a lot of exercise or they may become hyperactive. Physical attributes: Weight: between 75 and 95 pounds Height: 23 to 25 inches Naturally upright ears Longevity: 10 to 12 years Exercise needed: 40 minutes a day Desire to bark: low Desire to dig: moderate German Shepherds were bred for herding animals and as guard dogs. They have a medium-length double coat and they shed heavily twice a year, and minimally on a continuous basis. They come in most colors and require moderate grooming. You can expect German Shepherds to be large, powerful dogs with a strong guarding instinct. They need to be socialized at an early age and obedience trained to help channel their intelligence and instincts in a positive direction. Shepherds should be integrated with family members and exposed to pets and people around the neighborhood while under supervision. They do not have a good personality for being confined to a backyard or kennel with other dogs or alone. Jack Russell Terrier Jack Russell has a strong personality and is not a breed for everyone. Jack Russells are extremely energetic and require lots of exercise. They tend to be very vocal because of their instincts as hunters. They love to explore and have a tendency to bolt and wander. Physical attributes: Weight: between 13 and 17 pounds Height: 13 to 14 inches Energy level: Extremely energetic Longevity: 13 to 15 years Exercise needed: 40 minutes a day Desire to bark: high Desire to dig: moderate Jack Russells were bred for fox hunting. They have short, double coats, with white, black, and tan markings. Their need for grooming is low but they have three different coat types. All three coats smooth, rough, and straight long hair do shed. This breed is compact and muscular. They are very happy and energetic dogs that love to work. The dogs that have a job to do are the happiest. They do love to dig, especially if they pick up the scent of a rodent. Hunting ground animals are in their breeding and un-training this instinct is nearly impossible. Because they are hunting dogs, Jack Russells will be vocal. They make great watchdogs as they are always alert. They are not the best dogs for young children because they are assertive. They tend to be aggressive when they meet other dogs. Since this breed needs lots of exercises, a home with a very large fenced-in yard is the best environment for this dog. They can get along with other family pets if they are introduced to them as puppies. These dogs will be the happiest when going for a long hike or playing fetch. They are not good dogs for those who like to stay indoors and spend the day on the couch. The puppy was a result of an accidental breeding between a Jack Russell and a German Shepherd living in the same household. Five puppies were born. The owners of the puppy said he had a very sweet nature and was a quick learner. Yahoo forum answers what you can expect from this breed, from an owner of this mix. She has had her dog for five years and previously owned two other dogs. Her Jack Russell German Shepherd mix has the most unique personality of all her dogs. She believes her dog inherited the intelligence from Jack Russell and the loyal and protective features of the German Shephard. She loves the combination and is very happy with her dog. Her dog is protective but not to the point where she posses any danger. She is a great guard dog, loves to play, and learns fast. She highly recommends this mix. Frequently Asked Questions How big will a German shepherd terrier mix get? How big the German Shepherd terrier mix will get all depends on the type of terrier the German shepherd is mixed with. The bigger the breed of terrier, the bigger the mix will be. In addition to this, the size is dependent on the parents. If the parents are bigger dogs, then genetically, their offspring are going to be bigger too. However, if the parents are smaller, the dogs will be smaller too. Even so, we can roughly estimate how large a German Shepherd terrier will be, but it is important to remember that the size will vary, even within a litter. When looking at German Shepherd and American Pit Bull terrier mixes, these are typically around 17 to 25 inches in height, and can weigh anywhere from 30 to 90 pounds. When looking at other terriers, if you are mixing them with a larger breed, like a German Shepherd, they can be anywhere from 16 inches, through to 30 inches. When looking at the weight, they will be up to around 90 pounds. What does a German shepherd terrier mix look like? It is difficult to pinpoint exactly what a German Shepherd terrier mix will look like. This is because there are many types of terrier you can mix with a German Shepherd. Given this, the dog will look different depending on the mix. A mixed breed dog will look like both of the breeds it is mixed with. But, due to its genetics, it can potentially look more like the terrier, or more like the German Shepherd. As a result of this, even puppies that are in the same litter can look quite different. Some of these differences can include size, height, fur color, and the type of fur. Conclusion It seems to mix a German Shepherd and Jack Russell can result in a dog who is loyal, smart, playful, and learns quickly. This mix will most like produce a medium-sized dog that will be a good family dog. If you buy a product through a link on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Adopting a dog is a big commitment. Adopting a mixed breed can be intimidating and daunting. Not to mention, if you are planning to adopt a dog breed mixed with the Jack Russell Terrier or the German Shepherd, you are sure to have your hands full. The Jack-Shepherd is the remarkable result of crossing the intelligent and loyal German Shepherd with the energetic and sprightly Jack Russell Terrier. Stepping into the realm of mixed breeds , the Jack-Shepherd is a blend of brains and boundless energy, standing out as a truly unique canine. However, it is important to realize that this mix breed is not for the faint of heart. You have plenty you need to understand about the Jack Russell Terrier and German Shepherd mix to ensure you can provide adequate care and to ensure this is the dog for you. The rest of this discussion is going to dive deeper into the two remarkable breeds that contributed to the creation of the Jack-Shepherd. By the end of the discussion, you should understand a brief history of the breed, in addition to understand what it takes to provide care for this unique mix if you do plan to adopt. Lets dive into those details now. Compact but full of life, Jack Russells have an unmistakable spirit. Developed in the late 19th century by Max von Stephanitz, this breed is celebrated for its intelligence, bravery, and versatility. German Shepherds are known to be large, powerful dogs with a keen instinct to work. These two parent breeds bring together a rich history and a set of distinct traits that make the Jack-Shepherd a truly unique canine companion. However, what we are here to cover is what you can expect from the two dog breeds when they are bred as a mix. As a mixed breed, the size of the Jack-Shepherd can vary significantly. However, typically, they could weigh anywhere between 25 to 80 pounds, with a height that ranges from 15 to 24 inches. Coats and Grooming The coat of the Jack-Shepherd can be as diverse as its parent breeds. Grooming needs for this mixed breed will depend largely on which parent they take after. On the other hand, if they lean more towards the Jack Russell, their grooming needs might be less demanding, requiring only occasional brushing. However, regular ear checks and nail trims will be essential for all Jack-Shepherds. Remember, each Jack-Shepherd is unique, and their appearance can vary greatly. This diversity is part of what makes mixed breeds so incredibly special and appealing. Behavior and Temperament The Jack-Shepherd is a vibrant mix of energy and intelligence. They may inherit the tireless energy of the Jack Russell Terrier and the diligence of the German Shepherd. This breed mix is usually highly active, eager to work, and loves engaging in physical activities. As someone who owns and raises a Jack Russell Terrier I can tell you that you can either have a dog that is going to test you daily and be a tough dog to raise or one of the best dogs you can choose to adopt. All of this will hinge on your training routines and your ability to remain patient with the dog during the early stages. This is when a dog breed such as the Jack-Shepherd can be molded into a loyal, well-behaved and highly intelligent dog to adopt. This is one of the key areas of focus I made sure to emphasize heavily early on with my Jack Russell Terrier and it made a huge difference. The more the better. Early socialization with various people, sights, sounds, and experiences can help them grow into well-rounded dogs. Encourage positive interactions with other animals and humans from a young age. Regular walks, trips to the dog park, or enrolling them in puppy classes can provide excellent socialization opportunities. Without socialization you run the risk of more anxiety in certain situations arising later that can be difficult to overcome for you and the dog. However, they might inherit a stubborn streak from the Jack Russell side, which could make training challenging at times. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work best with this breed. Remember to be patient, keep training sessions short and fun, and always reward good behavior. Agility training could also be an excellent outlet for their high energy levels. Given the right socialization and training, the Jack-Shepherd can make a loyal, intelligent, and dynamic pet. Part of being capable of providing the proper care is understanding what it takes to keep this dog happy from a physical standpoint, a mental standpoint and being aware of basic health concerns. Lets cover some of those basics now. Exercise Needs As a high-energy breed mix, the Jack-Shepherd requires plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Ideally, they should get at least 1 to 2 hours of physical activity daily. This could be a combination of walks, playtime, and mental stimulation exercises like puzzle toys. A well-exercised Jack-Shepherd is less likely to develop behavioral problems and is generally more content. If I could hammer home any one area of focus from this discussion, it would be to absolutely ensure you have the time or ability to provide a dog such as the Jack-Shepherd plenty of exercise. Health Concerns While the Jack-Shepherd can be generally healthy, they may be prone to certain health conditions inherited from their parent breeds. These could include hip and elbow dysplasia, common in many larger breeds like the German Shepherd, or deafness and eye conditions, which can sometimes be seen in Jack Russell Terriers. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help maintain their overall health and catch any potential issues early. The key to a healthy Jack-Shepherd is consistent care and a good understanding of their needs. This mix breed, with their energy and intelligence, will certainly keep their owners on their toes! Adoption and Cost Adopting a Jack-Shepherd can be a thrilling journey. Look for breeders who conduct health checks on their breeding dogs and who raise their pups in a clean, nurturing environment. Always ask to see the parents and where the puppies are kept. Good breeders will be more than happy to answer any questions you have and provide proof of health clearances. Be sure to consider all the financial aspects and responsibilities involved before you decide to adopt. With their energetic nature and love for playtime, they can be a hit with children. However, due to their high energy levels and potential size, supervision with younger children is always a good idea to ensure safe play for both the child and the dog. Remember, the Jack-Shepherd, like any dog, requires commitment, love, and care to thrive as a family pet. With the right training, socialization, and understanding, they can make an entertaining, loyal, and loving member of your family. They bring together the best of both worlds — the bravery and diligence of the German Shepherd, and the fearless and lively spirit of the Jack Russell Terrier. The Jack-Shepherd inherits fascinating physical traits from both parent breeds, creating a delightful mix that is truly unique to each dog. Their behavior and temperament can be a lively mix of both parents, resulting in a brave, alert, and energetic companion. Proper care, including adequate exercise and regular health check-ups, are essential to ensure a happy and healthy Jack-Shepherd. Adoption requires not just a financial commitment but also an understanding of the responsibilities of pet ownership. Luna and I wish you the best of luck if you do intend to adopt a Jack-Shepherd in the near future. Josh founded TerrierOwner. Recent Posts. It combines the tenacious nature of the Jack Russell Terrier with the loyalty, intelligence, and protective traits of the German Shepherd to create an all-around excellent family pet. These parent breeds were bred for very different reasons — while the Jack Russell was developed as a working terrier, used mainly in fox hunting, the German Shepherd has been primarily used as a guard dog and herding breed. Despite their differences, they have both been selectively bred over many generations to become loving companions devoted to their families. This mix can be prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia due to its large size, but if properly cared for, it will make a wonderful addition to any household. With proper training and socialization, this hybrid exhibits characteristics from both its parents — resulting in an active, intelligent, and loyal canine companion that loves spending time outdoors with you or your family. With the right diet plan, exercise routine, and training methods, this pup can bring plenty of value to any household. Coat colors range from white to black with different shades in between. The coat may be single or double-layered, depending on the mix. Double coats provide added insulation for cooler climates as well as protection against the elements when out and about exploring. They tend to stay around 20 inches tall and pounds in weight. These dogs have protective instincts, which makes them excellent family pets; however, owners must remember that proper socialization is essential during puppyhood if one wishes to avoid overly aggressive behavior later on in life. All things considered, this hybrid breed offers a unique combination of attributes that few others can match, making it perfect for active households looking for a loyal companion! With an activity level that can only be described as off the charts, this breed requires a significant amount of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. These pups have plenty of energy and need mental stimulation throughout the day in order to avoid getting into trouble. In short, a Jack Russell German Shepherd mix will keep you busy while providing endless amounts of joy if given ample attention and physical activity. If left alone too often, however, this powerful combination could lead to behavioral issues down the road — so make sure you give your pup all the care they deserve! Check out the video below of the lovely temperament of Riley, the Jack Russell German Shepherd mix puppy, getting used to his new home! With their excellent intelligence level and eagerness to please, they are highly trainable. To get the most out of training sessions with your pup, daily exercise must be included in their routine. This breed is known for its athleticism and love for physical activity, so make sure to provide plenty of opportunities to run around and stay active! Training your Jack Russell German Shepherd should start from puppyhood — the earlier you begin teaching basic obedience commands, the more successful it will be. As puppies have short attention spans and can become easily distracted by shiny objects or loud noises, keep each session brief but consistent. Be patient during these moments and remember that consistency is key — create a regular schedule that works best for both yourself and your dog. Designate certain times per day when you practice commands such as sit, stay, come here, etc. With hard work on the part of the owner s , any pet parent can enjoy all the benefits that come from having a Jack Russell German Shepherd in their lives! Being a combination of two breeds, it will likely have similar energy levels as both the Jack Russell and German Shepherds. As such, you should plan for at least 60 minutes of exercise every day to keep your pup happy and healthy. This can be broken up into several walks or other activities throughout the day. Furthermore, regular exercise builds strong muscles which support their joints and bones, promoting good overall health and helping them stay fit longer into their lives. To ensure your pup gets enough exercise each day, create an individualized regime tailored to his specific needs — like age, size, breed, and medical condition — then stick with it! Many people consider this breed the perfect dog for families, but it is important that owners ensure their pup receives plenty of mental stimulation. Thankfully, providing lots of exercise and a high-protein diet can help keep them active and alert. Here are some tips on how to provide sufficient mental stimulation for your Jack Russell German Shepherd: Firstly, give them daily physical activities tailored to their hunting instincts. Your pup will love having free reign in wide open spaces where they can explore and sniff things out — whether this be an area near home or going hiking with you. This could include puzzles such as treat-dispensing balls or tug ropes which encourage problem-solving skills. Finally, make sure time is set aside every day for training sessions. So why not try rewarding them with treats during each session? With consistent reinforcement through reward-based training techniques, your pooch will stay obedient whilst still being stimulated by learning new behaviors! These medium-sized dogs are created by crossing two of the most popular purebreds in the canine world—the Jack Russell Terrier and the German Shepherd. This combination results in an intelligent, active, and loyal animal that requires special attention when it comes to grooming. The Jack Russell German Shepherd has a coat of medium length with thick layers that need to be groomed frequently in order to avoid tangled hair or mats. Brushing should occur at least once per week, more often if possible. It is also important to use high-quality brushes specifically designed for breeds of dogs like this one which has longer coats. Additionally, trimming nails regularly will help keep them from becoming too long or sharp. Keeping up with these basic grooming requirements can ensure that your furry companion looks great and remains healthy all year round! Jack Russell German Shepherd: Nutrition and Feeding The Jack Russell German Shepherd mix is an amazing hybrid breed that combines the best qualities of two loyal and devoted family companions. This breed has a bouncy personality, making them great for families with children or active lifestyles. Fruits and vegetables are also beneficial for providing vitamins and minerals needed for a balanced diet. Avoid fatty treats as they can lead to weight gain, which can ultimately cause joint issues down the line. In short, Jack Russell German Shepherds require regular exercise and carefully monitored diets in order to remain healthy and happy! Provide your furry companion with plenty of love, exercise, nutritious food, and lots of cuddles — you will be rewarded with years of joyous moments together! Jack Russell German Shepherd: Health Conditions There are various health conditions that this breed is susceptible to. We cover these below: Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a common health condition that affects many dog breeds, including the Jack Russell German Shepherd mix. It is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint, causing discomfort and pain in the dog. The condition occurs when the hip joint does not develop correctly, leading to abnormal wear and tear on the joint, which can cause arthritis and mobility issues. Symptoms of hip dysplasia include limping, stiffness, difficulty getting up, and reluctance to exercise. