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Rome, GA labradoodlepuppy We are the first authentic Australian Labradoodle breeders in South Carolina and are passionate about what we do and are in love with our dogs. Green Gables Labradoodle puppies are born in our home on our five plus acre mini-ranch. We have carefully chosen sires and dams with consistent personality traits, coats that are non-shedding, allergy friendly and consistent looks that conform to the breed standard. Their safety and well-being are our top priority. Our breeding process creates some of the most beautiful and cuddly Australian Labradoodle puppies. These dogs have been bred to be therapy, service companions and great family companions. These beautiful animals are very intelligent, non-aggressive and easy to train. For more information look at the page "Our Breeding Practices" We breed small mediums, mediums and standard size Australian Labradoodles. All sizes adjust beautifully to small or large spaces. We have several of our standards living on yachts two to three months at a time, several times a year. Thank you for visiting the website of Green Gables Labradoodles. We look forward to hearing from you! Doodles gmail. We only breed authentic Australian Labradoodles to authentic Australian Labradoodles. Some of the breeders out there are breeding F1b's and this is not an Australian Labradoodle. Some breeder's are selling only F1's. A breeder of the F1's and F1b's will be hard put to say their puppies won't shed as many of them do shed. They should say their puppies may shed. Let me say it again: Our authentic Australian Labradoodles are bred multi-generational Australian Labradoodle to multi-generational Australian Labradoodle. Our puppies have consistent personalities, non shedding fleece coats. The personalities of our puppies are consistent across the litters; fun, smart, intuitive, mellow puppies. When we test our Australian Labradoodle puppies' personalities, the tester is amazed at the conformity of their personalities. The investment in a puppy is a long time investment. Please do the homework so you understand what you are getting. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Gaffney South Carolina and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

It comes in a large bottle, size 32 oz. Bacteria, mold, fleas, parasites, fungus, and more can get trapped and hidden within a Golden Retrievers furry coat. This shampoo contains ingredients that treat skin scaling, hydrate the skin, promote healing, relieve parasite infections, and remove fungus and bacteria. This shampoo is known for its fast-acting formula that also heals rashes, bald spots, and dry, itchy skin. Veterinary Formula works to provide quality medical ingredients at an affordable price for pet owners. This shampoo leaves your dog clean and smelling fresh without having to use any water. Ingredients found in this shampoo are paraben-free, alcohol-free, and plant-based with no harsh chemicals. If your Golden Retriever likes to avoid bath time at all costs, do not hesitate to try this waterless, no-rinse shampoo. This shampoo is specifically targeted to reduce the amount of shedding in dogs like Golden Retrievers. It contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that will get your dog clean and smelling fresh. There are no parabens or dyes in the ingredients that would harm your dog. You can purchase a 16 oz. Best Puppy Shampoo for Golden Retrievers While many of the above shampoos would work great for your Golden puppy, below are a couple options that we recommend if you are looking for something specifically for a puppy. This shampoo contains all-natural ingredients that are safe for dogs of all ages. It provides relief for allergies with an added hypoallergenic lotion, which contains antifungal and antibacterial ingredients that work to reduce flea yeast. Not only do the ingredients in this shampoo smell great, but they also keep odors away for extended periods. Do not hesitate to get a 17 oz. The mild and natural ingredients in this puppy shampoo make it safe for dogs of all ages and help prevent irritation to the eyes, nose, and paws. There are no harsh chemicals, colorants, or fragrances, which make it completely safe and well recommended by veterinarians. This fantastic all-purpose shampoo for puppies comes in a 16 oz. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shampoo for Golden Retrievers When it comes to choosing the right shampoo for your golden retriever, there are several factors to consider. Look for shampoos that are specifically formulated for dogs and have a pH level between 6. You should also consider the ingredients in the shampoo, as some dogs may have sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients. As mentioned before, Golden Retrievers have a double coat that will easily trap unwanted dirt, smells, pests, sweat, and more. To keep your dog clean and smelling fresh, you will want to bathe and groom it frequently. The number of baths you give your dog should be based on its activity level, skin sensitivity, allergies, and hair length. For example, if your Golden Retriever has more sensitive skin, bathing your dog too frequently can lead to skin dryness and irritation. So if you find your dog has these symptoms, try reducing the frequency of baths and introducing a moisturized shampoo. Having the right shampoo for your dog will allow it to stay cleaner and smell fresh longer. Tips for Bathing a Golden Retriever When bathing a Golden Retriever, you want the experience to be both enjoyable for you and your dog. Below are some brief tips to help the process go smoothly. For a more in-depth look, read our article How to Bathe a Golden Retriever. Sample a few different types at first until you find the one best for your dog. Brush your dog before the bath. You will want to prep your dog before each bath by brushing away excess fur and removing tangles. Be consistent. Just like children, dogs will feel more comfortable in a familiar place with an established routine. Use the same bathtub or area of the yard each time you bathe your dog. Have everything with you. The last thing you want to do is get your dog watered down and then realize you are missing an essential bath time item. Make sure you have everything you need before you start, so you never have to leave your dog unattended. Be sure to have a comfortable water temperature. Select a water temperature that is comfortable for your dog. It may be tempting to use cold water, but treat your dog like a child and provide it with the right water temperature. Warmer water will also do a better job at cleaning than cold water. Follow the directions on the shampoo bottle. Each type of shampoo is different. Some are tear-free and safe for eyes, paws, and nose; others are not. The shampoo bottle will tell you how to lather, scrub, and rinse your dog to get the best results possible. Dry your dog. After each bath, you should dry your dog with a towel or blow dryer rather than letting it air dry. This will keep it warmer and reduce the amount of water that drips or is shaken off. Do Golden Retrievers Need a Conditioner? The question of whether to use a conditioner on a Golden Retriever is a common one. Lots of great shampoo products include some conditioning elements in their formula, so if you are unsure if you want to use a pure conditioner, this might be an excellent way to go. Also, if you are using a high-quality shampoo for your dog, then using a conditioner might not even be necessary. If you decide to use one, there are several benefits to using a dog conditioner. You do not always need to apply conditioner right after shampooing your dog. There can be some adverse effects when using a conditioner on your dog. If you see any of these symptoms, then stop using the conditioner and just wash with shampoo. Some symptoms might include skin irritation, weakened hair shafts, or trapped dirt after applying the conditioner. Do not attempt to use a human conditioner on your dog. When it comes to washing your dog, always try to use dog-specific products. Tips on Reducing Odor? It will also help significantly in reducing its unpleasant odors; however, a good shampoo is not the only thing needed to keep a dog smelling fresh with a healthy coat. Test out different shampoos for your dog until you find one that keeps it smelling fresh longer. Increase grooming. Wash its bedding weekly. For more information on solving your dogs odor problems, see our article Do Golden Retrievers Smell. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Bathing Your Golden Retriever Bathing your golden retriever may seem like a simple task, but there are several common mistakes that you should avoid. One mistake is not brushing your golden before the bath, as this can lead to tangles and mats in their coat. To prevent this, place a cotton ball in each ear and remove them once the bath is complete. Use only the recommended amount of shampoo, and make sure to rinse thoroughly. Instead, use a low heat setting or let them air dry. Because there are so many different dog shampoos on the market, try out a few different ones recommended in this article that you think will meet the needs of your dog. Once you find the one you like, stick with that shampoo to provide your dog with a healthy coat of fur. Remember always to avoid using human products. Use a dog conditioner if you feel it is necessary, or select a shampoo that has conditioner added. Or, if you are more interested in different options for dog brushes, check out our article Best Dog Brushes for Golden Retrievers. She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. Because of this, you want to look for hypoallergenic shampoos. If your dog has an allergy to oat proteins, for example, be sure not to use a shampoo that contains oatmeal. You also want to avoid any artificial fragrances, perfumes, or colors for this same reason. To reduce skin irritation , look for shampoos that are specially formulated for dogs and are pH balanced. Deodorizers Deodorizers in dog shampoos can be helpful when you have a dog that likes to spend a great deal of time getting dirty. No one likes sharing a house with a stinky pup, so deodorizers can make a big difference. The important thing is that the deodorizing ingredients are natural and not too harsh. Brightening Ingredients Golden Retrievers have beautiful blonde coats , but their fur can sometimes look dull and dingy. Be sure to look for natural ingredients. Making it a safe and gentle product for your fur baby. The shampoo contains omega-3 and -6 fatty acids that promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. Featured Image Credit: pixels, Shutterstock Contents. The thick, fine double-coat of a Golden Retriever can get tangled or trap dirt and odors, so they need regular bathing to stay clean. Along with baths, your Golden Retriever should have regular grooming to keep them clean in between bathing. Double coats are prone to mats and tangles and may trap dirt and oil, leaving your dog with irritation and a dull coat. If your dog is prone to shedding or odors, choose a shampoo that addresses these problems. Always brush your dog before bathing to remove excess fur and remove tangles. This also prevents a lot of fur from getting trapped in your drain. Follow the directions on the shampoo bottle. Consider a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner. Golden Retrievers benefit from conditioners that keep their coats silky and tangle-free. If your dog gets nervous at bath time, having a 2-in-1 formula reduces the time spent in the bath while providing the conditioning benefits. Be consistent. Plus, your dog will get used to the routine and may become more comfortable with grooming. Conclusion Golden Retrievers are prized for their long, silky coats, but with that comes extra grooming and bathing responsibilities. Fortunately, dog shampoo for Golden Retrievers can help with detangling, coat and skin health, and issues like itching or odor. See Also:. Specially formulated to reduce shedding in dogs, this shampoo enhances the effectiveness of deshedding tools. It is made with natural ingredients that help control excessive shedding by promoting healthy skin and coat. Other natural ingredients, including calendula extract, chamomile extract, and papaya leaf extract have soothing properties and help soothe dry and itchy skin. Cruelty-free and made without sulfates, colorants, or other harmful ingredients, this gentle shampoo is completely safe for regular use on young puppies or adult dogs. This tearless shampoo is made with the mildest ingredients to make bath time more pleasant for both you and your pup. Additionally, their active lifestyle means they tend to pick up dirt that hangs onto their coat, and since they are high shedders, you can expect them to leave that dirt around your home! A good shampoo is a must, since you will need to bathe your golden retriever once every four to six weeks or more often if they tend to get dirty. Unless your golden retriever has a specific skin condition for which they need a specific vet-approved product, when choosing the best dog shampoos for goldens, consider the following factors. Natural Ingredients: You should always avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals such as parabens and phosphates. Since golden retrievers tend to be prone to allergies, their skin and coats can greatly benefit from the use of hypoallergenic dog shampoos. Odor Control: Naturally energetic and active, golden retrievers like to play and can get stinky in no time! If you need help keeping your dog smelling fresh, look for a shampoo with deodorizing properties. Hydration: Whether or not your golden has skin problems, you should look for a shampoo that will keep their skin properly hydrated. Puppies benefit from different ingredients and formulations than adult dogs, and if your dog has sensitive skin, you may need to fork out money for a more expensive shampoo. Similarly, you can get deshedding shampoos to help you manage specific problems such as shedding, fleas and ticks, or dandruff and similar issues. Below is a list of the different types of shampoos you might want to consider for your dog. Not only do puppies have more sensitive skin than adult dogs, but they also have sensitive eyes. For this reason, look for mild and tearless puppy shampoos that are formulated to make the bathing process less stressful and more enjoyable for both you and your pooch. Flea And Tick This type of shampoo can be natural or chemical and is designed to kill fleas and ticks. For the best results, you will have to work it into the coat and leave it for 10 minutes to sit before rinsing. Depending on the type you choose, some flea and tick shampoos have repelling properties and will keep these blood-sucking pests at bay for some time. You can find out more about flea and tick shampoos for dogs here. Medicated Dog Shampoos These shampoos are designed to tackle skin conditions and have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic effects. If your golden retriever suffers from allergies, skin mites, seborrhea, or has a yeast infection, your vet might prescribe a medicated dog shampoo. All-Purpose Shampoo A good quality, all-purpose shampoo is essential if you want to keep your dog clean. Look for one that has natural ingredients and is hypoallergenic. Chances are, they are going to get dirty often and need regular bathing. Exactly how often you need to bathe your dog depends on their specific coat and activity level, but even dogs that spend most of their time inside need to be bathed at least once a month. Here are our top tips for making bathing your golden retriever as easy and effective as possible. Brush your dog before bathing them to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris from its coat. Make sure to soak the coat all the way to the skin so you can work in the lather properly and remove all dirt and grime. When bathing your golden retriever, place a towel or a mat inside the tub. Use treats to entice your goldie to get into and stay in the tub during bathing. Generally speaking, you should bathe your golden retriever once every four to six weeks to keep their luxurious coat clean. However, if your goldie tends to get dirty quickly, you can bathe them more often. What can I use to bathe my golden retriever? Make sure you are using dog shampoo whenever you bathe your golden retriever. Dogs have a different skin pH than people, and dog shampoos are specially formulated as to not dry or damage their skin. Can I use human shampoo on my golden retriever? You should never use human shampoo on your dog! This is because human hair and skin are slightly acidic, and therefore our shampoos are formulated with a slightly acidic pH, of 5. Dog skin and hair has a more neutral pH of around 6. If you regularly wash your dog with human shampoo, you can disrupt the acidic mantle that protects them, making them vulnerable to parasites, viruses, and bacteria. Can I bathe my dog with baby shampoo? You technically can bathe your dog with baby shampoo because it is designed with a neutral pH to accommodate the more sensitive skin of babies. However, you are still better off choosing a specialized dog shampoo for your golden rather than relying on baby shampoo as an alternative. After all, you are what you eat. A diet that is rich in healthy fats, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, and fish oils will give your dog the nutrients they need to grow and maintain a healthy coat. Regular brushing, using a good dog brush , to remove dirt and debris and spread oils throughout the coat can also make a big difference. How do you bathe a golden retriever at home? Many first-time owners worry about how they will manage to bathe their golden at home. Fortunately, goldens are actually one of the easier breeds to bathe. They are cooperative, highly trainable, and love water, so they are more likely to tolerate a good soak and scrub than many other breeds. The key is to be gentle but firm and to teach your dog the behavior that you expect at bathtime through positive reinforcement training. Another important thing to remember is that bathing is going to be a wet and messy process, so do it outside, in the shower, or somewhere similar, and watch out for slippery floors. If they slip, they could hurt themselves or leave a big wet patch on your carpet or couch. Conclusion Regular baths are what you signed up for when you welcomed a golden retriever into your home! While all shampoos listed above can do wonders for your goldie, the Hylyt Hypoallergenic Shampoo for Dogs is our choice for best overall. Our other recommendations for the best dog shampoos for goldens are ideal for specific circumstances and needs. What is your favorite shampoo for bathing your golden, and why? Share your advice with the community in the comments section below. You May Also Like.

