golden retriever lab mix puppies for sale mn

We have answers. All you need to do is find one you love the look of, and then message their breeder for more information. We put plenty of time and effort into checking that the El Paso German Shepherd breeders that we partner with are the best. Leaving you more time to find that perfect pup! Are there any El Paso German Shepherd puppies for sale right now? Do you have the cheapest German Shepherds for sale El Paso? Looking for the cheapest puppies will often put you in contact with puppy mills or backyard breeders, who are more interested in turning a profit than raising happy, healthy puppies. We absolutely love shelter dogs, and they can make the most amazing pets. Whether or not you choose a shelter dog or a puppy from one of our partners is a decision that only you and your family can make. One of the first things we look at is their healthcare practices. We expect puppies to have regular checks, and you can ask for a copy of their records. When your new puppy arrives home, you should also take them to your own vet for a follow-up. Is it enough to walk German Shepherd puppies El Paso, or do they need more exercise? The German Shepherd breed is well-known for their intelligence and energy. All this will make sure your puppy stays active in both mind and body. Would a German Shepherd for sale El Paso make a good family pet? They also have a great sense of fun, so will be more than happy to spend plenty of time playing with everyone. What will a El Paso German Shepherd for sale be like to train? There are many German Shepherds all over the world who excel at being working dogs. This breed is intelligent, and picks up new commands very quickly. They also love the challenge of training sessions, so signing your new puppy up for some obedience classes is an excellent way to see exactly how smart they are. Adopt a Pet can help you find an adorable Schnauzer Giant near you. Chihuahua, Texas » El Paso. Having said that, he is still very much a puppy and puppies can be a hand full. Puppies ready for placement: June 19, 5 females. Join millions of people using Oodle to find unique used cars for sale, apartments for rent, jobs listings, merchandise, and other classifieds in your neighborhood. They will come with shots deworming vet checked and registration papers. Pomeranian For Sale in El Paso .They are month old and still being handfed. Find Dachshund puppies for sale. Pug For Sale in El Paso .Dogs for Sale in El Paso, Texas. Find your puppy for sale in El Paso, TX. Boxers for Sale in El Paso. Humane Society of El Paso. We have Hyacinth Macaw Babies for sale. Toy Poodle Puppies For Sale. Siberian Husky, Texas » El Paso. Established in as Valley Feed and Supply, Inc. Siberian Husky, Texas » Horizon City. Pure chihuahua puppies smavellia. Poodles for Sale in El Paso. Three male puppies for rehoming jacobsenchristina.Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Sweet little babies poodle available they are now weeks old and ready for their new homes. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Here, at Premier Pups, we specialize in raising happy and healthy Pug puppies. Schnauzers for Sale in El Paso. Medium and miniature Labradoodle puppies for sale El Paso are smaller, ranging from inches and pounds for medium, and inches and pounds for a mini. Pugs for adoption in the El Paso, Texas area come with a year health guarantee. Rottweilers for Sale in El Paso. Originally raised in Germany to help with hunting, the iconic Dachshund has short little legs and a long body, along with a strong personality. Rehoming 4 pure chihuahua puppies 8 weeks old. Female Husky pup for sale! Search for a Schnauzer Giant puppy or dog. Learn more 1, puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation Location Color. Pets for Sale in El Paso, Texas. Pets Barn Shop — Pet's Barn. Puppies are ready for forever homes in two weeks there is a 50 dollar holding fee if you. If you are unable to find your puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please. Full rights AKC registered with shots and deworming and vet checked. Learn more about how Purina and Petfinder are making a difference together. Chihuahua For Sale in El Paso .Their brains, size, and loyalty make them ideal police and service dogs, but they also make great friends. Now customers can shop online! Looking for a cute Pug puppy for adoption near El Paso, Texas? You've come to the right place. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets. More pics to come after her grooming! We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Raised around family kids dogs etc and given lots of attion to be well socialized birds. There, a fella with the fancy title of Lord Tweedmouth really! Schnauzer Giant puppies and dogs in El Paso, Texas. Beautiful dark sable female mini Pomeranian for sale El Paso Texas. Better known as the "wiener dog," Dachshunds are an unmistakable breed. Our beautiful Pugs are raised with the utmost care by our licensed and responsible. Maltese breeders El Paso once bred them in a wide range of colors, but today they are exclusively available with white coats of fur. Find great deals and sell your items for free. Dog Houses for sale in El Paso, Texas. Birds for Sale in El Paso. One female chocolate and white and one black and white male left. Maltese breeders El Paso once bred them in a wide range of colors, but today they are. Labrador Retrievers for Sale in El Paso. Both are very sweet and love attention. Very playful and a very curious pup She is very friendly and a good girl Shes around 2. El Paso, TX .Dachshund puppies for sale in El Paso, TX from trusted breeders. Up to date on shots and fully registered. Puppies for Sale in El Paso, Texas. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. For out-of-state customers, we have nationwide delivery options tailored to every need. They still enjoy outdoor time, but are perfect partners for hanging at home. The El Paso Labrador Retriever puppies for sale on our network are the descendants of the original Labrador Retrievers from Newfoundland. These hardworking and tough dogs. Premier Pups is committed to providing four-legged dog lovers with happy, healthy Yorkshire Terrier puppies for sale near El Paso, Texas. Puppies for Sale in El Paso, Texas. Maltese breeders El Paso once bred. They instantly became a huge hit, and everybody wanted one - a Golden Retriever and Poodle in one! These dogs have become more and more popular by the day, and flood goldendoodlesofinstagram with millions of posts! The Labrador El Paso puppies on Uptown have an easier life than that, thankfully! Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Boxer puppies for sale in El Paso, TX from trusted breeders. Poodles for Sale in El Paso. El Paso Find Boxer puppies for sale Near El Paso, TX Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Search for a Schnauzer Standard puppy or dog. Adorable purebred Poodle puppy available for sale. Tibetan Terrier puppies and dogs in El Paso, Texas. The adorable French Bulldog puppies for sale El Paso you'll find here at Uptown are sweet yet sassy little pups who will never fail to make you smile. I bought this dog for my son but hes too rough for the pup. El Paso Goldendoodle puppies for sale were first bred a few decades ago in the s in America. French Bulldog Puppies For Sale in .Bulldog puppies for sale in El Paso, TX from trusted breeders. Poodle puppies Available. Learn more puppies available certified breeders Transportation Location. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Plott Hound puppies in El Paso, Texas. There, a fella with the fancy title of Lord Tweedmouth. As a buyer, it is within your rights. For many dog-lovers, Maltipoos are downright perfect—and we're not one to argue with them! She is adorable and always eating. He's 2 years old and is in need o. Partnered with the nation's most trusted and reputable breeders, we aim to deliver the cutest, happiest, and finest Yorkies to our Premier family members. Search for a Tibetan Terrier puppy or dog. Click below to find a shelter or rescue in your area! Find an Animal Shelter. If you are unable to find your Chihuahua puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands. Adopt a Pet can help you find an adorable Schnauzer Standard near you. If you are unable to find your puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Dogs for Adoption. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Labrador Retrievers for Sale in El Paso. French Bulldog Puppies fluffy. Pug puppies for sale in El Paso, TX from trusted breeders. He is potty trained love to play with kids and other home pets. Keeshond Location Age Any Keeshond puppies and dogs in nearby cities. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter 3. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. They're highly trainable, intelligent, docile, and become. There are often many great Tibetan Terriers for adoption at local animal shelters or rescues. Intelligent, gentle and affectionate, these cuddly little teddy bears have been stealing hearts all. Rottweilers for Sale in El Paso. Browse these Plott Hound rescues and shelters below. Our Frenchies are cared for by passionate Puppy Agents from the moment. They're highly trainable, intelligent, docile, and become extremely bonded to their human companions. I am looking for there forever home The puppies are now weeks old eati more Over 4 weeks ago on Advertigo. These loyal, trusting, obedient and affectionate pooches embody all the values we look for in a companion and lifelong friend. El Paso Times Classifieds Listings. Sweet little babies poodle available they are now weeks old and ready for their new homes. Medium and miniature Labradoodle puppies for sale El Paso are smaller, ranging from inches and pounds for medium, and inches and pounds for a mini. Intelligent, gentle and affectionate, these cuddly little teddy bears have been stealing hearts all across the country. There is only one breed of Maltese for sale in El Paso and it belongs to the bichon canine family - meaning it's small and incredibly adorable. If you are unable to find your Rottweiler puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider. Once the companions of Chinese royalty, their distinct faces are complemented by sweet demeanors. German Shepherds for Sale in El Paso. Maltese breeders El Paso once bred them in a wide range of colors, but today they are exclusively available with white coats of fur. Up to date on shots and fully registered. Plott Hound puppies and dogs in El Paso, Texas. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. There, a fella with the fancy title of Lord Tweedmouth really! These hardworking and tough dogs were used on fishing boats to retrieve lost nets or fish. Here are a few organizations closest to you:. Boxers for Sale in El Paso. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for good reason. Keeshond puppies and dogs in El Paso, Texas. Find your puppy for sale in El Paso, TX. Schnauzer Standard puppies and dogs in El Paso, Texas. Follow on FB for pics and more. Maltese puppies for sale in El Paso, TX from trusted breeders. Despite her young age, Rene has already been through a lot, having been surrendered along with her sister when their previous owner p… more 1 week ago on Adopt-a-Pet. Despite her young age, Rene has already been through. Chihuahuas for Sale in El Paso. Their huge upright ears, wrinkly little noses and top-heavy bodies means a Frenchie can never be. Photos and contact info on Advertigo website. Receive an email alert when additional puppies are added. Find puppies for sale and adoption, dogs for sale and adoption, yorkshire terriers, siberian husky puppies, bulldogs, german shepherds, labrador retrievers, beagles, golden retrievers, boxers, dachshunds, rottweilers and more on free claasifieds. Why buy a Labrador Retriever puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Great Pyrenees Puppies. Great Dane Puppies for Sale from El Paso, Texas Breeders Price can be an indication towards the quality of the puppies breed lines and the breeders reputation. These adorable dogs are available for adoption in El Paso, Texas. Rehoming Beautiful - Labradoodle Puppies!! Find and adopt a pet on Petfinder today. Corgis for Sale in El Paso. English bulldog puppies. He is potty trained love to play with kids and other home pets. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Will come with Shots dewormed and have registration papers. Why buy a Labrador Retriever puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of Labrador Retriever puppies in El Paso who need a home. Boston Terriers for Sale in El Paso. She is potty trained and vaccinated. Follow on FB for pics and more. He spent most of his first year in a crate with little socialization. Beautiful Puppies - Adorable!! Puppies for Sale in El Paso, Texas. Taking non refundable dollar deposit to hold until they are of age. Poodles for Sale in El Paso. Healthy All our puppies recieve our industry-leading year puppy health commitment. Search for dogs for adoption at shelters near El Paso, TX. If you are unable to find your puppy in our. Dachshund puppies for sale in El Paso, TX from trusted breeders …. Coton De Tulear. It's easy and free! Get Notified. El Paso Times Classifieds Listings. Comfy Our private travel network ensures your new pup arrives home healthy and safe. German Shepherd Dog Puppies for Sale. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details. So right now he really isn't sure about anything. If you are unable to find your puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Dogs for Adoption. This is the price you can expect to pay for the Great Dane breed without breeding rights. In need of kitten or puppies supplies. Dogs for Sale in El Paso, Texas. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. All New! Rehoming 4 pure chihuahua puppies 8 weeks old. El Paso, TX info hselpaso. Puppies for Sale in El Paso, Texas. Birds for Sale in El Paso. Pets Barn Shop — Pet's Barn. This group was made to look for lost pets or let people's know they have found a pet or you want and looking for a pet no pet sales allowed or you will be banned :. We have Hyacinth Macaw Babies for sale. Heandamp; 39;s as sweet as can be and loves nothi… more. Raised around family kids dogs etc and given lots of attion to be well socialized birds. Join millions of people using Oodle to find unique used cars for sale, apartments for rent, jobs listings, merchandise, and other classifieds in your neighborhood. Farmington Daily Times Domestic Pets. Puppies are ready for forever homes in two weeks there is a 50 dollar holding fee if you. Humane Society of El Paso. She is a beautiful girl, so happy, loves everyone. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. Page 2: Dogs for Sale in El Paso. Poodles for Sale in El Paso. Three male puppies for rehoming jacobsenchristina.Malteses for Sale in El Paso. Still, always be sure to schedule regular vet appointments to maintain. They are month old and still being handfed. Beagle For Sale in El Paso .Boxers for Sale in El Paso. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy. He is an adorable puppy who will be vaccinated and have a clean bill. Dogs in Alamogordo New Mexico. Exotic Animal Breeders in Texas. Rabbits for Sale in El Paso. Adopt — El Paso Animal Services. Follow on FB for pics and more. They just had too many dogs to take care of properly. Find your puppy for sale in El Paso, TX. He's grown and so has his fur! We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. At Uptown Puppies, we work tirelessly to ensure the perfect health of all Malteses for sale in El Paso. Introducing Farney, the lovable lap dog in a big dogandamp; 39;s body! This handsome 3-year-old pup weighs 52 pounds, but he thinks heandamp; 39;s a tiny lap dog. El Paso Times Classifieds Listings. They're highly trainable, intelligent, docile, and become extremely bonded to their human companions. Chihuahua For Sale in El Paso .Rottweilers for Sale in El Paso. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. Largest of the litter is a beautiful white great dane with black and grey spots. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. We rely on grants, adoption fees, private. Bobby Email: blackphase1 gmail. Isn't he adorable! During his foster care his foster mom has taken amazing pics of him. Labrador Retrievers for Sale in El Paso. Pets for Sale in El Paso, Texas. If you are unable to find your puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Dogs for Adoption. Pure chihuahua puppies smavellia. Chihuahua, Texas » El Paso. Loving and energetic family pet.