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, it is crucial to take them to a veterinarian immediately. Allergies Another common health condition that the Jack Russell German Shepherd mix is prone to is allergies. Allergies can be caused by various factors, such as food, pollen, and fleas. Symptoms of allergies in dogs include itching, scratching, redness, and swelling of the skin. In severe cases, dogs may also develop skin infections due to constant scratching. Treatment for allergies typically involves identifying and avoiding the allergen and providing the dog with medication to manage the symptoms. Epilepsy Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects dogs and can cause seizures. The Jack Russell German Shepherd mix is known to be prone to epilepsy, and the condition can be caused by various factors, such as genetics, head injuries, and brain tumors. Symptoms of epilepsy in dogs include seizures, loss of consciousness, muscle spasms, and drooling. Treatment for epilepsy involves medication to manage seizures, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary. These include cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy PRA. Glaucoma is a condition that occurs when there is an increase in pressure within the eye, which can cause damage to the optic nerve and lead to blindness. PRA is a genetic condition that affects the retina, causing progressive vision loss. Symptoms of eye problems in dogs include redness, swelling, discharge, and squinting. Treatment for eye problems can range from medication to surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. Obesity Obesity is a prevalent health condition in dogs, and the Jack Russell German Shepherd mix is no exception. It can be caused by various factors, such as overfeeding, lack of exercise, and genetics. Symptoms of obesity in dogs include excessive weight gain, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. Obesity can lead to various health problems, such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Treatment for obesity involves a combination of a balanced diet and exercise to help the dog lose weight. Are They Compatible with Other Dogs? Jack Russell German Shepherd mixes have a compact body that makes them well-suited to living with other dogs. They are intelligent and respond quickly to advanced commands, so they can be trained not to act out in dangerous levels of aggression. With the right training from an early age, these pups should find it easy to get along with other pooches. When introducing your Jack Russell German Shepherd mix pup to another dog, proper socialization is key. Start slowly by walking both dogs on leashes while keeping them apart at first until they become comfortable around each other. If possible, you could also introduce your pup to other friendly dogs at the park or doggie daycare — this will help him learn how to interact appropriately with his canine friends. It is important that when interacting with new four-legged companions, owners stay vigilant in supervising their Jack Russell German Shepherd mix pup. By doing so, you can ensure that no issues arise between the two dogs during playtime or walks together. With proper guidance and positive reinforcement techniques, your pup will soon understand what behavior is expected from him when meeting new doggy friends — making sure everyone enjoys quality time spent together! The Jack Russell German Shepherd mix is a great option for first-time dog owners. This hybrid breed has the intelligence, energy, and loyalty of both parent breeds, making them an ideal fit in any home. While they can be challenging to train at times due to their high energy levels, this breed makes up for it with its willingness to please and overall adaptability. One example of how well-suited these dogs are for first-time owners comes from my own experience. I adopted a Jack Russell German Shepherd mix puppy when she was only 8 weeks old. She also became very responsive to hand signals which made it easy to communicate with her even during off-leash walks. Additionally, due to their sociable temperament, they typically get along well with other dogs and enjoy playing together or just snuggling up on the couch after a long walk. In summary, Jack Russell German Shepherd mixes make excellent companions for first-time dog owners who have the time and dedication required to properly raise one. On average, these dogs can live up to 13 years with proper care and attention. Exercise should be tailored to their individual needs — some may need more physical activity, while others will require mental stimulation as well. A balanced level of both will keep them happy and healthy for many years! These hybrids are also prone to certain hereditary health problems such as hip dysplasia or eye diseases, so regular vet check-ups are essential in order to spot any potential issues early on. With regular medical attention from you and your veterinarian, your pup can enjoy a long and fulfilling life by your side! Puppy Prices They say that you get what you pay for, and when it comes to puppies, this is no exception. The price of a Jack Russell German Shepherd mix can vary significantly depending on the quality of the pup and its breeding background. If the pup is from an experienced breeder with a high-quality pedigree, expect prices to be higher than if purchased from a backyard or pet store. When choosing a puppy, cost should not be your only factor in deciding which pup to bring home. Quality matters just as much, especially when considering health issues associated with certain breeds. A reputable breeder will know how to best care for their pups before they are ready to go home with you; they will also provide important information regarding potential behavioral problems specific to their breed. Vaccines protect against serious diseases, while spaying and neutering help reduce the risk of unwanted litters that could end up abandoned in shelters later down the line. All these factors add up, so make sure you research thoroughly before making any decisions about bringing home your new furry friend! First and foremost is adoption; many shelters across the country have these special dogs waiting patiently for their forever homes. Adopting a pup from an animal shelter not only saves a life but also gives back to your community in a big way! Another option is to purchase one of these unique pups through a breeder or pet store. No matter which routes you choose when purchasing your Jack Russell German Shepherd mix, do your due diligence beforehand to ensure that your pup has been raised with proper care and love. Not only does it benefit them, but it could mean fewer behavioral issues for you down the line—which ultimately leads to more freedom for both owner and pup alike! Final Thoughts As a Jack Russell German Shepherd owner, you have the responsibility to properly train and groom your pup. I can assure you that if done correctly, they will be an amazing addition to any family. Not only are they loyal companions — their energy is contagious! To ensure their physical health and mental stimulation, exercise must become part of your daily routine with them. As for training, this breed has an independent spirit, but with plenty of positive reinforcement and consistency, these pups learn quickly like a sponge soaks up water. With regular brushing and bathing, as well as trimming nails, you can make sure your pet looks and feels good in no time. When considering adding a Jack Russell German Shepherd into your life, think about how much love and attention it requires — because trust me when I say these cuddly dogs give back tenfold what you put in! They are intelligent, easy to train, affectionate, and form strong bonds with their owners. They do so for two reasons: They inherit a strong protective instinct from German Shepherds. They inherit a strong hunting instinct from Jack Russells. German Shepherds have been used as herding dogs. They had to protect sheep from predators [1]. This enhanced their territorial behavior. German Shepherd Jack Russell mixes bark loudly. They inherit this trait from both parent breeds, making them great at signaling danger. German Shepherds are the 3rd most intelligent breed when it comes to obedience and working intelligence [2]. The Jack Russell Terrier ranked 46th. Even if they are not among the best-ranked breeds, they still have above-average intelligence. As a result, Shepherd Jack Russells easily understand what humans want them to do. This makes them easy to train. While German shepherds are highly trainable, Jack Russells can become stubborn and are easily distracted. Still, the mixes are easy to train, especially if you are patient. Related: Are Jack Russells Smart? A velcro dog likes to spend their time as close to its owners as possible. Still, they are highly affectionate and loving towards their family members when they are together. As a result, a Shepherd Jack Russell has a dense undercoat, covered by a short or medium outer coat. German Shepherd Jack Russell mix dogs shed both their undercoats and outercoats. They grow from the same hair follicle. This means when the hair follicles end their cycle, all old hairs growing from them fall out. Shepherd Jack Russells shed most during spring and autumn. This is when they need daily brushing if you want your home hair-free. Related: Do Jack Russells Shed? If their needs are not met, they become hyperactive. Consider the following when Shepherd Jack Russells have a hard time settling down: The dog can be understimulated. They are hyperactive because of their breed drive. They are not suited for busy or sedentary people. Jack Russell Terriers have learned to bark a lot and loudly as they use barking to signal dangers they perceive in their environment. German Shepherds bark to communicate with other animals and humans. German Shepherd Jack Russell mixes are also loud. This crossbreed is most often the result of accidental mating. The year and place where this first happened are unknown. German Shepherd Jack Russell mixes are not designer dogs. Designer dogs are the result of the intentional breeding of two different breeds, while this mix is often the result of accidents. There are breeders who do this with Jack Russells and German Shepherd but it is not recommended. The difference in size between the breeds can lead to several health issues for the mother. The breeders that do intentionally breed this mix use female German Shepherds and male Jack Russells. This is done for the safety of the dogs. The purpose of the breed was to hunt foxes. This color was desired as hunters had to differentiate the dogs from their prey. Jack Russell Terriers are currently bred for companionship and vermin control. They have been recognized as a separate breed since by the British Kennel Club. The breed is included in the Parson Russell Terrier category. In the s, the need for a sheep herd dog led breeders to crossbreed several traditional herding dogs from Germany. This crossbreeding process resulted in the German Shepherd. It has since become one of the most popular dogs in the United States. In , German Shepherds were the 4th most popular breed in America. They are usually black and brown or black and red. They can have markings and white patches, depending on the genes they inherit. These dogs have short or medium-length coats with thick undercoats. Jack Russells are between 10 and 15 inches tall and German Shepherds are between 22 and 26 inches tall. The outcome is a mix that ranges between 10 and 26 inches in height. They can weigh between 14 and 90 pounds. These measurements are general guidelines. As crossbreeds inherit traits from both parents, their weigh and height ranges are high. Considering the high difference in size, German Shepherd Jack Russell mixes fall somewhere in the middle. They are double-coated, and their undercoats are dense and smooth. The outer coats of Shepherd Jack Russells are smooth or wired. Although German Shepherds can have long coats, there are zero chances for a German Shepherd Jack Russell mix to be long-coated. The gene for long hair in dogs is recessive, meaning both parents have to pass on the gene for the puppy to have long hair. Jack Russells do not have this gene. The color of the parents indicate the color of their puppies. The essential aspect one needs to consider is that Jack Russells are not primarily white. The primary color of a Jack Russell is usually a combination of black, brown, and tan. The majority of German Shepherds are black and brown, or black and red. By combining these two breeds, puppies are most likely to inherit the following colors: Black Brown Red German Shepherd Jack Russells can be bi or tri-colored if they inherit the gene that gives white patches from Jack Russells On rare occasions, Shepherd Jack Russells are pure white. This happens only if the German Shepherd parent is pure white. Melanistic Mask Shepherd Jack Russell mix dogs can have dark face masks called melanistic masks [4]. These masks require both parents to pass on the gene for this specific color pattern. Both Jack Russells and German Shepherds can carry the gene. They are affectionate with their family members and love spending time with them. The results showed that the evolution depends on the purpose a dog breed has. Dogs bred for various purposes pass on the traits necessary to perform their tasks well. In other words, this mix has traits suited for hunting and herding, making them protective, territorial, and wary of strangers. In time, their purpose changed to vermin control. This mixed breed inherits the following hunting temperament traits from Jack Russells: They are obedient. They quickly understand what humans want from them. They are eager to please. They are intelligent. Herding dogs are not used as work tools, but rather as intermediaries. They are believed to possess a deeper understanding of the animals they herd [6]. This is why the relationship between humans and herding dogs is more like a collaboration. This mixed breed inherits the following herding temperament traits from German Shepherds: They are loyal. They work well with humans. They are protective. German Shepherd Jack Russell mixes have a predisposition for aggressive behavior. Aggressive behavior in dogs has a genetic component. A study [7] conducted on 23 dog breeds places Jack Russells 17th in terms of aggression. The German Shepherd is the 4th most aggressive dog breed in this study. This means that Shepherd Jack Russells are most likely to display aggressive behavior. The discussion around aggressive behavior leads to biting behavior. German Shepherds are popular dogs, which influences the relevance of this analysis. Aggressive behavior can be prevented and controlled. You can achieve this by engaging your dog in regular physical exercise and feeding it a proper diet. Early socialization and training also help. Their average lifespan is between 12 to 16 years. Still, these dogs are prone to several health issues, especially as seniors. To keep them healthy, make sure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. Good nutrition is also an essential factor to consider. Conclusion German Shepherd Jack Russells are loyal and smart. They are loving companions and make great watchdogs. If they are trained and socialized in puppyhood, these dogs are less likely to display behavior issues. Still, they inherit the genes for aggression. Shepherd Jack Russells are great for active families because they require a lot of physical exercise. Other Jack Russell Mix Breeds.