Chew Toys. Once those are taken care of, keep in mind that you'll still need to purchase grooming tools , training collars , training treats and toys , such as a ball on a rope and tugs , tags or getting microchipping done etc. Making sure your new puppy will be happy, healthy, comfortable, mentally stimulated, and well trained definitely costs a few dollars and requires enough gear to fill up a medium-sized tote or better. Prep your home. You're bringing in a small terror ball of destruction inside of your home. Keep cords safely out of the way. Anything that's expensive and breakable, chewable, or anything less than immortal should be put up high, or in a room the puppy has no access to. Research the plants in your home to make sure they're not poisonous to dogs. Keep your medications stored away safely. Keep all dangerous chemicals locked up, or up high out of reach. Try to close off an area of your home where you spend the most time so your puppy can spend time with you and the family without being able to wander freely and get into trouble. Look for home care. If you can take a week or two off, that's phenomenal. It'll help you bond with your puppy and give you a head start on potty training. But, if you work, even if you take time off, you'll have to return to work eventually. Make sure you have arrangements put in place to help when you're not home. If you have family members or friends who can help with letting your new puppy outside to use the bathroom, that's great. If not, you'll need to look into dog walkers, pet sitters, doggy daycares etc. If someone will be coming to your home to help out, make sure you get a key made for them. Find a good trainer. All trainers are good trainers in their own minds, so look for ones who compete in obedience or protection sports preferably. They don't just talk about training, they do it, and compete against their peers. Such a trainer will almost always be better and more knowledgeable than a trainer who got a certificate in weeks but has never competed. Competition helps trainers understand where they are weak, and there's usually someone around willing to help them strengthen their weaknesses. These are the people you want to employ to help you. Once you've found a good trainer, stick with them. If you're doing classes, finish the classes. If you did boarding and training, make sure you bring the dog back to that trainer for issues. Half a program, or passing a dog from trainer to trainer is just going to cause a lot of regret later. That said, if your trainer isn't knowledgeable enough to tackle specific issues, or isn't as good as you thought, it's perfectly okay to seek help elsewhere. A good trainer knows their limitations and what they excel at. You shouldn't expect an obedience trainer to be able to teach your dog to compete in protection sports down the line if they don't have experience in that arena. Pick a reputable breeder. This is the most important part of the list. You always hear that you need to go to a reputable breeder, but what does that truly mean? What makes someone a reputable breeder? A reputable breeder always gets his breeding stock's hips and elbows x-rayed and certified by PennHip, OFA, or the organization of the dog's home country if they're from Europe or elsewhere. Reputable breeders have a purpose to breed. They have a goal they want realized that is more than making a quick buck. Good working line breeders put an emphasis on health, strong nerves, working ability and drive, so they can produce solid working dogs. Good show line breeders breed with the same ideals, but there's a bit less focus on drive and working ability. There are also some breeders who specifically focus on producing good family pets that they describe as medium to low drive, healthy and medium of character neither hard, nor soft of temperament. It's up to you which you pick, but all should have health testing done and be stable dogs who aren't fearful or outwardly aggressive. Reputable breeders are obsessed with cleanliness and health. They keep their whelping quarters tidy and their pup's health and well-being are their 1 priority above all else. Your puppy should've received a "Well Puppy" checkup prior to coming home and should have a vaccination history. Puppies may also come microchipped or tattooed for identification, although ear tattoos are becoming more and more rare. Reputable breeders only breed dogs that are registered or registerable in your country. Ask a few, short questions about a breeders lines and what you can expect from a puppy that they produce. Breeders have lives and jobs. They will not be able to talk to you for hours on end to answer questions. So keep everything short and simple. Ask questions like "What are you expecting from this litter? An answer like "Well, my lines have great drive and working aptitude, but their sire tends to throw puppies that are on the lower side of the standard in size" is an honest answer. The dogs are still in standard, they still fit what the breeder wants, and their only complaint is that they get smaller pups than they'd like every now and then. No dog, no line, and no breeder is perfect. Being honest about those things says a lot about the person you trust to give your money to, and trust for them to give you a healthy, stable puppy in return. We also want to emphasize that you won't have a breeder to call with questions down the line. You'll know nothing about the pup's health history. If you choose adoption, you don't know what issues may arise down the road, so you need to be prepared for vet costs and insure you have the best trainer available in your area. We hope this helps any prospective puppy buyers or rescuers. These are some steps you can take before ever bringing a puppy home. Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments! Thank you, and please leave a like and share. A general rule of thumb is that a puppy can hold her bladder for approximately one hour for every month old they are. Most puppies find their way to a new home at months old, so they should go for a toilet break every hours to start. How often should my puppy poop a day? Typically, most pups will go once or twice a day — although some may go four or more times! How many hours should a German Shepherd puppy sleep? On average, a German Shepherd puppy will sleep for 18 hours a day. Some pups sleep longer than others but they usually sleep between 15 and 20 hours in a hour period. As puppies get older, they sleep less. The average 4-month-old puppy sleeps a little over 11 hours a day. Should I sleep with my German Shepherd puppy? You should not sleep with your German Shepherd puppy during the first few months home. Yet you can let your pup sleep beside you in a crate or a dog bed. Until they are completely up, they flop around, go up and down. You can help your puppy to strengthen her ear muscle by whistling and making funny noises that perk up her ears. When do German Shepherds start teething? Starting at 4 months old, German Shepherds will begin to lose their puppy teeth. But some puppies start losing their teeth earlier or later. You may discover a discarded tooth on the floor. Or you may see a few drops of blood on her chew toy. And it is not uncommon for a puppy to swallow her tooth, which is perfectly normal. When do German Shepherds get all their adult teeth? An adult German Shepherd should have 42 adult teeth. The small incisors in front usually come in first, followed by the big canines, the premolars and the molars. All adult teeth should be in place around months old. Puppies use their mouth to explore their environment, so nipping is very common. This behavior, called teething, can last until the puppy is 6 months old when all her adult teeth have started showing. German Shepherds grew into their full size between 18 months to 2 years old. But they are not considered adult dogs until they reach the age of 3 years old. If your pup is still young, one of the most effective ways to calm her down is to give her regular mental and physical exercise. The rule of thumb is that you should give a puppy 5 minutes of exercise for every month old they are. For example, a 4-month-old puppy would need 20 minutes of exercise. When do German Shepherds get their full coat? She will start the coat change on her face first. Then her fluffy puppy coat will be replaced by the smoother adult coat down her back, towards to trail and gradually down her sides. When do German Shepherds start shedding? While their shedding is especially intense during the spring and fall, they lose their undercoat during the rest of the year. Other Than Vacuuming When should I bring my puppy for the first vet visit? You should bring your new puppy to see a veterinarian no later than 2 days after coming home. Some breeders require this within 48 hours as included in their sales contract. It is very important for your vet to examine your puppy to look for signs of disease. When should a German Shepherd puppy get her vaccination? Your German Shepherd puppy is recommended to get her first vaccination distemper and parvovirus between weeks of age. Here are the recommended vaccinations from AKC for your reference: Some dogs do not need every vaccine. You should always discuss it with your vet. When should my German Shepherd puppy be wormed? A German Shepherd puppy should be wormed for the first time at 2 weeks of age, then at 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks old fortnightly until 12 weeks of age. After this, they can be wormed monthly until they are 12 months old. When do female German Shepherds go into the first heat? Female German Shepherds started their first heat as early as 7 months old, but this may vary from dog to dog. During that time, they may begin mounting other dogs or could become touchy or grumpy. There will be discharge and many owners use feminine pads and a diaper-type arrangement to keep the house clean. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior AVSAB recommends that pet guardians begin taking puppies on walks and public outings as early as one week after their first round of vaccinations, at about 7 weeks old. Instead of going for a marathon for the first time, it is advised to build up the distance with your GSD with time. Remember dogs cannot sweat like humans to reduce their body temperature. When can I walk my German Shepherd without a leash? Never let your dog go off-leash where there might be traffic or where he could injure himself. PART V German Shepherd puppy socialization guide Socialization helps them learn what to expect from the world around them and gives them the tools they need to navigate it as they get older. This includes new people, dogs, and animals, learning how to interact with new environments, and being exposed to a wide variety of sounds, smells, and sights. Socialization is especially important in German Shepherds starting from as early as 8 weeks old. This is because this breed is hard-wired to be protective of their owners as well as their property. Failing to socialize can make the dog become aloof to strangers. Other common signs of unsocialized in dogs include: Fearfulness or skittishness around unfamiliar people or animals Aggression towards other dogs or people Lack of confidence in new or unfamiliar situations Difficulty with basic training commands Inability to handle being handled or touched Puppies that are well-socialized are more likely to be healthy, obedient pets that make great additions to any household. They are intelligent dogs that can be challenging to train for first-time owners. However, with the right mindset, you can train your German Shepherd to become an obedient and well-behaved canine citizen in no time. At what age should I begin training my puppy? What should I teach my puppy first? Is it ok to crate my pup overnight? What are the basic commands every puppy must learn? How to motivate my puppy? Last but not least, we have compiled an easy-to-follow training guide. This training guide is our best effort in compiling a collection of training resources for any new GSD owner to kick-start training a new puppy — without wasting your time searching forever online. Each part is only one page long with at least one video for a demonstration. Follow these steps to ensure your new GSD has the best chance for success in their new furever home!! DO take your dog straight home. Walk him around in the front yard, inside, and in the backyard - on leash, and let him smell his new lodgings. Take him to the potty area, praise for pottying outside - correct for trying to potty inside. Obedience and structure begins immediately. DO start a schedule immediately when you bring your new dog home. If you are going to be off for two days to spend time with the dog, but then will have to go to work for 8 hours, then start the "soon to be schedule" during your days off. Do put your dog in a crate or the enclosed and safe area chosen. Do leave the house, even for a short errand, to show him that you will be back. DO respect your dog's space. Give him time to adjust to you, and your family, by allowing him to solicit attention and interaction. If he goes to lay down for some alone time, respect that. DO ask your dog to do something for reward and affection. Then you can praise that behavior, and start a relationship built on him doing things for your affection. You have just adopted a working breed dog - so let him do his job! DO monitor all the dog's interactions with the other dogs in the house, and of course any children in the house. Do not allow your new dog to bully or boss the existing dogs in your home. DO remember that for a dog the most loving thing you can do is provide structure and rules he can understand. For a dog, learning consistent rules that he is able to follow gives a sense of control and builds confidence. Once you have gotten to know each other and your dog has confidence in you as a good leader you will be able to show your affection in other ways and the dog will return it. Dogs are love machines, but remember that dogs are also individuals. Some dogs like being hugged. Some dislike it and prefer butt scratches or tummy rubs. Get to know your dog, pay attention and learn to read your dog. Both your lives will be better for it. We are here to answer any questions you may have. Please use us as your best resource. Between our Board members alone - we have over years of experience with this breed - there is nothing we have not seen or heard! Or email your questions directly to the contact who facilitated your adoption. DO NOT take your dog to the pet store to shop for a new toy. This dog does not know who you are, and has no reason to trust you and look to you for guidance. If the dog gets uncomfortable or stressed out, the only being he can rely on is himself - and he only has teeth to protect himself. He is not used to your touch, and has never been to that place before, so between the stress of that and you physically man handling him, he may get defensive and have to protect himself. DO NOT invite all your friends over to meet your dog. Remember - this is his first time coming into your home. He is not used to the way you live, or how you talk, or walk or the schedule of your day. He has no idea what to expect. DO NOT think that just because you can take a bone out of his mouth, means your neighbor can do it or should ever be allowed to do it. Use caution - get to know this dog, the good - and the bad! DO NOT take him for a big outing. You do not know what to expect from your dog. What if he is extremely terrified of purple cars? And a purple car drives by while a child is petting him and he reacts? What if he was attacked by a yellow dog wearing a coat, and your favorite neighbor comes over with his Poodle in his new sweater? This is then your fault - not the dog's. DO NOT hug and kiss your dog and lay on him. He is NOT the dog you had for ten years that just died that you did that to. He never will be that dog. You decided to save a life - and the dog you adopted has his own personality that you will need to learn about. If you get snapped at or bitten because you pushed the dog past his comfort level and decided that he should allow you to hug him and lay on him, then you could ruin any chances for this dog to have a great new life. Always keep in mind this dog has not had the advantage of one loving home all his life. He needs your guidance and protection. He needs time to accept you, you family, and your lifestyle. Time does not mean hours or even days but weeks and perhaps months. Most rescuers find that dogs do not "blossom" into their true selves in a new home until days. DO NOT physically correct your new dog in a threatening manner. He will only see it as you being an unstable and unreliable leader that resorts to physical violence and he will protect himself from what he sees as as threat. He has teeth, you have thumbs - you will win and he will lose, really lose. Amazon will donate 0. Checklist Dog Crate Getting a crate for your German Shepherd puppy is quite crucial for the following reasons: Allows the puppy to feel secure Speeds up potty training Keeps the puppy safe by controlling his environment Conditions your dog should you need to travel and use a travel crate Some people erroneously feel guilty for crating their pup. However, dogs need structure, especially when bred from work-driven breeds like German Shepherds. A dog crate provides a sense of security by reducing the space around the pet. A room might be small enough for us, but placing the puppy in it will make him feel like he is in a large vacant warehouse. The necessity of getting a dog crate brings up the question of size. What size crate is best for a new GSD puppy? Read my post on the recommended German Shepherd crate size to find out the best size to buy and why. Opt for the size inch variety. You can move the divider to make more room as your puppy grows. I draped a dark-colored blanket over the top to make it more den-like. She was around three years old when I finally got rid of it, but some dogs enjoy them for life. As German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other joint issues, you should invest in a good crate pad. Dog Bed You might think getting a crate is the same as getting a bed. Some crates come with a matt or pad disguised as a puppy bed. Since German Shepherds are big dogs and do not take much time to grow to their full size, you will need an orthopedic dog bed to support their weight and protect their joints. My post on the best orthopedic dog beds for German Shepherds elaborates on the pros and cons of different dog beds. The gist is that you need a bed to prevent joint pain that bigger dogs experience. German Shepherds are prone to arthritis, and though a genetic element plays a role, bad crating practices can accelerate such problems. I chose the Big Barker because of the scientific evidence that it improves joint pain and stiffness in arthritic dogs, enhancing their quality of life. This means a lot to me as my German Shepherd was diagnosed with spinal osteoarthritis at only six years old, but it helps knowing she sleeps comfortably. I have to admit — I was also attracted to their year no-flatten guarantee. You can check out my full review of the Big Barker here. Novice dog masters also make things difficult through a combination of poor choices. Then they make the situation worse by opting for a collar and using tugging as a means of discipline. This is cruel to the dog and teaches him nothing. It is a front-clip harness, meaning you lead your pup from the front, which gives greater control and steering, making it impossible for your dog to pull. A fellow dog owner designed it, and it has all the love and care one would expect from an owner who is solving a problem he has previously faced — a dog that pulled. You can also learn more about my pick of the best no-pull harnesses for German Shepherds in this article. Toys German Shepherds are full of energy, which means they have to be surrounded by things that can exhaust their excess vitality, such as a range of chew toys, tug toys, and puzzle toys. These will stimulate his teeth, muscles, and mind, respectively. Toys help your new German Shepherd develop and stay entertained. You can also use toys to train a German Shepherd to find things and track, but that comes later. For now, you must make sure you get him a large selection of puppy toys. Your new best friend needs different exercise routines and changes in the environment, both of which can be normalized via travel. A car restraint allows you to secure your German Shepherd puppy in a car seat safely. Using a dog crate as recommended above will make it easy to communicate that car rides are okay. I like the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel because it comes in various sizes, and for the first few months, you might prefer a smaller crate. This model is made from premium plastic, does not require any tools to set it up, and has lots of vents to keep your pup well-ventilated. Poo Bags Your new German Shepherd puppy is going to be the cutest thing on earth up until he has to poop. At that time, how much you like having a GSD will be strongly correlated with how close you are to a poo bag. Regardless of whether you buy a pack of poop bags or accumulate enough disposable bags to cover a month of dog poop, you need to have something to carry dog waste. Remember, a puppy poops two to four times a day. Amazon Basics Unscented Dog Poop Bags are among the most affordable products in the category, with the bags supply being the most economical. These bags are 9 inches x 13 inches, which is a much more efficient size than the standard disposable bag. You might not need