How often should you bathe a boxer puppy? Birth of the puppy - First cleaning After giving birth, the boxer mother licks her cubs thoroughly and places them neatly in her basket or bed. From that moment onward, when they urinate or defecate most likely the mother will groom them and lick their deposits - in the wild they do this to avoid being tracked by their smell and thereby confuse predators. Ideally, the pups remain for at least three months with their mother and it is her who teaches them about behavior and cleanliness; boxer dogs, despite their drool, are a particularly clean breed. First month of life Unfortunately, most puppies are separated prematurely from their parents, sometimes even as soon as 15 days old. This means that they do not learn as fast as they should, and they do not have the warmth of their parents, which hinders their whole learning process. For this reason, if your boxer puppy is under a month old you must avoid bathing it at all costs. As boxer puppies are so small, they will have difficulty regulating their temperature. If your boxer puppy has urinated or has dirtied themselves in any other way, you should use baby wipes. These are only slightly damp, and they will remind them of their mother's tongue. You can also use a very soft natural hair brush and brush them every two or three days. Two to three months old At this stage, the puppy begins to receive its vaccines. It is very important to note that you should not bathe your dog if it has been less than a week since they were vaccinated, or before doing so. Also this is when they learn a routine of urinating and defecating, and in order to avoid them getting dirty we recommend keeping track of the times they relieve themselves, which are usually after sleeping and eating. If you still think that wipes and brushes are not enough because your boxer puppy is fouling that much something which not should happen , you can start to think about giving them their first bath, but always keep to the timelines mentioned above before and after any vaccinations. As always, make sure you're properly following the recommended vaccination schedule for dogs. How to bathe a boxer puppy Before you do anything, check with your vet which is the best shampoo for your boxer puppy; their skin is too sensitive to use one for adult dogs. Follow these steps: Get a small plastic container. Find a warm and draft-free place in the house. Fill the container with warm water. Wash the pup and apply shampoo. Rinse off and take them out of the water. Dry thoroughly with a towel or even use a hairdryer at a low setting if it is still damp; a puppy cannot stay wet. Although the experience of bathing a boxer puppy is sweet and fun, you should not do it on a regular basis as puppies have natural fat in their skin that gives them some protection. For this reason, if you bathe them constantly you will eliminate the layer of protection, exposing it to the environment, diseases, allergies and sensitivity. Avoid washing your boxer puppy unless it is strictly necessary and leave a minimum of days between baths. But at the moment, they need your guidance. For now, this includes sleeping next to you for the first few weeks, maybe even longer. Just have their crate or bed close to wherever you sleep. Our articles on sleeping through the night and establishing a nighttime routine will give you extra tips on getting through this phase. A puzzle toy or Kong will work great at making them feel like you leaving them is actually something quite fun. Toilet training All new puppy parents expect toilet training to be on the cards. It will help to remember your Boxer pup is a bit of a goofball. For now, we definitely want to let your pup get used to you and settle into their new home. Teach your puppy about surfaces — Different surfaces can feel strange to pups. Use surfaces like grass, moss, paving and sand. Basically, make their tail wag and we bet yours will too. Teach your Boxer their name. Teach your Boxer puppy to sit. Remember what we said about Boxers and their jumping? Recall — Trust us. Preventing resource guarding Resource guarding is where your dog fiercely protects something they have and will do everything they can to keep hold of it. Dogs can resource guard food, a toy, even a person. You can do this by teaching them that hands and touch can be a good thing. As always, back up your soft touches with some treats. Remember that consent is also a thing with dogs! Never force your Boxer to be handled or pick them up against their wishes. Socialisation exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. Select Options How to treat your newborn Boxers during their first 8 weeks If you have a litter of a newborn Boxer puppies you should prepare to be close to them at least for 8 first weeks of their life. It is the crucial time when you have to be ready for any situation, as it is the time when the health of your puppy is shaped. Day 1 During this day mother-dog will feed her babies with Colostrum. This is a milky liquid that contains a lot of nutrients, providing the puppies with vital antibodies. This day can be called a " sleepy day", as the puppies will sleep almost all the time when not drinking. If the puppies' bodies are warm, they breathe naturally and make soft noises, they are full and fine. On the first day the puppies cannot eliminate waists from their organism themselves yet, so their mother will lick them to stimulate this process. Boxer puppies have their eyes still closed and it will stay this way for days. The umbilical cord still remains, as it is rather damp and not ready to fall off. Day 2 On this day your puppies can lose weight. Don't be afraid, it is absolutely normal. However, take care that the larger puppies don't push the weaker puppies off the nipple. Day 3 If you decided to dock your puppies' tails, it is the best day to do it. Consult with your vet and consider carefully your decision. It is also the day when the cord is dry enough to fall off. On this day you should remove the dewclaws, if you decided to do so. Remember, that it should be done only by your experienced veterinarian. Week 1 During this week you should weigh your puppy each day. Take a basket lined with a soft and clean towel and measure it first. Then put the puppy into the basket. Thus, you will be able to calculate accurate number. Each day your puppies must gain weight. If there is no increase, contact your vet immediately. The nails should be trimmed each day as they grow very quickly. Please, do it very carefully for not to hurt your dog. You must trim off only a small "hook" of the nail. Week 2 It is the time when your small Boxers begin to open their eyes. It is a slow process so be patient. The puppies still hold close to their mom, but they already make their attempts to communicate with you. Week 3 It is a "chatting time". Now the puppies should fully open their eyes. The ear canal is also should be fully formed so the small Boxers start hearing their voices and barking. Be ready that your little travelers will make an attempts to leave their place. Now they have everything to learn the world better! Although it is not desirable to allow them to run about the house as they can harm themselves. Connect one or more boxes together, thus, making a big "playing ground". This way, your puppies will have enough place to communicate and play with each other. And it will be a safe place! Week 4 On the 4th week you may start feeding your puppies with solid food. Make a mixture containing 14 of puppy dog food and 34 of water. Begin with small amounts. You should habituate your puppies to solid food gradually and slowly as their digestive system cannot accept it at once. You can also remove extra heating. The temperature in the room must be 72 F 23 C. Week 5 It is the time when you can give toys to your puppies. You still have to check their weight, but not necessarily each day. Normal weight should vary between 2 lbs. Gradually make the food more solid by adding more puppy dog food and less water. Mother-dog is tired and exhausted so she would like to spend less time with her children. It is a perfect time for your interaction with the puppies. They will be very happy to play with you. Week 6 On the 6th week you may introduce your puppies a new world. Be ready that your small Boxers will become more active and start eating a lot. However, it is still too early for training. It is better to involve them into outdoor walkings. Try to walk them separately and beware of other dogs. Your puppies will be really fascinated to feel the warmth of the sun and soft touch of the grass! Week 7 You Boxer puppies do not require nursing any more. It is a great time when they grew up enough to involve you in their quite active games. Outdoor walks must become a daily routine. You should also take mother-dog with you as well. She will start educating her children all necessary skills. This week is perfect to pass to the usual routine of dog feeding, grooming, exercise and playing. Week 8 During this week the puppies should have their first vaccinations. If you are not going to keep all the puppies, it is a good time to find a new home for them. Make sure that you give them to the kind and loving people, who will take care of their small Boxers. If you are going to keep all or some puppies, you can begin training them as well as falling back into your normal dog care schedule. Boxer Newborn Puppy Care Overview If you have had a litter of Boxer puppies at your home and you are in charge of taking care of a newborn Boxer puppy, much attention must be taken during the first 8 weeks. From the moment of birth until the pups are at least 2 months old, a person must be close by and ready for any situation. Each week will bring new changes and responsibilities. This is a crucial time for care that can shape the health of the dog for its lifetime. How to Know if a Boxer Puppy is Getting Enough Milk The amount of times that a newborn puppy drinks milk from its mother varies from pup to pup. The important aspect is to know if a puppy is receiving enough throughout the day. Sometimes larger newborns will push their way to Mama and smaller puppies may not be getting enough milk. Some puppies may not be strong enough to suckle from smaller nipples some will be larger than others or strong enough to suckle once other pups have done so, and as the milk supply runs lower a puppy needs to suckle harder. How do you know if a Boxer puppy is getting enough milk? It is important to weigh each puppy. This can be done with a baby scale or electronic kitchen scale. Of course, take great care when weighing them. Always use the same type of blanket or cushioning on the scale so that you always get an accurate weight and the blanket does not affect the weight Weigh each puppy 2 times per day: AM and PM Keep careful track of who is who! You can do this by using a dot of white-out fluid applied to the ear in a certain area or other gentle marking method If a puppy shows no weight gain each day, you must take steps to ensure that pup receives more nutrition If a newborn is not gaining weight: Give the larger puppies a supplement Allow the smaller puppy to drink first; the larger puppies will have more strength to suck harder to retrieve their milk If There is a Weight Loss: This can be extremely dangerous. During the first few days it will not be milk; it will be Colostrum. This is a highly nutritional fluid that gives vital antibodies to the puppy. The puppy will sleep almost all the time, when not drinking. The Boxer pup will also make soft noises. As long as the puppy's body is warm and you feel him or her breathing naturally, all should be fine. A puppy this young will not be able to eliminate on its own. The mother will lick the pup to stimulate the expulsion of bowel or urine. Do not be shocked if the dam then eats this. The newborn Boxer puppy will have its eyes closed. They will stay this way for about 10 to 15 days. The umbilical cord will still be damp and certainly not ready to fall off. Day 2 It is perfectly normal for a Boxer puppy to lose weight on its 2nd day of life. Carefully watch for any Boxer newborn that seems to be getting pushed out of the way by other pups and unable to drink from mom. If this is happening, remove the other puppies after they feed and allow the hungry puppy to nurse alone, not bothered by their brothers and sisters. Day 3 Talk to your veterinarian regarding docking the tail , if you have decided to do so. This is often done on day 3. This decision should be carefully thought about. In addition, the Boxer puppy's cord will be dry and just about ready to fall off. Dewclaws, if removed, are usually done so on this day by your dog's experienced veterinarian. Week 1 Puppies should be weighed each day. This can be done by preparing a small basket, lined with a soft and clean towel. The basket can be placed on the scale first, with the weight noted. Then, the puppy should be placed inside the basket. Subtract the weight of the basket to have the exact weight of your Boxer puppy. There should be an increase each day. If not, be sure to immediately contact your dog's veterinarian. Nails grow very quickly and should be trimmed as often as each day if needed. A clotting solution, such as Kwik Stop should be used in case the quick of the nail is cut by accident something to carefully avoid. As the pup matures, many owners find that a grinder tool works much better than a clipper. Some dogs need to learn to tolerate the noise, but once they do, grinding down nails can be fast and easy. Week 2 The eyes of the Boxer puppy may begin to open. This is a slow process in which they will open bigger and for more time each day. Puppies will still be nesting near mom. You should take a bit more time to handle the puppies. This is done to slowly allow the mother to become used to you holding them and for the puppies to begin bonding with you. Week 3 The Boxer puppy's eyes should be completely open. Ears will be open now, as well. The ear canal should be fully formed. This is a bit of a noisy time, as the Boxer puppies will begin to find their "voices" and begin to bark. A 3 week old Boxer will have an urge to leave the whelping box. They will have an instinctual urge to eliminate outside of their resting and sleeping area. One side of the box can be removed, with newspapers placed right outside. A 2nd box can be connected to the 1st whelping box. This will allow the pups to have room to romp around and play. This will also give the Boxer mom time to rest without her puppies jumping all over her. Allowing the puppies to play with each other in a safe and comfortable box is a necessary part of the first socialization they need. Week 4 When does a Boxer puppy begin eating solid food? The weaning process begins just about now, in Week 4. You may also wish to offer the very health option of homemade meals of only fresh ingredients. Start with small amounts. It will be a slow yet steady process for a puppy's digestive system to become used to solid food. Extra heating can be removed. The room should be at a comfortable 72 F .Week 5 You should begin introducing small toys to the puppy. The weight of the puppy should still be checked, this can be done every other day now. Normal weight varies very much but should fall in the range of 2 lbs. Feeding should change slightly, with more puppy food and less water. The dam may want to spend more time away from the puppies. This is where an owner must step in and have much more interaction with the puppies. While still fragile, they should be more than happy to be patted, cuddled and played with. Week 6 A Boxer puppy will be eating quite a bit of puppy dog food than before. Too young to be house trained , this may be a messy week or 2 since bowel movements will become more frequent. While it is too early to expect a puppy to be trained yet, if the weather is warm and day this is a great week to introduce a puppy to the outside world. If you are caring for more than 1 pup, take each one outside separately or 2 at the most. Always keep the Boxer on a leash and beware of any dogs in the area. Allow them to become used to what grass feels like! Allow a pup to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the refreshment of a cool breeze. Week 7 Puppies may not be nursing at all any more. They should be spending quite a bit of time with you and with the other puppies. Going outside should be a daily routine. The dam should be brought outside with the pups; she will use this time to teach them skills. This is the time to be very close to a dog's normal routine of grooming , feeding, exercise and play time. Week 8 This is the week that the puppies will receive their 1st vaccinations. If you will not be keeping the puppies, now is the time to begin the process of finding them a good home. All prospective owners should be evaluated fully. Make home visits if possible. Do not be afraid to ask many questions. If you will be keeping all or some of the puppies, now is the time to fall into normal care for your dog. Housebreaking training can begin as well as falling back into your normal schedule. See Also: Boxer puppy care - Overview of what is needed to take great care of a new Boxer puppy. Boxer dog questions and answers - Round-up of some of the most common issues and care elements with the Boxer breed. This gives the owner an opportunity to see their dog at such a young age and then watch them quickly grown into strong and large adults. If you are purchasing a Boxer puppy, the dog should be at least 8 weeks old. In many regions it is illegal to have a puppy at a younger age. Up until 8 weeks, the puppy will need to be nourished by its mother. We're Home! That Boxer newborn puppy that you picked out has rapidly matured into an 8 week old and it's time for your new family member to join the household. Bringing a puppy home should be well planned in advance. If you have a large family, other members must be told to keep the environment calm and peaceful until your Boxer puppy has a chance to gain their bearings and become used to its new home. Have everything you need so that you do not need to suddenly run out to the store for a forgotten item. Do not allow the puppy to be rushed at by many people wishing to hug, pat and smother him or her with kisses. That can come a bit later. Your new Boxer must be approached gently and with warm voices. Puppies are a good, robust size but are still fragile. It is very sad when a puppy is stepped on accidentally; this can cause great harm. From birth to the 1 year mark, trauma is the leading cause of fatalities with this breed. Children must understand how to gently treat a pup. Very young children should be watched during interaction. All members of the home must be very aware of what may be underfoot. Your Boxer puppy should be given a tour of the home. Do not expect your new pup to know where everything is! Show him or her where they can find their water, where to expect their meals to be served, their dog bed and their toys. A puppy needs the security of knowing where to find what they need. Puppies will need quite a bit of care from you. This includes: Feeding - A puppy should be fed times per day. More feeding information can be found in our Feeding section. Only high quality puppy food must be given. This will be a time of rapid growth and your Boxer puppy needs the right dog food for optimal health. Vaccinations - All puppies will need the full schedule of vaccinations. This is absolutely vital to the health of the pup. If the budget is tight, your dog's veterinarian should be able to provide a discount or recommended animal clinics which provide shots for a very minimal fee. This includes that absolutely necessary Heart worm prevention medication, as well. Comfort and safety - Boxer puppies are rambunctious. They will jump, bounce and play. They will need loving attention and interaction with their owner or owners. Plenty of room to play, lots of toys and acts of love are crucial to the physical and emotional growth of a pup. A puppy is just learning about its world; yelling or hitting is never called for. Through love, patience and understanding a puppy will learn what is expected. Negative reactions from its owner will simply teach the puppy to be afraid. Housebreaking - This should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. Read more in our housebreaking section. When started early and with consistency, your Boxer puppy will soon learn where it is appropriate to eliminate. A schedule - Puppies know nothing about the world except for what you show them. It is important to keep a puppy on a schedule that they can depend on. Normal times for baths, exercise , walks, feedings, grooming , play time and sleep time are recommended. Some Things to Expect The first year will be full of changing behaviors and a change in physical appearance. Here's what you can expect: A Boxer puppy will whine if he is hungry, wants attention or once he is learning house training, if he has a bathroom need The time to instill training for barking and other behavior is now - before habits can form Puppies are super hyper , but will also sleep quite a bit - Anywhere from 15 to 18 hours per day including night time and daytime naps The first year is one of rapid growth, but do expect starts and stops. As your Boxer reaches adolescence, there is sometimes a brief period of stalled weight gain at which time a Boxer may appear too skinny. This typically only lasts a few months before that final gain happens that allows him to fill out. Puppyhoood is the time to do socialization training - You'll want to introduce your puppy to as many people, other dogs, events and situations as possible so that he learns control and gains self-confidence. Health Check A Boxer puppy should be checked over every day to check for certain issues. Eyes- The eyes should be clear and bright. Any excessive discharge is a reason to go to the veterinarian Ears and nose - These areas should be cleaned each day with a damp, soft washcloth. Discharge of any color is a reason for a checkup with the vet Breathing - A puppy's breathing should always be clear and easy. Forced breathing, wheezing, coughing or other strange sounds must be taken care of immediately through the dog's veterinarian or closest animal hospital Limping - Puppies may be a bit clumsy or wobbling when very young. However limping is never normal. This must be brought to a vet's attention ASAP Tank - 9 months old Photo courtesy of owner: Jaymie Conner Skin - It is normal for a Boxer puppy to have some loose skin around the neck area and there will be some facial folds. These areas can hold in moisture which can lead to a fungal or bacterial infection. Moisture can accumulate when the pup drinks or when he drools. Keep the area nice and dry to prevent any problems.