An 8 week old German Shepherd puppy is a bundle of antics and endless energy! Your 8 Week Old German Shepherd Puppy An 8 week old your puppy requires a daily routine and training to help them become the dog of your dreams. This article will not only help you understand your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy but will also explain to you why your little puppy has certain behaviors. Raising a German Shepherd puppy can feel like an overwhelming task at first! Just remember, your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy is also adjusting to its new life with you. You should expect your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy to feel stressed and uncertain. They may seem timid and unsure of their surroundings. They might cry, whine, and not want your attention. Having structure and consistency will help create a bond and help you both in getting along more peacefully and calmly. Introducing A Puppy Crate Many dog owners choose to use a crate when it comes to caring for their 8-week-old puppy. While some people consider crates unnecessary, or even cruel, crate training is a useful skill to offer your dog. With the right training your pup will see its crate as their private safe space and will even go there to relax. Leaving your puppy at home unsupervised can get them and you into a heap of trouble. Crate training helps prevent your home from being a destruction zone. This useful guide to crate training a German Shepherd puppy gets you on the right track to success! Crate training your puppy can: help speed up housetraining teach your dog to settle calm down offer your dog privacy But you must introduce the crate slowly and positively so your puppy builds a strong connection to the benefits of the crate. Never just shove or push your young German Shepherd into the crate without using positive training. Your new dog also needs a routine and schedule to help them through the early days with you and set the expectations you have for them. Having a schedule helps your puppy to know what to expect in their daily routines. It keeps you from losing your mind and helps ease a worried puppy. While you might work from home or have other obligations, try to follow a schedule that looks similar to this: Early morning: Take your puppy out for the first potty break of the day! So, they may need to go outside even before the sun rises. Breakfast time: Your puppy may want to go back to sleep after going outside and this is perfectly normal. On the other hand, some puppies are wide awake and ready for their breakfast. Either way, always take your puppy back outside shortly after their breakfast so they can sniff and have another potty break. Mid-morning: Puppies should eat 3 — 4 small meals a day. Mid-morning is a good time for another small meal. Afternoon: This is a good time for their lunch followed by a potty break and plenty of sniffing time to work off some of their energy. Late afternoon: Puppies need another potty break in the afternoon, and some puppies need more breaks outside. Evening: Their dinner meal and their evening potty time. Remember to let them explore outdoors in a safe area to help build their confidence. Scheduling exercise, potty breaks, and play at the same times every day helps ensure that your puppy learns their daily routine more quickly and settles in nicely. And, even young puppies can learn basic training in their first weeks with you. Try training your German Shepherd puppy at home to start with. In the beginning, you may find a few accidents in the house. But, stick with your potty training and remember to always watch your puppy to keep them from having messes in the house. When you stick to a regular potty schedule, the likelihood of potty training mishaps decreases, and you and your puppy are less stressed. Always, always, always… Supervise your puppy indoors when you are potty training. Your toughest time together with your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy might be the first few nights. Your puppy has only known the comfort of his mother and siblings before. Having your puppy sleep away from you will only scare them more. And, although they are little, their cry is loud! Having a place for them near your bed is the best way to avoid a night full of tearful cries and howling. Can I let my German Shepherd puppy sleep in bed with me? Plus, when your puppy is an adult and tries to sleep in bed with you there will be no room for you! A full-grown German Shepherd can weigh up to pounds and will push you right out of your own sheets. Your puppy sleeps most of the day. A new puppy sleeps more often than they are awake. An 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy may sleep as many as 18 hours a day! Sleeping this much allows your puppy to have the energy they need to grow and keeps them ready to explore their new world. Feeding An 8 Week Old German Shepherd Your puppy should stay on the same food they were eating before you brought them home to keep them less stressed. This helps keeps your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy from having an upset stomach and becoming ill. Sometimes, you might want to switch them over to a different food. If you choose this route, do it slowly and in stages over a few weeks. At 8 weeks old, German Shepherd puppies should eat 3 to 4 small meals per day. Although their stomachs are small if you overfeed them they could get sick and have stomach problems. Spreading their meals out throughout the day in regular intervals is best to avoid any upsets. Look for a balanced, complete puppy food for large breed dogs. As a large breed dog, your German Shepherd you should only feed your puppy food that is specially formulated for large breed puppies. Large breed puppies have different nutritional needs that are not found in ordinary puppy food. Feeding a commercially available food that is formulated for large breed puppies helps them to grow at a sustained rate. Steady growth in a large breed puppy helps to avoid stress on their bones and gives them a strong skeletal foundation for their athletic muscles. Limiting food intake in growing German Shepherd puppies has also been associated with fewer signs of hip dysplasia. This is of extreme importance in this breed due to the high incidence of hip problems and the pain associated with this joint disorder. A growing puppy is best fed a proprietary pet food that has been specifically formulated to meet its nutritional needs. Foods that are available as dry kibble are especially suitable to rear even the youngest of puppies. Opt for this specially formulated food for large breed puppies to keep your dog growing at a healthy rate that helps them stay strong. It is a complete balanced diet so nothing is missing. Within the first few days of arriving to their new home with you is a stressful time. Your puppy has just made a drastic life change and left everything they knew to be with you. Diarrhea and other stomach issues are sometimes stress induced. You can help your puppy by keeping to a regular feeding schedule and feeding them the same food they were on before coming to you. Sometimes diarrhea is also a sign of an underlying health issue and, if left untreated, can become life-threatening. If your puppy vomits blood, has bloody stools and diarrhea, becomes lethargic, or refuses to drink, call your vet immediately! To an 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy biting and nipping are all part of playing with their siblings. And, your puppy will most likely bite and nip you at some point too. They may even growl at you and tug at your hands or nip your ankles. This is all part of puppy play. But… It can really hurt you or make you bleed! Understanding bite inhibition means they know how to control the power of their play bites and how hard or soft they nip you. Preventing Nips and Bites If you know the right way to prevent and stop German Shepherd puppy biting, you can train your puppy to understand how to keep their razor-sharp tiny teeth from sinking into you. Instead… Offer them plenty of puppy-safe chew toys appropriate for their size. When they bite or nip you, calmly show them the toy to chew instead. Get their attention by moving the toy in a playful way around them so they begin to chase and bite the toy, instead of you or your furniture. Use these links to help you stay on the right track throughout their life. A daily German Shepherd exercise routine is a must for your high-energy breed! A daily exercise routine not only keeps them fit and healthy but also helps them develop better behavior. And you know how important it is to have a well-mannered dog! This guide has everything you need to start and keep your dog on the right track for a healthy life. So be sure to follow the right guide and advice for your German Shepherd. This information is for German Shepherds over one year of age who are healthy and without any known diseases or medical conditions. If you own an adult German Shepherd, his exercise tolerance will be almost limitless! This breed suits very active families and prefers lots of exercise daily source. They can become bored easily without a suitable daily routine. Exercises for German Shepherds The best exercises for German Shepherds move their bodies in a variety of ways while letting them explore their environment. They love to run, jump, sprint, swim, chase ball toys, fetch, tug, and catch. Walk your German Shepherd daily for the right amount of time. Walks are easy on most German Shepherds and are essential for dogs who spend much of their day indoors. Walking a German Shepherd is the most popular form of exercise for fitness and health. Walk your German Shepherd at least twice for 90 minutes Preferably split into 2 sessions in the morning and evening time Avoid extreme cold and heat to keep both of you safe Vary the surface you walk on to avoid damage to their joints from repetitive motions. Try this no-pull harness to have more control on your walks. The harness has 2 points to clip, in the front and on the back, which puts you in greater control of a wild-walking German Shepherd. The comfortable padding on the harness also helps prevent sore spots on your dog, avoiding any skin issues or fur loss. Walking Exercise Routine Two walks of 45 minutes to one hour each for an adult, healthy German Shepherd are a good start for an exercise routine to meet their needs. Remember, they require gentler exercises to avoid bone and joint damage. Jogging and running to increase endurance. German Shepherds love to run off-leash. Many German Shepherds love to run for fun with their owners. Your breed is built to move long distances over grassy, rocky, hilly terrain, and this shows in their desire for running. Look for softer surfaces to include with your daily exercise routine. Vary your surfaces for maximum health benefits. Also, running and jogging at a set pace is very repetitive on joints. Once your dog is more conditioned you can increase both the time and distance they run with you. Check their paws daily after each run to look for any sores, abrasions, or cuts. Tug-of-war game for strength and power training. German Shepherds are powerful and athletic, and they love to play games with their owners. Include simple strength training exercises at home to increase muscle mass and overall power by playing tug with your German Shepherd daily. And playing tug-of-war goes a long way in helping your Shepherd develop fuller, stronger muscles and more energy and vitality. The knots allow you to grip the rope and maintain control better while the cotton rope provides a soft surface for your German Shepherd to grip. Worried playing tug might make your German Shepherd more aggressive? German Shepherds are most active at dawn and dusk, so try to include at least 10 to 15 minutes of tug before work. Ideally, aim for tug daily if your dog enjoys the exercise. A flirt pole increases endurance. A flirt pole helps exercise your German Shepherd in small spaces. The flirt pole is a gift to worn-out German Shepherd owners! It not only helps your dog improve their basic manners and impulse control, but it also gives them a workout. And in just a few minutes of play! Look for a pole with an enticing lure to excite and interest your dog. How to Use a Flirt Pole with Your German Shepherd Lure your dog to play by dragging the toy on the ground in a large arching half-circle pattern. They chase the lure while you move the toy in different ways to keep them moving. They catch the lure and tug. You give their release or drop command and start the exercise game again. Avoid playing this game by moving the lure in tight circles or making your dog jump high in the air for it. If your dog is slipping frequently, definitely find another surface to play on. It can become damaged if left alone with your GSD or if they are allowed to tug on it excessively. Only use large arches on the ground to avoid sharp turns, especially for puppies. Include doggy squats for healthy hips. Have you heard of doggie squats for exercise? Dog squats help build strength in the large leg muscles. They also can help an aging Shepherd maintain their strength to keep them more mobile and prevent hip issues later in life. And in younger Shepherds that help give your dog the power to take on physical challenges. Dog squats are like human squats. Then, have them stand. Use treats to entice them to keep repeating the action. After two weeks, increase the reps in healthy dogs not puppies or seniors. Have your dog start with 2 sets of 5 squats and add on more squats gradually from there. Use a variety of tasty treats to keep them interested and motivated. You can increase the number of sets and reps as your dog looks more comfortable with the exercise and builds up strength in their hips. Running uphill improves muscle power and cardio health. Gently sloping hills are perfect for an exercise routine for your athletic GSD. Having your dog run uphill gives a great, free strength training workout. As your dog pushes themselves uphill, they must engage their rear leg muscles intensely. This is a great all-over bodybuilding exercise, but especially for their back end. Instead, look for a moderate rolling hill and encourage your dog by calling them up and down to you. This is also a cardio workout for you, too! Repeat this hill run a few times. Then, give your dog rest and repeat. Hill Running with Your German Shepherd Begin by exploring hill running only 2 times a week with plenty of rest in between hill runs to recover. You can gradually increase their routine to 3 to 4 times a week with longer sprints to keep their hearts in tip-top shape. A balancing disc helps improve reflexes and coordination. This is a balancing discs but only wobbles slightly on the top to avoid major falls or tumbles. The goal of balance activity is to enhance body awareness, encourage stable weight shifts, and promote stability and motor function. In a nutshell, balance exercises help teach your dog the way their body moves and how to alter their movements to adjust more easily. This means that your dog is less prone to injuries since their bodies are agile. Balancing discs are a very popular piece of exercise equipment for dogs and fitness professionals. It works by having your dog stand on the disc and using its muscles to stay balanced and stable. These are great for strengthening all muscle groups as a complete body workout. The Instability Challenge On the FitPaws balance disc, there are three basic ways to create a challenge for your dog. Have your dog place one paw on the platform and offer them a treat. Next, ask for both front paws on the board to increase difficulty. Finally, move into harder positions such as all four paws on the disc, sitting on the disk, or even backing up onto the disk with only the back paws. Balancing is also a great way to bond with your dog since they need to trust your commands and the support you provide to them. Balance Disc Exercise Routine 3 to 4 times a week start with an easy pose for your dog on the disc. As they improve their balance, increase the time slowly as you ask them to hold other poses, for example, front paws on disk, back paws on disk, and stepping on and off slowly. Sprints build muscle and cardio fitness. If you want to save your shoulder, try a dog ball launcher with your German Shepherd. And your German Shepherd naturally excels at speed because of its herding history. While excessive and sharp turns on the ground can injure your dog due to the stress of stopping, you can still play a game of catch in moderation. Instead of seeing how far you can throw the ball and having your GSD slide into the ground, aim for shooting the ball in the air a short distance in front to allow your dog to catch the ball and avoid harsh slides. You can launch tennis balls up to 50 feet in the air without exhausting your arms! Short sprints are great for burning away energy that would otherwise become pent-up anxiety in your dog. Sprints also increase lung and heart health, challenge muscles and balance, improve coordination, and make your German Shepherd happy! Instead, 3 to 4 times a week with rests during your sprints so they can catch their breath, aim for them to catch the ball from the air. Looking for the pawfect playtime for your German Shepherd? Weave poles for speed and agility. Your herding dog loves to learn to pole weave! Did you know that the German Shepherd holds the record for completing the fastest weave pole source? Nature made your breed for pole weaving! Weave poles are easy to teach by luring your dog through with a treat. Like this durable, adjustable weave pole that is easy to set up and store away, or can be adjusted quickly for beginners to learn the exercise. Set up your weave poles in your yard. Begin at one end of the weave poles and slowly lure your GSD through the poles. Reinforce their efforts with tasty rewards regularly. Once your German Shepherd has the hand of it, start narrowing the poles gradually together. This gives your dog a harder challenge. Many Shepherds love the weave and will readily enjoy it when you increase the difficulty with more poles. But some dogs, especially puppies, need extra practice to learn the weaving exercise motion. Stick with it for a great way to exercise your German Shepherd in a small area! Start slowly as they gain confidence in their new agility. Increase the challenge by adding in more poles or shortening the distance between poles. Encourage your dog to repeat the weave once they come through the end by running with them to the start of the weave poles and giving your command to weave again. Find a schedule that works for you and stick to an activity routine for the best health benefits for your companion. This means: You keep their mind active and out of trouble using puzzle games for your German Shepherd. You allow them to have a balanced social life where they interact with other dogs and people positively. Without a complete fitness and health program, your dog is likely to experience problems. And the worst part of it all? Some owners forget about starting at the most obvious foundation and neglect to give their German Shepherds the right diet. These negative behaviors can cause issues for your family that disrupts your lives. Start with a solid foundation to keep your German Shepherd healthy to avoid the fallout of poor fitness. Behavior and Mental Problems. Feed your GSD puppy a nice healthy dinner along with some fresh water to drink. Make him comfortable with a nice warm blanket and a chew toy. I know it seems like a lot and you may not have time every day to follow this type of sleep schedule. This is best case scenario. Adjust accordingly based on your lifestyle. Encourage him to rest if he seems tired. If you notice him waking up from a nap, take him outside immediately to go potty. Make sure he has a quiet place to sleep undisturbed and away from the action, especially if you have children. Teach him to sleep in his crate when you can. You can also put a little dog bed in another room for peace and refuge. Routine is key for creating sleep patterns. Your puppy will learn to go to bed when you do. Crate your puppy preferably using an adjustable partition leaving him just enough room to stand up and turn around. This will help him sleep and lessen the chance of him going potty at night. Keep him crated in your room if need be. Being close to you may help him sleep at night. Make his crate nice and cozy with a warm blanket or two on the bottom. Forget the bed as he will probably destroy it. Instead give him a couple of his favorite chew toys. Prepare for your puppy to wake up sometimes throughout the night. There is a reason puppies sleep most of the day away. The body and brain use this downtime to develop and grow. This includes their central nervous system and immune system which they need to fight off sickness and disease. Similar to humans, a lack of sleep can lead to a weakened immune system which means they are more prone to sickness or disease. German Shepherds grow at a rapid pace for the first year of their life. This means that sleep is even more crucial during this time period. Fun Fact: Dogs dream just like humans. In Closing: Sleep is vital for your German Shepherd puppy so make sure they are getting enough. There may be some sleepless nights ahead of you, especially if the crate is in your bedroom. But things will get easier the more they mature. Remember as they grow and get older, the amount of sleep they require will decline. Once they are a full-grown adult, they will sleep for about 12 to 14 hours. Stick to a consistent schedule and make sure they have a quiet place to retreat. Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think! Do you own a German Shepherd puppy? If so, what is their sleep schedule? Do you have any tips for potential owners that may help? Let us know! We would love to hear about your personal story! Share this:. Can a German Shepherd puppy start training at 8 months? How to Potty Train Your 8-week-old German Shepherd Puppy Potty training your 8-week-old German Shepherd can be stressful at first, but with a bit of persistence and patience, your puppy will learn correct behavior in no time. The potty area can be outdoors or indoors. Having a designated potty place will help your dog understand that this is the only place they should go to poop or pee. Watch Out for Signs One of the first signs is usually an increased awareness of their surroundings. You may notice that your puppy starts sniffing around more often or seems particularly interested in certain places of the house. Watch out also for changes in behavior. If your pup suddenly starts having accidents inside or seems antsy and restless, they may be trying to tell you that they need to go outside. Use Cue Words One way to help your new puppy understand what you want him to do is to use cue words. Cue words will help your German Shepherd puppy learn the connection between the words and the action. You can also use cue words when rewarding him for going in the right spot. Give Training Treats When potty training your puppy, use treats as a form of positive reinforcement. Doing this teaches your puppy that good things happen when they go outside to do their business. When choosing treats for potty training, select something small and easy to eat. This way, the puppy can eat the treat quickly and then get back to playing. It would be best if you also chose training treats that your puppy finds irresistible. Otherwise, they may not be motivated to keep trying. Puppy Crate It is an enclosure to confine your new puppy for short periods. It is also helpful in transporting puppies from one place to another. German Shepherd owners use it for crate training as they can also help with separation anxiety and boredom. Puppy crates usually have a removable tray on the bottom for easy cleaning. They also have wire, plastic, or fabric as the primary materials, and they typically come in different sizes to accommodate puppies of different ages and breeds. When buying a crate, it must be big enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down but small enough so that the puppy does not have too much space to eliminate in one corner and sleep in the other. When used correctly, it can provide a safe, comfortable space for your new furry friend. Early Morning: Bring your Puppy Outside When your German Shepherd is a still puppy, he may have trouble holding his bladder throughout the night. If you do not let your puppy out early enough, it might create potty accidents because he cannot control their bladder. Morning: Time for a Nutritious Breakfast Puppies need a lot of nutrients to grow up healthy and strong. A nutritious breakfast helps them get the energy they need to start the day. Even though puppies spend most of their time sleeping and cuddling, puppies require several daily feedings. Place your puppy on your lap and snuggle while sleeping. It would be best if you also let them rest throughout the day. Afternoon: Lunchtime Take your puppy outside after lunch to relieve themselves. Allow your puppy time to exercise and release any built-up energy. Feeding your puppy .Between naps, you can do playtime and training activities to help release energy, encourage physical activity, and develop a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd. Evening: Last meal of the Day During the evening, feed your puppy their fourth and last meal. Afterward, take your puppy for a short stroll. Before returning, have your puppy go potty outside, then snuggle up on the sofa for some quality time. Night: Potty Break Before Bedtime Take your puppy out for one more potty time before putting him to bed. Remember that you should establish a reasonable bedtime for your puppy early on. Moreover, an 8-week-old German Shepherd may develop a better appetite for other solid meals. These include constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. Diarrhea Diarrhea is a common problem that many German Shepherd puppies face. This condition has several possible causes, including dietary indiscretion, viral infections, and intestinal parasites. In most cases, diarrhea is not a serious concern and will resolve itself within a few days. However, seek veterinary care if your puppy displays other symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, or lack of appetite. Constipation A young German Shepherd is particularly susceptible to constipation due to their large, muscular build and fast metabolism. If your puppy is constipated, you may notice that he has difficulty passing stool and seems uncomfortable or restless. If your puppy is constipated, take him to the vet for treatment. The vet may give him a laxative or enema to help relieve constipation. Bloating Bloating occurs when the stomach fills with gas, causing it to swell. German Shepherds are especially prone to bloating because of their deep chests. There are several possible causes of bloating, including eating too fast, drinking too much water, and exercising immediately after eating. Stress can also be a factor. To prevent bloating, feed your German Shepherd several small meals daily instead of one large meal. It is also important to avoid exercising immediately after eating and ensure that your dog has access to fresh water. Yes, a German Shepherd puppy can start training at eight months. But remember that every puppy is different and will learn at its own pace. Consistency is key, and with patience, your puppy will get the hang of obedience training in no time. Training should be a bonding experience for you and your pup! Remember to have fun and keep it light. At eight weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy sleeps for around 18 hours daily. It may seem like a lot, but puppies need a lot of sleep to grow and develop properly. As they get older, German Shepherds will sleep for less time each day. German Shepherd puppies use their mouths to explore their surroundings and socialize with other dogs and people. In addition, puppies typically start teething around eight weeks old, which can cause them to bite more as they try to relieve the discomfort caused by their emerging teeth. Puppies also explore the world with their mouths, and biting is a way for them to learn about their environment. In addition, puppies may bite out of excitement or frustration, especially if they are not getting enough exercise. If your puppy is biting excessively, provide him with plenty of chew toys and opportunities to run and play. Also read:. Doggy Squats Do you know how humans do squats as a pretty standard exercise within fitness routines? Well, dogs have their very own version of squats that they can do too! German Shepherds are at a very high risk of developing hip problems as they grow older, so this is a very good exercise to have them practice every now and then. The squats can also be a very mentally stimulating exercise for your German Shepherd, and you should include treats in order to ensure they are done correctly and your dog follows your precise instructions. And to prevent your German Shepherd from eventually getting bored and losing interest, you can switch up the location of where you practice the squats, choosing different surfaces and using different treats. But how do you get your dog to squat? Easy, just follow these steps: Have your dog sit, following the sit command you have in place. Then, command your dog to stand. Do this a few times, so that your dog is performing a repetitive motion of sitting and standing, sitting and standing. This is their version of the squat. Use treats to reward each squat so that your dog is engaged and eager to follow the instructions. Start with reps of 5 squats, and increase the number of sets as your dog progresses over time. Be careful not to overdo it! Exercise Routine: Do a few sets of squats two or three times a week. However, if you suspect that your dog might have any hip issues, do not perform any squats, as this could make the issues worse. Playing with a Balancing Disk Balancing disks are really popular amongst dog exercise gear, and the great thing about them is that they can be used right at home, without the need for much space, making them pretty convenient! The balancing disk is great for improving reflexes, which in turn can prevent any clumsy falls for your dog. It also enhances body awareness, making your dog more in control overall of every movement. So your dog will be more agile, less prone to injuries, and will have better muscle reflexes. To use it, your dog essentially has to balance on the disk, by standing on top of it and staying as stable as possible. There are also various challenges you can add to the exercise, such as: Have your dog stand on the balancing disk, then give your dog gentle shoves and pushes, moving them, so that they have to readjust their body and position. Move the balancing disk while your dog is on it, so that balance becomes harder. Increase the difficulty of the exercise by giving your dog less harness support, or getting a smaller disk. Make sure you have plenty of treats to encourage your dog to perform well! The exercise can also help you bond with your German Shepherd, and it can be a very mentally stimulating activity that your dog will likely grow to love! Exercise Routine: Perform this exercise with your dog around three to four times a week. Start with the easiest levels, and slowly increase the challenge over time. Playing with a Flirt Pole A flirt pole is essentially like a giant cat toy. This item is absolutely perfect for German Shepherd owners that are a little tired out, as it allows you to exercise your dog without you having to move much! This can be turned into a really fun game to keep your dog entertained, but it also helps increase endurance and focus. Plus, if done well, it also teaches your German Shepherd to handle impulse control and to listen to basic commands when hyped up. To use the flirt pole, follow these steps: Tempt your dog into playing with the flirt pole, by dragging it across the floor in front of them and making the lure at the end move in circular patterns. Move the toy in different directions and at different speeds, while your dog chases it. Once your dog catches the lure, play a bit of tug. Give your dog the command to drop the lure, reward, then start all over again. You could be sitting on the sofa throughout this whole game, and meanwhile, your dog will be expending a lot of energy and having a lot of fun. Exercise Routine: Practice this exercise two to three times a week. Make sure you are on a soft surface such as carpet or grass, in order to avoid any injury. Playing with a Spring Pole A spring pole is an excellent item to have, as it allows your German Shepherd to play with themselves, tugging and pulling and overall using up a lot of energy. And meanwhile, you can just watch and chill! You could even have it set up in your garden! The dog can catch the lure and tug at it, and the pole will bend and move about but will stay stuck to the ground, so your dog will never quite win but keep on trying until fully tired. These are also made to attach directly to trees, which are often even easier options. This exercise enhances the power and strength of your German Shepherd, and it covers their athletic needs, as well as being a mentally stimulating game for them. Grass is ideal. Running The best way to make sure that you and your dog both get that cardio in is a good jog. German Shepherds are incredibly athletic and therefore are built for running. The best way to do this is over various different surfaces so that your dog gets a break from concrete floors, which can be hard on the joints. You should also combine different paces so that running does not become repetitive or boring. Have some slow running and then some intermittent sprinting now and then! Running is a great exercise and your dog will love it. Just avoid doing this with puppies, as they need to have fully fused bones before they can do this safely. Exercise Routine: Go for a run with your adult and healthy German Shepherd around three to four times a week. Allow for plenty of rest afterward, to avoid overworking your dog. Running Uphill Running uphill is harder than running on an even surface or even downhill, so it makes sense that this would be a more intense exercise that provides different benefits to simply running. When your German Shepherd runs uphill, they are getting bonus strength training, as they will be engaging their rear legs and muscles in a far more intense way. Or you can simply throw a ball or similar uphill for them to retrieve, saving you from the effort. Just make sure to pick moderate hills. If they are too steep they might be too big an ask of your dog and could end up causing injuries down the line. Make sure to use moderate hills, not too steep. Sprints German Shepherds are incredibly athletic dogs, with a lot of energy. They were originally bred as working dogs, and have a history of herding. This means that sprinting exercises are excellent for them, as well as being a lot of fun and very mentally engaging. Sprinting can significantly enhance their cardio fitness, as well as help build muscle and strength. It is also a great way for them to use up their energy, and it is highly mentally stimulating for them, especially if the sprinting is turned into a game. The best way to perform this exercise is by using a tennis ball launcher or similar. Something that will throw an object far away at a very high speed, for your dog to chase. In order to catch it, your dog will have to sprint really fast. The best surface to do this on is grass, or any other surface with good traction so that your dog does not slip and fall! Exercise Routine: You should perform this exercise around three to four times a week, allowing for breaks and rests in between sets of sprints. You should avoid doing it during hot or humid days. Make sure your dog gets plenty of water afterward! They are also highly intelligent and love completing exercises and training, as they were originally bred for working. This means that weave poles are an excellent exercise that your German Shepherd will not only enjoy but excel at. Weave poles can be really fun for your dog, and they will significantly enhance both speed and agility. They are also great for teaching focus, and for getting your dog to follow your lead instantly. There are plenty of weave poles available in the market, and you can easily set some up in your garden, or take some with you to the park. The grass is the most ideal surface for this exercise. To perform this exercise, follow these steps: Set up the weave poles in your garden, yard, or similar. You can adjust the difficulty, starting off with wider spaces between the poles for the easiest level. Use treats to lure and guide your dog from one end of the poles to the other, by walking in zig-zag between them. Insert a command word, so that your dog knows it has to go through the weave poles, to the end, in order to get a treat. Slowly increase the speed. Eventually, you can stand at the other end, give the command, and your dog will perform the exercise. Start timing your dog and upping the difficulty. Reward always at the end, once your dog has made it through the weave pole. If your German Shepherd ends up being really good at this exercise, you could maybe even end up in an agility competition, who knows! Exercise Routine: Practice this exercise two to three times a week, slowly increasing the difficulty and challenging your dog to get faster each time. Make sure to use plenty of treats! But why should you exercise your German Shepherd? Is it really that important? It is. In fact, here are some of the main negative consequences of not exercising your German Shepherd: Health and Weight Problems: Lack of coordination and strength Joint problems Obesity and other weight problems Muscle atrophy. Check Price on Amazon 1. If the puppy is running towards you, for example, you can begin clapping. For now, notice the following and set distinct anchors for each. For the time being, you should avoid anchors that are excessively similar to one another. My German Shepherd Willow — 8 weeks old 2. As you train your pup to understand and respond to more complex commands, this helps eliminate a lot of the resistance. As a result, the initial step should be to persuade your German Shepherd to stick close to you. We all know that dogs are descended from wolves, and wolves follow the pack leader, which means you! Needless to say, when training a 2-month-old German Shepherd puppy, you have to incentivize him to follow you. You need to build a positive reinforcement loop and let your German Shepherd establish an association between following you and receiving a pleasant experience. You can start taking unexpected turns and training your puppy to follow you despite the direction changes after your puppy has become motivated to follow you for the reward. At a young age, you should take your puppy out and about and allow him to utilize his sociability potential. One method is to pay visits to friends and family. You might also look for a dog park and take him there. Keep in mind that your pet is still learning to walk with you and follow directions. Make sure your pup has a positive experience outdoors. It is worth noting that you should socialize and introduce him to new experiences as often as you can, preferably daily. Start Potty Training You should start potty training your German Shepherd puppy the first day you bring him home. Start by showing your pup where you want him to potty, such as a sectioned-off area of your yard or garden. I cordoned off a small area and added some bark chippings. Even now, my GSD will not go on the sidewalk or hard surfaces! It has to be grass or somewhere soft. Next, you need a potty training schedule. Always take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, hourly, and before retiring to bed. Deter Biting If you read my blog regularly, you know that I am opposed to punishment-based training. In any case, using physical force or yelling at your pup will only instill fear and distrust and can actually cause aggression. If someone recommends such negative approaches, you should approach a qualified trainer and learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy not to bite. Instead, you can wait until your GSD bites during a positive activity before stopping it. This will help to anchor the result better. For example, if your German Shepherd puppy fiercely takes a treat from your hand, you can withhold the second treat until he learns to take it gently. You should act upset and convey that what he has done has hurt you. Use positive reinforcement to encourage proper behavior by rewarding with a treat. Your German Shepherd will quickly learn that good behavior is rewarded with good things. Puppies must continue to learn bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the work their mother taught them and what they learned from their littermates. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Instill Patience You have to use your best judgment and patience when training your dog. In general, by the tenth week, your German Shepherd will be mature enough to understand self-control. Teach the Heel Position While your 3-month-old German Shepherd puppy will initially follow you, adjusting your pace will soon have him walking alongside you in the heel position, on your left side, without a leash, harness, or fear of punishment. To train your puppy to assume the natural heel position, use a clicker, whistle, or use your voice as a marker. Chances are, at first, your German Shepherd will also try to change his pace to walk behind you because of habit. You can avoid this problem by walking where your dog is used to. Assume Positions on Command — Sit, Down, Stand Your 3-months old German Shepherd puppy is now old enough to learn how to sit, stand, or hold a down position. You can teach him these new skills and assume a heel stance, which you have previously taught him. So by the time he is four months old, you can use the position cues and positive reinforcement to get your dog to follow. These included a clicker, whistle, clap, or saying a specific word to show your German Shepherd is doing a good job, generally followed by a well-deserved treat. Now is the time to see whether the anchors work! You used to whistle when your GSD approached you; now, you must whistle for him to start his run. This is the foundation of his recall training. While this allows the puppy to be more social when visitors arrive, an adult dog must learn to walk outside without behaving badly. Whether it is a cuddle, a pat, attention, or something tasty, you must teach your pup target training, for example, teaching him to touch a target with a specific part of his body, such as his paw or nose. Remember that your German Shepherd may end up biting or clawing to communicate if you do not teach him more acceptable communication methods. I recommend teaching your German Shepherd to use his nose to touch your hand. This is a fantastic bite substitute! Hand targeting is a fun way to train your dog to trust you while also getting him to use his brain! Begin by asking him to sit for a few seconds and gradually extend the time. Train Your Dog to Fetch If you have taken your German Shepherd to public parks and he has watched other dogs play fetch, it will be easier to teach him to retrieve whatever you throw. Your GSD may not bring the toy back to you for a second time, but he will eventually figure it out. Over the next few weeks, you can gradually turn it into a game of fetch, rewarding your puppy with high-value training treats. Continue Potty Training In the fourth month of German Shepherd training, you will continue toilet training to a degree of independence. Maintain a regular schedule and match your walks with his natural cycle to coincide with when he needs to go. Teach Your German Shepherd to Walk on the Leash Learning to walk on a leash outside is an important element of dog training. Use it to control your German Shepherd and then test his ability to follow commands off-leash. Many dog owners will opt for a rear attached harness. How to Train a 5 Month Old German Shepherd Puppy You have adequately socialized and trained your dog to recognize and associate attention, toys, walks, and food as rewards. Your five-month-old German Shepherd puppy is now ready to be put to the test for general obedience and the capacity to deal with distractions. These could be other dogs, strangers, or animals like squirrels or birds. But, if you introduce distractions gradually, your five-month-old puppy can deal with them. You must be ready for your dog to run ahead of you now! Assume, however, that you have built a strong bond with your puppy and worked on his training. In that case, he will stay close to you and prove his loyalty by sticking by your side. The good news is that all of your past training will make it easier for your dog to obey your instructions. Conclude Potty Training Your German Shepherd has had months to learn how to tell you his need to go potty. He has also likely refined how to hold his bladder instead of peeing on the floor. As a result, if your dog makes a mess, you can express your displeasure through your body language. But, all dogs can still have the odd accident up to one year old. Besides, you must be prepared for your dog to relieve himself indoors if he is excited or frightened. This is known as either excitement or submissive urination. During this time, energy levels increase , especially in larger breed dogs. While the average exercise for a pup before this is generally five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day, a six-month-old German Shepherd can exercise for one hour if you split his walks into two thirty-minute sessions. To train your 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy, start with two commands that will be most useful. As previously stated, you will be exercising your German Shepherd much more frequently from now on. You can teach these commands or tricks in any order from six months onwards until your German Shepherd is a well-trained adult. This is an excellent skill to teach your GSD and is one of the commands taught to police and protection dogs. This is a difficult task, but your German Shepherd will eventually master it if you practice and keep consistent. The eighth month is the time for training your German Shepherd to go to different places upon hearing your command word. This could be for practical reasons or to maximize the intellect of your dog. Alternatively, you might spend the ninth month teaching him a fun party trick! Teach Your German Shepherd to Spin By dangling a tasty treat in front of your German Shepherd and moving it in a circle until he starts to spin, you prime him for a command anchor. After a week or so, you teach your German Shepherd to follow your finger without first using a treat. Of course, you will still need to reward him after he obeys the command. By the third week, you should be able to ask your dog to spin without using your finger to guide him. It might take an extra couple of weeks, but I recommend this as an addition in the ninth month because it allows you to continue training your dog to learn previous commands better. You can train him to go to different places, hold or release objects, and fetch toys. You can now develop this further and teach him to roll over on command. Your one-year-old German Shepherd continues to learn at the same rate as he has since he was six months old. What will change is that your dog will interact with other people more frequently. You can train him to do additional tricks to give him a more appealing presence. This will deter him from merely barking for attention. You should also review previously taught commands and see any weak associations you can reinforce. If anything, this is the period where you tailor his training to your convenience. But now is the time when your German Shepherd must learn to be harmonious with your life. From the month mark onwards, you must train your doggo to be compatible with modern adult life within reason. Do not be alarmed if you have an month-old German Shepherd who appears to have had no previous training! Start by establishing authority by having a positive yet commanding presence. Once your new friend recognizes your authority and sees you as his leader, treat him as a six-month-old, albeit on an accelerated schedule, and train him accordingly. You should train your German Shepherd puppy for short and frequent sessions, ideally minutes, several times a day. As your puppy grows and matures, you can gradually increase the duration and complexity of the training sessions. What are the most important commands to teach my German Shepherd puppy? Come command helps to call your puppy back to you in case of an emergency or when you want to end a play session. Heel command teaches your puppy to walk calmly beside you on a leash, and Leave It command helps to prevent your puppy from eating something harmful or dangerous. German Shepherds are a highly trainable and intelligent breed. Your job as a trainer becomes even easier once you have a workable training schedule in place and stick to your routine. My month-by-month German Shepherd puppy training schedule will help you successfully train your doggo and make him into the cherished companion you always desired. Good luck with your training! Related Posts You May Like:. This article is designed to help you along your way. This is completely normal. Every new puppy owner has their moments of frustration and doubt. Remember that your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy is going through a big life change, too. She may be feeling stressed and out of sorts when you first bring her home. Consistency and structure will go a long way toward helping both of you. Introducing The Puppy Crate A crate can be your best friend when it comes to caring for your 8-week-old puppy. While some people think of crates as cruel, the reality is that with the right training, your puppy will think of her crate as a safe, quiet space where she can go to relax. If you leave your puppy unsupervised at home, you may come back to find a whole lot of destruction. Puppies can get into all kinds of trouble on their own, with their natural curiosity and desire to chomp down on just about everything in their path. A crate can help you keep your German Shepherd puppy — and your belongings! While every puppy is different, chances are your daily schedule for the first week will look a little bit like this: Early morning: Time for the first potty break of the day! Breakfast time: You can feed your puppy breakfast right after her first potty break, or wait a little longer and let her go back to sleep first. Mid-morning: Time for another small meal, and another potty break. Afternoon: Lunchtime followed by a potty break. Late afternoon: Another potty break! Evening: Dinner, and then — you guessed it — potty time. Just before bed: One last trip outside before you turn in for the night. In between potty and mealtimes, your puppy will probably be playing or napping. Scheduling play and exercise at the same times every day can help ensure that you get that nice, quiet naptime right on schedule, too. Potty Training an 8 Week Old German Shepherd Potty training can be one of the most daunting tasks of raising a brand new puppy. It may take a bit longer than you expected for your puppy to get the hang of things! Your puppy has never been apart from her siblings and mother before. The best way to avoid a night full of mournful wailing is to let your puppy sleep in your room, at least in the beginning. Safer ways to keep your puppy comfortable and contained at night include keeping her crate beside your bed, setting up a puppy playpen, or even just using a tall cardboard box. In fact, an 8-week-old puppy can spend as many as 18 hours a day sleeping! This helps keep some element of consistency in her routine and her stomach. If you do decide to switch over to a different food after a few weeks, do so in stages. You can then increase that slowly over time. At 8 weeks old, German Shepherd puppies should be fed three to four times per day. Because the German Shepherd is a large breed, you should also feed your puppy a diet formulated specifically for large breed puppies. There are many commercially available diets made to help large breed puppies grow at the right rate. This helps to avoid skeletal abnormalities like hip dysplasia. Want more information on what to feed your 8-week-old German Shepherd, and how to change her diet as she gets older? We have everything you need to know right here in our guide to feeding a German Shepherd puppy. The stress of such a drastic life change can manifest in different ways, and an upset stomach is a pretty common reaction. You can give your pup a better chance of having a settled stomach by keeping her on the food she was eating before you brought her home, and feeding on a consistent schedule. Diarrhea can also be a sign of an underlying issue besides stress, however, and severe diarrhea can be life-threatening if left untreated. Your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy is likely to bite you too, for exactly the same reason. She may even growl. And it really can hurt! Your Growing Dog As your German Shepherd puppy grows, our guides will help you care for her throughout her life. Here are a few links to get you started:.

Website: Hilltopgoldenretriever. They want to breed healthy, content dogs that will make devoted companions. Four adorable Golden Retriever puppies wandering on the flower bed. What a lovely day! Every parent dog has undergone a health examination, and their pedigrees are posted on their website for anyone to view. The breeders socialize the puppies with kids and adult dogs and desensitize them to household noises. They also ensure all puppies are vet checked and certified. The pups come with AKC registration, a 1-year health guarantee, and litter pedigree. They will have received their latest shots and deworming. Nevani Goldens Nevani Goldens sets the standards high. They raise their dogs at home, where they interact with their children. The Golden Retriever puppy smiles while sitting on a blanket. Each parent dog has undergone genetic testing and received an OFA clearance. The breeders raise the puppies using puppy culture techniques, so the pups are content and healthy. They monitor their health from birth and offer a 2-year health guarantee with the pups. Her love for the breed soon made her a breeder, a passion she is very dedicated to. Golden Retriever family lying on the grass. She breeds animals at home and places a high value on temperament. They are also cleared for OFA, eye, elbow, and heart. Timberscombe Golden Retrievers Timberscombe is a family breeder that breeds healthy Golden Retrievers. The dogs are raised in their home and loved like family members. The breeding program does not use animals that do not pass these tests. The breeders feed them premium dog food so that they enjoy optimum health. The puppies are socialized to make them great companions. They are dewormed at 2, 4, 5, and 7—8 weeks of age and vaccinated at 6 weeks. All puppies come with limited or full AKC registration, depending on your preference. They accommodate buyers and are ready to meet them if they are within a 1. Breeder Details:. Our AKC Goldens are family members first and live inside right along with us. Our six children happen to be pretty awesome, built in, puppy socializers. The babies are raised using puppy culture and Avidog methods with early neurological stimulation starting at just 3 days old. Each puppy is loved and cared for as if it were my own. I set my standards high and continue to educate myself on the best practices to raise the best possible puppy. I strive to give your new family member the best possible start in life so that you can enjoy a happy, healthy dog for many years to come. All of our breeding dogs have OFA clearances hips, elbows, eyes and heart and have complete full genetic panels. I will do my best to update this site with planned breedings, stud services, expected and previous litters, and the occasional adult golden looking for a retirement home. Happy, Healthy Bloodline Each of our dogs have pedigrees full of health tested dogs. Each puppy comes with a 2 year health guarantee and my lifetime breeder support. A Furever Friend Golden Retrievers are meant to be a part of our families. They are as intelligent as they are beautiful, with a desire to please and eagerness to love. Every child deserves to grow up with a golden and no home is truly complete until you have welcomed one or two or three into it! Sign Up For Updates Be the first to hear about new litters, availability, retired adults, trained young adults and even helpful pet advice. Email Address. You must consider important elements like social and living conditions when choosing a Golden Retriever breeder. The way your Golden Retriever is raised will have a significant impact on their lives. Evaluate the conditions of the breeder and the treatment of every puppy. The type of dog breeder you choose is important, so consider different factors like the acreage, reputation, and pedigree. Considering how your New York dog breeder raised them is very important to their health and learning curve. If they raise your golden retriever in a positive environment, they should have an obedient and loving personality. As you select your puppy, consider the appearance, age, size, and gender. For instance, the gender of the Golden Retriever has a large impact on its personality. Choose a puppy compatible with your personality. Golden Retrievers can be outrageously disobedient without early training and socialization from their breeders. Without training from breeders, your puppy will certainly require professional training later in life to receive the required discipline that a Golden Retriever needs. Training in puppyhood can instill obedience in your dog, preparing them for a bright future of good behavior. Adirondac Golden Retrievers Adirondac Golden Retrievers is a certified dog breeder who only raises every type of Golden Retriever, from active companions who excel in their athleticism to compassionate companions. All puppies are raised in a loving environment with plenty of social interaction, allowing them to flourish in any home. In addition to raising healthy puppies, Adirondac Golden Retrievers trains their puppies in various therapies, professions, and hunting techniques. Many of the puppies that come from this breeder become professional work dogs like K9 units and assistants. Name of Owner. Marshall had enucleation eye removal surgery on August 7th due to uncontrollable glaucoma. His stitches have been removed and he's doing well. The surgery alleviated his pain to where he's back to his carefree, happy go lucky self, wagging that tail all around the house, nonstop! Hello, my name is Marshall! Let me tell you a little about me. I was found as a stray, but BDRA saved me from being put down by the shelter. My vet thinks I'm about years old but I'm still in great health aside from being blind. Even though I'm blind I learn very quickly. I could map your house in no time. I'm a little shy at first, but once I know you aren't going to hurt me, I will warm right up. I'm almost completely house-trained. I get scared and anxious when my humans leave the house because it can be scary being blind. I feel much safer when you put me in my crate when you have to leave or during the night. I sure hope my forever home has fur brothers or sisters. I LOVE my foster dog brothers and follow them everywhere. They are much smaller than me 10 lbs , so I make sure I'm extra gentle with them. I even have a foster handicapped kitty sister. I am fascinated by her and like to follow her as well. I make sure I'm gentle with her too. One time I even let her steal a few bites from my bowl while I was eating my dinner. My tail wags fast when I'm around her or my doggy foster brothers because they make me so happy. I'm still trying to figure out furniture so I prefer to stay on the ground instead of getting on the couch or in bed. I love having a memory foam dog bed. I take lots of naps, but I love going on walks. My humans taught me the word "careful" to warn me if I'm about to run into something. I'm still learning to "sit. She and the other staff tell me what a sweet and calm boy I am. I'm excited to meet my forever family and fur brothers or sisters. I sure hope you pick me. I'll make you happy with my sweet and calm personality. I look forward to meeting you soon! Recently we took him to a playgroup that required a 4-hour evaluation with a trainer. I was so excited when they said he was so well-behaved and adaptable with all of the other animals that he was marked as "green," meaning he gets a "free pass" to be part of any playgroup he wants large dog, small dog, hyper dog, calm dogs, senior dogs. They said had I not informed them he was blind that they would never have guessed it with how well he navigates spaces and his attentiveness to the other animals. Also, our neighbor names Marshall their "manny" due to how gentle and patient he is when he visits. When it comes to people, Marshall is a shy boy at first, but once he settles in, he is so gentle and loving. When it comes to other animals, Marshall warms up instantly! He's tested with cats and dogs of all sizes and does well with all of them. He currently lives with 2 small dogs and a handicapped kitty that adores him. He doesn't bark, which is nice. This is key to note because my current dogs are barkers, and he does not pick up on their bad behavior. Very rarely will he give a howl or two, but if he howls, then there is definitely a reason because of how rarely he has done it. It's kinda cute actually. He does not get up on the furniture i think it makes him uncomfortable , but he loves to be by your side. I call him my "happy boy" because he literally walks around the house wagging his tail all day. He never lets anything phase him. If you want a sweet companion and an added bonus that works well with cats and dogs , then he is your guy! Check out his video, you'll see what I mean! BDRA has voted against the use of electrical fencing effective immediately.