this size at first, but trust me; they are the best for an adult German Shepherd. Dog Shampoo You must get dry shampoo for your dog because German Shepherds do not need to bathe more than a few times a year. In other words, your new puppy is half a dozen baths away from adulthood. In the meantime, something is required to keep him clean, right? Tropiclean Waterless Shampoo for Pets is a high-quality, low-priced option made from natural ingredients like plum, oatmeal, and cucumber. It is backed by a market leader in natural wellness and has accumulated over 4, positive reviews and ratings on Amazon. Dog Food Food, water, and shelter are some of the basic needs of all mammals. Dogs are no exception, especially when they are bred under human supervision. Therefore, getting dog food is one of the most important prerequisites for bringing home a new German Shepherd. After that, just ensure you choose a large breed food. Bringing home a new pet is a joyful experience. You might find yourself constantly staring at the beautiful yet timid puppy, and it will take a couple of weeks for the puppy to feel at home. Until then, the dog will be open to cuddles and start interacting with the person who feeds him and plays with him. Make sure he spends time inside the crate as well as outside it. The dog may seem shy and aloof for the bulk of the first week, with the first day being his most seemingly introverted one. The dog will miss his pack and call out for them with whining or whimpering sounds or even barking. You should make sure he feels safe and secure and only comfort him through the night when you take him for a toilet break. Your German Shepherd puppy will need comfort, and you can do a few things to help him feel better. Comfort the pup to make him feel secure. Feed the puppy and make sure he is warm. Turn the lights off and make sure he gets enough sleep. Your new German Shepherd needs to get used to a schedule, work on independence, and see you as the leading figure. One of the differences you will notice when your puppy is freshly released from the breeder is his excessive appetite for sleep. Some might want the puppy to wake up to cuddle. Others will wonder if it is healthy for the puppy to sleep so much. In general, a German Shepherd puppy should sleep 8 hours at night and hours during the day. Though, the dog should not be forced to fit a schedule and must be left to determine how he divides his hours of sleep in the first few weeks of adoption. Final Thoughts The arrival of a new German Shepherd puppy can be an exciting time, but excitement can also inspire nervousness. The puppy will feel less overwhelmed and scared after the first 3 days and will further settle during the first 3 weeks. This is the time to have a good German Shepherd puppy training schedule so you know what to teach and when. Related Posts You May Like:. Join and learn directly from Nadelhaus founder Traci Needles, who has over 25 years of experience breeding and training German Shepherds. Over 50 videos on the following topics covering German Shepherd puppies, housebreaking, crate training, obedience, feeding, grooming, wellness, and much more. New videos to be added every month. The breeder will also inform you of additional vaccinations you will need to schedule with your veterinarian as your puppy grows. Traveling Home With Your New Puppy On the day you pick up your new German Shepherd puppy from our facility, bring a small crate for the puppy to travel home in. We sell Puppy Packs at our facility which include a dog crate and can have one ready for you if you wish to purchase one. Otherwise, if you plan to hold your puppy in your lap on your drive home, bring a few small towels to place on your lap for the puppy. We highly recommend that you DO NOT stop at rest stops, dog parks, or parks to let your puppy go potty. Your puppy will not have received all of its parvovirus shots yet, so exposing your puppy to areas where other dogs have been increases the risk of your puppy contracting parvo. Instead we recommend that you find places that have concrete or hard surfaces like a paved parking lot. In the summertime, be conscious of the surface your puppy is walking on. At Home Care For Your New Puppy The first 24 to 36 hours in your new home is an acclimation period for your puppy to get settled in your home. It is common for your German Shepherd puppy to have diarrhea or loose stool the first week it is in your new home. It is acclimating to a new world and a different schedule. Be very mindful about what kind of dog treats and toys you supply the puppy to chew on. These are all edible things that can cause loose stool and diarrhea. These are also additional calories that puppies will eat before they eat a meal. During their acclimation to your new homes, we recommend you keep treats and cookies to a minimum. These are too rich and too hard on their systems. Wait at least 24 hours before giving your puppy a bath. You are more than welcome to keep in touch with us during this time and ask questions via email or text. The breeder will review the amount of food and schedule with you when you pick up your puppy. If your puppy has a weak appetite during the acclimation period you can add boiled boneless chicken and cooked white rice to its meals. Or you can add canned food to its meal to entice its appetite. Discard any uneaten food after each meal. Ensure your puppy has access to fresh, clean water during the day. If you are house breaking your puppy, remove access to water at least 4 hours prior to bed time. Diarrhea in very young puppies during their first weeks in their new environment is not uncommon. Here's why: Stress and Adaptation: The transition from their birthplace to a new home is a significant change for a young puppy. The stress of leaving their mother and littermates, coupled with adapting to a new diet and environment, can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Dietary Changes: Puppies might experience a sudden switch in their diet when they move to their new home. This shift in nutrition, even if well-intentioned, can disrupt their delicate digestive systems and result in diarrhea. Microbial Adjustment: The puppy's gut is in the process of developing a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria. Stress and changes in diet can temporarily affect this delicate balance, leading to digestive disturbances like diarrhea. This adjustment period is natural as the puppy's gut adapts to new microorganisms in their surroundings. While occasional mild diarrhea can be expected, it's important to monitor your puppy's condition. Why young puppies get diarrhea and how to treat it Introducing Your Puppy To Other Pets Gradual Introduction: Begin with neutral territory, not in the home of the adult dog, where both dogs can meet on leashes. Increase the time and frequency of their interactions slowly and under supervision. Supervised Interaction: After bringing the puppy home, closely supervise their interactions. Start with separate spaces and controlled play sessions, intervening if tensions arise. Ensure each dog has a safe space to retreat to. Patience and Adaptation: Understand that dogs have unique personalities. Be patient as they adjust to each other. Gradually extend their time together while monitoring their behavior and providing guidance as needed. Introducing a puppy to an adult dog watch even more videos on how to care for your german shepherd puppy with a learning center subscription.

Boxers make great pets for both families and individuals, with their energetic and loyal traits. Adopting a puppy requires a lot of time and research to find a breeder that is best for you. While there are many to choose from, how do you make a decision? To give you some options, here are 5 Boxer Breeders in Florida to help you find your new furry friend and loyal companion. They are based in the Northeast Ocala area of Florida. Our goal at Shoquest is to produce puppies of the highest quality that will bring a lifetime of joy to their families. For more information, you can send them an email at shoquestboxers gmail. Our Boxers are raised inside with us and are part of our family. We do not have a kennel. The puppies are also raised inside, along with my children, and are well socialized. They come pre-spoiled. Their puppies are socialized from the day they are born and until they are at least 8 weeks of age. They will have their tails docked, dew claws removed, have their 1st set of vaccinations, a Florida Health Certificate and their AKC registration form. To learn more and get in touch, you can visit their website here. We could not be happier with our puppy and the process itself from start to finish. We will definitely be using the JCS Boxers again for our next puppy. They follow a meticulous diet for their puppies, with all of it starting with the health of the mom. Additionally, they plan their litters responsibly. Currently, their next litter is for January and you can view their gallery of puppies on their website here. In order to stay in touch about upcoming litters or to answer any questions you may have, you can send them an email at info jcsboxers. They are located in Central Florida and have been in business since .Boxers are our passion and ours are part of our family, living beside us inside our house because that is where they belong. We have owned Boxers as far back as I can remember. They are a very special breed but they are not for everyone. They require little grooming but they do need daily exercise. Boxers are very intelligent and loving.They are also very playful and have plenty of energy. They are great with children but need proper early training. They are all AKC, will have their tails docked, dew claws removed, vaccinations and health certificates before you take them home. And, they require an application before placing their puppies with you as they want to make sure they are going to loving, forever families. To get in touch about their next litter, you can contact them on their website here. They pride themselves on having a business that focuses on American production including all of the food and everything they use to raise their puppies. We believe we have achieved this with our boxers. We have spent time and research on choosing all our boxers. Boxers are born to show off and they do plenty of that. Their puppies are a part of their family, they have areas to exercise and play and have the best quality care. Currently, they have one boxer from their litter that is available. To keep in touch with their future litters, you can visit their puppies page here. And, to learn more or get in touch you can call them at .With the cost of veterinary bills rising each year, you could easily find yourself paying thousands out of pocket if an accident or illness were to occur. Let our team at Fursure help you get started on finding the best pet insurance policy for your furry friend. You pet will thank you! To get your pet protected and covered in just a few minutes , buy a pet insurance policy today! Join the Pack No spam. Just the very best in show products, expert pet parenting advice, and more.Read about our privacy policy. Thank you! Your submission has been received! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Introducing pet insurance that pays your vet directly. We let you keep your cash on hand, so you can focus on giving your pet the best care possible. For the complete list please see our List of Boxer Breeders page. These prices are estimates only; each seller can charge whatever they like. The main factor that may affect the price of a boxer puppy is your location within the state which could either increase or decrease the cost. Other factors include breed popularity most popular breeds are generally listed at an average price , whether or not the dog has been AKC registered such registrations often come with a fee and if shipping is included in the price. There are several questions that should always be asked when deciding on whether or not someone is reliable enough to purchase from. Look out for these warning signs: The smell of ammonia or other foul odors this means the boxers were not kept clean Dirty cages, feeds or toys The presence of rats, mice or other pests. If at any point during your visit something seems off, trust your instincts and do not buy from the breeder. In some cases, it might even be helpful to contact your local SPCA or humane society as they may have handled situations involving this particular breeder. Meeting past customers will help you get a feel for whether or not you can trust the breeder and if they produce healthy, happy dogs. If their reviews are negative, be wary of buying from this person. Your breeder should have a good relationship with a veterinarian who is familiar with their practices and the conditions the boxers are kept in. If this is the case, how can you expect them to take care of your pup? Ask to See The Health Certificates for Your Boxer Puppy If any records exist, ask to see proof of all vaccinations, deworming and other procedures listed above; if none do, be wary. For this reason, you need to ask questions and obtain proof of any conditions your puppy may have. If the breeder does not provide this information easily, move on. This will prove that your Boxer Puppy is purebred and that the breeder is authorized to breed boxers. If these documents cannot be provided, take it as a warning sign. There are several simple things you can do in order to get yourself and your house ready. A playpen or kennel is perfect. When you go to pick up your boxer puppy, there are a few things that you should bring with you. Their new environment can seem overwhelming, so give them plenty of love and reassurance during this time. The younger they are when you start, the easier it will be Older Boxers can also be trained but it will take longer and be more difficult to do so. Keep this in mind before bringing your puppy home. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. You will need A collar with the name tag and a leash. You will also need dog treats to reward a dog while training. Also, necessary things like a bed, dog food, and bowls should be bought. Schedule It is vital to take care of sleep, food, and walking early. Make a schedule to get all your work done and take care of the dog. A fixed schedule will teach your dog to maintain decorum and Stick to its routine. Working along with the schedule will help both you and your dog. It helps you maximize your productivity and teaches the dog to behave independently. Safety While welcoming a dog into your family, your primary responsibility is taking care of its safety. Brief all of your family members about how to care for a dog, foods you should not feed the dog, etc. When you bring your dog home, it is necessary to constantly keep an eye on him as their surroundings are new, and the dog can be curious to explore it, harming himself in the process. It is of utmost importance to Keep any poisonous substance out of reach. Online Boxer Breeders in Florida FL : In case your pet store does not have a boxer breed puppy, there are very reliable online websites available from which you can buy. There is a high chance of finding a better dog online than your local pet store. You will find many options online. They have accommodated over two hundred thousand puppies in caring homes. They aim to give every puppy a happy home and improve their lives. Jor boxer puppies Jor boxer puppies specialize in breeding high-quality and healthy boxer breeds. They give assurance on the health and performance of their dogs. They offer dogs with excellent bloodlines from around the globe. Their dogs are very social and friendly. You can find a highly skilled breeder for boxer dogs. As this is an online marketplace, it has a vast network and can search for the best dog in the country. Puppies for sale today Puppies for sale today is a website that connects you with breeders Worldwide and helps you find the perfect fit. You will find anyone with a boxer puppy for sale on this website. It is a very genuine and proficient website. Adopt a pet For anyone looking for a boxer puppy on sale, adopt a pet is a reputable online website that you should check out. They offer puppies of all breeds, so you have a variety to look at before choosing a dog fit for you. Boxer breeders and boxer sellers in Florida FL : A highly skilled boxer breeder will keep the puppies with their parents for a minimum of seven to eight weeks. So if your breeder does not have any vaccine or health checkup documentation, do not buy a dog from him. A breeder specializing in breeding boxers alone should be preferred over the breeders who breed more than one type of dog breed. Upkeep of a dog: 1. Boxers like to look tidy. Hence you should bathe them once every 2 to 3 weeks. Boxes tend to have short hair, so brushing them once in a while will do just fine. Training Early training helps significantly in developing discipline. Socializing and exercising helps channel all the strength and energy in the right direction. Boxers need something new every time for entertainment. They are also very obedient and intelligent. Boxer breeds are also considered police dogs and assist in detecting drugs and finding missing people. Health Boxers need a moderate temperature and do not do well with acute cold or heat. They need to be considered part of the family and kept inside the house. Breeders should check for health conditions like Cardiac disorder, hip dislocation, thyroid deficiency, And the particular type of cancers. Nourishment Whether commercially produced dog food or home-cooked dog food, it should be high-quality and appropriate nutrition. It is vital to keep track of calorie consumption as some dogs are prone to weight gain. Also, treats should be given in moderation, or else they will throw tantrums at you if you give them their dog food. Giving a lot of treats can also cause obesity. Keep your veterinarian in the loop with what you are giving your dog and also ask for consultation from time to time. FAQs Which other dog breeds can be crossed with a boxer breed? Boxer and the Rottweiler cross will give you a protective and loyal pet. It will also keep the trespassers at bay. A boxer and an American pit bull are often compared, but a cross of these two breeds will give you an intelligent and faithful dog. A boxer and an American bulldog cross is muscular and looks more like a boxer. Are boxer breed dogs hostile? Boxers are aggressive and want to dominate other dogs, mainly of the same sex. However, exercises like playing fetch and taking the dog on walks helps tone down the aggression and increases energy and agility. It is also capable of causing harm to other animals if it detects any threat. Do boxers bark a lot? A boxer breed dog has high energy and playful nature. Conclusion: The Business of breeding dogs is practiced on a large scale. Large-scale breeding also raises The chances of scams; hence, getting your dog from reliable means is necessary. Vaccinations and health certificates are also necessary to look for when buying a dog. We also looked at some of the exciting crossbreeds between the boxer and other dog species. What is this article helpful? Let us know in the comment section below. Find Boxer Breeders in Other States:. We have the answers! What is the price range for a Boxer? The price range for Boxer puppies for sale Florida can be pretty wide. Breeders consider a number of factors when putting a price tag on their precious puppies including gender, coat color, and pedigree. Browse our featured Boxer breeders Florida to get started. Will I meet only local Boxer breeders? When looking for a Boxer for sale in Florida, your initial top choices will be breeders in your city or state. Your chosen breeder can then arrange to have your puppy safely transported to an airport near you. Our vetting process is designed to keep inexperienced breeders and puppy mills out of our network. Breeders and businesses who wish to join us undergo a strict screening process where their breeding knowledge, practices, and facilities are examined. How is Florida Puppies different from other puppy websites? They are good at marketing though! What is a puppy mill like? Puppy mills are dishonest breeders who mistreat their animals and forego essential newborn puppy care to make a bigger profit. Are there any Boxer puppies available in Florida right now? We can help you find out! You can also let us know if you have a specific Boxer puppy in mind! Where are Boxer dogs originally from? Boxers have quite an interesting history that dates back to the late s. It is still up for speculation which specific breeds were crossed to create the Boxer but the list includes the German Bullenbeisser and the Bulldog. The Boxer was created to be a guard dog, a role that it took upon with great success. Today, Boxers do police work but are also popular family dogs. What can I expect from the average Boxer? Boxers are energetic, alert, even-tempered, loyal, loving, and goofy. Boxers are smart and can be trained to do almost anything but keep in mind that they mature slowly -- they are basically puppies until the age of three! As a family dog, Boxers will do anything to protect their family and they are also known to be gentle with kids. How big do Boxers get? Boxers are medium-sized working dogs that can reach a weight of 70 pounds. Male Boxers usually stand at inches at the shoulder while female boxers can reach up to .They are muscular, sturdy, and quite quick. How does Florida Puppies work? Florida Puppies is a network of ethical breeders and businesses and your best source for finding Boxer puppies in Florida. Boxers's Available!