Many will say I want a puppy on a certain date. Mother Nature has blessed us with two wonderful litters. Please ask for a price on the merle puppies. We always welcome visitors! About Us Experienced Breeders We have been breeding dogs for 33 years and breeding labradoodles for 19 years. We also breed occasional litter of Moyen poodles. I Carol have a degree as licensed veterinary technician which allows me to bring my medical knowledge into the breeding program. All puppies leaving our home will have excellent temperaments! We have worked with a lot of families over the years and we pride ourselves in being very family friendly. Our goal is to place the perfect 4-legged family member into your home. Don't buy from a breeder that won't show you their dogs or makes excuses why you can't visit. We welcome your visit! Our Family We are a family run business. Carol and Tom established Acme Creek Kennels in .Amber and Ryan run the boarding and daycare. Carol and Amber raise the labradoodles. Our guarantee We guarantee our labradoodle puppies 2 years. We are also available throughout your dogs life for any questions that may arise. In order to provide the healthiest puppy for your family we do hip, eye and DNA testing. Our labradoodles have fantastic temperaments, We have 30 years experience as a veterinary technician and breeder. Thank you for your interest in this wonderful breed here at South Mitten Australian Labradoodles! Our labradoodles are allergy-friendly, meet rigorous health standards and have wonderful temperaments, making them the perfect addition to families of all shapes and sizes. Located in southern Michigan, our dogs are raised in our home as cherished and spoiled members of our family! Our puppies are given the utmost care and researched-based attention and stimulation right from the start. This ensures you are not just getting a puppy of impeccable bloodlines, but one that has an optimal start and a superior advantage. We strive to produce healthy well-socialized puppies from multi-generational lines with amazing temperaments. South Mitten Labradoodles follow the strict health guidelines and strong ethics of the Australian Labradoodle Club we belong to. We specialize in the true Australian Labradoodle with wonderful coats and temperaments with bloodlines originating from Tegan Park and Rutland Manor in Australia. This is a different dog and usually a different temperament than the Australian Labradoodles. True Australian Labradoodles average generations of labradoodles back in their pedigree that all originate from either Rutland Manor, Tegan Park, or Sunset Hills in Australia. We strive for nothing less than excellence in breeding and raising our precious puppies. We love and are devoted to this very special breed. Why do we believe that certified Australian Labradoodles are the ultimate breed? You are getting the best of the best! Virtually Non-Shedding Greatest ambition is to be with "their people" Incredibly intelligent and easy to train Loyal Low to no odor even when wet Comical and endearing. We are experienced Labradoodle breeders with 6 years of working with Australian Labradoodles. Our puppies are non-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them not just a family pet but a perfect addition to any family. Quality - At Michigan Labradoodles, we have the best team! Our dogs , are members of our family—they are all descendants of experienced selective family- based Labradoodle breeders in the business. Our business is centered around our family, including our dogs—you can always expect an exceptional experience with our family based company. We are a recognized ALAA breeder, our goal is to breed our wonderful Australian Labradoodles to provide you with an excellent addition to your family. Service - Honesty is a foundation of our family that stretches far beyond our business. We understand that it takes a lot of trust to buy a puppy online. At Michigan Labradoodles, we are committed to making this a fun and memorable experience for you and your family. When you buy a labradoodle from us you can expect constant communication through the puppy adoption process. While our labradoodle puppies are born in Michigan, we provide delivery service anywhere in the US. We provide updates through our Facebook and Instagram page and email variety of forms, including detailed descriptions, pictures, and videos. Why Authentic Australian Labradoodles? Consistent - Our dogs and their puppies are consistent, they are descendants of a multigenerational breed. The pedigree is true back eight plus generations, breeding Authentic Australian Labradoodles with the same great qualities of their breed. This gives us the ability to closely predict the size, shape and color of your puppy. On top of that we breed for excellence and closely adhere to the ALAA standard. They were originally bread as service dogs and therapy companions with an allergy friendly coat dating back to the 's. Coat - Our Australian Labradoodles all possess a soft fleece coat that has been developed over generations - a quality that you will only get with experienced dog breeders. It provides the allergy friendly coat qualities of the poodle, without sacrificing the amazing soft to the touch feel you will love. Temperament - Originally the Authentic Australian Labradoodle was bred as the ideal therapy dog. They interact well with adults and their playful personality makes them a fun addition to families with children. They are a great mix of playfulness and cuddly. The organization promotes responsible dog companionship for labradoodles for sale in Michigan and the United States by cataloging helpful information about the breeds making it easier to buy a dog online by offering networking services to breeders and owners. The organization protects our breed from inhumane puppy mills. This status recognizes our commitment as a breeder to maintaining a high health standard for our dogs, as well as our recurring investment in health testing of our breeding dogs. It assures potential adopters that our litters have come from the healthiest parents possible along, with a strong level of health guarantees that can be maintained. They were bred to get a less allergic and less aggressive breed. It was mostly achieved, but some exceptions exist. These curly balls of fur have become quite popular today for having a warm temperament and adaptability. Properly bred Labradoodles prove to be the best company, if not the best guard dogs. A lot of households with children prefer having a Labradoodle in the USA. Features Labradoodles are an easy-to-go breed with a life span of years. They adapt quickly but can be hyper-energetic. They are available in various sizes and colors with good characteristics. One should always opt for a trusted and ethical breeder to get the healthiest dog. Labradoodles have these basic features. Appearance A standard Labradoodle is inches tall, while the medium one is inches tall, and the miniature Labradoodle is inches tall. They generally have long, wavy hair, making them look like little teddy bears. They can be found in a combination of chocolate, red, gold, black, and cream colors. Weight The weight varies for each dog, but there is a broad range for each size of Labradoodle available. The standard Labradoodle weighs anywhere between pounds, the medium Labradoodle weighs between pounds, and the Miniature Labradoodle weighs between pounds. Personality Labradoodles are one of the friendliest breeds you can ever find. They are loyal and have a warm temperament. Full of energy, these bundles of joy like surrounding people all the time. They adapt to the living conditions well and can be left alone for some time. Labradoodles are an intelligent and calm breed and with proper training. Training and grooming Labradoodles of all types are easy to train and groom. They require regular grooming and exercise. They are both hot and cold weather tolerant and trained for better tolerance. Based on the proportion of characteristics of both the breeds required, the various types of Labradoodles bred are: It is the original Labradoodle. In addition to being a Labradoodle, it has another characteristic of the pure breed. F2 Labradoodle F2 is the second-generation Labradoodle. A cross between two F1 Labradoodles gives F2 Labradoodle. F2B Labradoodle It is almost .F3 Labradoodle Also called the multi-gen Labradoodle, it is the third or more generation Labradoodle. Why Labradoodle? Labradoodles are not only intelligent and active. If you want more reasons to get yourself Labradoodle puppies in Michigan, here are other features that make them a good choice. Less shedding: The deliberate mix with a Poodle makes a Labradoodle shed lower than the standard breeds. The choice for novices: Labradoodles are easy to train and quickly adapt to their surroundings, making them a good choice for new learners. Although it is not a difficult procedure, their energy levels might make it difficult sometimes. Some tips below might help take care of a Labradoodle. Exercise Labradoodles require minutes of exercise every day. Their wanderlust makes them require regular walks. If in a small apartment, it is necessary to take them outside in parks or gardens to keep them happy and healthy. Socialization Early socialization is a pompous activity with a Labradoodle. It means keeping them around lots of people. This helps them become friendlier, and they pick up recognizable traits. Grooming Labradoodles require grooming, like brushing, combing, and bathing regularly. They have a great liking to water, so it is easy to groom them. Generally, getting professional grooming kits is a good option. Family Environment It becomes imperative to keep the Labradoodle inside with the family. They are sensitive creatures and cannot sleep outside. Any comfy place near the bed or in the living room works well with the breed. Final Words With its warm temperament, loyal and adaptable nature, Labradoodle is a perfect fit for company, even on tours and travels. Michigan provides numerous options to choose from, but as a matter of concern, most of the dogs may not have a healthy lifestyle in which they are raised. To find good Labradoodle puppies in Michigan for your family, you must trust only credible breeders. You should also be aware while looking out for dogs from mills as they may not be healthy. The article familiarizes readers with the 6 best Labradoodle breeders in Michigan MI. So, ensure you choose from the best breeders to raise a healthy and active Labradoodle that fits into your family fully! These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. She doesn't shed at all and has an extremely nice, soft coat. Her temperament is outstanding and she gets along great with our old lab and loves kids - she was truly a great pick and we couldn't be happier with her. We're thinking she'll probably end up around 60 because she just weighed in at 52 at her last vet visit and she still has a lot of filling out to do. Paul Michigan Hi Karri- just a little update on Jet. Since picking him up on Thursday, he has been the perfect puppy. He has only had one accident in the house, sleeps through the night, only waking once to go outside, he is crate training quickly, and has been on road trips to Spring Lake and as far as Up North Cadillac.He is a little cuddle bug and is beginning to play a lot and becoming more independent. I absolutely love this little guy. Thanks for breeding such great pups! She really helped make the transition of my new puppy to my home a breeze. I was able to meet and visit with my puppy for the first time at 4 weeks old and it was love at first site. What a beautiful boy, with a brown curly coat that feels like silk. We were already bonding at this visit and it was pure bliss. I anxiously waited while he grew old enough to bring him home, all the while in contact with Karri as she answered any questions I may have had and also gave me updates. The day finally came where I was to bring him home, Lance was now 9 weeks old and when we reunited he was so excited as if he recognized me and this just melted my heart. What a pure joy he is. Lance also loves to snuggle which is my favorite. He met and visited with my children, grandchildren and their dogs and cat on several occasions, who all love him to pieces. He plays nice with them all. He is a big part of our family now and is adjusting so nicely. Sir Lancelot is the best gift I have ever given myself! I look forward to our future together. Thank you Rozey K9 Farm! Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Michigan? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Michigan. While many dogs are said to be great for allergy sufferers, our Australian Labradoodles are actually hypoallergenic and truly non-shedding. Life with an Uptown Labradoodle is just easier without worrying about sniffling, coughing, or clumps of hair all over the house. The secret to all those followers is that we breed our dogs to be even more adorable than normal, with luxurious coats that would make a sheep jealous. Friendliest Dispositions Australian Labradoodles have a reputation for being friendly, and that reputation is well deserved. These dogs simply love doing whatever their family loves doing, whether that means playing fetch in the park or taking naps on the couch! To help you raise the ultimate Australian Labradoodle, we also offer the best food, most effective supplements, and most helpful training materials you can find. Perfect Family Pet Doodles are so popular because they manage to fit in and thrive with so many different types of families. From quiet older couples to active outdoors enthusiasts, Labradoodles just love people—especially kids! Premium Network of Labradoodle Breeders in Michigan In order to meet the astronomical demand for our Doodles without sacrificing the wellbeing of our animals, we decided to create an elite network of breeders who all share our vision and love of Doodles. Highest Michigan Labradoodle Breeder Standards We enforce breeding retirement ages and limitations on the number of litters for our mommy Doodles, and we make sure our mommy dogs stay in loving guardian homes rather than kennels throughout their whole lives—for maximum health and happiness. Our dogs are famous for being even-tempered and healthy throughout every litter.