Why Is My Dog Regurgitating? June 7, 5 min read Vomiting is one of the most common reasons owners take their dog to the vet. Here at My Pet Nutritionist it is a common symptom too, but it is often misperceived for regurgitation. There are a number of reasons for both, and they are very different mechanisms. Vomiting is an active process, where the dog is forcefully ejecting the contents of their stomach or intestines. It is often preceded by sound. Food is usually at least partially digested, or it may be bile that comes up. In vomiting you will notice signs of nausea, like drooling or lip licking. Regurgitation is more passive and usually happens while a dog is eating or shortly afterward. There is usually no sound beforehand. Regurgitation is often just water or undigested food. Regurgitation can be common if a dog eats something that is too large — think large bones or chews. But there are also some other reasons for regurgitation. When exposed to a stressful trigger, the sympathetic nervous system fires up. During this process, resources are directed away from the digestive system and so digestive function is compromised. This can lead to the development of acid reflux which is one of the more common reasons for regurgitation. Stress has also been seen to affect oesophageal sensitivity. During stress, corticotropin releasing hormone plays a key role. This hormone is regularly implicated in hypersensitivity which is why conditions like IBS are more common in those who are anxious or stressed. But what it means is that the oesophagus is more sensitive to mechanical distension, chemical stimuli and more, which may lead to regurgitation. Just like we have a barrier in the skin and gut, we also have an oesophageal one. It too is made up of tight junctions and has its own plethora of defence mechanisms, including a mucosal barrier. But the presence of acid, in cases of acid reflux can injure the oesophageal epithelium and so, in turn, it damages the mucosal barrier, along with the tight junction formation. During attempts to repair, the inflammatory response is called to action, and animal studies into oesophageal damage have suggested it is a double-edged sword. This inflammatory response has been seen to lower oesophageal pressure through its action on smooth muscle which, not only allows for further reflux of acid,but also then delays acid clearance. Re: Regurgitating his food Hi Stacia It's something all dogs do at one stage or another but maybe for not this long. Having ruled out the first major problems obstructions and that he's not stealing anything else to upset the gut I'm assuming that it's a simple reflux - ie food returns looking pretty much as it went in, usually within an hour which is maybe upsetting the stomach acids and possibly vice versa. The best thing - and I know it's not easy with any lab never mind a 13 month puppa older than puppy but not yet adult dog, at least in our house - is to try to keep him calm before, during and after. I know you're saying "Ha, fat chance! More often than not regurg is simply a dog saying I can't process this right now so I'll leave it here and come back later. During and after is more important than before and if necessary after a post-dinner puddle leave him somewhere calm, maybe even put him to bed ideally in a crate, to let the food settle. I would try to avoid any major food changes, other than perhaps going more bland. If you do decide to switch foods then any change will need to be managed even more carefully than for a dog with a normal tum, ie introduce slowly, a little at a time gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old over perhaps two to three weeks, I'd usually say a week but with a dodgy tum go for the longer time span just to be on the safe side. If you're concerned about the dry food maybe partially soak it for a day or two and see if it makes a difference, he might not like it soggy, he might prefer it. Things to help him digest the food and smooth the passage are: slippery elm powder from the health food shop, Holland and Barrett sell it in capsules but go for the loose if you can , one dessert spoonful in some honey twice a day; parsley and mint - again mixed in with some honey, about a teaspoon of each; pro-biotics often help, most vets have these in stock, if not just google them they're pretty readily available; and finally replace his plain water with a weak chamomile tea, one bag per pint of boiling water, left for approx mins before removing the bag and allowing to cool - most dogs will take it happily but if as one of mind did he turns his nose up at it swap it back for plain water - don't let him go thirsty. You didn't specify which antacid but I'm assuming antepsin doggy gaviscon, smells slightly minty, doesn't taste too bad either! The remedies suggested won't affect the meds. OK, I think that's enough to be going on with! Good luck, let us know how you get on. Our canine friends are built to vomit, probably because many of them will eat almost anything that they come across. But regurgitation is very different from vomiting. Whatever the underlying cause, regurgitation is dangerous. Over time, dogs can become malnourished. Regurgitation can also lead to aspiration pneumonia, which happens when food is inhaled into the lungs. Dog Regurgitation vs. Vomiting Making the determination of regurgitation versus vomiting is very important because their causes and treatments are very different. Just before a dog vomits, you can see and hear them heaving and retching as their abdominal muscles contract and relax. They often feel nauseous before they vomit, so they may also drool and lick their lips, two signs of nausea in dogs. Therefore, regurgitation often seems to happen out of the blue and without any effort. Dogs may simply lower their heads and open their mouths, and their last meal is on the floor. What Came Up? You can look at what your dog has brought up for clues. When dogs regurgitate, what comes out often looks a lot like what just went in: food maybe chewed mixed with a little saliva or mucus. Sometimes, regurgitated material even maintains the tube-like shape it had in the esophagus. What Causes Dog Regurgitation? Just keep an eye on things and make an appointment with your veterinarian if problems continue. On the other hand, repeated regurgitation is a symptom of some very serious health problems. We can divide them into two major categories: 1. Things That Block the Esophagus Foreign bodies — If a dog eats something that becomes stuck in their esophagus, it can block the passage of food and water, leading to regurgitation. Tumors — Benign or malignant tumors within or just outside the esophagus can narrow the passage through which food and water pass and cause regurgitation. Stricture — Esophageal diseases or injuries can lead to scarring and stricture abnormal narrowing. Dogs are sometimes born with esophageal strictures, which may not become evident until they start eating solid food. Vascular ring anomaly — Puppies can be born with abnormal blood vessels that create a tight ring around the esophagus, which makes it difficult for food to pass. This can also be called a persistent right aortic arch. Hiatal hernias — Abdominal contents can move through an opening in the diaphragm and press on the esophagus. This may occur after trauma or as a congenital birth defect. Esophageal worms — In southern parts of the United States, Spirocerca lupi worms can be carried by beetles and other hosts. If a dog eats an infected host, they can also be infected by these worms that create nodules in the esophagus, causing regurgitation. Things that Affect Esophageal Function Megaesophagus — The esophagus is normally a muscular tube that pushes food into the stomach. With megaesophagus , it becomes dilated and weak. Food just sits in the esophagus until it is regurgitated. Megaesophagus can be present at birth or develop later in life. It has many causes, including: Myasthenia gravis — This abnormality in the transmission of nerve signals to muscles can lead to muscular weakness. Other diseases affecting nerves and muscles can look similar to myasthenia gravis. Esophagitis — Chronic or severe inflammation of the esophagus can damage esophageal muscles. This can be seen with gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD or anything else that irritates the esophagus. Exposure to some toxins — Lead, organophosphates, botulinum, and other toxins can lead to megaesophagus in dogs. This may occur after esophageal inflammation or injury, but a cause may not be evident. Some puppies are born with esophageal dysmotility disorders. Dog Breeds Predisposed to Issues That Cause Regurgitation Any dog can develop regurgitation, but some underlying health problems that can lead to it are more common in certain breeds. For example, Wirehaired Fox Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers are genetically predisposed to megaesophagus, but it is also frequently diagnosed in German Shepherds , Shar Peis , and mixed breed dogs. Brachycephalic dogs those with flat faces, like Pugs and Bulldogs are at increased risk for several types of esophageal disease, which can lead to regurgitation. Veterinarians will start diagnosing the cause of regurgitation by asking a lot of questions and performing a full physical examination. This will help them confirm that a dog is indeed regurgitating, rather than vomiting, and identify any clues to potential causes. The x-rays may identify a megaesophagus, foreign body, tumor, or aspiration pneumonia. Your dog may be given a contrast agent, like barium, to better outline their esophagus, but this should be done with caution because barium is dangerous if it gets in the lungs. For example: Esophageal foreign bodies can sometimes be removed using an endoscope. Surgery can correct vascular ring anomalies, remove tumors, or correct strictures. Options include: Vertical feedings with the use of a Bailey chair. Dogs should remain upright for at least 15 minutes after eating so the food can get into the stomach. Water should also be given in the Bailey chair. Change the consistency of the food. Some dogs do better with gruel and others with meatballs. Feed a high-quality, nutrient-dense food to reduce the overall amount. Feed small, frequent meals to avoid overloading the esophagus. Medications to reduce stomach acidity, help empty the stomach, and protect the lining of the esophagus may be beneficial. If aspiration pneumonia develops, antibiotics and other treatments will be needed. First, feed smaller, more frequent meals. For example, if you currently feed your dog twice a day, switch to three times a day with an appropriate reduction in meal size. Slow feeder bowls, or even just a large rock placed in their current bowl, can also help. But as always, if your dog continues to have problems, talk to your veterinarian. Unusual change in behavior What if my Puppy is Vomiting or Regurgitating? As a result, vomiting in a puppy could indicate a very serious health problem. Vomiting can also cause puppies to become dehydrated faster than adult dogs, so you should always call your vet any time your puppy vomits or regurgitates. When TO Worry About Your Dog Vomiting or Regurgitating While occasional vomiting is not something you need to worry about, there are times when vomiting or regurgitation can indicate a serious problem. The first thing you should do is to avoid giving your dog any food or treats for 12 to 24 hours. Your dog should still always have access to clean water to prevent dehydration. If your dog does not experience any more vomiting or other symptoms after a day with no food, you can start them on a bland diet. When you have an upset stomach, you probably start with something like crackers or dry toast to test your stomach first, right? The equivalent for dogs is usually boiled chicken and rice. If you have any concerns, never be afraid to reach out to your vet to see what they recommend. Using what you now know, it's easier to spot the subtle differences between the two actions. DVM explain clues to regurgitation are: If the dog is short-haired, you may spot a swelling in the gullet on the left side of the neck. The food reappears soon after eating, usually within half an hour, although it is possible for it to occur hours or days after a meal. The food is often sausage shaped after it sat for a while in the esophagus. The food is recognizable, just chewed up a bit. There is no or little effort required to bring the food up. Often, the dog lowers his head, and the food slips out. There is no association with other symptoms related to digestive tract problems such as diarrhea. Contrast this with vomiting when sloppy, partly digested food is produced after abdominal contractions and retching noises. Causes of Regurgitation There are many causes , some related to narrowing of the esophagus and others to inflammation of the lining of the gullet. Some problems are present from birth while others develop as a result of illness or injury. Narrowing of the Esophagus Anything that narrows the esophagus will prevent food from passing along. This could be due to: A vascular ring anomaly in pups Scar tissue due to eating hot food A foreign body stuck in the gullet A tumor of the esophageal wall Enlarged lymph nodes compressing the esophagus A Malfunctioning Esophagus Disease elsewhere in the body may affect the nerve supply or muscular coordination of the esophagus so it doesn't help food get to the stomach. The most common causes include myasthenia gravis, Addison's disease , myopathies , and idiopathic megaesophagus. Inflammation of the Esophagus When the lining of the esophagus is inflamed, it tends to 'reject' food. The causes of esophagitis include acid reflux from the stomach, chronic vomiting, hiatus hernia or drug irritation. Regurgitating after surgery is a common result of esophagitis which occurs when the acid moves into the esophagus while the dog is under anesthesia. Similarly, esophagitis can happen only or primarily at night because the dog's relaxed sleep state can make it much easier for reflux occur which is also found in humans. Eating too quickly or exercising too intently and too soon after a meal can also irritate the esophagus. It can also occur if there's a physical blockage from something eaten, such as bones in a raw food diet. If you also notice your dog regurgitating simply clear foamy or white-colored liquid or mucus , this can be a sign of esophagitis, although if the dog is vomiting instead of regurgitating this may indicate gastritis, kennel cough or serious disorders of the kidney, pancreas or liver. Diagnosing the Problem Left untreated there could be serious consequences such as aspirational pneumonia inhaling fluid or food into the lungs or long-term malnutrition and weight loss. Thus, it's important to get the cause of the problem diagnosed. If your dog has regurgitated just once, it's not likely an emergency, but it's wise to get your dog to a veterinarian as soon as it's feasible before it happens again. You want to make sure nothing life threatening is the cause, such as a foreign body in the esophagus or if a serious side effect like aspirational pneumonia is a risk. Your vet will examine the dog and take a history. This helps to work out if the problem may have been present from birth or developed because of disease. Next, she may run tests such as an x-ray of the digestive tract, perhaps using barium. This follows food through the gut to highlight any hold-ups. Radiographs also help diagnose complications such as pneumonia, which requires urgent treatment. The history may point toward an underlying problem, such as Addison's disease. Screening blood tests and specific tests help to narrow down the diagnosis. In some cases, further investigation is required to highlight anatomical problems such as a vascular ring anomaly. If disease of the esophagus is suspected the endoscopy gives the clinician a direct look inside the gullet and allow them to collect pinch biopsies of tissue for analysis. Are you InTheKnow? Sign up for our newsletter featuring all the latest stories and products we love. Invalid email I agree to receive email communications from LoveToKnow. This allows your dog's esophagus to 'rest,' and along with antacid medications and intravenous fluids, may allow the dog to recover uneventfully. If your vet identifies an underlying cause, it's crucial to treat this. The answer may be surgical, such as removing a foreign body or a tumor, or medical such as the use of drugs to treat myasthenia gravis or Addison's disease. Unfortunately, in some cases, the esophagus becomes like a stretched balloon and loses its ability to contract. This becomes a physical problem because, like that stretched balloon, the esophagus has lost its elastic recoil. Instead of contracting and pushing food into the stomach, the esophagus gets bigger and more dilated as food piles in. This is called a megaesophagus and requires special management. VCA Hospitals suggest these dogs are best helped by making changes to the way they are fed. This is especially true if your vet diagnoses your dog with megaesophagus since there is no effective medical or surgical treatment. Control strategies include: Avoiding liquid foods Feeding the dog from a table or raised bowl, such as the Little Nemo, so the head and forequarters are higher than the stomach Keeping the dog in this elevated position for at least 10 minutes after eating Hand feeding the dog food that has been rolled into 'meatballs' Complications of Long-Term Regurgitation It takes a dedicated owner to commit to hand feeding his dog and then keeping the dog's forequarters raised. Unfortunately, even with the most vigilant care, complications such as weight loss or inhalation pneumonia can occur. The latter happens if the dog breathes in when food or water is being regurgitated. Fluid enters the lungs to cause a potentially serious infection. Signs of pneumonia include rapid shallow