She is a petite girl and is interested in everything. She loves people and is kind of our mascot as she loves to greet each visitor that drives in the yard. An excellent mother and very patient. Bailey enjoys carrying toys around and arranging them in the yard to her liking. She is rarely without something in her mouth and will even dig up stones and arrange them in neat rows. She is a strong, robust dog with boundless energy, always ready and alert, looking for adventure. She craves attention and is an excellent mother. She whelped 12 puppies in a few short hours last year, and was running around the yard an hour later. Nothing seems to bother her, just a great dog. We also recently spoke with her breeder in New York and found that her parents are in good health and her grandmother is still living at 14 - 15 years of age. Some of her other family members are 10 and 12 years old and in good health as well. She was our first dog and is sweet and healthy. She is the undisputed boss on our farm, which she maintains in a quiet, gentle way. We have never seen her behave aggressively to another dog, or human but the other dogs know she is queen! She is devoted to her people and will rarely leave your side even when other dogs are running around. She stares up into your face adoringly and will quietly sit by your feet and wait for you. She is such a pretty girl with a beautiful coat. She gets along very well with other dogs and is very easy to have around. She loves to be petted and will stand as still as a stone as long as she is getting attention. She can be a little reserved at first but once she feels comfortable with you, she is playful and loves to prance about in the yard. She has many champions in her pedigree and was born at the well-known Clear Passion Kennel in Romania. Learn more about Honey Goldie Goldie is our biggest and most striking dog. She has a rare beauty standing straight and tall as if she knows that she is something special. She seems to realize her superiority and will insist on having your attention. We have no doubt that she will be able to produce show winning puppies. She has many champions in her lineage. She is very intelligent and a leader but quiet and meek like her mother. She loves everyone including visitors, and will quietly rest at your feet or even on your feet! Everyone that has met her, instantly loves her. Learn more about Belle Lacey Lacey is an extreme extrovert and loves attention from all people and other dogs. She is always front and center on every occasion. Lacey comes from a very impressive line of international , national, and world champions. At 6 years old she is still very youthful and energetic. Fill out a Puppy Application Eye Testing our Golden's eyes is important to their overall health and well-being. These eye examinations can help identify any potential problems that may arise, and help to ensure that our canine companions have healthy eyesight for years to come. Testing Heart By testing the heart, veterinarians can detect diseases, abnormal rhythms, and other complications before they become serious. Dogs can be tested at 12 months of age or older and certified by the OFA for use in breeding. The OFA certifies dogs at 24 months of age or older for use in breeding. Elbows are one of the most commonly used joints in a dog's body, allowing them to move, stand, and run with ease. When a dog's elbows are healthy, it helps to ensure that it can move and perform activities without pain or discomfort. Hip Hip Dysplasia is a common problem in large breed dogs. This is an abnormal formation of the hip joint that can cause lameness, pain, and arthritis. Dogs can be certified by the OFA at 24 months of age or older and approved for breeding. This gives the puppies a good start to a long healthy life. Please visit personal dog pages for individual testing. She is a petite girl and is interested in everything. She loves people and is kind of our mascot as she loves to greet each visitor that drives in the yard. An excellent mother and very patient. Bailey enjoys carrying toys around and arranging them in the yard to her liking. She is rarely without something in her mouth and will even dig up stones and arrange them in neat rows. She is a strong, robust dog with boundless energy, always ready and alert, looking for adventure. She craves attention and is an excellent mother. She whelped 12 puppies in a few short hours last year, and was running around the yard an hour later. Nothing seems to bother her, just a great dog. We also recently spoke with her breeder in New York and found that her parents are in good health and her grandmother is still living at 14 - 15 years of age. Some of her other family members are 10 and 12 years old and in good health as well. She was our first dog and is sweet and healthy. She is the undisputed boss on our farm, which she maintains in a quiet, gentle way. We have never seen her behave aggressively to another dog, or human but the other dogs know she is queen! She is devoted to her people and will rarely leave your side even when other dogs are running around. She stares up into your face adoringly and will quietly sit by your feet and wait for you. She is such a pretty girl with a beautiful coat. She gets along very well with other dogs and is very easy to have around. She loves to be petted and will stand as still as a stone as long as she is getting attention. She can be a little reserved at first but once she feels comfortable with you, she is playful and loves to prance about in the yard. She has many champions in her pedigree and was born at the well-known Clear Passion Kennel in Romania. Learn more about Honey Goldie Goldie is our biggest and most striking dog. She has a rare beauty standing straight and tall as if she knows that she is something special. She seems to realize her superiority and will insist on having your attention. We have no doubt that she will be able to produce show winning puppies. She has many champions in her lineage. She is very intelligent and a leader but quiet and meek like her mother. She loves everyone including visitors, and will quietly rest at your feet or even on your feet! Everyone that has met her, instantly loves her. Learn more about Belle Lacey Lacey is an extreme extrovert and loves attention from all people and other dogs. She is always front and center on every occasion. Lacey comes from a very impressive line of international , national, and world champions. At 6 years old she is still very youthful and energetic. Fill out a Puppy Application Eye Testing our Golden's eyes is important to their overall health and well-being. These eye examinations can help identify any potential problems that may arise, and help to ensure that our canine companions have healthy eyesight for years to come. Testing Heart By testing the heart, veterinarians can detect diseases, abnormal rhythms, and other complications before they become serious. Dogs can be tested at 12 months of age or older and certified by the OFA for use in breeding. The OFA certifies dogs at 24 months of age or older for use in breeding. Elbows are one of the most commonly used joints in a dog's body, allowing them to move, stand, and run with ease. When a dog's elbows are healthy, it helps to ensure that it can move and perform activities without pain or discomfort. Hip Hip Dysplasia is a common problem in large breed dogs. This is an abnormal formation of the hip joint that can cause lameness, pain, and arthritis. Dogs can be certified by the OFA at 24 months of age or older and approved for breeding. This gives the puppies a good start to a long healthy life. Please visit personal dog pages for individual testing. Since , the volunteers of SGRR rescue Golden Retrievers who have been abandoned, abused or relinquished by their owners. We are dedicated to finding the best possible homes for Golden Retrievers and Retriever mixes in need. Our Rescued Dogs Overall, our Goldens and Golden-hearted dogs make wonderful pets and adjust well to their new families. We want our applicants to also know that rescued dogs come from a variety of backgrounds. Some dogs are older dogs, including well-behaved and cared for pets whose owners have become ill or died. A patient and loving owner can make all the difference. Love is crucial, but love alone is not enough. Boundaries must be set and rules must be established. Strong human leadership is mandatory. The joys of seeing these Goldens become the devoted and contented pets they were meant to be is remarkable. We lovingly nurse the dogs back to health and find them homes that provide that extra TLC these dogs need. Our adoption process begins when a homeless Golden Retriever is brought into rescue. Each dog is first provided a medical assessment and any necessary treatment including spaying or neutering, heartworm treatment, and vaccinations. We begin evaluating each dog's personality and temperament from the moment they are welcomed into our rescue. We attempt to assess each dog's behavior with other dogs, children, adults, and other animals when available. We observe our dogs to determine their level of house training, crate training, leash skills, knowledge of commands, ability to ride in cars, activity level, and exercise needs. Then, we carefully select homes based on the needs of each individual Golden or Golden-hearted dog. We encourage our applicants to keep open minds in terms of their preferences. Nationwide, animal shelters care for between 6—8 million dogs and cats every year, of whom 3—4 million are euthanized. The tragic fact is that there are simply not enough responsible homes for all of these wonderful, innocent animals. The application is reviewed, and if it appears to meet adoption criteria for a rescue dog, the process moves on to the next steps: 1. A Veterinarian Reference Check 2. Phone Interview 3. Home Visit Our thorough application process is intended to help us place each dog in its final, loving home. The process helps us learn about you and helps us work with you to find the best match for you and for the Sunshine dog. Adoption will change two lives forever — yours and your new companion's! Please go to www. If you have any questions, please contact Maryann deSteph at either number listed below. Maryann L. If you are unable, please consider making a donation to SGRR. Without your help today, they may not have a tomorrow! 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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Are you wondering why your German Shepherd destroys everything when they were once your angelic-like companion? Are you regretting getting a beautiful, smart, high-energy German Shepherd at all? There are a number of reasons why your puppy might begin to destroy everything, but luckily there are steps you can take to help solve the problem and stop their destructiveness. So, why is your German Shepherd destroying everything in its sight and chewing all your stuff? The top reasons why your German Shepherd becomes destructive are a lack of the right type of exercise, not enough mental stimulation, normal puppy teething, stress or illness, separation anxiety, and acting out for attention. If your German Shepherd is suddenly destroying things when it was previously well-mannered, then there could be an underlying medical issue or emotional problem causing the sudden onset of this behavior. Get your dog booked in for a thorough medical examination from your veterinarian to rule out medical reasons your dog is destructive. They are a highly intelligent breed that requires an owner willing to invest time with them. Consider why your German Shepherd might turn to destroy things so you can understand how to help and train them to stop. Here are some reasons why your German Shepherd is destroying everything. They are still used as herding dogs and in the military for their stamina. Your breed is a high-energy fireball who has an obedient and alert temperament by design. This means they are bred to do a job that requires them to stay physically active. German Shepherds require a large number of mental activities that keep them working their minds. Stimulate their minds using interesting mind games for German Shepherds or finding ways to keep your GSD entertained. If your German Shepherd is a puppy that has just started teething then this could be the cause of its destruction. Instead, train them early. As an alert breed, their watchful nature may cause them to become overly excited and worried about the noises to the point they become destructive. You can help them by learning their unique personality through bonding with your German Shepherd. Some owners might even fail to appreciate that the German Shepherd is an athletic working dog that thrives on a variety of activities. Why is this important? Because a tired German Shepherd is less likely to be a problem inside the home. You MUST learn how to exhaust a German Shepherd the right way to give both you and your dog a better quality of life together. Some types of illnesses that cause your German Shepherd to destroy everything can be helped through a visit to your veterinarian for medical treatments which can help their behavior issues. Never punish a stressed or ill German Shepherd or you will make their destructiveness worse and increase their levels of stress to the point they shut down. Get a vet appointment right away to see if your dog is unwell. To reduce destruction when you leave your dog alone, try to work on only leaving your dog alone for very short periods of time at first. This breed is known for attaching to one person and should their person not give them the attention they want or deserve they will certainly let them know by ruining their furniture, clothing, or electronics with destructive chewing. Maybe you think your German Shepherd is acting out and being stubborn. The German Shepherd is one of the most easily trained and obedient of all breeds—when you are present and make a plan to actually train them. Think of it like this: The German Shepherd is literally bred to walk and run for hours on end when herding and working. Can you run for hours a day to keep up with the exercise needs of your breed? If you can, then enter you and your dog in a marathon! Try some exercise that gets their body moving in unique ways and keeps them physically active. How should I exercise my destructive German Shepherd? Try a tail-teasing flirt pole to entice your dog to hone their herding behavior, or find a set of hills nearby and race your dog to the top to develop their powerful agility skills. Your German Shepherd may get into the habit of using the same walking trail, so switch it up to challenge them and keep them from getting bored. Unfortunately, many owners are away from home for long hours and are too tired when they return to engage their dogs in a mind game. But, mind games and mental stimulation are a necessity for the German Shepherd. You can, however, give their minds a way to engage with you and their environment in a positive manner! There are many types of mind games or brain games on the market. Some owners even make do-it-yourself games, while others prefer games that are premade. These reward-based strategy games mentally stimulate your dog and keep your pup from destructive boredom. The quickest way to train your German Shepherd to stop being destructive is by setting them up for success using daily obedience training. Obedience training helps engage your dog through positive, reward-based interaction that helps them learn not only basic commands but also how to listen and pay attention to you. Plus, it helps keep your German Shepherd from getting out of control. A German Shepherd who destroys things is definitely a great candidate to introduce to nose work to help them focus their natural scenting abilities. You can give your German Shepherd a course in nose work by having them search and find their food for some of their weekly meals. To start, hide the plates or bowls of their portioned meal in easy-to-find locations in one room of your house. This makes the game easy enough for an untrained puppy or older German Shepherd. After a few times of serving a meal this way, your dog begins to understand the game of nose work and will readily seek out their food by sniffing the area on their own. You can make it more challenging for them by using more than one room to hide their food or by moving outdoors to your secured backyard and hiding their plates of food. German Shepherds were bred to use their noses to find things, but in the modern world, their scent-finding abilities get neglected. This can lead to them destroying everything. Your focus should be on using these helpful ideas for German Shepherd enrichment. Chewing is natural and helps your dog release stress. Show them the right chew toy and encourage them to play with it. Instead, use a positive voice and reward them when they come to you and stop chewing your things. You can clap your hands or even whistle to get them to listen. What are the right things for German Shepherds to chew that can withstand being destroyed? Did you know…? Many dogs tend not to play with toys without their owner there, but food or treats placed inside specially-made toys encourage toy exploration. You can leave them a stuffed Extreme Kong , which is a heavy-duty chew toy you stuff with food and treats so it gets their attention. The idea is that your dog chews on it, instead of your things. Some owners like to create a safe place to leave their dogs, such as an area that has tempting items removed and put away. The gates still allow your dog to see through easily, which keeps your dog from developing too much stress when you leave them alone. Pick up items that your dog finds interesting and place them in a secure area. Some German Shepherd puppies find shoes, pillows, remotes, and even electric cables interesting enough to chew on and destroy. If loud or unusual noises stress your German Shepherd to the point they destroy things, then move them to a quieter area away from windows. Get a white noise machine to play soothing tones, or leave the TV or radio on low to help drown out the frightening sounds. Some owners also prefer to crate train their German Shepherd so they can secure them when they leave. The best way to prevent your German Shepherd from destroying everything is to not give them access to those items in the first place. You can also use a step-by-step guide to discipline your German Shepherd to get you started. You might wonder… How does play help reduce destruction? Some ideas for constructive play include: Playing catch or tug in your backyard for 15—30 minutes a day. Enroll your dog in doggy daycare or have a dog walker stop by. Find an agility course or teach your dog to catch a frisbee. Avoid spraying anti-chew deterrents Some owners resort to using anti-chew spray products to prevent their German Shepherd from chewing destructively. Instead, they may become wary of chewing anything — even the things that are safe to chew, like their toys. Never use physical punishment If you use physical punishment when your dog destroys things, you will lose their trust. They learn to fear you and can develop stress and anxiety. Especially a German Shepherd prone to destroying everything! Set aside time each day for their basic obedience skills. Want more help for your German Shepherd that destroys everything? Instead, find ways to encourage yourself through this troubling time. You and your dog both deserve Brain Training to ease your stress. And, for an easy step-by-step training plan, use a scientifically based program, Brain Training for Dogs. Remember, a big part of teaching your German Shepherd to stop destroying everything is the right training and management. Take action before it becomes too stressful for you to handle. Your sanity will thank you for it! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Veterinarian Appointment Chewing is also a way for dogs, particularly young ones, to understand the world around them. However, destructive chewing by a German Shepherd is considered abnormal and should be prevented. Chewing is necessary for a dog to properly digest its food. It helps to break down the food and increase the surface area for enzymes to aid in chemical digestion. Additionally, it assists the stomach in mechanical digestion. However, it is worth considering whether excessive chewing is beneficial for a dog. Are German Shepherds bad chewers? No, German Shepherds are not inherently bad chewers. Chewing is an instinctual behavior for them. By providing them with appropriate toys to chew on, bad habits can be avoided. Therefore, it would be incorrect to say that they are bad chewers. In fact, German Shepherds are good chewers. It is the responsibility of their owners and veterinarians to ensure that they do not develop bad habits. Chewing is generally considered a positive behavior in German Shepherds. At what age do German Shepherds stop chewing everything? A German Shepherd typically stops chewing everything by the age of 7 to 8 months, as at this point their teething issues are resolved and they have developed their essential and basic behaviors and habits. How to stop my German Shepherd from chewing everything? Dog-proof your home You need to deter your German Shepherd from destructive chewing. It can be difficult for a dog to understand the difference between chewing a toy and chewing a pillow if they were not taught the distinction as a puppy. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding the dog with a treat for exhibiting the desired behavior, can be effective in reinforcing good habits. To prevent your German Shepherd from chewing on valuable or harmful items in the house, it is important to dog-proof your home. When you first bring a German Shepherd puppy home, closely supervise them in the house to ensure they do not chew on anything they should not. Introduce your German Shepherd to the distinction between what they can and cannot chew on. It may take a few months for these efforts to take full effect. Remember that your German Shepherd needs clear and consistent rules. This creates a sense of security and comfort, which can help prevent destructive chewing in adulthood. Provide Appropriate Chewing Toys Chewing is a natural tendency for dogs and should not be discouraged. However, destructive chewing should be prevented or addressed through providing alternative activities. According to professionals in dog care, providing your dog with toys like bones to chew on as an alternative to valuable items can promote healthy stimulation and maintain their interest. Additionally, it is recommended to regularly switch out the toys to prevent habituation, and reduce the likelihood of the dog chewing on inappropriate items. This will help you choose the most appropriate chew toys for your dog. It is important to remember that your German Shepherd should not be allowed to chew on toys all day, as this can lead to other behavioral issues. When your dog shows signs of attempting to chew on something they should not, redirect them to chew toys instead. The rest of the day should be filled with training , exercise, rest, and time spent bonding with you. Additional nibbling consideration: Tasty snacks can be a fun way to break up the monotony for your German Shepherd. While they may not last long, I personally like to use them as a reward for my German Shepherd when they exhibit good behavior. Leave it Command Despite proper training, your German Shepherd may occasionally attempt to chew on items they should not, such as the leg of a wooden kitchen table. When you notice your dog becoming interested in a non-chewable item, such as hardwood furniture, it is important to use anti-chew techniques to discourage this behavior. You can also expand on this command by giving your dog the object they are trying to chew, and repeating the command when they put it in their mouth. Each time your dog obeys the command, reward them with a treat, their favorite chew toy, or a compliment to reinforce the desired behavior. Exercise A mature German Shepherd requires plenty of physical and psychological engagement, as well as at least 2 hours of strength training per day. This can be split up into morning and evening walks, as well as daytime games and workout stretches. If your German Shepherd is not receiving plenty of exercise, his high energy and intelligence will have to be channeled elsewhere. Likewise, he will become bored and confused, which can lead to deteriorating behavior, such as unnecessary chewing. Studies have shown that when compared to those who received the appropriate amount of daily activity, puppies with minimal physical activity were more susceptible to anxiety disorders and auditory intolerance. Chew Alternatives Many pet owners believe it is acceptable to give their German Shepherds old footwear or scraps of discarded clothing to chew on, rather than more valuable items still in use. This is incorrect thinking. Anti-Chew Deterrents Consider using safe anti-chew dog deterrents if your German Shepherd is chewing on things. Use a Crate If you must keep your German Shepherd dog confined at home, keep him contained in a crate. Most dogs view their crates as a special place where they can relax or nap after exercise. Crates with double doors are commonly used. They provide you with more options when it comes to placing it in your home, but a single-door option works as well. Make sure to get a size of 48 inches so your German Shepherd has enough room to move around and stretch easily. To keep him occupied, you can leave him with two or three chew toys. Veterinarian Appointment Medical conditions such as anemia, diabetes, or gastrointestinal diseases can lead to destructive chewing. This allows for early detection and treatment of any illnesses that your German Shepherd may be experiencing. Logically speaking, it makes sense. As a herding breed, shepherds have to be cognitively capable of problem solving to some extent in order to determine how to move all their wooly charges where they need to be. Unfortunately for us, most people who own German shepherds do not also own sheep! Dogs do chew while teething, but most chewing occurs because a dog is simply bored. Why Dogs Chew Our dogs all have the genetic code to hunt and kill prey, yes, even the tiny teacup Chihuahua believes he can catch that rabbit twice his size. Thousands of years of evolution does not simply disappear because we bred Sparky to be 2 lbs. Because our dogs survived by using their predatory drive to catch food, that drive still lingers to this day. To catch a rabbit, Sparky has to sniff around and find a trail, stalk his prey, chase, grab, rip apart, and chew up the pieces. Every dog has the genetic code to perform those steps, and even if they are not forced to catch their own food to survive your pet still enjoys doing those behaviors. Address the source of the behavior. If your dog is chewing or showing any other types of destruction it is important to ensure they are getting enough mental stimulation. There are a number of different chews that may help your dog alleviate some of that need to gnaw on something. Bully Sticks Our primary choice should be bully sticks given in moderation. Because bully sticks are capable of being gnawed on for extensive periods of time, and they are fully digestible so your pet can chew them up and eat them , your dog will tackle some of that basic instinct to bite. These are not intended for complete consumption, so if your dog breaks off chunks remove the antler pieces as they could present a choking hazard. Kong Toy Another type of work-to-eat toy that is mentally stimulating for dogs is the classic KONG toy, when used properly. Instead, fill your KONG with a mixture of pumpkin and peanut butter, and then freeze. Because the mixture is frozen it will take longer for your pup to eat, and when it melts the pumpkin keeps its texture without getting watery and making a mess. If we address the source of a behavior, and simultaneously provide an alternative to the undesired behavior, the likelihood of success is much greater. Lets use our teacup Chihuahua as an example again: if Sparky has stolen a dish rag and is chewing it when I get home, and I snatch it from him and spank him with it, there are a few different behaviors that could follow. Sparky could immediately aggress towards me, because I have activated his fight or flight instinct. Alternatively, Sparky could cower in fear, and my bond with him could potentially be damaged. Though he may not cower in fear for the rest of his life, Sparky may always show a fear of soft toys with a texture similar to that of the dishtowel, or may become fearful every time I am near the dishtowel while doing dishes or cooking. This is causing undue fear and punishment when Sparky has done nothing wrong. Sparky becomes accustomed to me angrily snatching away the dishtowel, and begins snarling anytime I come near him when he has a toy expecting the same results as the dishtowel. I used Sparky as an example because a 2 lb. German Shepherd. Though they have been domesticated, anything with teeth can bite, and when you are working with a large and potentially dangerous animal it is important to make sure that you are giving that animal proper feedback and avoiding creating dangerous behavior patterns. Why punish a behavior when the results will most likely create more problems and not even aid in a solution? Empathize with your dog, they are intelligent animals that need lots of mental stimulation to live an enriched life, and if we are not providing well enough for them they will seek it elsewhere. Rather than blaming your dog, ask yourself if you are doing enough to keep them satisfied. By preventing the problem from occurring in the first place, and giving them safe and effective alternatives, your pup will be on the road to success in no time. Nylabone Big Chew Chew Toy Remember that your German Shepherd should not be chewing toys the entire day, as this can become another behavior problem. Instead, give chew toys when your dog shows signs of putting his mouth on what he should not. Other chewing considerations: Edible chews are a good alternative to mix things up a bit for your GSD. Edible chews for teeth cleaning are also ideal, and my GSD loves Dentastix from Amazon, especially the variety pack. Avoid rawhide chews , as these can be dangerous for some dogs. I prefer alternatives to rawhide, but it really does depend on your dog. This interesting study investigated the effects of giving the horn of a calf hoof as a chew. The resulting finding was that although the hooves provided a positive experience for the dogs as a chew, they should not be given to prevent tooth lesions. Using anti-chew commands is important in deterring your dog from destructive chewing when you notice his attention to a non-chew object, such as wooden furniture in your home. Keep Your German Shepherd Dog Well-Exercised As a high-energy and extremely smart dog, an adult German Shepherd requires plenty of mental and physical stimulation with at least 2 hours of exercise daily. This can be distributed between a morning and evening walk and the play and training exercises during the day. If your German Shepherd is under-exercised, his high energy and smartness will have to be directed to other outlets. Besides, he will feel bored and frustrated, resulting in destructive behavior and that could be excessive chewing. Research on dog anxiety found that those who had little daily exercise as puppies were more prone to separation anxiety and noise sensitivity when compared to those who had the recommended amount of daily exercise. Do Not Offer Old Possessions As Chew Alternatives Some dog owners think that it is ok to offer their German Shepherd old shoes, rags, or cast-off clothes to chew instead of the valuable ones still in use. Wrong thinking! If you give your dog an old shoe to chew, you are reinforcing his preference for chewing shoes. Once the old shoe is all destroyed and no longer good to chew, your German Shepherd will look for your latest purchase to replace the consumed one! Dogs are dogs, and they do not know the difference between an old shoe and a brand new one! Spray the appalling deterrent on the objects you want to keep your dog from chewing. Reapply the deterrent daily for weeks so that your dog permanently associates the object with the smell or taste. Note that coupling the deterrent with another form of training that redirects your German Shepherd to chew permitted objects such as toys will be more effective in making your dog cease chewing your valuables. However, be careful with the latter as although the pepper is not harmful to your dog if swallowed, it may irritate his eyes if he gets it on his paws and then rubs his face. Also, you will need to supervise your German Shepherd when you use a deterrent for the first time. Some dogs can be daring and will brave bad odor or taste to get what they want! Ensure you use deterrents that are alcohol-free and safe for both your dog and your valuables, as well as non-staining. If using a homemade deterrent, make sure you know which foods are poisonous to your German Shepherd. Most dogs love their crate and see it as their special place where they can go to relax or sleep after a good exercise session. They give you more options when deciding where in your home to place it, but this one also has a single-door option. You may want to leave him two or three toy chews to keep him busy. Your GSD should be caged for the rest of the time. Remember that the maximum number of hours you should leave your dog in a crate is four. More than that is considered extreme, and your dog may even turn to self-destructive behavior like biting himself or chewing his crate to the point of hurting his teeth and mouth. This allows for early diagnosis and treatment should your GSD be suffering from any of the conditions. Suppose the medical condition is psychological, like in anxiety, working with a behavioral therapist is advised. However, in all cases, ensure that your dog has a proper professional diagnosis before initiating any treatment or therapy. Final Thoughts Chewing is a normal and instinctual exploratory behavior in German Shepherds and all dog breeds. This means that you should not try to eliminate it. Dogs chew to find relief from teething discomfort or strengthen their teeth and jaws. When chewing is constant, targets valuables, and causes harm to your German Shepherd, then it becomes abnormal and destructive and should be stopped. Abnormal chewing in German Shepherds can be caused by poor training in puppyhood, anxiety, insufficient exercise, boredom and frustration, attention-seeking, and predisposing medical conditions. Related Posts You May Like:.