breathing, lack of appetite and listlessness. Any dog with a history of regurgitation that shows these signs should see a vet immediately. A prompt course of antibiotics could prevent the problem from becoming life-threatening. Act on Regurgitation If your dog vomits or regurgitates regularly, get him seen by a vet. If you still aren't sure if your dog is vomiting or regurgitating, video the dog with your phone. There's nothing quite like the vet seeing the event firsthand, for helping things along in the right direction. As with so many medical conditions, seeking help in the early stages can make all the difference to the long-term outcome for your pet pal. Eating too soon after exercise Inflammation of the esophagus Intubation during surgery can irritate the esophagus temporarily How To Stop Your Dog Regurgitating His Food There are a few strategies you can use to try and stop your dog throwing up his food. Raw meaty bones or recreational bones can cause regurgitating. Always try to give bones that are appropriately sized. And never feed rawhides or cooked or smoked bones. Soak Kibble If you feed any type of kibble or compressed food, try adding warm water and letting it soak for at least 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use bone broth as a more nutritious way to do this. Adding moisture can help your dog get the kibble down. Slow Him Down Getting your dog to eat slowly is key to avoiding frequent regurgitation. There are many types of slow-eating bowls or platters. Using one can go a long way in slowing your pup down. You can also give smaller meals frequently throughout the day. Feeding from a raised bowl may help. Caution: Some people believe raised bowls can increase the risk of bloat. So if you see any extra gassiness, go back to a bowl on the floor. But there are rare times when regurgitation is a sign of a more serious condition. If your dog consistently regurgitates fluids, check with your vet. It can be due to an abnormality in the esophagus … or narrowing of the canal. Dogs can also have blockages and cancers of the esophagus. In some cases, regurgitation can lead to a condition called aspirated pneumonia. This means your dog inhales food particles into his lungs. Normally, the flap or sphincter that separates the esophagus and stomach keeps regurgitation from happening. This causes inflammation and deterioration of the mucosal lining. Megaesophagus ME is another condition that causes chronic regurgitation. Yorkies and Miniature Pinschers are prone to this condition. In ME, the muscles of the esophagus weaken and food stays stuck instead of moving into the stomach. Dogs with ME need to eat sitting upright so their esophagus can use gravity to get the food down. Remember, most of the time regurgitating is absolutely normal. But if your dog is chronically throwing up undigested food, ask your vet to rule out a possible serious condition. Plus get new recipes delivered right to your inbox. Rita Hogan Rita Hogan is a clinical canine herbalist with over 20 years of experience specializing in holistic canine herbalism. She is an author, educator, speaker, formulator, and herbal medicine maker. Her full-time practice is based in Olympia, Washington. Connect with Rita at canineherbalist. Is My Dog Vomiting or Regurgitating? This mischievous little boy raided the kitchen garbage the day before the vomiting began. Neither blood work nor abdominal X-rays, performed by the referring veterinarian , provided a diagnosis. Additionally, none of the retching that dogs typically do right before vomiting had been observed. This history provided some big clues that redirected my thinking. Boomer was likely regurgitating rather than vomiting. The vomited material may be food that appears undigested or partially digested, clear liquid if it originates from the stomach , yellow or green liquid or semisolid matter if it originates from the small intestine where bile is secreted. Regurgitation Regurgitation differs from vomiting in that the expelled material almost always originates from within the esophagus—the muscular tube that propels food, water and saliva from the mouth down into the stomach. The regurgitated material consists of water, saliva, or undgested food that comes spewing forth without any audible retching or warning. Regurgitation typically takes the dog and anyone in close proximity completely by surprise. Because the event is so sudden, the larynx the opening to the windpipe may not have time to close, and some of the regurgitated material can be inhaled into the lungs. This results in a serious condition called aspiration pneumonia and is usually associated with an abrupt onset of coughing and labored breathing. The importance of differentiating vomiting from regurgitation So, why is it important to differentiate whether my patient is regurgitating or vomiting? The tests for determining the cause of regurgitation are different than those used to determine the cause of vomiting. Diagnostic testing for regurgitation involves evaluation of primarily the esophagus and sometimes the stomach. Evaluating the vomiting patient involves evaluation of the stomach and small intestine along with screening for other diseases such as kidney failure , liver disease and pancreatitis , all of which can cause vomiting. Given his history, I recommended X-rays of his chest cavity where the esophagus lives. Low and behold, the images revealed a piece of bone lodged within his esophagus. We treated the secondary esophageal inflammation with medications and counseled his family on preventing their little darling from tampering with the garbage! Thankfully, Boomer experienced a complete recovery. By the way, bringing videotape of the event to the office visit may help your veterinarian know, with greater certainty, if your dog is vomiting or regurgitating. Is my dog vomiting or regurgitating? What are the potential causes of what we are observing? What tests can be run to determine the cause? If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. Related symptoms:. Is Your Dog Regurgitating? Regurgitating vs Vomiting Regurgitating is very different from vomiting. When a pet vomits, the contents coming out are from the stomach and sometimes from the beginning of the small intestine as well. Regurgitated contents are from the esophagus or pharynx. Dogs regurgitate their food if they are having trouble swallowing it or they wolfed it down too quickly. They simply bring it back up, and eat it again! Mother dogs and wolves will sometimes do this on purpose for their pups to eat. Sometimes dogs eat grass to aid in their own digestion and to regurgitate on purpose. Regurgitated food will look more or less like what they were just eating before the event and some may have a tube shape due to it having formed the shape from being in their esophagus. Vomit would look more digested and often you can find bile in the mixture. Vomiting is also more often tied with the diet. Food sensitivities, allergies, toxins, or foreign bodies can cause vomiting whereas regurgitation is more related to physical blockages at the pharynx or esophagus. Put a ball or other safe object in the food bowl — This can help slow down the eating and lessen the amount of food they munch on each bite. Elevate the food bowl — Sometimes dogs and cats have an easier time eating when the food bowl is elevated. We recommend you try the other methods first though, as this may not be true for all dogs. Change the consistency — If you prepare your own pet food or have the means to change the consistency by grinding or adding other foods, try this method. Sometimes dogs eat much faster than they should if the food is too fine or mushy or if the food is too coarse, it can get stuck more easily. Adding water to make their food soupy works too! Should I be worried? If this is the case, we recommend you consult a veterinarian. A list of examples below list other illnesses that can have frequent regurgitation as a symptom. Megaesophagus — This condition can be congenital in puppies or contracted in adult dogs. If congenital, the muscles of the esophagus is to weak to push the food down to the stomach. Another cause is from having a foreign body is stuck in the esophagus for too long, the esophagus is enlarged and starts to act as a storage organ To avoid this, we recommend not feeding raw hide treats, smoked bones, or Nylabones. This condition is accompanied by frequent regurgitation, loss of weight, and aspiration pneumonia. To check whether your dog has megaesophagus, lift him or her on hind legs and look down the neck to see and feel whether there are any abnormal bulges. Inflammation of the esophagus — Possible from physical injury or swallowing sharp objects such as cooked bone fragments, etc.

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Exploring the puppy weight thread is fascinating way to spend an hour or so, as it has over entries! When do dogs stop growing? How big will my puppy get? And how much should my puppy weigh? How big or small your Labrador will be when he reaches his full size depends on a number of different factors. We'll be looking at those in a moment. Whether or not your puppy reaches his full potential in terms of size and when he does so, also depends on a variety of factors that can influence growth. Some of which you can control, and some of which you can't. We'll be looking at those factors too. First let's consider how long it will take your puppy to reach his full size. With Weight Chart Labradors come in a wide variety of sizes. So average Labrador Retriever weight figures can be misleading. As a very rough guide an adult female Labrador might weigh between 55 and 70lbs. An adult male Lab will weigh 65 — 80lbs. Female Lab weight will on average be lower than male Lab weight, but as you can see there is a considerable cross over. But Labradors also come in a couple of different types, and his type will have an impact upon his ideal Labrador weight. Fat Labrador! Whilst exercise can help to keep your dog in shape as a part of their daily routine, it is not the critical factor when it comes to putting on weight. A dog may well need more exercise, but that is not why he is fat. He is overweight because when you take into account the amount he exercises along with a number of other factors, he has eaten too much. The exercise needs of your dog are an important but separate issue, which we look at in other articles. The important thing to remember is this: The less exercise you give the dog, the less you must feed him. Once put on, weight is hard to shift and it will simply go up and up over time. Here's how.The more data we have, the more accurate the charts and graphs we can show you. Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. When do labs Stop Growing? Labs need to fill out more than smaller breeds as they are medium to large-sized dogs. Usually, an average Lab will be at full height and weight by their first birthday. Is Your Labrador Retriever Healthy? Labrador Retrievers are the perfect family pet. Not only are Labs wonderful companions, but their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and love for life make them ideal members of any household. The best way to guarantee that happiness? Preventative care! This condition can cause pain and make it difficult for your pup to move freely. Due to CHD, they may also develop arthritis in the hip area as they age. Some dogs with CHD have normal hips as puppies, but they can develop joint instability later in life. Unfortunately, CHD affects medium to large dog breeds, with the Lab amongst those dogs with a higher chance of developing this condition. Recognizing the early signs of this progressive disease will help you get treatment for your dog so he has an active life filled with joy instead of pain or discomfort. An old Labrador Retriever is especially prone to developing this disease. Osteoarthritis, or Degenerative Joint Disease DJD , is a progressive inflammation of the joints caused by deterioration and breakdown in cartilage. This action leads to an increase in friction, which causes significant pain for dogs. In cases of osteoarthritis, this cartilage cushion begins to break down because of factors such as age or injury. If a dog has canine atopic dermatitis, the immune system reacts too strongly to common environmental allergens absorbed through the skin, such as mold spores and grass. A dog with atopic dermatitis will typically show signs and symptoms between 3 months to 6 years of age. Labrador Retrievers are amongst the most common dog breeds to develop food and skin allergies. Gastric Distention and Volvulus Bloat Canine bloat , or gastric distention and volvulus GDV , is a condition where the stomach swells abnormally. Bloat is a serious condition that requires immediate emergency care. Dogs of all shapes and sizes can bloat, but some breeds are more susceptible than others. Unfortunately, Labradors are at the top of the list for susceptibility to this condition. The causes of bloat in Labs and other dogs are unknown, but there is likely a genetic element. Dogs who recover from bloating should never be used as breeding stock again. Got a Lab? Get Pet Insurance Coverage You love your dog like a child, but you cannot control what your puppy is dealt with in the genetics department. Health struggles can affect your Labrador Retriever, and his genes will determine what medical conditions or diseases he develops. What if cancer happens? What else might go wrong with your dog in an emergency that will require immediate attention? As a dog owner, you want to make sure that your Lab pup has the best chance possible at living a healthy and happy life. A pet insurance policy will handle any medical issue or expense which may come your way, which is a significant help, especially with how expensive veterinary bills can get. Get insurance quotes today and see for yourself how much better life will be with this coverage. Can you tell how big a puppy will get? Your puppy will be growing very fast when you first bring them home. But that growth rate slows down quite quickly. So when do dogs stop growing for good? And how will you know when your puppy has reached their adult size? Labrador Puppy Growth Chart We have a fascinating and long running thread on our forum, where members enter the weights of their puppies at different ages. The Labrador growth chart below shows the data we have collected, in a Labrador weight chart by age. Labrador dog weight chart by age and breed Each dot represents a snapshot in time of an individual puppy. You can find his or her age in weeks along the bottom of the chart and his weight in pounds up the left hand side. You can see how all the dots taken together follow a pattern, but there is still a considerable range of puppy weights at each age. When Do Dogs Stop Growing? But what about a two year old Lab, or a one year old? Well, in broad terms, dogs stop growing sometime between one and two years old. But it varies between breeds. Most dogs are fully grown by their first birthday. In general small breeds reach their adult height several months before large breeds do. Yet dog size varies greatly among individuals, even within the same breed. Larger dogs are often slower to mature than little dogs, and carry on growing for longer. Small dogs are sometimes fully grown by the time they are 9 months old. Whereas giant breeds can take up to three years to reach full size. Adult size, temperament, and coat type are all likely to affect energy requirements, and affect the rate a puppy grows. In fact even breeds which end up similar in size can grow at very different rates. There is very little scientific research — but a lot of anecdotal evidence — about when Lab puppies stop growing. In , a UK study following 37 Lab puppies through to adulthood revealed that all of them had reached their adult weight by their first birthday. But more recently, a much larger lifestyle study of over 4, UK Labradors found that their weight continued to increase between one and four years old. When Do Labs Stop Growing? The Labrador puppy growth chart finishes when the dog reaches adulthood. General wisdom from breeders, vets, and experiences Labrador owners is that Labs stop growing during their second year. In fact, he will be quite close to his final adult Labrador height at around nine months of age. Does color change the Labrador puppy growth chart? When is a chocolate Lab full grown? Is it the same time that a full grown black Labrador or yellow Lab? So your average chocolate Lab will be adult sizes at the same time as the average yellow or black Lab. How Quickly Do Labradors Grow? Our Labrador puppy growth chart shows that all Labrador puppies follow the same breed specific pattern of growth spurts and slower growth, even though the actual numbers on the scale will vary from individual to individual. The most rapid period of growth will take place in the first month or so after you bring him home. In , a study of Labrador puppies in Norway found that Labrador weight gain is most rapid at 89 days old in females, and 95 days old in males. So around the week mark. And Labradors usually reach half of their adult weight by the time they are 18 or 19 weeks old. How much do Labs grow after 6 months? Another trend you can see in our Labrador puppy growth chart is that Lab puppies gain weight much less rapidly after their 6 month birthday. Once your Lab has hit this milestone you can expect them to gain a little height, and probably continue to fill out for up to a year or so. In other words, the point when you Lab stops getting any taller. It is estimated that in the UK the average height at the shoulders of a male Lab is cm taller than the breed standard. Will my dog still grow after being neutered? Whether or not dogs should be routinely spayed or neutered is a subject which divides opinion. Labrador owners deciding whether and when to neuter usually end up with a lot of questions, few of