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Our puppies have become superb family companions, bird and hunt test competitors, gun dogs, obedience winners, and K9 narcotic dogs. You can purchase your Bear Creek puppy with confidence. Share 0 Shares Sometimes, we are faced with some pretty difficult decisions. Decisions that really have an impact on the quality of life we experience. Decisions that, if made hastily or poorly, could lead to quite terrible consequences for all parties involved. Getting a dog is one of such decisions. There are a lot of questions to be answered when deciding on what dog to get. Is it well trained? Does it have a nice temperament? Is it healthy? Does it fit in perfectly with my family? And so much more. Luckily, the Labrador Retriever would be a great choice as it is a great family dog, with a lot of love to give. Still, there is the question of what breeder to pick from, as you would want to avoid ruthless puppy mills. This article is here to help make those decisions a lot easier. I will be listing out some of the best Labrador Retriever breeders in Colorado. They are trusted and produce great Labrador Retriever puppies in Colorado. Heatherdowns Labradors We start off our list of great Labrador Retriever breeders with the very reputable Heatherdowns Labradors. Located on a very beautiful ranch in Colorado, Heatherdowns Labradors have been producing AKC standard Labrador Retriever dogs of great quality ever since they were established in .They are quite cautious when breeding as they plan to preserve the pure quality and rich heritage of their breeding lines. It is for this reason that a lot of effort and resources are thrown into researching each breeding dog before being added to their breeding program. All their breeding dogs hail from championed lines. A lot of testing is also done for each breeding dog; their hips and elbows are cleared and certified by the OFA as well as their heats. They are also dilute clear. Their breeding facility has been inspected and passed by the AKC in Colorado as they make an effort to maintain a proper breeding condition as speculated by the American Kennel Club. Back in , the USR special review was done and they were permitted to remain a Labrador Retriever breeding kennel in all of Douglas County. All their Labrador Retriever puppies are well socialized and are of sound temperaments. They are quite trainable and make excellent service, hunting, and companion dogs, and have been featured in a lot of magazines and commercials ever since they were established. They all possess up-to-date deworming records, they are each microchipped, well vaccinated, and thoroughly checked by a licensed vet. Heatherdowns Labradors Contact Details:. We have been established since .We are experienced, proven and conscious breeders! We are Selective in our breeding pairs as we have searched worldwide! We will not compromise the rich heritage, pure quality of our Traditional and International breeding lines. We are Dilute Clear!! Official AKC Standard for the Labrador Retriever, General Appearance: The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, medium-sized, short-coupled, dog possessing a sound, athletic, well-balanced conformation that enables it to function as a retrieving gun dog; the substance and soundness to hunt waterfowl or upland game for long hours under difficult conditions; the character and quality to win in the show ring; and the temperament to be a family companion…… The most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retriever are its short, dense, weather resistant coat; an "otter" tail; a clean-cut head with broad back skull and moderate stop; powerful jaws; and its "kind," friendly eyes, expressing character, intelligence and good temperament……The Labrador is bred primarily as a working gun dog; structure and soundness are of great importance. Some of our breeders come with hunting titles as well!! Over the years, our dogs have made great companions, hunters, and service dogs. Our pups and dogs have been featured in commercials and magazines! Please send in your Pictures!! Janice M. We could not ask for a better puppy than Robin for a family. She is everything we were looking for. She has the sweetest temperament and I cannot believe how smart she is. She has been such a joy to train. She is already great with off leash recall and as soon as we tell her to stop doing something which is not often she listens immediately. Potty training and crate training were a breeze with her. What we love most about Robin is she is completely devoted to our children. She is with them before they go to school and then is at the door a few minutes before they walk in. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. He was smart, well tempered, and just an amazing friend. He was an ultimate protector of Jenine. We have been so happy with everything about him! From Maggie X Manny Litter of 12 pups, ! Our Puppies are Veterinarian Examined! We send stool samples in to eliminate all parasites! Your Health Certificate will share the details! Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand that there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all the breeders here; rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are extremely popular. In fact, they are one of the most popular dogs in the United States. For this reason, finding them in Colorado is quite easy. Many different breeders specialize in this breed, enabling you to choose the best one for your budget and needs. Here are eight of the most active breeders in the state. Of course, be sure to do your own research before purchasing any puppy. They strive to raise dogs with sharp intelligence and high trainability. All their dogs receive health clearances before being bred, ensuring that their puppies are healthy and less prone to genetic conditions. They do not breed for the show ring, which makes their dogs a bit cheaper than others. However, they do focus on temperament and health, as these two factors are essential for companion animals. Their dogs do compete in field trials and other hunting tests. They also breed gun dogs. All their puppies are put through a complete socialization program so they are friendly and ready for their new homes. They also provide a guarantee on their puppies that is similar to that of many other breeders. Their foundational adults are free from hereditary problems, and their puppies have a health guarantee. Besides Labrador Retrievers, they also produce Goldendoodles and other similar family dogs. They only breed dogs that have several generations of healthy ancestors, helping ensure that their puppies are healthy. All their breeding dogs are tested for common genetic conditions. Their kennel is licensed by the Colorado State Department of Agriculture. They have been breeding dogs since , far longer than most kennels out there. They have produced championship dogs in both America and internationally. While they focus on showing dogs, they do strive to produce dogs that make good family pets too. They produce three lab colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. Their dogs actively compete in AKC shows, and they genetically test all their dogs before breeding. They have four children, so their dogs are well-socialized with children at the very least. Their breeding dogs have their OFA certifications and undergo yearly eye exams. While their Labradors are show dogs, they strive to produce pet-quality dogs too. Summary The Labrador Retriever is an incredibly popular breed. Dogs from these places can inherit various health problems and genetic conditions due to the disregard for proper breeding standards. Always seek out high-quality breeders who take care of their dogs, both before and after breeding. Featured Image Credit: Alexx60, Shutterstock Written by Kristin Hitchcock Author Kristin is passionate about helping pet parents create a fulfilling life with their pets by informing them on the latest scientific research and helping them choose the best products for their pets. She currently resides in Tennessee with four dogs, three cats, two fish, and a lizard, though she has dreams of owning chickens one day! Evermor Labradors Have you been wanting to get a good, premium-quality Labrador that can be your lifelong companion? We list of six of the best Labrador breeders in Colorado who are American Kennel Club AKC -registered and excel in customer service, price, and dog quality. A small family-owned ranch in Franktown that breeds and raises Labradors with grand champion lines. Aside from raising and training quality Labradors since , they have also been permitted as a Dog Breeding Kennel Business in Douglas County since .The pups go home at eight weeks with current vaccinations, de-wormed, micro-chipped, and thoroughly examined by a licensed vet. Kelly Hepworth and his family run Bear Creek Labradors, where high-quality Labs are trained for hunting. It is in northwest Colorado and is easily accessible from all parts of the state. The Labs come from fine pedigree lines carefully selected for temperament, conformation, and intelligence. All breeding pairs at Bear Creek have certified hips, elbows, and eyes, and pups are sold with month hip and eye guarantees. Bear Creek Labradors pups have grown to become wonderful family companions, bird and hunt test competitors, gun dogs, obedience winners, and also K9 narcotic dogs.

Phantom Parchment These dogs are also found with different coat textures. In some cases, a Labradoodle may have a combination of these types. There are hair-coated labradoodles, fleece-coated labradoodles, and wool-coated labradoodles. On top of all that, there are also different Labradoodle sizes. There are standard-sized, medium-sized, and miniature-sized Labradoodles. A standard-sized male Labradoodle will have a height of between 22 and 24 inches. A female of the same size type will usually be between 21 and 23 inches in height. Both males and females tend to weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Both male and female medium-sized Labradoodles weigh between 30 and 45 pounds. Be aware that no matter what size Labradoodle you have, there may be quite a bit of variation. Additionally, Labradoodle breeders and owners notice how much difference there can be in Labradoodle faces. In some cases, the faces of two Labradoodles can be strikingly different, even if they are different breeds. With all these realities, it would be impossible for the AKC to accept and treat the Labradoodle as a purebred dog. For one thing, what standards would they use for judging the dog and evaluating its quality? There are many different kinds of Labradoodle, and their value and quality depend on how they suit and please their human companions. What are Purebred Dogs? A mixed breed Labradoodle sits on a couch next to a purebred Pomeranian. There are onerous requirements that must be satisfied in order for a dog to be considered purebred and registered with the AKC. Its father also known as the sire and mother also known as the dam must both be recognized as purebred dogs by the AKC. They must also be the same breed. So, for example, a purebred Poodle must have a purebred mother dam and father sire. To be registered with the AKC, the father and mother will also need confirmed family trees also known as pedigrees. This must be documented in detail, with nothing missing. Purebred dogs are valued for how they offer predictable characteristics. For example, the purchaser of a purebred dog can be assured that the dog will have specific physical attributes and the breed-appropriate temperament. The American Kennel Club is essential for maintaining purebred dog breed lines. Owners of purebred dogs will also find the Find a Groomer section useful. This organization has branches all over the country, and these focus on a variety of different things. There are training clubs, performance clubs, national clubs for each breed, confirmation clubs, agility clubs, and obedience clubs. In fact, this program is open to every mixed-breed dog. There are numerous advantages to taking part in this program. There are obedience and agility events, as well as the AKC Rally. Your Labradoodle will have to be neutered or spayed when it becomes an adult if you want to register it in the AKC Canine Partners Program. There are surprisingly large numbers of mixed-breed dogs, including Labradoodles, waiting to be rehomed in shelters. We should limit breeding as much as possible in most circumstances. A spayed or neutered purebred dog can still be registered, though. A proud French Bulldog Mom watches over her puppies! Should You Buy a Labradoodle? After all, puppies in this designer breed can be expensive. If you have your heart set on a purebred dog with completely predictable characteristics that you can register with the AKC, get that kind of dog. Do your research and find the breed that best suits you. If, however, you want a loving family dog that is wildly popular for a reason, the Labradoodle may be the perfect pooch for you. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. With its friendly nature, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat, the Labradoodle has won the hearts of dog lovers and families alike. But how did this charming and sought-after breed come to be? In this article, we will embark on a journey through the fascinating history of the Labradoodle, tracing its origins, development, and rise to fame as a cherished and adored canine companion. The concept of crossing two purebred dog breeds to create offspring with desirable traits and characteristics gained momentum among breeders and dog enthusiasts. The primary goal was to combine the best qualities of both parent breeds, such as the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle and the friendly and outgoing nature of the Labrador Retriever. Conron sought to create a dog that had the intelligence and trainability of a guide dog and the hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle. To achieve this, Conron crossed a Standard Poodle with a Labrador Retriever, and the first Labradoodle litter was born. The result was a mix of traits from both parent breeds, including the desirable hypoallergenic coat. One of the puppies from this litter, named Sultan, became the world's first official Labradoodle guide dog, successfully meeting the needs of the visually-impaired woman and her husband with allergies. As word spread about this remarkable crossbreed, demand for Labradoodles grew, and breeders in Australia and beyond began to intentionally cross Labrador Retrievers with Poodles to create Labradoodles with consistent traits. The only Labradoodle registry in the world you can register your Labradoodle puppy or litter. Standard Labradoodles: Resulting from the cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever, these dogs typically weigh between 50 to 80 pounds and stand around 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. Miniature Labradoodles: Created by crossing a Miniature Poodle with a Labrador Retriever, Miniature Labradoodles weigh between 15 to 35 pounds and stand approximately 14 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder. Medium Labradoodles weigh between 30 to 45 pounds and stand around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder. They weigh between 10 to 20 pounds and stand around 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. Labradoodles as Service Dogs: The Labradoodle's intelligence, trainability, and hypoallergenic qualities make them excellent candidates for service work, including guide dogs for the visually impaired, therapy dogs, and assistance dogs for individuals with disabilities. Their gentle nature and ability to connect with people on an emotional level have made them valued companions for those in need of support and assistance. To ensure the health and well-being of Labradoodles, potential owners are encouraged to research and choose reputable breeders. Responsible breeders prioritize the health, temperament, and genetics of their dogs, conducting thorough health screenings and genetic testing to reduce the risk of hereditary health issues. From its humble beginnings as a guide dog for a visually-impaired woman to its status as a cherished and beloved companion worldwide, the Labradoodle's legacy continues to be written by responsible breeders and devoted families. With proper care, love, and responsible ownership, the Labradoodle will undoubtedly continue to brighten the lives of families and individuals, exemplifying the cherished bond between humans and their beloved canine companions. Silver Tan The coat types of Mini Labradoodles can come in 3 varieties. If they inherited it from their Labrador parent, their fur is shaggy or wavy. Those with Mini Poodle coats have curly locks. Rarely Miniature Labradoodle pups have straight hair. Miniature Labradoodles are great for pet owners with allergies. No dog breed is truly nonshedding and hypoallergenic. However, some Mini Labradoodles have less likelihood of triggering allergic reactions due to their coat type. Curly-haired Miniature Labradoodle puppies have low-shedding coats. Hence, allergic dog owners have a low chance of encountering this allergen at home. The same goes for straight-haired Miniature Labradoodles. The Miniature Labradoodle does not make a good guard dog. Do Mini Labradoodles bark a lot? Mini Labradoodles are moderate barkers. They will alert you when a guest or stranger shows up on your doorstep. However, do not expect them to ward off intruders effectively. Their barks are more intended to invite people to play with them. Protectiveness is not a prevalent characteristic in the breed. Miniature Labradoodles are outgoing and sociable family pets. They will make friends with everyone, even unknown individuals. These big-hearted canines are more suited as therapy or service dogs. However, as dogs have different personalities, a fair few Mini Labradoodles exhibit ideal guard dog traits. They can be trained to fit this type of canine work. The Miniature Labradoodle lives an active lifestyle. Miniature Labradoodles may be the smaller-sized version of Standard Labradoodles, but their energy levels are nearly similar. Much like their larger counterparts, this miniature breed requires ample amounts of exercise. The Mini Labradoodle should have at least an hour of exercise daily. You can divide it into 2 minute sessions to avoid over-exhausting your pooch. His exercise must thoroughly engage him both physically and mentally. Go for activities like hide and seek and obstacle courses. Allow him to run off-lead in your back garden too, if you have one. Miniature Labradoodles are wonderful family dogs for people who love the great outdoors. They will happily accompany their loved ones on hiking trips and other adventures. Miniature Labradoodles can live long lives. How long do Miniature Labradoodles live? Miniature Labradoodles can live for up to 10—14 years. Small dogs tend to live longer than large breeds. So this designer breed has a high chance of outliving their Labrador Retriever parents, which typically have a life expectancy of 10—12 years. Speaking of Labrador lifespan , chocolate or brown Labs have shorter longevity than other breed colors. They only live for about .Having a brown or chocolate coat could have the same impact on the life expectancy of Miniature Labradoodles. The Mini Labradoodle can inherit certain health issues. What problems do Mini Labradoodles have? Mixed-breed dogs are hardier than purebred canines. However, they are still vulnerable to hereditary diseases. This is true for Miniature Labradoodles. Some of the health problems they may acquire from their parent breeds are: This skeletal issue is a result of a deformity in the hip joint. Dogs with this illness experience an abnormal gait, stiff hind limbs, and muscle wasting. Hip dysplasia can be treated in various ways, including joint supplementation, physical therapy, exercise restrictions, and surgery. Since there is no cure for this condition, all pet owners can do is provide a safe environment for affected dogs. Avoid rearranging your furniture to prevent canines from accidentally bumping into them. You must also restrict access to dangerous parts of the house, such as stairs, balconies, and swimming pools. Patellar Luxation This is an orthopedic problem induced by abnormalities of the hindlimb. Without proper medical care, patellar luxation can cause lameness and early onset of osteoarthritis. Treatment for this health issue ranges from weight management and medical therapy to surgery. Trustworthy breeders always do health tests on their breeding stock. Doing so ensures the parent breeds are unlikely to pass on any hereditary disease to their offspring. Mini Labradoodles are fairly expensive mixed-breed dogs. How much does a Miniature Labradoodle cost? Remember that price does not determine the quality of a pooch. Many dog scammers sell poorly bred puppies at a high price. For this reason, acquire your Miniature Labradoodle puppy from a trustworthy breeder. Do not hesitate to ask them questions, as it will help you gauge their knowledge about the breed. Dedicated breeders are more than willing to provide information about the dogs they produce. Individuals who fail to offer straightforward and clear answers are a big red flag. Look for your potential furry pal in animal shelters and rehoming organisations too. You might be able to provide a forever home to an abandoned Miniature Labradoodle from these facilities. By cataloging helpful information about the breed and offering networking services to breeders and owners, we promote responsible dog companionship and strive to make a positive difference in the Australian Labradoodle community. All purebred dogs began by crossbreeding dogs of two or more different breeds to achieve desirable traits. Dogs displaying those traits were bred to each other to continue the breed development. This has been going on for hundreds of years. The development of the Australian Labradoodle is no different. Forward thinking breeders in Australia began breeding these labradoodles to a number of other dog breeds in an effort to produce litters with consistent conformation, coat type, and temperament. Most often the English Cocker Spaniel and American Cocker Spaniel were the breeds used with the labradoodle, however, it is reported that a few other dog breeds were also introduced into certain early lines. It is the combination of all these breeds that make up what we call the Australian Labradoodle today. The Australian Labradoodle is a purpose bred dog, with its beginnings as a service dog. Today it is also sought out as a family companion especially for those who suffer from allergies or prefer its non-shedding qualities. Here in the USA, the Australian Labradoodle Association of America ALAA has been monitoring the development of this breed by maintaining a database of pedigrees and health testing of registered dogs for almost twenty years. While the Australian Labradoodle is not considered an AKC recognized breed, we do have a breed standard that conscientious breeders work towards. We have elected to keep our stud books open which means we allow for the development of new lines using registered Labradors, Poodles and Cocker Spaniels in an effort to expand our gene pool and keep inbreeding to a minimum. These new lines are then bred into existing lines that date back to the founding dogs from Australia. This of course is an option for breeders and there are many who are only working with descendants of the dogs from Australia while others have dogs that are a combination of old and new lines. It is our breed standard and our pedigree database that dictates the breed development and breeders choose pairings to improve temperament, coat and structure working within the guidelines set out by the ALAA. The ALAA has made extensive efforts to track and verify the pedigrees of our registered dogs, therefore, an ALAA verified pedigree is the only true identifier of an Australian Labradoodle. Find an Australian Labradoodle. February 20, Labradoodles are a mixed breed, which means that they are not AKC registered. The AKC only registers purebred dogs that follow the proper registration procedure. Labradoodles would not fall into this category. Therefore, they are not considered purebred and cannot be registered with the AKC. There are a few that take Labradoodles and register them. Many people seem to think that registering a dog provides more allowances than it does. To register a dog at the AKC, all you have to do is claim that both their parents are two dogs that are already registered under that breed. For instance, puppy mills may often have two dogs of the same breed in their facility. But, if both parents are AKC registered, they could very well claim any puppy they breed belongs to that breed simply by listing those two dogs as their parents. They could be completely unhealthy, and without any of the health testing that good breeders do. None of that matters. The only thing that matters is their family tree. In fact, there are many dogs out there that are registered to the AKC and rife with health problems. Just look at any Pug. Health checks are not performed for registration purposes. Do Labradoodles Have Pedigrees? While Labradoodles do not have registration papers, Labradoodles do still have a pedigree. One of the most important benefits of a pedigree is that it will let you know whether or not the puppy is inbred. Sadly, this occurs quite often with purebred dogs. In fact, that is how they make purebred dogs — by breeding a small group of dogs with similar traits together. Because Labradoodles are a mixed breed, this is less of a problem. Too much inbreeding can lead to serious health problems — and even temperament problems in some cases. Inbreeding is the main cause of many canine health problems. For the most part, this is mostly for those that are planning on breeding the dog, as it helps them avoid further inbreeding. Is a Labradoodle a Purebred? Labradoodles are a mix between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. There are different generations of Labradoodles, though. Puppies that are the result of breeding a Labrador Retriever and Poodle together directly are first-generation Labradoodles. However, if you breed two first-generation Labradoodles together, you end up with a second-generation Labradoodle. For the most part, there is little reason to focus heavily on the exact generation of Labradoodle your prospective puppy belongs to. There are other things that are far more important like health and temperament. However, later generations are more likely to exhibit all the common Labradoodle traits, while the first-generation puppies can technically inherit any trait from any parent. With that said, no matter how many generations you get, a Labradoodle is not counted as a purebred dog by any kennel club. While there is some chance that these dogs will develop into purebred in the future when dogs mostly come from later generations , that is not the case today. There is some confusion over what exactly a purebred dog is and what it means to own a purebred dog. Many people claim that purebred dogs are automatically better than mixed breeds. Purebred dogs are created when a group of dogs with certain traits is continuously bred together. Typically, this involves some level of inbreeding. Most purebred dogs were bred once upon a time for work of some sort. Therefore, these dogs usually have some level of working behaviors that can be difficult to handle for some people. For instance, purebred dogs that were bred to chase will chase — even if they have never been hunting in their life. Herding dogs will try to herd just about anything that moves. These dogs have innate instincts that just are. Furthermore, because most purebred dogs were inbred at some point, they are also more prone to health issues. After all, the negative health traits get concentrated when all of these dogs are bred together over and over again. In the end, it is sometimes impossible to find certain breeds without health problems, as it is sometimes built into their genetics just take a look at Pugs, for instance. However, purebred dogs do have very specific traits. This can be both a good thing and a bad thing. A Golden Retriever is always going to shed. Mixed breeds? Not so much. These dogs can technically inherit any trait from any parent. Therefore, mixed breeds can act like either parent and have any mixture of traits between them. You may not end up with a dog that sheds much, or your canine may shed a lot. Genetics are not set in stone, and we do not understand all of them thoroughly. Furthermore, these dogs are more likely to end up as pets since they would not be eligible for breeding. Therefore, those looking for companion animals are more likely to end up with dogs that differ a bit from the norm. Of course, for mixed breeds, there is no norm. Labradoodles may usually inherit certain traits, but that is far from certain. They can have several coat types, for instance. In reality, they are all quite different. In other words, purebred dogs have set traits. A Husky is a Husky is a Husky. However, you are giving up a bit for this predictability. For one, the dog is likely to have some sort of instincts that can be difficult to handle as a companion animal. Furthermore, they are more likely to have health problems since they are often produced through inbreeding. There are some advertisements online for registered Labradoodles. While most people assume that this means AKC registered Labradoodles, this typically is not the case in the least. Instead, they are usually registered through a different kennel club. There are quite a few different kennel clubs out there that will register mixed breed dogs. However, these agencies typically do not have very strict standards. The breeder usually simply requests that the dog be registered as a particular mixed breed, and then the kennel club registers the dog. Usually, they do not require any proof that the dog belongs to that specific mixed breed. Choosing a Labradoodle Breeder While an AKC registration is not something you should expect from a Labradoodle breeder , there are several other factors that you should look for. The large majority of breeders are not professionals. Instead, they simply breed two dogs together and then attempt to trade the puppies for money. Many of these breedings are accidents. When looking for a Labradoodle, you should look for a breeder that is knowledgeable and responsible. But, how do you determine this? Look for these basic factors: Both parents have a stable temperament. They should be friendly and polite. Nervous parents produce nervous puppies. Under no circumstances should the Labradoodle parents have a bite history or show any signs of aggression. Both parents are trained and taken care of. The puppies should stay with the mother for at least seven weeks. If the breeder is trying to sell puppies younger than that, you should be cautious about proceeding. The parents should have been tested for common health conditions. Many people skip this step with Labradoodles because they are a mixed breed, but it is still absolutely necessary. The parent dogs should be obviously healthy. Their coat and skin should be clean and soft. Their hair should be well-brushed. Ask the breeder to show you their teeth to ensure that they are white and strong. Bad teeth can be inherited. The breeder should preferably have already gotten the puppy their first shots before they are sent home. Most breeders will also take the puppies for at least one checkup. However, many breeders register them with other kennel clubs. A registered Labradoodle is not necessarily better than an unregistered one; it just means that the breeder paid extra money for a piece of paper. Health certificates and health tests that were run by vets are often more telling. For instance, always meet the parents if possible. They should be happy and healthy. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. 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.