which have straightforward answers. Many veterinary care providers and shelters advocate neutering at a young age, or even make it a requirement of the adoption contract. A study found that neutering before 37 weeks old is linked to very slightly more rapid growth, and neutering after 37 weeks leads to very slightly slower growth. How big do Labrador Retrievers get? As we all know, very few dogs fit the mathematical average — they are much more likely to occupy a range of normal sizes. But most of us like a more precise answer than that before we commit to sharing our home with a puppy. So, how big do Labs get? Labradors are remarkably variable in height and weight. The biggest male Labs can be almost twice the size of the smallest female ones. But you want me to give you some numbers, so here are some averages. Many adult female Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches high at the shoulder. This will be the same whether they are a female chocolate Lab or a female black Labrador. Many adult male Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches at the shoulder. But remember, your dog is probably not an average dog! Can you always predict size with a Labrador puppy growth chart? These Labrador height and weight numbers are very broad guidelines, and they may give you a rough idea of how big a pup will grow. How big your Labrador will get depends partly on his parents. Assuming that your puppy had healthy not overweight parents, their own weights will give you an idea of how big your Lab is likely to grow. But there are always surprises in any group or family of dogs! Has your puppy stalled on the Labrador puppy growth chart? It is possible that your puppy will weigh less than the average examples. Labrador puppy weight and size can vary widely depending on a number of different factors, many of which are normal and harmless. American Labrador puppy growth Labrador puppies from working stock are often less heavy than those bred for the show ring or pet homes. Dogs bred for hunting and field trials tend to be faster and lighter in build because they are expected to be agile and quick when working in the field. Small parents Size is also partly genetic. In other words, if your puppy had small parents he might well be on the small size for his age, throughout his life. Again, this is only a general guide. Even puppies from the same litter can vary quite considerably in size when plotted on a Labrador puppy growth chart. How much should my Labrador puppy weigh? But this kind of rule of thumb is of limited use, and there are problems with judging whether or not a puppy is thriving by his weight alone. Because it is so difficult to know exactly what size your puppy will be as an adult, no-one can really say what he should weigh today, or any other day. It may however give you an indication if your puppy is seriously under or overweight. It is rare for puppies to have any kind of growth disorder. Or for their families to starve them by mistake! But it is also normal to worry a little if your puppy seems on the small side. Is my puppy is too fat or too thin? The very best guide to whether a puppy is the right weight for him, is how he looks and feels. Not where he falls on an average Labrador puppy growth chart. Physically examining and observing your puppy will help you decide if they are doing ok in this respect. Just like older Labradors, puppies should not be too heavy. Most experts nowadays like to see a waist on even quite young puppies. Does it matter if my puppy is a bit plump? We all used to think that puppy fat was a good thing. When I was a child fat puppies were the norm. Perhaps this extra layer of fat was helpful in sustaining the puppy during illness before vaccinations were widely available for dogs? Nowadays, the thinking is that puppies should be slim. With a defined waist, just like an older dog. It causes their bones to grow too rapidly as well. And this may result in painful skeletal abnormalities in later life. Chubby Lab puppies might be plotted higher than average on the Labrador puppy growth chart, but if they are a shorter stature they could be following the line. You need to assess your pup by how they look and feel. Weighing your puppy If your puppy has been ill and is very thin, or if he has become rather overweight , you might consider weighing him in order to monitor his progress on a Labrador puppy growth chart of your own. If you can see his ribs, or feel them very easily just beneath his skin, your Labrador puppy is too thin. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian. You can show them your Labrador puppy growth chart too, so they have a good idea of how they are progressing. My dog weighs 35lbs at six months old. Is that OK? I mentioned above that an average Labrador might weigh around 50lbs at six months old. But there is huge variation around this figure. To illustrate how much very healthy puppies may vary, there are 6 month old Labs on our forum weighing 30lbs, and others weighing 60lbs! These are very different points on the same Labrador puppy growth chart, but could both be healthy animals. And the truth is, no-one can tell you exactly what your six month old pup should weigh, or indeed your Labrador of any age. What age does a puppy turn into a dog? When does a puppy no longer belong on a Labrador puppy growth chart but instead have reached their adult size? And when will your puppy be a fully grown up dog? There are three aspects to changing from puppy to dog: physical maturity and mental maturity. Sexual maturity in puppies People are often surprised to discover that puppies become sexually mature before they are full grown. These sexually mature pups still belong on the Labrador puppy growth chart, and will gain weight and height. Most Labradors are physically capable of breeding while still puppies. Though of course they should not be allowed to do so. Many female Labradors come into season for the first time between at between six and nine months old. Though some will be over a year old. And most male Labradors are ready and willing to mate well before their first birthday! Mental maturity in puppies Not only is your Labrador physically still a puppy when he or she reaches sexual maturity. He is also very much a puppy mentally and emotionally. In fact, many experts do not consider a Labrador to be fully grown up and mature until they are around two years old. In practice, there is no exact age at which you can definitely say your puppy is a grown up. Some puppies mature mentally and physically quicker than others. As a broad guide, you will often hear people use 18 months as the divide between Labrador puppy and adult dog. When do dogs stop growing? Most Labradors will have completed much of their growth by their first birthday and will stop growing completely before their second. Beyond this point there is no need to plot their weight on a Labrador puppy growth chart, but instead they should just be monitored physically. Weights vary greatly among individuals of this breed and puppy weight unless very extreme, is not a great guide to health. Enjoy your puppy for what he is, large Labrador or small. Just remember to check with your vet if you think he is unwell or not growing as he should. Is your Labrador puppy still growing? Do you think the runt of the litter is going to surprise you by reaching the upper end of the scale? Were your predictions at X months completely confounded? Share your anecdotes in the comments box down below! The Lab puppy weight chart shows you the average weight for male and female Labs every month from 2 months old, up until 12 months if you have a puppy Lab, check out our New Puppy Checklist to learn more about what to bring home for your first 24 hours and beyond. Doing so helps you and your veterinarian keep your puppy healthy. Are There Different Sizes of Labradors? Among the retriever breeds, the Labrador is one of the largest, where an adult male can top the scales at 80 pounds. Labrador Retrievers may differ in size due to individual variation and outside influences, such as the amount or type of food they eat, the amount or frequency of exercise they get, or underlying health conditions that may affect appetite or growth. But overall, a retriever should ideally hit a 5 out of 9 on the body condition score, regardless of the actual weight number on a scale. A healthy size Labrador has an evident abdominal tuck and observable waist, viewed from both the side and top of the dog. The AKC considers Lab puppies to be in adulthood when they reach 12 to 18 months of age, though there are outliers — those who grow faster or slower, reaching maturity either before 1 year old or not until 2 years old. Like other large dog breeds, Labs go through multiple stages of puppyhood until they reach adulthood. The average height for Labrador puppies is largely unknown due to insufficient data, but the average adult Labrador Retriever gets to be about inches tall at the shoulder. These numbers are contingent on the puppy receiving top-notch care, good nutrition, and appropriate levels of exercise. Different factors, such as health, breeding practices, and nutrition, may alter these estimated numbers. The below Labrador weight calculator can help you determine approximately how big your Labrador will be. But there are dogs who will fall outside of these parameters. The Waltham Petcare Science Institute offers puppy growth charts for veterinarians to use with their clients. You can also learn more about the ideal size and weight at different ages for different breeds with our Goldendoodle growth chart , a Golden Retriever size chart , Great Dane growth chart , or Chihuahua size chart. For that advice, consult your veterinarian. However, their weight can vary quite a bit. Male and female Labrador Retrievers vary slightly in size. According to the official breed standards of the AKC , males weigh about pounds, while females weigh pounds. Almost all dogs fall within this guideline, though there may be a few rarer dogs just on the outside of the weight guidelines. Because of how carefully bred these dogs often are, this is extremely rare, though. Male Labrador Retrievers stand between .Females stand at .As you can see, males Labrador Retrievers can be a bit larger than females, though they may not necessarily be. This is particularly true for American Labs. In other countries, the weight and height minimum for males is often higher than it is in America. What does a 4-month Labrador Retriever weigh? From their birth to about six months, Labrador Retriever puppies grow very rapidly. Right after birth, they often gain about two pounds a week or more. This rapid weight continues as the puppy ages. By four months, most Labrador Retrievers weigh about 25 pounds. Smaller dogs will often stay smaller at this point, while larger dogs often stay bigger. How big is a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever? Labrador Retrievers should continue to gain at least two pounds a week until they reach six months old. Most of them will gain even more than this, putting the average weight of a 6-month-old Lab at 50 pounds. That is double what they weighed at four months. However, six months does mark the end of this rapid period of growth. The average Labrador will typically start growing slower at this point, though they will still grow for quite a while. When is a Labrador Retriever fully grown? Most Labrador Retrievers reach their full height at around six to 12 months. Typically, they grow very quickly in the first six months of their life, but this growth slows down considerably after the sixth month. After that, they may still continue to gain a little bit of height, but their full adult height has basically been reached. Many dogs are often lanky during this period for this reason. However, once they reach their full height, the calories can be put towards muscle gain and fat storage. Too many calories can make the dog grow too quickly, which can cause hip dysplasia and other problems. Your dog will have plenty of time to bulk up. Because all Retrievers such as also Flat-Coated and Golden Retrievers are very food-motivated, you need to be careful to not overfeed your dog. Is a Labrador a medium or large dog? Technically, a Labrador Retriever can fall into either the medium or large category. They straddle the line as a breed. Individual dogs will either fall at the upper end of the medium category or rest just inside the large category. For this reason, they are often described as medium-to-large-sized dogs. What is a healthy weight for a Labrador? This depends on the dog. The health range for a Labrador is pounds if they are a male and pounds if they are a female. That is a large range. A dog that is naturally 55 pounds would be terribly overweight at 80 pounds. They will be able to accurately weigh your dog and determine if they are a healthy weight or not. Why is my Labrador so skinny? Many Labradors will appear skinny as puppies. It takes them until about the age of two to bulk up to their adult weight. They will bulk up naturally as they age. Gaining weight too fast can put unnecessary strain on their joints, which can cause health problems further down the road. It may seem that your Lab practically stops growing after about six months. However, they do have growth spurts after this, and they are all focused on muscle and fat gain. This especially applies if your Labrador is a senior dog that has stopped eating. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

Greetings from Bruiser Bulldogs and The Wysongs We are a family absolutely in love with the Bulldog breed and are dedicated to breeding genetically healthy English Bulldog puppies. As responsible AKC English Bulldog breeders, our extensive experience and unique take on the need for a healthier English Bulldog has positioned our breeding program as a visionary leader for adopters in search of a higher quality Bulldog. At our core, we love placing healthy, properly socialized puppies into loving families. There is no greater joy than to be able to share our lifelong passion for English Bulldogs with our adopter families. Feel free to read our blog , watch our videos and learn why Bruiser Bulldogs is producing a better bulldog. Instead of focusing on maximizing wrinkles or winning in the show ring, we have built our foundational bloodlines over the past decade with a focus on health first on foremost. Sires and Dams are health tested with a unique criteria. Bruiser Bulldogs must breathe freely, move athletically while still maintaining that classic English Bulldog look that people around the world have come to love. Our goal has always been consistently produce puppies that are both a head turner and fundamentally healthy Bloodline development is the key to producing healthy bulldogs. We believe that foundational genetics are created through layer after layer of breeding healthy generations of bulldogs. Over the course of a decade, we have focused on a stringent set of health criteria to gradually improve the health and quality of the dogs we produce. The rare combination of experience, repetition, and ethical awareness of correct breeding practices has set our breeding program at the forefront of responsible breeding practices. The process truly is an adoption that affects the time, focus, and schedules of each household that gets a puppy from us. After a healthy puppy , the single most critical factor for a successful bulldog adoption is adopter support. The English Bulldog is unique breed with a unique set of caretaking criteria. Previous dog ownership, while helpful, is not enough to fully prepare an adopter for English Bulldog ownership. We always say the adoption is just the beginning of our journey. Through blog articles and email prep, we focus on such topics as socialization, crate training, disease prevention, potty training, nutrition, and basic puppy supplies to ensure that each adopter will be fully prepared for their new puppy. Call Morgan at for specific pup identification if you are leaning towards placing an early deposit. Please check back, we update our website daily! Please see our Deposit Page and our Transportation Page for information on getting your puppy. We love the English bulldog temperament, physique and expression, I just personally like it to be about lbs. We find the smaller sizes are more buoyant and playful and, though still very heat sensitive, are better able to cope with life in general. Downsizing an AKC breed takes time. Our girls all come from long lines of lb. We not trying for 20 pounders…our goal is to have healthy, beautiful babies that consistently mature at lbs. If you see a puppy that tugs on your heartstrings please call, or go to our deposit page for more information. In the last few years it has become clear that most people would prefer their puppy to be transported using our White Glove transport or Nanny Flight transport. Today, we have requests for our Puppies from all over the country. Because of this, the majority those requesting a Sugarplum Bulldog Puppy have also requested transport to their area of the country; those in Florida, for example, cannot easily make the drive to RI. As such, the majority of our Puppies have shifted to a transport model; this gets them closer to their new forever home. Because of this, we have come to the decision, that for the well being of our Puppies and for the benefit of our new Sugarplum Bulldog owners, we have developed a transport model for our pups using our Puppy-Mobile with direct transport to the pups new Forever Home! Our Mid-Western breeding home is co-owned by Sugarplum Bulldogs, and our partner. I realize that not having a chance to play with the Pups is disappointing to some, but please understand that our team are dedicated to the highest level of care for our little Pups. We truly feel that this new model is in the best interested of our Puppies and their new homes. Please feel free to ask me any questions….