German Shepherds of all ages are typically heavy year-round shedders. The reason for their noticeable increase in shedding is that this is when they start to grow in a new adult coat. For this to happen, their baby fur has to go. Yet, unlike other breeds where they shed their hair all at once. It happens gradually over the course of a week or two. It then gets replaced with a new, coarser, denser coat. Keep reading to learn more about when these adorable puppies and their coats. Losing the Puppy Coat At Birth German Shepherd puppies are born with a dense, fluffy coat that keeps them warm and snug. It was also thick enough to keep him protected from bumps and falls. That soft, but highly dense, coat helps reduce their risk of injury. You probably know by now that German Shepherds are big shedders anyway. Although, during that time, there will be a distinct increase in shedding. GSDs have a medium-length coat that consists of two layers: an undercoat and an outer coat. The undercoat is the one closest to their skin. This fuzzy layer is thick with fluffy hairs that are relatively short, measuring less than two inches on average. It serves one primary purpose: to keep the dog comfy and cozy all winter long. Then, you have the outer top coat. It comes in three different lengths: short, medium, and long. Even though GSDs shed non-stop all year long, there are two times during the year when their shedding becomes excessive. They do this again in the fall to make room for a new, thicker coat to grow in preparation for winter. This ability to adapt is one of the reasons why GSDs are great at functioning in all kinds of various weather conditions. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. That said, they still do a lot of shedding, and their fur is just as susceptible to getting tangled and matted up. Thus, the best type of grooming brushes for this short-haired breed is pin brushes. It helps remove tangles and dirt. They also work to eliminate pests, such as fleas and ticks. Slicker brushes work best with dogs that have wiry hair. They have short, thin wires placed close together on a flat surface designed to effectively remove mats, dirt, and pests. Those with hair on the longish side will also benefit from an undercoat rake. Long-Haired To keep their coats slick, shiny, and tangle-free, long-haired GSDs do well with an undercoat rake. As the name suggests, this grooming tool has many tiny, curved, sharp blades placed close together. It also helps break up mats and remove loose hairs. Dogs with a long outer coat will also need a slicker brush to ensure their fur is clean, knot-free, and shinier than ever. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. This is especially important because GSDs are such people lovers. So, being the friendly, fun-loving dog that he is, grooming becomes a special way for the two of you to spend quality time together. Check out more emotional benefits grooming has on your German Shepherd: Increases the special bond you have with your furry four-legged friend It makes your pooch calmer and more relaxed The positive reinforcement dogs get during grooming makes them more confident Fosters positive behavior Paul S. Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament. You may start worrying whether everything is OK with your pet and what you can do to diminish this shedding. If you are still looking for appropriate solutions, this article is right for you. The truth is that your doggy is a heavy shedder, and it is a natural process. You cannot stop it completely because these dogs shed all year round, especially in spring and autumn when they blow the fur. This process helps the animal to renew the coat, making it more sustainable to changing temperatures and weather conditions. It also helps avoid tangling and looking dull and unhealthy. However, you can control this process and even reduce it to some extent with proper grooming. In addition, you can ensure that your dog is healthy and properly cared for. If you notice excess shedding, and the skin gets dandruff or becomes immensely dry, it may be a sign of health problems. Changing the grooming schedule is only the first step. If the condition does not improve, you should talk to your vet. All animals shed seasonally, and all dogs do it. Most GSDs are double-coated. These two layers are different and serve different purposes. To function properly, they need to change in various intensities. The outer coat is a top layer. The hairs are thick here, and they protect your dog against dirt, ticks, and fleas. This layer sheds every day. The inner layer consists of soft fur of medium length. Its purpose is to keep the dog resistant to moisture and cold. This layer sheds in spring and autumn. The dog throws down the fur at once to get it ready for the change of seasons. It lasts for several days up to two weeks. Your worries may concern the excessive shedding and the overall state of your furniture and belongings that are difficult to clean off all this fur. Natural shedding is inherent to German Shepherds. Though, when it becomes excessive, you may start thinking about what is wrong with your pup. Poor diets, stress, allergies, and dehydration are the most common causes of excessive shedding. So, you need to be careful about the following signs that your dog is suffering from some disorders: wounds and hot spots on the skin; skin dryness; shedding in patches of fur or some patches are already missing; redness and inflammation; too much scratching and shaking; bumps and irritations on the skin surface. Is It Beneficial to Reduce Shedding? If your German Shepherd sheds a lot, it can become an entire disaster. Grooming can reduce the amount of hair scattered around your home. Moreover, spending time with your pet while brushing and grooming can help establish much closer bonds. You can also check the skin condition of your pup and make sure that it does not have bumps, parasites, scratches, sores, dandruff, hot spots, or dryness. The result is a happy dog and a clean home environment. So, taking care of shedding is pretty beneficial. Easy Shedding Solutions These solutions are natural and easy to employ, no matter a specific German Shepherd shedding schedule. Though, they can reduce the amount of dog hair around your house sufficiently. Picking Out a Proper Diet A healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals can reduce excessive shedding. GSDs can also suffer from allergies and dry skin. It is a result of a poorly balanced diet. Such a diet does not support the immune system, which is also responsible for skin health. Avoid food whose ingredient is a meat by-product. Meat should be the main ingredient because dogs digest and absorb it easily. Quality food should as well contain useful nutrients and minerals to keep the skin healthy. Good Hydration Dehydration can result in dry skin and excess German Shepherd shedding. Your dog needs continuous access to fresh drinking water. Ensure that your pet always drinks enough water. When the skin is well-hydrated, shedding reduces. If the water intake is inadequate, your animal may suffer from skin irritations, weakening of hair follicles, steady itching, and hair falling out. So, how much water does your German Shepherd need? However, this amount can differ if your dog has been playing in the backyard and is thirsty. Let it drink as much as it wants. You can give your pup either filtered or tap water. Both options are good as long as the water is clean and fresh. Add wet food to the kibble if you feel that the animal needs it. When you are on a walk, take a travel bottle with you to provide hydration when on the go. Frequent and Thorough Brushing Brushing is a great German Shepherd shedding solution when you need to remove loose hair. It also helps distribute skin oil all over the coat. The excess hair is collected on the brush, but not on your belongings. You can use a rake brush for a better effect. It is a tool that is meant to remove undercoats. There are some parts of the coat that need more thorough attention. They are around the neck, behind the ears , on the back of the legs, the tail, and the guard hairs on the underside. The fur is thicker there, so shedding is more intensive on these spots. You need to often brush your doggy. If it is a German Shepherd shedding season, you will have to do it every day. At other times, twice a week is enough. You can do it more often if you have time, of course. Your dog needs to enjoy grooming, so the hair removal sessions should be short and positive — not more than 10 minutes each time. It is better if you brush your dog outside while on a walk. You can save the time needed for brushing the carpets and sofas afterward when you try to do it inside. Anyway, daily brushing is more effective, but it always depends on the amount of hair your dog loses. Bathing and Washing You can decrease shedding by bathing your pet. Use de-shedding shampoos and conditioners. They include hydrating ingredients and moisturizers for strengthening hair follicles. These means also prevent scratching, hot spots, and skin irritation. De-shedding products also help remove excess and dead hair. There are also shampoos and conditioners that prevent hair loss. The formula is soap-free, effective for fleas and ticks, and does not include chemical dyes and parabens. It is crucial for dogs with sensitive skin. You need to thoroughly brush your pet after bathing when the coat has dried. Brushing before the bath is also very effective for removing dirt and loose hair and better results of anti-shedding products application. Wipe and dry the pup with the towel until its coat is entirely dry. Fleas and Ticks and Their Control If you have noticed that your doggy is continuously scratching, ensure that it does not have ticks, fleas, or other pests. Scratching can cause excess shedding. So, a dog that is free from parasites can avoid irritations, dandruff, and hair loss. Talk to your vet if you have detected fleas on your dog. They will recommend you a safe treatment to protect your pet from FAD flea allergy dermatitis. Flea bites can cause severe skin inflammation that is difficult to deal with. It can last for a very long time, causing skin problems and excess shedding. Contact your vet immediately if you spot scabs or balding areas. What Is a De-Shedding Spray? A de-shedding spray works perfectly in this case. Moisturized hair does not get loose. Such a spray will also prevent scratching that increases hair fall. When you combine a de-shedding spray and a rake brush, you will see the results very soon. Use the spray with effective natural skin oils, for example, coconut or jojoba, to enhance the effect and make the skin healthier. What Is a Stress-Reducing Massage? Anxious German Shepherds may lose much more hair than relaxed ones. So, a stress-reducing massage is a great option to reduce stress in your pet. Take your dog to a quiet place in your home and sit on the floor next to it. Stroke the animal lightly from head to tail. The procedure should not last more than 15 minutes every day. It is also a great chance to set close bonds with your pet. In addition, you will benefit from it too because massaging your dog can lower your blood pressure. You can also examine your German Shepherd for possible health concerns, such as bumps, sores, or unwanted odors. You can use grooming gloves for massaging your dog too. They have rubber stripes on the fingers and palms to increase the effect of the massage. They also work as efficient de-shedders because the excess hair will stick to them and get removed. Shed-Control Supplements Do not give your dog any supplements unless they are prescribed or recommended by your veterinarian. However, if German Shepherd shedding is a severe problem, your vet can offer your dog specially formulated anti-shedding add-ons. Their formula contains a lot of nutrients meant specifically for coat and skin health. Your pet needs to take such supplements for weeks, and you will see excellent results. Your pup will like their taste and be happy to get rid of itching and skin inflammations. Such add-ons also contain zinc, which is important for strengthening the immune system. They are fully natural because you should avoid giving chemicals of any kind to your animal. Is Fish Oil Helpful? It contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Some natural supplements can also contain these acids, for example, flaxseed oil. It can also be blended with hemp oil for a better effect. Yes, German Shepherd dogs are a breed that sheds a lot—shedding increases in spring and autumn when the animals blow their undercoat to comply with the change of seasons. Why do German Shepherds shed so much? German Shepherds shed because they need to renew their coats continuously and protect their skin against temperature and weather conditions changes, environmental factors, and parasites. Do German Shepherds shed all year? Yes, these dogs shed all year round with different intensities. They change their upper coat every day by some parts, and their undercoat needs seasonal changing in spring and autumn. At what age do German Shepherds start shedding? At the age of months, GSDs change their puppy coats into adult ones. You do not need to worry much. German Shepherd shedding at this age is natural, and your adult dog will continue with it throughout life. What months do German Shepherds shed the most? The most intense shedding occurs at the end of February — the beginning of March and at the end of August and at the beginning of September. This process is seasonal, and your dog prepares for summer and winter in this way. How long does German Shepherd shedding last? Shedding of the undercoat, which is also called blowing the coat, can last for several days, one, or even two weeks. The top layer of the coat sheds every day. Final Thoughts Thus, there are many factors that can influence your German Shepherd shedding. The well-established brushing and grooming routine can decrease shedding, of course. However, if you notice that your pet has become apathetic and demonstrates some signs of a disorder, talk to your vet immediately because it may be ill or may not receive a well-balanced diet. Your veterinarian can prescribe some medications that help regain the coat and skin health. Remember that it is impossible to eliminate shedding completely because it is a natural process for your doggy. Though, we hope that the tips provided in this article will help you reduce it and feel happy with easier cleaning of your home. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Tail between legs Destructive Behavior Discovering and removing the source of stress may improve their overall mental health and reduce shedding. Stress can be related to many different events: loud noises, over-stimulation, unfamiliar places, introduction of new pets or people into your home. It could also be internal, such as pain or illness. Neutered or Pregnancy Testosterone and other hormones can be partly responsible for keeping hair follicles strong and healthy. Major changes in hormones can cause changes in skin elasticity and hair follicles, resulting in major shedding for several months. Being neutered or spayed will have a major effect on the coat for up to a year. Likewise, pregnancy or false pregnancy can have a similar effect. Coats generally return to their normal state over several months. Losing The Puppy Coat When your Shepherd was born they began life with a thick, fluffy coat to keep them warm and protected. At about 4 to 6 months of age they'll begin to grow in their new adult coat, and so all that puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you'll notice a sudden increase in shedding, but not to worry, it's a normal part of growing up. If you suspect your dog has fleas, then first do a proper inspection. Call your vet or groomer before visiting so they can properly prepare the facility, otherwise they may spread to other dogs. Treat fleas and ticks with specialized flea shampoos or insecticides from your vet or pet store. Your home will need to be treated as well, anywhere your dog sleeps bedding, furniture, blankets must be go through the laundry or properly cleaned. Well, as it turns out this is my specialty and what I do for a living. And while there is no way to completely stop shedding, there is ways to massively reduce it. Brush Everyday Seems simple enough, but it's a daily routine that will have the biggest impact. The problem is most owners aren't brushing deep enough to loosen up all that undercoat - for that we'll need some brushes or combs to get down deep. Here's a quick explanation and how to get the most hair out.Meaning there is two layers of coat: the surface coat or guard coat , and a thicker under-layer called the undercoat - and it's the undercoat that is responsible for most of the hair around your home or car. As a groomer I use a few different techniques for deshedding your dog: The best bang for your buck is the amazing Undercoat Rake - it's simply a soft-pinned comb that effectively loosens up all that undercoat hair hence the name. We'll also use deshedding shampoos and treatments. And finally, a high velocity dryer to literally blow the remaining coat off. This usually leaves your dog shed-free for at least a few weeks. Bathing with Deshedding Treatment Ideally, bathe your dog once every 6 - 10 weeks. Bathing will remove a lot of loose and dead hair, along with keeping their coat smelling great. But we can take it one step further by applying deshedding shampoos and conditioners that slick hair down and allow for easier removal. Simply bathe your dog like you normally would, but apply a deshedding treatment and allow it work it's magic for 5 minutes before rinsing. Blowing Out Their Coat with a High Velocity Dryer Many professional dog groomers have a secret weapon to completely deshed and dry your dog quickly. It's the high velocity dryer, and it's amazing. Think of a Leaf-blower designed to blow dog hair out. It's perfectly safe and extremely effective! And during peak shedding season it's absolutely worth it! Great example I found on YouTube, skip to to see how much hair this gets off! Please ensure you receive proper instruction on how to properly use a high velocity dryer on a dog to avoid any possible injuries. Do your homework and choose a high quality dog food which is best suited for your German Shepherd based on age, activity level, and any health concerns such as allergies. Talk to your vet about supplementing their food with omega fats or selecting the right dog food. Besides food, German Shepherds are active dogs that require daily exercise and mental stimulation, along with a stress-free environment. The Best Brush and Deshedding Tools For German Shepherds Running a grooming business I've dealt with my fair share of double-coated breeds, so here's a few of my favorite tools to deshed those fluffy dogs. It's a very simple tool that massively reduces shedding, and is much more effective than your typical brush. Also, dogs absolutely love the feeling! This particular one is amazing, and I have been using the same one for nearly 6 years. Cheap and super effective. PROS Soft blades for comfortable grooming. Very effective at getting out undercoat and reducing shedding. CONS Like most tools they'll rust if left wet, make sure to dry off if using on a wet dog. Puppies When choosing a companion dog, it is normal for coat color to be a major consideration. But how about the German Shepherd coat? Do German Shepherd puppies change color? This article will discuss German Shepherd puppy coat coloring and how that coloring changes over time. Yes, German Shepherd puppies change color as they develop into adulthood. Even after they completely shed their puppy coat and grow their permanent adult coat, you can still expect to see some subtle changes in color. Instead, it sheds and changes continuously from birth to around 6 months. Once your German Shepherd turns 7 months old, the changes to their coat color will be more subtle. Nevertheless, it will continue to transform until they become adults at around 2 years old. Puppies are single-coated and their fur is generally soft and fluffy. Over time, they will shed that coat and develop a double-coat composed of dense fur and coarse outer hairs. Thick, downy fur helps puppies regulate their temperature within their first few months of life. However, their needs will change as they develop into adults. In the spring, German Shepherds blow their undercoats in preparation for the warm summer months. They will again shed heavily in the fall to develop a thicker and possibly darker winter coat. However, their appearance will still change—possibly multiple times—until well into adulthood, which starts at around 2 years old. However, you may still notice some subtle changes in thickness as the seasons turn. The color might also change slightly due to various factors like diet and sun exposure. However, experienced breeders can often tell whether a puppy will be long-coated before they turn a month old. It is also common for some unique markings to appear or disappear at this time. Nevertheless, the change in appearance might still be significant between 7 and 18 months old. Their shade could become darker or lighter, and their coat pattern can show some slight changes as well. Changes could still occur as a result of diet, environmental exposure, or health issues. No matter what color you prefer, your German Shepherd will benefit from proper nutrition and supplements for dog coat growth. Liver These are all approved show-ring standard coat colors in case you want to show your GSD. But is there any way to know for sure what coat color your GSD puppy will have when they grow up? First-time German Shepherd owners are often very surprised to learn that a large breed dog like the German Shepherd can continue growing for 24 to 36 months. An adult German Shepherd dog may weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds and stand anywhere from 22 to 26 inches tall paw pad to shoulder. That is a lot of growth that needs to get done. For this reason, genetically speaking, it is advantageous for a large breed puppy to grow in spurts, spacing it out over time. Canine coat color experts explain that dogs have two basic pigments: eumelanin melanin and phaeomelanin. Eumelanin Eumelanin pigment always defaults to black. Eumelanin not only determines basic coat color but also controls for iris eye colors and nose colors. Phaeomelanin Phaeomelanin always defaults to red. Like eumelanin, the introduction of different genes can determine where on the red spectrum phaeomelanin expresses shows up. Unlike eumelanin, phaeomelanin only affects coat color and not eyes or nose. This is the chart many breeders use to design breeding programs to focus on certain coat colors. Each parent dog contributes a set of genes that control for color: coat color, eye iris color, and nose color as well as skin color. If you have a preference for a specific adult coat color, whether because you want to show your GSD or you are developing your breeding program, the best guarantee is to work closely with a knowledgeable breeder who understands coat color genetics. There is one exception to the coat color change to be aware of: often GSD puppies born with white coats will stay white. The coat is no exception here, as we mentioned in the introduction here. When your GSD puppy is born, all the puppies are typically but not always solid in color. The most common GSD puppy colors are black, grey, or — surprisingly — white. Kennels Von Lotta, a German Shepherd breeder, and kennel have posted this picture of a litter of newborn neonate German Shepherd puppies that were born black. Whelping to 2 weeks The puppies will start to show some differences in coat color and also coat length. By the day mark, breeders say it is often possible to tell if a GSD puppy is potentially going to grow up to have a long coat. As South Florida Shepherds kennel and breeder explains, the very same parent dogs can produce GSD puppies with very different adult coat colors. Because nearly all GSDs are displaying their permanent adult coloration by 18 to 24 months, continued changes or a sudden recurrence of color changes should always be investigated further. Now you know what to watch for as your little fluffy German Shepherd puppy starts to display their full and fabulous adult coat color and pattern.