Are male and female German shepherds different? The Neonatal Period. Birth-2 Weeks. In the first two weeks of their life your puppy is mostly helpless and fully dependant on their mother. Their mother will be responsible for feeding, eliminating waste and keeping them warm. The puppies will be able to taste, touch and feel warmth but their eyes and ears are sealed shut. You should see the following milestones hit in the first two weeks. What you should expect to see: Puppies Starting to Crawl Eyes and ears starting to open Teeth starting to appear By the end of the first two weeks your puppies should be able to stand up, albeit a little shakily and have their eyes and ears fully open. The Transitional Period. They will start to be able to control their body and temperature much better. They will start to interact with their litter mates but will still be largely dependent on their mother. What you should expect to see: Puppies Walking Well Puppies Interacting with you and their littermates Puppy teeth almost complete. The Socialisation Period 4weeks — 3 months The puppies will now have complete control of their body and will start exploring the world around them. The latter half of this period is the ideal time to rehome the puppies as this is when they are most susceptible to learning new things and they can start to be taught basic commands. Between weeks your puppy may start to display signs of some fearfulness. This is perfectly normal and will need to be nurtured Not encouraged by you. What you should expect to see: Start showing adult behaviours Wagging tails, sniffing bums Start to be able to be taught basic commands Ears begin to sit upright. The Juvenile Period 3months-6months Your German Shepherd puppy will become much more independent during this period. They will start to understand dominance and will explore their home to understand where their position is in the household. What you should expect to see: Female puppies begin heat cycles Ears now fully upright Males reach sexual maturity The Adolescence Period 6monthsmonths Most of your puppies social understanding and behaviours will have developed by this point but a reinforcement of these is still important. Your puppy will be at their most energetic and will require a structured training routine to help them to continue to develop. Males are considered fully grown at 36months whereas females reach this mark around 24months. You will know have an excellent, loyal family pet and companion to spend many years together with. German Shepherds are a medium-large breed. Females will grow to around inches and weigh lbs whereas the males will grow to around inches and weigh lbs. How many puppies is there in the average German Shepherd litter? German Shepherd litters Usually consist of between 5 and 10 puppies. How long do German shepherds live? The average life span for a German Shepherd is somewhere between 9 and 14 years. Other than the size difference already discussed females tend to be more affectionate than males where is male dogs are usually more protective of their surroundings and their families. Related Posts. The long adolescent period that ends the puppy years is highly individual, but most dogs mature somewhere before 3 years of age. The Neonatal Stage This is the very earliest stage your German shepherd will pass through. Simply put, this is the helpless baby stage when your puppy's eyes will still be closed and he is completely dependent upon his mother. She will feed him, wash him and clean up after his accidents for the first two or three weeks. His eyes will open at around 10 days. At this time, your puppy is little more than an eating machine -- filling his belly to help his tiny body grow and develop. The Transitional Stage Though it is short and indistinct, the transitional stage from the neonatal to the socialization stage is important to your pup's development nevertheless. This brief phase -- lasting only about a week after his eyes open -- marks the period when your German shepherd begins to notice his environment. He will start to look at things curiously and be aware of sounds around him. Prior to this he has been in his own little world with no sights or sounds beyond his own body and that of his mother. When his eyes open, the immediate environment -- with other living beings -- is suddenly a part of life that he must face. The Socialization Stage At around 3 weeks, your puppy begins to learn how to interact with others -- both animals and the humans around him. He has already had some practice with dogs through the daily contact with his mother and litter mates, but now he begins to expand his circle of acquaintance to other dogs or cats in the household and to the family of humans around him. This is the most critically important phase in your German shepherd's development and helps decide his later suitability for work in rescue, service or as a family dog. At this time, he should have opportunities to meet as many new animals and faces under differing circumstances as possible, so he becomes comfortable with meeting people and other animals in a variety of situations when he grows up. This stage lasts to about 3 months of age and is the period when puppies are at their most impressionable and playful. The Juvenile Stage From 3 to 6 months old, your puppy will begin to look beyond the biological world of dogs, cats and people to the larger world around him. He will want to explore new places more than new faces at this point -- which may often get him into trouble. This is an active and trying age for puppy parents. Your puppy looks like a mostly grown-up dog but behaves entirely like a pup. His attention span is about as long as that of the average teenager, so this is not a particularly easy time for obedience classes. Your shepherd will have other things on his mind, but pet parents should continue to persevere because this is the best stage to resolve any obvious aggression or anxiety issues your pup may display. If those issues are not addressed early, they could become larger problems later on. To make things a tad more difficult, at around 5 months of age, your German shepherd starts to mature sexually. The Adolescent Stage The teenage angst that human children go through is roughly equivalent to what pet parents can expect from their adolescent German shepherd. Beginning with the onset of sexual maturity and lasting through the first two years of his life, your puppy's hormones will rage uncontrollably unless he is neutered early. This stage is usually marked by mounting -- anything and everything -- marking his territory and even fighting with other male dogs. Females will enter their first estrus period at this time and may try to escape the yard or otherwise pose problems. The pup's body has become adult, and his brain is fully alert and capable, but his emotions are still in the turbulent transitional phase from teenager to full adult. If he were human, this would be the stage at which you would hide the car keys. As an adult, your German shepherd is finally the calm, dignified, courageous and respectful dog you always knew he would grow up to be. If you were patient and dedicated through those early, sometimes difficult, years, you now have a well-trained and disciplined companion for life. More Articles. Puppyhood The first growth phase — puppyhood — has six development stages. During each of these stages, a puppy learns a lot of things. Neonatal Stage This period lasts from birth to 13 days. The puppy needs a lot of nursing from its mom because it is rather helpless. Its ears and eyes are closed, so it does not have any senses. The little pups should completely rely on their mothers for nourishment and care. By 2 weeks, they double their birth weight. They start crawling, and then their eyes and ears begin to open. The first milk teeth appear. The puppy can even stand up, but too unstably and shakily. This makes it possible for little ones to hear, smell, and taste. They even try to walk. Their baby teeth continue growing. The period between weeks is also called a transitional one. At the end of the third week, the motor skills start developing fast. The puppy can already control its temperature and body, namely, bowel movements. It begins to interact with its littermates. Nevertheless, the pup is still largely dependent on its mother. Though, you can interact with it. At the end of this period, the little cub is ready to explore the world. Its baby teeth are almost complete, and it can stand up more stably. It starts barking and growling a bit. The puppy grows quickly now. It actively interacts with its littermates. The baby dog can walk, and its baby teeth are complete. You can also consider the German Shepherd behavior stages from now. Its mental development starts because it discovers the world actively with its senses. Its walking improves, and it can make attempts to run, so it can even sometimes get in trouble. The puppy can start eating dog food. That is why it is important to begin weaning. The little one can recognize and greet its littermates and people, get interested in new things, and continue to explore the world. However, at this age, the first fear period can be experienced. Read our detailed guide about 6 week old German Shepherd puppy. It is the best period for taking your pet home. This period can be psychologically traumatic, so be careful not to expose the pet to direct sunlight because it may be afraid of it for its entire life. All the fears need your special attention. You need to nurture, but not encourage them. Read our detailed guide about 2 month old German Shepherd puppy. So, your puppy is three months old now. It is playful and active. Its teeth are complete. It is weaned and eats dog food. The feeding recommendation here is the overall one and a half cups, three times a day. It is also time to get your pet vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. At the end of the third month, your little GSD can simulate its behavior after other dogs and humans. Training can start. Read our detailed guide about 3 month old German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy already has all its baby teeth, and adult canines and incisors begin to push through. It can even try to bite or nip you. The puppy coat begins to disappear and gets ready for replacement by the adult double-layer coat. You can see a racing stripe on its spine where the adult hair will grow. The puppy displays quick growth at this time, and it becomes stronger to withstand the possible fierce competition with its siblings if it is still staying with its family. It needs a lot of biting and chewing now for the correct growth of its adult teeth. Your pet needs consistent socialization and potty training now. After three months old, you should think about such vaccination as DHPP — distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The juvenile phase lasts from 3 to 6 months, and it can be divided into three stages by month. Continue socializing and start more substantial training. You can consult the German Shepherd weight chart here to see whether your pup develops properly. So, be attentive to the games you play with your pet. Some of them can be dangerous and traumatic because your puppy may not know how to manage its body during them. You can give it two cups of kibble totally three times per day because it needs a lot of nutrition to grow. DHPP and rabies vaccines are recommended at this age. Your little pup is ready to explore the world. However, as a true teenager, it can become more stubborn and try not to listen to your commands. It starts to understand dominance and tries to persuade you in its leadership. Read our detailed guide about 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. During this month, it can gain about 10 pounds 4. Its ears have stably perked up by this time. It looks more like an adult dog but, as a true teenager, it is very playful and is always ready to go around. The adult teeth continue to appear. Sexual maturity starts emerging. You should feed your pet around two cups three times per day. A lot of training is also needed. Read our detailed guide about 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. It needs a lot of training and positive reinforcement. Now, your pet is fully house-trained, and it needs a lot of new experiences. The sixth month is a transition period to the Adolescent Phase. The ears are completely upright. Males achieve sexual maturity, while female puppies can experience heat cycles. Hormones start working, and male puppies can start marking the territory and looking for females to mate. The adult coat grows longer and gets its normal double layers. Adult teething is about to finish, and all 42 teeth appear. You should feed your dog with the overall two or three cups two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Adolescence Phase Months German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years 36 months old. Females become adults when they are 2 years 24 months old. However, these criteria differ for every puppy. That is why the adolescence phase lasts from the end of the 6th month to the end of the second year of age 24 months on average. By the end of this phase, the puppy reaches its full size though it will continue slightly growing. Your dog can display testing boundaries, so disobedience is widely encountered if the dog is not properly trained. German Shepherds do not look like puppies anymore. Within this period, some dogs can display their second fear period at approximately months old , though to avoid long-lasting psychological trauma, you should ignore the fears. Some dogs may occasionally forget their skills that they have already acquired, so you may need to repeat training again. Here, the reinforced training is useful because some puppies can become entirely rambunctious. Your pet will also need more socialization since it reaches its sexual maturity, and some of its reactions can be pretty unexpected. Its sexual maturity continues, which may cause some aggression because of increases and decreases in hormones. The puppy does not gain weight so fast. Teething is finished. The German Shepherd starts looking more similar to an adult dog, with its standing up ears and well-developed muscles. The food your dog needs involves two or three cups total, given two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 7 month old German Shepherd puppy. It displays a lot of aggression. It can bark or lunge at other animals, kids, and unfamiliar people. A lot of training and reinforcement is needed. You can teach the youngster new tricks to deal with their aggression. The dog has strong adult teeth, and its ears are well-formed and perky. The transition to adulthood continues. As for food, your dog needs two-three cups in total two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 8 month old German Shepherd puppy. It does not grow fast, gaining about a couple of pounds per month. The dog needs two-three cups of food two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 9 month old German Shepherd puppy. They are very active and need a lot of attention and training. Sometimes, they can be really goofy or clumsy because they are still learning and do not know how to behave in many events. Your pup is very smart and clever but tends to display a lot of aggression if not supported and reinforced properly. The dogs should eat two-three cups in total per day. Read our detailed guide about 10 month old German Shepherd pupp y. It starts to challenge you as an owner and likes to demonstrate its leadership. You should teach it to be responsible and obey your commands. A lot of training and reinforcement is crucial. Still, give it two or three cups in total per day. It becomes a bit destructive, but be sure not to get angry or upset with it. It needs your patience and positive attitude. Such vaccines as DHPP and rabies are recommended at this age. It should also transit to adult food. Give it three or three and a half cups total twice a day. Read our detailed guide about 1 year old German Shepherd puppy. Years 1. This time is considered a transition period. The dog may have problems with fears and memory breakdowns. It may even forget how to do familiar things and should be trained again. However, its attention span is longer at this age, so it can have a more thorough obedience training. The dog should eat three or three and a half cups two times a day. Year 2 months — The Second Transition Phase This is one more transition period known as young adulthood. Your dog still displays some aggression. That is why they continue to need reinforcement, training, and socialization. It has already gained its athletic frame and strong muscle, and only several pounds are lacking for reaching its adult weight. In fact, you get a German Shepherd full-grown pet now. The DHPP vaccination is recommended at this age. Continue to feed your dog with three to three and a half cups in total twice per day. It has become a loyal and protective family pet or an obedient and enduring working dog. The young adulthood stage lasts from the second to the third year after the puppy was born. Its size is typical now for an adult dog. However, it may continue to grow slightly, but the changes are not noticeable at all. At this phase, you can also notice that your pet becomes more and more active. It needs a lot of exercise and training. A lot of physical activity is essential for the dog to stay in high spirits. The period between the second and third years of life is also called the adult growth stage. This is the time when your friend gets its excellent breed characteristics. It loves attention very much and continues to learn new things eagerly. The dog enjoys training sessions and strives for new experiences. It becomes calmer and more confident. Its hyperactivity slightly decreases. It displays a lot of self-control and discipline. Continue feeding your dog with three to three and a half cups twice per day. It will be its constant adult diet. Vaccination against rabies is recommended and required by authorities at this age. Seniority Phase This is the last phase of German Shepherd development. It may seem wonderful, but your dog can continue to slightly grow. The phase is divided into two periods — early senior years old and late senior years old. Unfortunately, you need to focus on its health rather than on training. Such health issues as hip dysplasia, joint pain, and decreased stamina can appear at this age. You need to have consultations with your vet more often. During this period, your dog does not change its weight and height considerably. Though, you can observe slight changes in weight. On average, these dogs live years. You need to attend to their health and comfort. The dog may remain energetic and playful, but it slightly slows down. It wants to rest more and gets much calmer. The animal may suffer from some pains, so it may need pain relievers for spine and joint problems and arthritis. It may also need nutritional supplements and changes to its diet. Special senior and sensitive stomach food may become the best choice. Avoid jumping and hard playing. Continuous veterinary monitoring is needed if some symptoms are worsening. The accepted proportion that is considered ideal is .The weight is usually not taken into consideration. If your pet does not correspond to this proportion, there may be a health issue you do not know about yet. That is why you need to monitor the parameters carefully. To be sure that everything is OK, multiply the length of your dog by 0. You will get the perfect height. However, there can be some divergences. If they are minor, you have nothing to worry about. The German Shepherd is rather thin, or even skinny. This results in bad proportions. The ideal weight of your German Shepherd is lbs kg for males and lbs kg for females. You can get either a heavy or obese dog, and it can be a result of overfeeding or certain health issues. How to Check the Weight of Your German Shepherd The simplest method to see whether your dog is underweight is to check whether the ribs are visible on the sides. If you can see that the shape of your dog reminds you of a barrel on the ribs, it means that it is overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs, but there is too much skin on the sides, your dog is overweight. However, if you feel the ribs and only a thin layer of skin, it is underweight. It does not matter whether your dog is underweight or overweight. In any case, it can cause health problems if you do not repair the situation. The best way to succeed is to make changes to the diet. If your German Shepherd is underweight, you should enrich the content of its food. However, do not make it eat if the dog does not want to. That can lead to more severe problems. Make a slow transition to food with higher fat content. Or you may even give your dog puppy food because it is rich in nutrients. If your pet is obviously overweight, the best thing is to cut off the food. However, you also need to do it step by step so that the dog finally can eat just half of the amount you have recently fed it. The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder and an average weight of pounds kg. Nevertheless, some German Shepherds can grow bigger and even reach pounds kg. You need to be sure about its proportions though to understand if your pet meets the standards. If you see some deficiencies, meet your vet for a more thorough evaluation. When does a German Shepherd stop growing? German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years old. Females become adults when they are 2 years old. How tall is a German Shepherd? The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder. An average male reaches inches cm in height, while an average female should be inches cm tall. The body of both males and females should be longer than their height. How big do German Shepherds get? How much does a German Shepherd weight? In general, an average male reaches pounds kg in weight, while an average female should be pounds kg heavy. This is a very strong and brave dog that can become a perfect guardian and protector. If you decide to take a GS puppy, you need to follow its growth stages accurately to be sure that it develops properly. You should follow a high-quality diet, provide your dog with a lot of exercise, and ensure its proper training and socialization. Your German Shepherd cannot stay healthy and active if it gets some health problems related to its weight or height. Sometimes, these issues are not obvious and understandable to the owner. That is why it is important to know the main development parameters of your German Shepherd growth stages to cope with possible challenges. We hope that this article, together with the weight and height chart, will become your effective and helpful guide. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. Though they typically only average nine to thirteen years, those years can be very memorable and special to dog and owner. Along the way, there are several German Shepherd growth stages that they will encounter including several fun and exciting breakthroughs. They will go through many different levels of development stacking up in inches and packing on the pounds. German Shepherd Growth Stages: This article will cover in detail, all of the month-to-month growth stages including their size from 1 month old to 3-year-old. It will also include important milestones along the way. This is the puppy portion of the German Shepherd growth stages and these cute little fur balls are beginning their journey into the new world. They are independent, spry and ready to explore! They are starting to grow but stand no taller than half a foot. Cuteness Factor: Through the roof! Height: Male: 4 — 6 in 11 — 16 cm Female: 3 — 6 in 8 — 14 cm Weight: Male: 5. They stand up for the first time. They start exploring independently and playing. Bowel movements are partially controlled. Light barking and growling begin. Puppy teeth should be filling in. This is a good time to introduce them to some kibble. They may or may not be interested. Month 2: Socialization Growth Stage Once the fuzz balls reach month 2, they start socializing more with other animals and people. This is also the time that their little chompers should be complete. They have grown up a little but still remain under a foot tall. Cuteness Factor: Just look at my ears! Height: Male: 7 — 9 in 17 — 22 cm Female: 6 — 9 in 14 — 22 cm Weight: Male: 16 — 20 lbs 6 — 9 kg Female: 11 — 17 lbs 5 — 7. They start to bond with animals and people. Their mental development starts to speed up. Fear reaction begins. They are typically ready to find their forever home. Food: Weaning should be wrapping up at this age. They should transition to a diet of puppy kibble. One and a half cups total three times a day is recommended but stick to a solid schedule. Vaccines: Puppy should have distemper and parvovirus by this time. Teething will be in full force at month 3 and their adult canines and incisors will start to push through. Those cute little fluffy ears may start to go up and down. They will start to lose their puppy coat and you may notice a racing stripe on the spine where the adult hair is starting to grow in. At this point they have almost made it to the height of a standard ruler. Cuteness Factor: Equal to fluffy pillows! Height: Male: 9 — 11 in 23 — 27 cm Female: 8 — 10 in 20 — 25 cm Weight: Male: 22 — 30 lbs 10 — 14 kg Female: 17 — 26 lbs 8 — 12 kg Milestones: Ears begin to stand up. Teething stage begins and continues for several months. Lots of biting and chewing ensures. Potty training and socialization should be consistent. Puppy fuzz begins to be replaced with adult double coat of fur. Food: Two cups of puppy kibble total three times a day is recommended. Vaccines: DHPP which includes distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus are recommended. Month 4: At this point GSDs will be very playful and getting into some trouble. They have left puppy hood and become adolescents. Multiple skills will be developing as they learn, socialize and train. Height: Male: 11 — 14 in 29 — 35 cm Female: 10 — 12 in 26 — 31 cm Weight: Male: 35 — 40 lbs 16 — 18 kg Female: 31 — 35 lbs 14 — 16 kg Milestones: Ears continue to perk up. Teething continues as adult teeth come in. They continue to play and explore everything around them. Training continues as they constantly learn. Food: Puppy should continue to eat two cups of kibble total three times per day. Vaccines: DHPP and rabies are recommended. Month 5: At 5 months of age, they are still growing fast and should have gained close to 10 pounds. They are still in the juvenile stage and have plenty of energy to go around. They are looking much more like an adult but still have that puppy spirit. Ears may have perked up at this point. Cuteness Factor: Cute as pumpkin pie! Height: Male: 14 — 16 in 35 — 40 cm Female: 12 — 14 in 31 — 36 cm Weight: Male: 40 — 49 lbs 18 — 22 kg Female: 35 — 44 lbs 16 — 20 kg Milestones: Ears may be standing up. Adult features are filling out. They are at least half of their adult size. They are still teething. Sexual maturity begins to emerge. Food: Juvenile should still be eating around two cups total three times a day. Month 6: Adolescent Growth Stage At 6 months old, they are making their way into the adolescent part of the German Shepherd growth stages. They will be starting to get into their sexual maturity stage which will last until they are around two years old. Hormones will kick in and males will begin to mark their territory and look for females to mate with. Females may go into heat for the first time. Their adult coat should be completely grown in but it could take a bit longer. Cuteness Factor: Equivalent to a teddy bear! Height: Male: 16 — 18 in 41 — 46 cm Female: 15 — 17 in 37 — 42 cm Weight: Male: 49 — 57 lbs 22 — 26 kg Female: 44 — 49 lbs 20 — 22 kg Milestones: Ears should be standing up. Adult features are more filled out. They are sexually active and will begin marking their territory and roaming for mates. Teething should be close to finished and all 42 of their adult teeth should be almost grown. Full adult double coat of fur should be present. Food: Adolescent should be eating around two to three cups total two times a day. Month 7: At 7 months old , a German Shepherd should be well developed cognitively. Their sexual maturity continues, and your leg may just become their next mate. Some aggression may be present as their hormones go up and down. Their weight gain begins to slow down for the first time only adding around 5 pounds from the previous month. They are looking much more like an adult dog. Aggression and sexual maturity continue. Teething should be close to finished. Food: Adolescent should be eating two to three cups total two times a day. They are still maturing and could still be aggressive and bark or lunge at other dogs, kids or people. This behavior must be reined in with the proper training. Teaching them new tricks is a great way to curb their aggression. Cuteness Factor: Still able to melt your heart! Height: Male: 20 — 22 in 51 — 56 cm Female: 18 — 20 in 45 — 50 cm Weight: Male: 62 — 66 lbs 28 — 30 kg Female: 53 — 57 lbs 24 — 26 kg Milestones: Ears should be well formed and perky. They continue to transition into adulthood. They are still maturing, and aggressive behavior may be present. Teething should be finished, and all of their adult teeth should be grown. Month 9: At 9 months old, German Shepherds have reached most of their milestones. They should be sporting a full set of 42 adult chompers and some nice big perky ears. They are still maturing sexually and could be exhibiting aggressive behaviors, but training should be in full force. Cuteness Factor: Not puppy cute but still irresistible! Height: Male: 21 — 23 in 54 — 59 cm Female: 19 — 21 in 48 — 53 cm Weight: Male: 64 — 71 lbs 29 — 32 kg Female: 55 — 60 lbs 25 — 27 kg Milestones: They are still growing but only gaining a few pounds a month now. Month By 10 months of age, GSDs are still trucking along in the adolescent stage. They will still be acting like teenagers and may be getting into some trouble. Although clever and smart they will sometimes act clumsy and goofy. They are still learning and should be in training. Cuteness Factor: Cute and nutty like peanut butter! Height: Male: 22 — 24 in 55 — 60 cm Female: 19 — 21 in 48 — 53 cm Weight: Male: 66 — 73 lbs 30 — 33 kg Female: 57 — 62 lbs 26 — 28 kg Milestones: They are still growing but slowly. Month Moving into month 11, German Shepherds are becoming more and more adult but may be stubborn. They may start to challenge their owner with respect to leadership. They need to know that you are in charge and that they must respect your commands. Training and reinforcement is crucial during this time period. Cuteness Factor: Cute enough to get out of trouble! Height: Male: 22 — 24 in 57 — 62 cm Female: 20 — 22 in 51 — 56 cm Weight: Male: 66 — 75 lbs 30 — 34 kg Female: 60 — 64 lbs 27 — 29 kg Milestones: They are still growing slowly. Month 1 year old German Shepherds are moving out of the puppy phase of the German Shepherd growth stages and into adulthood. By now they have most likely formed a strong bond with their owner. They may still misbehave occasionally but proper training should be paying off. Food: Adolescent should transition to adult food and be eating three to three and a half cups total two times a day. Vaccines: DHPP, rabies are recommended. Year 1. They are getting closer to sexual maturity. Cuteness Factor: Furry and plushness overload! Height: Male: 23 — 25 in 59 — 64 cm Female: 21 — 22 in 53 — 55 cm Weight: Male: 71 — 79 lbs 32 — 36 kg Female: 60 — 66 lbs 27 — 30 kg Milestones: They are still growing but slowly. Food: Adolescent should be eating three to three and a half cups total two times a day. Year 2: At 2 years old, they should be well along in their journey to adulthood. With the proper training and socialization, they should be transforming into the alert, confident, courageous, loving and loyal German Shepherd companion that makes them so popular among dog owners. They are pretty much full grown at this point with only a few more pounds to pack onto their athletic frame. Cuteness Factor: Perfectly precious! Height: Male: 23 — 25 in 59 — 64 cm Female: 21 — 22 in 53 — 57 cm Weight: Male: 71 — 84 lbs 32 — 38 kg Female: 62 — 66 lbs 28 — 30 kg Milestones: They are still growing but almost full grown. Vaccines: DHPP is recommended. Year 3: Adult Growth Stage Your German Shepherd is finally an adult with all of the beautiful characteristics and traits that people admire. They have reached physical and sexual maturity and are ready to brave the new world. Consistent training should have payed off. They should be calm and well disciplined. Height: Male: 24 — 26 in 60 — 65 cm Female: 22 — 24 in 55 — 60 cm Weight: Male: 79 — 88 lbs 36 — 40 kg Female: 66 — 70 lbs 28 — 32 kg Milestones: They are done growing. They have matured physically and sexually. Food: Full grown adult should be eating three to three and a half cups total two times a day. Vaccines: Rabies is recommended and can be required by law depending on your state. A full grown adult German Shepherd will stand approximately 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 70 and 88 pounds on average. However, some German Shepherds will get bigger even getting over a pounds. Hopefully your GSD is in the correct range. Keep an eye out for any deficiencies during their growth. These German Shepherd growth stages should help you determine all of the proper measurements to make sure they are right on track in their development. Each stage in their maturation is important. Remember to give them a high-quality healthy diet, plenty of exercise and sufficient training and socialization. These will all help lead to a stable and well-adjusted German Shepherd. Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think! Do you have any experience with a growing German Shepherd? Let us know! We would love to hear about your personal story! Share this:. German Shepherd Development: From Puppies To Adults Posted on Last updated: Categories German Shepherds From early puppyhood to adulthood, German Shepherds undergo significant development that shapes their temperament, behavior, and physical abilities. As a dog owner, understanding the developmental stages of your German Shepherd is crucial to providing the right care and training. German Shepherd development consists of several stages. Hey there! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Contents Final Thoughts German Shepherd Development and Growth Stages German Shepherd development refers to the physical, cognitive, and social changes that occur in German Shepherd puppies as they grow and mature into adulthood. These changes include the physical development of their muscles, bones, and organs, as well as their ability to learn and process information. Social development involves their ability to interact with other dogs and humans and to understand and follow social rules and norms. As a dog owner, it is important to understand the growth stages of your German Shepherd. Knowing what to expect during each stage can help you provide the best care for your furry friend. In the latter case, you need to know that the German Shepherd puppy depends on his mother for everything in these initial weeks. This includes food, warmth, and physical security. Here, your only responsibility is to make sure the dam is equipped with what she needs to fulfill her duties. As long as you feed the adult GSD right, she will be able to feed her babies and give them the warmth and company they need. You might notice that the puppies may seem asocial. Do not measure how the puppy interacts with other dogs for at least three to four weeks, which brings us to what you can expect within the next two weeks. This is where the puppy can wean off and not need a diet made up of milk exclusively. The puppy can consume solid food but is not too fond of it, especially if it is strange in texture. Your priority at this stage should be to get him to accept solid food without regressing to a diet of milk. There will be a social incentive in weaning off as the puppy will observe the litter he belongs to and notice a simultaneous change in feeding preferences. This brings us to a very important change: social interaction. I mentioned above that you should not worry about social disinterest up until the third week. However, by the fourth week, you should look for some interaction. If the puppy fails to acknowledge others in the litter or is getting shunned collectively, consulting an expert trainer or a vet can be helpful. Otherwise, the journey from being 4 weeks old to being adoption-ready is a long one, and it starts by accepting a human guardian. From weeks 4 to 5, the puppy is learning to accept a human usually the breeder as his guardian. Both dominant guardian and guiding guardian archetypes work in establishing yourself as the leader, but the dominant frame might box you into less palatable training tactics. German Shepherd puppies are quite intelligent, but a bulk of this cognitive ability is unlocked in two stages. The first is around the five-week mark. This could be the fourth or sixth week, depending on the individual puppy, but it is noticeable when the dog starts getting excited about other dogs. Of course, you need to be on schedule with socialization and carry-walks to notice this. Again, this explains why breeders usually keep the GSD puppies at this stage. Aggression issues can stem from excitement signaling menace. The opposite is true as well. Fortunately, professional breeders expose the dog to other dogs his age at this stage, and he learns to adjust how he shows and perceives excitement, making your life as a new German Shepherd parent much easier. But socializing your German Shepherd happens in stages as well. And of different ages. The wider the variety of people he gets to see and interact with at this stage, the more receptive he will be to people growing up. If your German Shepherd has seen only young people all his life, he might react differently to older ones and vice versa. This also applies to experiences. Exposing your puppy to experiences like car rides and ringing doorbells ensures that he will be calm in normal situations as he grows up. And in addition to getting your German Shepherd acquainted with normal stimuli like bells and travel, you must get him crate trained at this stage. Introducing the crate as a refuge and a secure spot as opposed to jail is a great way to get your GSD puppy to accept the crate. The more you delay this, the harder it becomes to crate-train a German Shepherd. If you want to check how his growth compares to the guidelines, head over to this article, When Do German Shepherds Stop Growing? This also includes a handy growth chart. This is a critical stage because if unchecked, your German Shepherd might end up hurting other dogs or be hurt by them. The watchful dog-parent in you that you were holding back has his chance to shine here. Make sure you keep a close eye on your German Shepherd and how he interacts with any other dogs in the house. The status-measuring step is one even adult dogs take when first interacting with each other. But at this age, dogs engage in prolonged status-measuring inquiry and either establish dominance or accept their subservient spot. You cannot force your German Shepherd to be the alpha in a relationship with another dog. GSDs are very physical, which is fine when two dogs play within the same breed. But if one of your doggos belongs to a relatively fragile lineage, you might want to consider some separation. If you are worried your German Shepherd playing too rough , click the link for some cool tips on how to limit rough play. The easier to walk your GSD is, the more enjoyable it will be for you both. This is better elaborated in my dedicated post on the fun exercises you can do with your German Shepherd puppy. At the same time, his physical energy levels are rising every day, which can be counterproductive as your German Shepherd can get uber-excited about physical activity. Make sure you have him on a no-pull harness instead of a collar-and-leash, so you can get him properly under control without hurting him. You can also see my other recommendations here. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. While looking through the different stages of growth you can see the rough size of German Shepherd puppies at different stages of their life by comparing the ages to a German Shepherd growth chart. Important Note: Once a puppy has been weened off milk it is essential that the puppy is given a high quality puppy food to ensure proper development. A lack of proper nutrients can result in ears not rising, smaller than normal dogs and health complications in later life. In my opinion Blue Buffalo Puppy Food is the best available on the market. German Shepherd puppies, as with all other dog breeds, are born with their eyes and ears closed. At this stage the GSD puppies are completely dependent on their mothers for care, food and the like and the newborn puppies are relatively immobile. A small section of the umbilical cord will still be attached to the German Shepherd puppy - this will dry up and fall off on its own within a few days. The first 3 days are the most critical in a GSD puppies life. Birth is the beginning of the neonatal period in GSD development and it lasts roughly 2 weeks. Typically the puppies will curve into a comma type shape when picked up. This is because their nervous system at this time is still very immature. Additionally, they can't eliminate unless the mother, or caregiver, stimulates their anus or urethra by licking or gently rubbing the area. Gentle, frequent handling by humans is very helpful from this age onward. As their nervous system development continues they will now also now arch their backs when they are picked up and held rather than curving into a more comma shaped position as before. Around Day 7 German Shepherd puppies now begin to crawl more readily and more often during this phase of GSD development. Short periods of daily handling and exposure to some stimuli can also be very beneficial to stimulate weight gain in the puppy, earlier eye opening, hair growth and motor development in all members of the GSD litter. The German Shepherd puppies eyes will appear to be blue in color at first even though they can't focus right now. They will be able to see shapes after about 2 weeks of age during continued GSD development. Around Day 14 The German Shepherd pups eyes and ears should be fully open by now and many may have their first incisor teeth beginning to erupt. The puppies should also be crawling quite well by this time. This is the beginning of the transitional period of GSD development which typically lasts about a week or so. This is also a period of profound changes in the German Shepherd puppies growth and development. The German Shepherd puppy will begin to be more independent from it's mom during this time. During this time the German Shepherd puppies will begin to eliminate on their own and should start walking within 2- to 3 days by about day 16 or so - very shaky at first, but with practice growing legs will soon become less wobbly. You can observe tail wagging as well as the beginning of play fighting. German Shepherd puppies will also be eliminating on their own by this time. Around Day 21 Around this date the German Shepherd puppy will move from the transitional phase into the socialization period of GSD development. By this time GSD puppies should be able to walk pretty well, with a more adult-like gait. They will also begin a more active exploration of their environments and that of their GSD litter mates. This period is thought to last from about 2. This is an extremely important time for the emotional and social development of the German Shepherd puppy. This is also a period of dramatic changes in your German Shepherd puppies life. This is the period in GSD development when puppies can form bonds with species outside of its own such as human beings. This is also the time when the puppy can identify their own species as well as being able to identify future social partners. Oftentimes, the peak of sensitivity to the formation of social bonds is described to be between 6 to 8 weeks of age. This is also called the fear period in GSD development! Around Week 4 By now social play becomes an important factor in GSD development and German Shepherd puppies learn how to interact with litter mates and adult animals of their species as well. They can also play with toys, play fight, play with humans and other animals and are beginning to eat other soft foods to supplement their mother's milk. Many times the GSD puppies are fearless during this time - exploring their environment and all that is about them. This is also a good time for continued exposure to new and novel things, to various people and other kinds of animals, all while the German Shepherd puppy continues to develop. The socialization stage is very important in the growth of GSD development, however it should be looked at within the context of the developing emotional system of the puppy. At around 3 - 5 weeks of age attraction responses in German Shepherd puppies are very strong. These kinds of responses begin to diminish between 5 - 7 weeks of age as fear responses begin to emerge. It is important to note that early socialization is tremendously important in the development of well-adjusted GSD puppies. During these few weeks, your German Shepherd puppy will also learn how to play and communicate with it's littermates, respond to humans it comes in contact with and how to get along safely in the adult dog world. Around Week 6 German Shepherd puppies begin exhibiting more adult like behaviors such as mounting of other litter mates and demonstrating dominance roles. Sniffing of tails and noses also becomes an important part of the greeting process among their canine peers. Between about 7 - 9 weeks of age the fear response may become so strong as to begin to overwhelm the attraction response. For other puppies the social motivation to make contact may very well overcome any wariness during this phase of GSD development. Around weeks 7 - 12 Among other things, this is an ideal age of socializing your German Shepherd puppy to humans, other animals and new surroundings and objects. It also a great time to learn such important skills as: leash training, housebreaking, crate training, accepting gentle handling and grooming and to accept human domination and control. The socialization period is absolutely critical in GSD development and acceptance of other animal species. If a GSD puppy is not exposed to horses, sheep, goats, other dogs, cats or small children before it reaches 12 weeks, it is likely it will never accept them. You may also observe that your German Shepherd pups ears are beginning to come up in some form or fashion. Don't be surprised by the wild and interesting shapes that they may take on as they mature. As the puppy goes through the teething process the ears will go up and down and will do all sorts of weird things - one up one down; one flopping to the left, the other to the right; both in the center, etc. This period is thought to occur from the end of the primary socialization period through sexual maturity. Motor skills are increasing for the GSD puppy. During this time the puppy is still refining both learning and social skills as well. While puppies in this phase can learn quite well, they are easily distracted and very hard to keep on task. This is an excellent time to start puppy kindergarten. This is also a good time to start being very aware of your GSD puppies ear carriage. Around 4 Months German Shepherd puppies will begin to lose their puppy teeth and will soon replace them with their adult teeth, generally starting with the incisors. Young German Shepherds will continue to learn about their environment and all the individuals in it throughout their social maturization process. This is often the time when older puppies are learning about their social relationships within the environment they live. Social maturity takes more time to achieve than sexual maturity. In the beginning of social maturity dogs will begin to display more mature, adult social behaviors. This time is thought to vary between breeds and from dog to dog and to occur anywhere from 12 - 36 months of age, especially in the larger breeds such as German Shepherds. Again, this varies from German Shepherd to German Shepherd but this is a good place to start. If your German Shepherd puppies ears are not standing up by this time on their own it is a good time to consider taping them. Detailed directions for this process can be found here. Overall, most of the puppies internal body systems are nearly "adult" even though the skeleton is still growing and will for some time to come. In many respects your German Shepherd puppy is now a "small adult". The heart rate has decreased again to about 70 BPM and by the end of this month the GSD puppy should have a full set of adult teeth. Also an important milestone: German Shepherd females reach sexual maturity and have their first estrus heat period. If the GSD's ears are not up by this time you need to take action quickly to get them up before it is too late. Read the article on ear taping. Around 7 - 12 Months German Shepherd males reach sexual maturity and begin to hike their leg when urinating. It is important to be especially firm and consistent about setting limits and enforcing commands during this time since your older GSD puppy may challenge dominance of other dogs or humans during this stage. If the German Shepherd puppies ears are not standing on their own by this point, there is a good chance that they will never stand on their own. This is an ideal age in GSD development to start "Beginning" level classes of obedience training. Bonding to humans is now very firmly established and your German Shepherds vocal and body communications are now that of a more mature individual dog - and more easily understood, and well on their way to many years of happy companionship with you. Sign up for promotions, news, discounts, and the chance to win prizes for you and your German Shepherd E-mail Address. Almost Home Campaign Puppy Developmental Stages and Behaviour To have a well-adjusted and social dog, you need to ensure his needs are met during each phase of development. Building the foundation for a great dog starts with appropriate training at each stage of development and establishing appropriate guidelines so that that your puppy is properly integrated into the family. You will see many behaviour changes during the life stages of your pup. Knowing how to handle your pup through each developmental stage will help to shape your puppy into a lifelong family member. Puppy Developmental Stages The puppy development process covers five distinct stages. However, puppies grow through these stages at their own pace and these timelines can vary. Stage 1: Neonatal Period 0 — 2 weeks This is the first stage of puppy development and begins at birth. At this age, puppies only have the sense of taste and touch and rely totally on their mother. Stage 2: Transitional Period 2 — 4 weeks Sensory development continues with hearing and sense of smell. Puppy teeth start coming through and their eyes will begin to open. Puppies will interact with their litter mates, wag their tails, stand, walk a little and bark. It is vital to understand this stage as most puppies go home to their new parents between 7 — 12 weeks. During this period, changes start to occur rapidly. Between 3- 5 weeks puppies start to become aware of their surroundings and have the ability to develop a relationship with people This is the period where puppies get familiar with the day-to-day noises of a regular household such as TVs, vacuum cleaners, telephones, etc. At this age puppies are just learning to interact with each other and beginning to play. They are also learning their doggie social skills and exploring their ranking status within their pack. Their curiosity is developing, as are their biting skills. Nipping behaviours begin as they practice biting behaviour with their mother and litter mates. At the weeks stage, they will have full use of all their senses and will be ready to go home to their new owners. Bringing your pup home usually between weeks is right in the middle of his socialization period. Therefore, it is vital that you introduce your puppy to as many new dogs, people, objects and surroundings as you can. BUT, make sure you do so in a controlled manner and never put your puppy in a dangerous situation where they can be injured, scared or contract disease. This is a great period to begin crate training, for a variety of reasons. Puppies are old enough to start getting used to being left alone to avoid separation anxiety from developing and are capable of being house-trained. Even though your home is likely puppy proofed, it also saves your possessions. During this phase of development, puppies are developing their reactions to things much more consistently. They are also likely to focus more on different types of people and should be friendly and approachable to strangers. During this time they are also going to continue to practice their biting skills a whole lot more! It is important to learn how to manage this behaviour early on. You may also notice that they are more curious and will probably look to explore their environment more. Be prepared for this and keep your puppy close to you and leashed. Stage 4: Testing Period 3 — 6 months This is the time your puppy starts to test their boundaries within their world. They will test the limits with their owners and other animals. At this age many adult dogs will start to enforce manners. Problematic behaviours can begin to arise in this period. At this age your puppy is going to go through teething and chewing is a common side effect. Make sure he has plenty of chew sticks and toys. Use commercial sprays or gels that dissuade your puppy from chewing your belongings. Try soaking a cloth toy in chicken stock and freezing it if your puppy is experiencing pain while teething. Once frozen, this can be given to your puppy as a chew toy and will help to relieve sore gums. Puppies are usually finished teething by the age of 6 months when the upper fangs canines come in. Your cute little puppy is becoming a teenager and will start producing hormones which may result in changes in behaviour. Dogs go through adolescence much earlier than people; for small breeds, is can be as early as six months old while larger dogs starting at nine or 10 months of age. Adolescence in larger breed dogs continues until they are two or three years old with smaller dogs reaching maturity at about 18 months. Typically the larger the dog, the slower the development. Signs of Puberty in Canines Here are the typical signs to watch out for to tell you that your own puppy has hit puberty: Males.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Deer Creek Comfort Dogs Shaping future companions for families and those in need of comfort Our family has been raising puppies for over 20 years. Our children have always had a passion for dogs which began our journey and now our grandchildren enjoy growing up with our wonderful dogs by their side. Deer Creek provides emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, service and therapy prospects, canine good citizen dogs as well as family pets. Deer Creek assists our families with puppy selection to help ensure the families get the puppy that will work well with their needs. Someone once said, "Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative" and we hope you choose one of ours. If you are interested in finding your new family member, fill out our puppy application and we will be thrilled to work with you. We recognize that our dogs have the capability of changing peoples' lives on a therapeutic level. Many of our Doodles have become therapy dogs at funeral homes, children's advocacy centers, hospitals and nursing homes, and others have found homes as anxiety, PTSD and emotional support dogs. Learn more about our nonprofit organization Deer Creek Paw Prints at www. Learn More Molly, Rhys, and Beau! View fullsize Both our chocolate Labradoodle and our Poodle are beautiful dogs with excellent temperaments. They are our family pets. Because we begin with a Labradoodle and a Poodle, rather than a Lab and a Poodle, our puppies are much more likely to have the non-shedding Poodle coat. A F1b Labradoodle has been back-crossed to a poodle in an effort to insure a non-shedding coat. Even though most f1b Labradoodles shed very little or not all, it is impossible to guarantee that any dog even doodles or purebred poodles will not shed at all. Hypo- means less hypothermia is having a lower than normal body temperature. No dog can be said to be completely non-allergenic. Studies have shown that doodles are less likely to cause allergies, particularly f1b doodles. The ideal is to keep as much of the Lab head shape and super-friendly personality as possible while getting the non-shedding Poodle coat as well as the dignified, less vocal characteristics of the Poodle. Our Labradoodle methodology is quite simple. First, we get quality dogs. This is why we wanted to have pick of the litter for our Labradoodle and our Poodle and why we only obtained puppies from reputable breeders that we knew we could trust. Second, we try to treat our dogs Labradoodle and Poodle well. We feed our Labradoodle and Poodle high quality food with plenty of protein, and give them wonderful socialization and opportunities for exercise. We have 12 acres along the Enoree River with trails, additional property next to a Greenville state park, and property on Lake Hartwell giving us the opportunity to take the dogs kayaking. We recognize the importance of socializing young Labradoodle puppies so they will not be fearful as they mature. Our Labradoodle puppies have lots of opportunities to play with our children, and water games are definitely on top of the list. Labradoodles love the water and so do my kids, as you can see below. Third, we try to find appropriate families for our Chocolate Labradoodle puppies. To learn more about our process, check out this resource that gives a step-by-step guide between the application to receiving your puppy! A Chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle is not for everyone, and a puppy is not for everyone. If your family is not prepared for a Labradoodle puppy financially, time investment, etc. When can you get your puppy? Because we have only one Labradoodle mother and a couple guardian homes , puppies are available only occasionally. Contact us nathan crockettdoodles. We have a flexible waiting list and offer your deposit back if we do not have the ideal Labradoodle puppy for you within a certain window of time. Sometimes with mini Labradoodles we prefer to wait until they are a little older than 8 weeks because accidents tend to happen more easily with really small puppies. We will take several pictures of you with your Labradoodle puppy. We will send you the pictures for free place them on a USB thumb drive for you , and you will have full copyright privileges to all of the pictures to use at your discretion. You have the option of whether or not the photos appear here on the ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Although we never ship puppies, we will sometimes personally deliver puppies for a reasonable fee. Why should you consider getting a Chocolate Labradoodle from us? If a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy is right for your family, and if you are within driving distance of Greenville, SC, you may want to consider getting a chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle from us. If you read our Labradoodle puppy methodology and like what you read, you should consider adopting one of our puppies. We have a three-year health guarantee on each of our puppies if the forever home continues to feed TLC one year health guarantee on all others. How can you get a Chocolate Labradoodle or Labradoodle mini from us? If you think your family would be a good match for one of our Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppies, then start the conversation by emailing us at nathan crockettdoodles. You will have full access to all pictures and hold the copyright to make as many pictures as you desire. You keep all the pictures. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality collar. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality leash. We give you a bag of high quality dog food. We believe that you should give your new Labradoodle puppy or mini Labradoodle puppy the best food. Instructional materials about crate training and house training. Our goal is to do everything we can to assist in the house training and crate training process. A Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy or any puppy cannot be completely reliable in the house until the puppy is about 6 months old. The simple point is that no matter what some breeders tell you you will be partially involved in the house training process unless you buy an older Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle , but we want to help you with that process. A one-year health guarantee; extended to three years for all who continue to feed TLC. We are concerned with finding really good homes for our Labradoodle and mini Labradoodle puppies. Labradoodle Color To see a list of available colors, check out this page. At ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Ultimately we cannot completely control the color of puppies. Even though chocolate is the most desirable color, we sometimes have puppies of other colors even occasional merles. These puppies, will of course, also make excellent pets. These non-chocolate Labradoodle puppies are also available to great families, but we know that Chocolate Labradoodles are the most desirable. The Labrador Retriever has a short coat that sheds. By breeding the F1 Labradoodle back to an unrelated Poodle, the chances of getting the highly desirable non-shedding Poodle coat increase exponentially. Some F1B Labradoodles are bred back another time to a Poodle in an effort to guarantee a Poodle coat. If high quality dogs are chosen to breed that have the head shape of a Labrador Retriever it is possible to get a puppy that is very similar in many ways to a Labrador, but has the beautiful non-shedding Poodle coat. Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are highly intelligent dogs, helping Labradoodles excel in smarts, train-ability, and a general desire to always please their owner. If you desire a family-friendly, kid loving, medium energy dog that is comfortable inside or outside, that loves the water and the land, you should definitely consider a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle. For more info about Labradoodle puppies or mini Labradoodle puppies, please email nathan crockettdoodles. Check out our sister site miniLabradoodlePuppies. We specialize in Chocolate Labradoodles and mini Labradoodles, but often we have other colors as well. Occasionally someone travels from Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh-Durham or Knoxville, but our proximity to North Carolina and the popularity of Labradoodles in North Carolina make Charlotte and Asheville our most serviced locations. We also have some who are interested from distant states, but we primarily serve the Southeast U. Current Available Puppies! Hello and thank you for visiting our site! We love our Australian Labradoodles!!! It is a privilege for us to raise these amazing puppies for you to add to your life as your best friend. We like to think of our business as a way of fulfilling your dream of a non-shedding companion that will experience life with you. Only the best Australian labradoodles we can find are a part of our Hilltop Labradoodles breeding program. We strive to advance the breed by health testing all of our parent dogs to allow our Hilltop Labradoodles Families a chance to experience these amazing dogs in their own lives. We live and raise our dogs in Northern Colorado but have placed and deliver our dogs throughout the United States. Enjoy looking through our site and viewing our fabulous dogs! Trained Christmas Puppies Life in my small piece of the world is on the edge of the great plains in Northern Colorado where the grass ripples across the land like waves in the ocean. I have been blessed with a man that is nothing short of the hardest working beau you've ever met and five ingenious children. Our animals have as much personality as the people in our family do. We spend a lot of days laughing, caring well for what we have stewardship over, and enjoying the gifts we have been given. I love beautiful things designed by God. I cherish peaceful, quiet mornings when the air is crisp and you can see life in your own breath. Anything family is a joy with the many diverse gifts we share with each other. I claim to be a good cook only when I follow the creative young soul from Half Baked Harvest, otherwise coffee with a little cream will do. Oh… and Fabulous is my favorite word. Life Span Did You Know? A Labradoodle is a popular designer dog breed. It is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. This designer dog breed originated in Australia around .The main goal of the Labradoodle was to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for people living with disabilities who were also allergic to dog fur and dander. Now, they are still a popular choice for service, guide, and therapy dogs and are also a popular companion dog. Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are both friendly, gentle, intelligent, and affectionate dog breeds. The Labradoodle tends to be similar. They are open and friendly and crave human attention and affection. They are happiest when they are with people. Labradoodles also tend to have an energetic and playful personality. They get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and strangers. They are alert enough to bark or let you know when someone is at the door, but they are not generally good watchdogs or guard dogs as they are more interested in making friends. A Labradoodle is a highly adaptable dog breed. They do very well in homes with space to run and they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They also do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Because they enjoy being around people, they do not generally like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also become bored if not given enough attention, exercise, or mental stimulation, which can result in destructive behavior. This dog breed is generally healthy, but they do have the chance of inheriting common health conditions from both of the parent breeds. Some health conditions to be aware of include elbow and hip dysplasia, ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy. Good breeding practices can reduce the likelihood of passing on many of these health issues. Be sure to talk with the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and ask to see any health clearances; this can help allay potential health concerns. A Labradoodle tends to be eager to please and highly intelligent, which makes them highly trainable. They are a good fit for dog owners of any experience level. As with most dog breeds, Labradoodles respond best to training that is consistent and uses positive reinforcement. There are some grooming tasks that are common to every dog breed. When it comes to coat care, it can vary with a Labradoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that is also high maintenance in terms of brushing, trimming, and professional grooming. Labs tend to have a higher shedding coat that needs minimal brushing and grooming. For the most part, a Labradoodle will have a low or non-shedding coat that will need to be brushed a few times a week. But, they can have a higher shedding coat should they take after their Labrador parent. You may also need a few professional grooming sessions throughout the year. Nail trimming once a month is usually enough to keep movement comfortable and prevent longer nails from snagging on things. Proper dental care for your dog will help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Drop-down ears are more prone to infection because floppy ears are more likely to trap moisture, dirt, and debris. This will make grooming throughout their life a much more enjoyable process for both you and your dog. It can even become a bonding time for you both as well. Labradoodles tend to be high-energy dogs. They require a few daily walks plus some time to run and play in order to stay happy and healthy. They certainly love to play and you may tire out before they do sometimes. They may calm down a little as they get to be a couple of years old, but they tend to be quite energetic as puppies. Going swimming with your dog , taking a hike with them, going on a trip to the dog park, playing a game of fetch, and more are all great supplemental activities to ensure your Labradoodle gets plenty of exercise. You can even train them to compete in dog sports like dock diving, flyball, agility, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Labradoodle will usually stand between 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Labradoodles generally live 12 — 14 years. However, it did not become popular until when the mix was specifically bred to create hypoallergenic guide dogs. Featured Labradoodle Article. If you are looking for the perfect family companion, you have come to the right place. We are a family first, and our dogs are an integral, loving part of our lives. They have been bred to be as gentle, as intelligent, and as devoted, as they are beautiful. We expect nothing less of our puppies! Our Puppies Our puppies are multi-generational Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. They will be hypo-allergenic, non-shedding, wonderful, playful and probably the best dog you will ever own! Their parents all have exceptional temperaments and are fun loving, intelligent family members. We are very proud of our dogs and the puppies we raise. Every possible advantage is given to our puppy family members, and it shows. We have many happy families that have gotten their perfect Labradoodle or Goldendoodle from us. Available Puppies About Family Labradoodles Our dogs have freedom to run and play and just be dogs; to swim and dive after a ball or a crab or visit our neighbors without the threat of cars. We have dozens of lifetimes worth of beautiful memories. We let him out regularly and then at 10AM decided that we would bell train him so that he could tell us when he had to go out. By AM yes, only 30 minutes he had the hang of it. Every single time he has to potty or wants to go romp in the yard off to the bell he goes. He is truly the best dog! Murphy loves nothng better than a ride in the car. He gets to ride and take our girls to school every morning. You only have to say "ride" and he will most definately beat you to the car. He loves the water and we have enjoyed taking him to the lake. He is by far one of the prettiest parti labradoodles I have ever seen and people stop us every time they see him to ask what he is and to tell us how beautiful he is. I could go on and on about how well trained, smart and beautiful he is but I will wrap by saying that Murphy has taken over our bed and has stolen our hearts. He has made our family complete! Thank you!! Where do I begin. He is our baby so gentle and well behaved. He is so well mannered. Everyone loves him. Weighs 71 lbs. Just a beautiful dog. He goes to work with his Dad everyday and sleeps with his Mommy and Daddy every nite. Everyone loves Sam. Thanks for bringing Sam into this our world. Hope all is well with you and your family. Why get a labradoodle puppy? Labradoodles are smart, loving, child-friendly dogs. They have light to non-shedding, allergy-friendly coats, and they do not have the dog smell associated with other breeds. They are highly trainable, fun loving, family companions. Labradoodles also come in miniature, medium, and standard sizes. We breed all sizes of labradoodles, but concentrate mostly on mini labradoodles and medium labradoodles with an ocassional litter of large standard size labradoodles. We have found the miniature and medium sized labradoodles to be the perfect size for families on the go. They are wonderful companions and are just the right size for a snuggle on the couch, sleeping at the foot of the bed, or riding in the car running errands. On a personal note, our family fell in love with labradoodles when we saw what a patient, loyal companion a labradoodle was for our 6 year old son with autism. By breeding labradoodles, it is my hope to provide this type of loving companion for other families. Why choose Pacific Rim Labradoodles? Located in Southern Oregon, Pacific Rim Labradoodles takes pride in being a very reputable and ethical breeder of Australian and American multigeneration labradoodles. We are a family that has fallen in love with the labradoodle breed. We began breeding labradoodles in so that others could experience the joy of labradoodle ownership. Every labradoodle puppy is born and raised at our home. We are a small Oregon breeder that believes in quality before quantity. Our goal is to breed wonderful labradoodle puppies for companion and family dogs while continuing to advance the labradoodle as a breed. All of our breeding stock undergoes genetic testing for soundness of hips and eyes. The temperaments of our breeding dogs is also very important to us. We breed only labradoodles with phenomenal temperaments since the disposition of the parents is the best indicator of the disposition of your puppy. We back up all of our labradoodle puppies with a 2 year genetic health warranty and our continued support for the lifetime of your dog. The climate and low population of our gorgeous Oregon coast means that our dogs and puppies have 36 acres of trails and forest land to play on. Our labradoodles are kenneled only for safety issues when necessary. Our goal is to provide you with a happy, healthy labradoodle puppy and an enjoyable puppy purchasing experience. We look forward to working with you to find you the perfect new addition for your family.

There are so many outdoor exercises and games that help in achieving their daily exercise routine perfectly. One such exercise is swimming. When can Golden Retrievers swim? Golden Retrievers do not have a specific time or age to begin to swim. Although, some are born with a phobia for water, a condition known as Aquaphobia. When this happens, it takes the dog a much longer time to adjust and even start to go close to water. To achieve this, start by putting it in small water bodies like pools, bathtubs, and shallow parts of the stream. Then, you should place your palm under its belly and chest and allow it just to swirl around and move its legs. Can Golden Retrievers puppy swim? Golden Retrievers puppies can swim. Swimming comes naturally to them. They may, however, require extra practice that goes a long way in helping them learn and get comfortable and relaxed around water. In addition, they may not have the flexibility in their body or be confident enough to swim independently, which is why extra care and attention should be given to them in the first few months when they start swimming. Can a two-month-old Golden Retriever swim? No, two-month-old Golden Retrievers can not swim because, at two months, they are only just being introduced to the water body to make them acquainted with the water. Golden Retrievers at two months can only swim if they have been introduced to water at a very early stage which is unsafe for them. While in water, extra care should be taken, and some safety precautions should be put into consideration. Golden Retrievers are good listeners and brilliant dogs. They may learn how to swim just after two swimming lessons. Take breaks in between swimming lessons Do not make the mistake of letting your puppy get tired on the water. Always give it short swimming lessons to make it want to go for more of the water. If you always stress them, they might develop a hatred for water, anxiety attacks, or may even become aquaphobic because the water scares them. Always consider the health of your dog Most two-month-old puppies are prone to fall sick due to weather and irregular temperatures in the environment. In addition, at two months old, they are mostly not strong enough to swim. Do not attempt to teach your golden retriever puppy to swim if they are sick or do not have the physical strength and energy in its body to swim. You may be too eager and want your dog to be a swimmer right away, but it is best to keep calm and teach your dog how to swim at the right time when it is old enough. Why are some Golden Retrievers scared of water? Due to the general assumption that all Golden Retrievers swim, most people become too eager to see their dogs swim. Well, you may have noticed that your Golden Retriever has a phobia for water, and you want to know why. They may run away from every form of water and even bathing. Some of the reasons why this happens: 1. It is a new experience for them Just like humans, dogs get anxious about the feeling of water over their bodies. When water pushes their fur, it makes it sticks together, thereby making movement uncomfortable for them. In addition, they may feel strange, so they want to get out and not stay another second. They were introduced into the water too early. Golden Retrievers that were often forced to swim at a very early age may grow up to hate water. Many younger dogs find it hard to swim and need time to grow and get strong enough to be in the water. Your curiosity and eagerness to watch your dog swim might just be the reason why it may never swim. They had a traumatic experience If your dog has had a bad experience with water, i. It may take them a long time, and they may never even swim again. Is it safe for Golden Retrievers to swim every day? Yes, it is. In fact, swimming as an outdoor activity helps Golden Retrievers stay healthy and fit. It helps it get the necessary energy it needs to carry out normal day-to-day activities effectively. It also helps burn body fat and energy a lot faster so even physical exercises do not. If your dog enjoys swimming, then let it swim. You, however, should rinse your body immediately after swimming, especially if the water swimming in was salty. What are the health benefits of swimming for Golden Retrievers? Swimming for you may just be one of the many exercises you do, but it has a lot of benefits for your dog. They include : It helps in reducing age-related illnesses such as weakness of the elbow and legs, i. Swimming as an exercise helps in burning fat in your heavy or overweight dogs. Adult goldens naturally do well in the water, but what about puppies? Can Golden Retriever puppies swim? Golden retriever puppies have a natural instinct that makes them good swimmers. Many Golden Retriever puppies can hit the water for the first time and learn how to swim very quickly. It is best to take precautions and stick near your puppy when they first start swimming to make sure they stay safe. While swimming is a natural instinct for a golden, it still takes a bit of learning and practice for a puppy to figure out how to swim. Many take naturally to the water and will learn to swim with very little encouragement. In fact, a golden is a natural swimmer because they were bred to retrieve birds and other game in the water during hunts. In the past, Golden Retrievers were bred to help retrieve waterfowl that was downed during a hunt. To do this, they would need to have strong swimming muscles to get out into the water, get the animal, and bring it back to their owners. Thanks to this breeding, most Golden Retrievers are just naturally strong swimmers. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! When take your puppy out to the water to swim, you can enjoy some peace of mind compared to other animals. There are a lot of genetics at play that help your dog to be a good swimmer, including strong legs, the ability to keep their energy up, and an inherent instinct for swimming. If you have a new golden retriever puppy, you may first want to know how old they should be before introducing them to the water? At this point they have developed enough to begin to be able to handle the water. Then you can take the time to help them adjust to the water and teach them how to swim and be safe. You may find that just a few times on the water is all your puppy needs to take off and want to spend all afternoon swimming. Other times your puppy may need a little more guidance and help. He took to swimming like…well, like a Golden Retriever! How to Keep Your Golden Retriever Safe on the Water Even if your dog does know how to swim, there are a few things that you can do to help keep them safe. Remember the Sunscreen Humans and dogs are quite similar when it comes to sun exposure. While we can agree, there are big differences between the species, there is one similarity in that the sun can be as harmful to the skin of your dog as it is to your own. This will make it easier to swim in the water as they are learning, and will keep them afloat if they get tired. They are not used to this new activity and may not have the endurance to spend that long in the water. If you let them overexert themselves or swim for too long, they can get overly tired. This increases the risk of drowning. Short little spurts into the water are best. This allows your dog to get used to the water and swim a bit, building up her endurance, so she can swim for longer and longer as time goes by. So cute! Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! Short swims also allow your golden retriever puppy to develop a sense of their own level of endurance. They will begin to learn just how much effort it will take to swim a specific distance. A young puppy will learn the same thing over time. These steps include: Take your puppy to a small, calm lake or swimming pool. You and someone else should go into the water in case something goes wrong. Gently guide your puppy into the water. Let the puppy feel the water a bit before turning back towards the other person you brought with you. Keep them close to the shore or steps of the pool. The best way to do this is to have one of your hands on the stomach and the other at the base of the tail. This is a good time to talk gently to your puppy and be positive and upbeat. Once their legs are under, you should notice that even while holding them, your dog is moving their legs and paddling. This is the time for praise and positive reinforcement to let the dog know they are doing well. The other person on the shore should call for your dog to come to them. You can release the dog a bit, adding a bit of balance as necessary. When you feel they are comfortable and ready, release completely and let them swim the rest of the way. Continue with this. Take them back out into the water and let them swim back to the person on the other shore for as many times as it takes. Conclusion Your Golden Retriever puppy is sure to love spending time on the water with you and the rest of the family. There are a few simple precautions you can take to make sure that your puppy will be safe when they bounce into the water. But if you learn how to watch them, protect them from getting too tired or too burnt, and you teach them how to swim, your puppy will have the time of their lives. Some retrievers are scared of water and that can make it hard to teach him to swim. In this post we teach you how we go about when teaching our golden retriever puppies how to swim. Once she becomes comfortable, then you can bring her out to the lake or the sea shore and coax her to try it out. How to introduce puppy to water The first thing that you must remember is that your dog must be trained or must be obedient enough or at least, possess the basic obedient skills before you take him to the waterfront. He needs to know that there is nothing to be afraid of, so take him to the waterfront and make him stand in shallow water. It is a good idea to introduce him to water from a young age. And as he grows up, he becomes more comfortable with getting into water and even diving into the same to fetch items. You need to train your dog to come to you when you call out to him, so that when he is in water, he can come towards you once he hears your summons. Rather than pull the leash, it is safer this way. You can introduce your pup to water when he is just eight weeks old. And once you get him used to water, transitioning from a walk along the shores to a fully fledged swim should not take that long. You can also bring another person as well. Now gently lift your golden retriever in your hands, walk into the water, and then gently submerge your pup but make sure that you have your hands under his belly. Your pup is a little panicked at this stage; so you need to talk to him gently, coo in his ear if necessary, but make him feel relaxed. Now, when your golden retriever starts paddling his legs, praise him and use positive reinforcement to make sure that he understands. It is important that you do not force your retriever to swim or stress her out, she must learn to love the water on her own Now gently release your pup and point her towards the shore and see if she can make her way towards the same. Continue the same process and extend the duration each day until she starts swimming with pleasure. Congratulations, you have managed to make your golden retriever take to water. But here are a few safety tips that you may want to review, before you end up throwing your retriever into the deep end of the pool. If you have a dog that is very afraid of the water, an alternate approach would be that you start out by first finding a unpopulated place with calm and shallow water. Get your dog used to the sight of the ocean or lake by walking your puppy on the beach. Try to get close to the water and encourage your puppy to get her paws wet. When the puppy is comfortable, you can start steering your dog towards more deeper waters. Remember to have the leach on while doing this exercise, so that you more easily can steer the puppy. It is also not necessary that the puppy swims the first time while you are doing this exercise. The most important part of this exercise is that you show your dog that the ocean is not dangerous. Our puppy Umbra loves long walks by the ocean! Safety Tips: Do not throw your dogs off the pier or into the deep end: if your pup has still not learnt to swim properly, then he can end up drowning. That is why it is important for you to teach your pup all the basics of swimming so that she is prepared for the same. Invest in a flotation device for dogs: This is a good idea and a nice move; you can invest in a flotation device that helps keep your pup afloat as she tries out the basics of swimming. These flotation devices are designed to help your dog to learn swimming and at the same time, stay afloat. For example if you plan to teach your pup how to swim in a fast moving river then it makes perfect sense to try out the flotation device, and anchor the same safely. Bring a buddy: Introducing another dog that loves swimming may well be the trick that will get your retriever into the water. Most dogs follow other dogs and seeing one enjoying swimming is bound to cause your pup to try out the water. But make sure that the dogs get well with each other and do not fight as that somehow defeats the purpose. Swimming pools: These are often the best location to start training your pup. Slow introduction: chances are that your pup is somewhat terrified of water. Given this you may want to help calm down your retriever, talk in soothing tones and introduce her slowly to water. So you need to lead by example, so get into the water slowly and start paddling. Then coax your dog gently to try out the same as well. You can also use a flotation device so that in the event of anything going wrong, he has a safety net. Rewards: One of the most effective ways to train your dog is to offer him a reward after praising him for acceptable behavior. Now, you can employ the same trick at the swimming pool and coax your dog to get into the water. And once she does, use positive reaffirmation to show that you are pleased with her behavior Be supportive: It is important that you are supportive of your pup; remember that she is panicking right about now, and you need to soothe her fears down. Once they start to panic most dogs raise their front paws to get out of the water. This often results in pushing them down further, so make sure that you are supporting your pup during the initial training period. Try placing your hand under her belly, this should help support her as she starts to use her front paws. You can also place a hand under her rump for additional support. Your dog will require additional support until she becomes better versed with the basics of swimming. Four paws: Chances are that your golden retriever will only use her front paws to paddle, so you need to encourage her to use all four paws when swimming. Once she gets the hang of it, encourage her to retrieve small objects. Soon, you should be able to get the message across and your pup would soon know the meaning of these water words. Check the weather as well as the currents: It is important that you check the weather and currents of the local body to assess if it is safe taking your dog out for a swim. Do note that rip tides can be quite powerful and it is never a good idea to take your dog swimming in inclement weather either. It is important that you assess the local conditions including the current tide as well as the weather before you take your dog swimming, And make sure that you go along to supervise her swim, so that you can always jump in after her and rescue her if needed. It is important that you take care to check all the local conditions before you take your retriever for a swim. Next, Feed And Reward Your Dog Now that you have managed to teach your golden retriever to swim, there are a few things that you need to take care of right away: Wash and pat: It is important that you use lukewarm water to wash and pat her dry. Now, she can adjust to the room temperature and feel comfortable. Hot food: Make sure that you have selected a nutritious brand of food for your dog. It is important that she nourishes her body soon and hot piping food should do the trick. Do remember that meat happens to be the main source of nutrition for your dog so select food items which feature the same. Consult a vet: You can always consult the vet about the best food items to purchase for your dog. Small portions: Do remember that your golden retriever is still a pup so you need to feed her in small portions. If you are not sure about the schedule, you can, consult a vet and the number of times that you would be required to feed your dog, in the course of a single day. It is a good idea to go in for stainless steel bowls for both water as well as dinner. The one reason that you may want to opt for stainless steel bowls is on account of the fact that they come less bacteria. Health treats: You can also provide your pup with some health treats. It is important that you do not force her to get into water as that can serve to increase her anxiety levels. Just follow the steps listed here and you should be able to teach your dog to swim in no time at all. And in due course, you should be able to take your pup for a swim. Just remember that it is important that you support your pup all through the various stages and ensure that she does not have to panic and that you are with her, during this process. And make sure that you assess the local conditions, prior to heading to office. Soon, your pup will not bark on seeing the water or start whining the moment she ends up in war. But as mentioned earlier, these are just during the initial stages and soon you should be able to watch your golden retriever have tons of fun, swimming in the water. Related Articles.

This is a higher price as far as puppies are concerned, but the Spanador is becoming increasingly popular, and these prices will probably continue to rise. They Love Water Spanadors love everything and anything about water. It is not uncommon to see your Spanador attempt to swim in their water bowl. If you happen to have a pool or a beach that your Spanador can swim in, they will be thrilled. In addition to enjoying swimming, they will also burn off some of that endless energy. These dogs want to be with you at all times. Many Spanador owners have learned to look down before taking a step. Chances are your Spanador will be sitting at your feet. Although this dog is a bit smaller than a purebred Labrador, it can still reach up to 50 pounds. The Spanador will fully believe they are a lap dog regardless of their size. They Serve as Watchdogs Although the Spanador is not a very large dog, you will find that they are protective. If you want a dog that will keep a close eye on your children and your property, the Spanador is an excellent choice. When it comes to both character and intelligence, these dogs will sit at the top of any chart. The Spanador is a dog that has a lot of energy. If you are a person that wants a docile animal to sit at your feet all day, the Spanador may not be the best choice. Although they will eventually settle and love a great cuddle, they need their play first. The great thing about the Spanador is that even with the amount of energy they have, they can be taught how to control that energy and behave in a way that makes them excellent indoor pets. They are people pleasers and want you to be happy. This is a loyal dog that thinks of itself as another member of the family. The Spanador is a brilliant dog. Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Labrador are smart animals. None of that intelligence was lost when this breed was developed. Keep reading to find out more about how their intelligence affects training and family life. Are These Dogs Good for Families? A family is a perfect setup for a Spanador. These dogs are going to be continually seeking love and attention, and a family will fill that need for them. In addition to the need for love, the Spanador will want people to play. If you have kids that can learn to throw a ball or teach the dog some extra tricks, the Spanador will be in its glory. Of course, all dogs have their personalities, and you will always need to use caution with children around animals. However, the Spanador is a happy dog. You will see as they walk, run, and play that their head is up, and they are looking for smiles, friendly hellos, and a belly rub from anyone who may offer. Since the Spanador is so loyal to the family, they will likely try and keep an eye on their companions as well. If a stranger comes to the door, they are very likely to bark and alert the family members to a potential problem. Remember when your dog barks it is not to be loud and annoying, they want to help you. This is not an aggressive breed, they will not try and start a problem. You should, however, always keep your Spanador on a leash. Depending on the personality of the other dog, it could be a problem for your Spanador. Spanadors love to play, and although they are medium-size dogs, you may want to watch them around tiny dogs. They may not understand that the smaller size dog cannot play and rough house in the same way. Luckily the Spanador is not a high-maintenance dog. However, this dog will shed, and it will need your attention. We will give you all the information you should consider before purchasing your Spanador puppy. They love food so much that you will have to keep an eye on your Spanador and the amount of food they consume. If you put food out in a bowl, they will consume it at a very fast speed. This fast eating can lead to gastrointestinal issues. If your dog tends to eat quickly like this, you can give your Spanador a little bit at a time or get a bowl that helps release the food more slowly. You will have to watch that there are not too many people in the family giving your Spanador treats. With how much these dogs love the food, they may beg or look for ways to get food from you. Since the Spanador is so sweet and loving, it is hard not to give in to those puppy dog eyes. We reviewed the best low-calorie dog treats — see our top picks here! Your dog is going to need a lot of exercise. If you live in an apartment with no outside space for a dog to run, the Spanador may not thrive. Having a yard for the Spanador to run and play is very important. You will also need to take your dog on walks so that they get the correct amount of exercise every day. If you like to walk or run with your dog, the Spanador is quite capable of keeping up with you. Since they are so easy to train see next heading , you will easily be able to leash-train them. If both your kids and your dog need exercise, that would be even better. Letting your Spanador run in the yard and play with the kids is a great way to help them manage their high levels of energy. If you can help them burn off some of this steam early in the day, by the time evening comes around, they will be ready to snuggle and enjoy your company. Lastly, it is important to get your Spanador some swim time if you can. Spanadors love to swim. They enjoy spending time in the water with the ones they love, so if you can find a way to get your Spanador to the beach, the pool, or the lake—go for it! Although dog training will take time and patience, regardless of the breed, you will have very little trouble with the Spanador. These dogs want to make you happy. If sitting seems to make you happy, or when they come that makes you happy, your Spanador will want to repeat that behavior. Since they are dogs that want to please, you should use positive reinforcement for them. This is a dog that picks up on human behaviors and feelings. Even by changing the pitch of your voice, your dog will know that you are pleased with their response. With a high level of intelligence and the desire to ensure that you are their best friend, the Spanador is an enjoyable dog to train. You can start training a Spanador from the time they are a young puppy. Starting at this age and exposing them to other animals for socialization will make your life easier as they age. Keep in mind that the Spanador will have lots of energy for many years. You will not be able to control the energy your dog has. You will have to help them exercise and then help them learn to behave even with high energy levels. The Spanador is going to shed, and you will be vacuuming a lot. The amount your dog sheds will change depending on the season, but there will always be a good amount. One way to avoid having the house destroyed by hair is to brush your dog at least weekly. The brushing will remove much of the loose hair and help save your carpets just a little bit. Since this is a mixed breed between two dogs that have varying hair lengths, the amount of hair your Spanador has can vary. Sometimes a Spanador will have longer hair around the ears just like a Cocker Spaniel. If that is the case, you can trim that hair lightly just to keep things neat. If your dog does have long hair spots, make sure that they are brushed often to avoid knots. Spanadors do not need frequent baths. Once a month or every other month is more than fine. Indeed, if they get into a mess, they should be bathed more often. Make sure that you use a dog shampoo. Using any shampoo for the dog could result in their skin drying out. You will mostly need to watch out for the weight gain. As we mentioned earlier, this breed of dog loves its food. Minor Conditions. The first generation Cocker Spaniel Lab mixed breed is also affectionately referred to as the Spanador, Cockador, or Cockerdor In this article, we first discuss some general concerns about first generation cross breeds before diving into some of the specifics about Cocker Spaniel Labs. There is a lot of controversy surrounding designer dogs, with strong supporters both for and against them. Looking for a unique dog? One thing to note about designer dogs is that it is more difficult to predict the traits of offspring compared to purebreds. A common belief is that designer dogs are healthier than purebreds. Is this really the case? Are Designer Dogs Healthier? The health and welfare of your puppy are going to be your foremost concern, whether your dog is a pure breed, designer dog, or mutt. However, research has successfully demonstrated that inbreeding how you get purebreds results in a smaller genetic pool. When you shrink the gene pool, you increase the likelihood of passing on genetic traits that may cause health problems. And since some purebreds are not as common or popular as others, they will have a smaller gene pool and may be more likely to have health problems. However, when comparing an individual purebred puppy to a mixed breed puppy, either dog could end up being the healthier one. So what are some common traits of the first generation Cocker Spaniel Labrador mix and what should you know? Both dogs are extremely popular in the US. The Cocker Spaniel and the Labrador are energetic, highly active dogs that tend to be friendly and relatively easy to train. As sporting dogs, they are also known for excellent instincts in the woods and in water. However their roles were historically a little different. Working Labradors The Labrador Retriever has been bred to pick up game and bring it back to their owner. This involves working co-operatively, following hand, whistle and verbal cues. They are traditionally worked in a variety of terrains and are reliable working partners, with a real love of, well, just about everyone! Although he has some retrieving uses out in the field, his main job is to flush game. He does this by diving fearlessly into the bracken, thorns and gorse to find rabbits, birds and a variety of other wildlife. He has also needed to work co-operatively, changing direction on cue and fetching when required. But to do this hunting, an increased enthusiasm of finding prey has been bred into these little dogs. This can make it tricky for some novice owners, who find they are ignored entirely on walks in favor of the wildlife. Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix Personality Labrador Retrievers have a reputation for being more outgoing and social, and definitely, love to play. However, both breeds are capable of speed and endurance and have a calm, stable temperament. Also, given the broad similarities between the Lab and the Spaniel, the qualities to be expected in a Cocker Spaniel Lab mix puppy are more easily predicted than other mixes. Size, Weight, and Height of the Cockerdor Both the Cocker Spaniel and Labrador are considered medium sized dogs, however, at different ends of the spectrum. There is definitely a noticeable size difference between the two breeds. Male Labradors can weigh anywhere between 65 to 80 pounds, with a height of .Females are typically smaller, weighing 55 to 70 pounds and are .The Cocker Spaniel is technically still within the medium range, but is, in fact, the smallest sporting dog in this AKC group. Male Cocker Spaniels have heights ranging from .The Labrador Cocker Spaniel mix could end up anywhere within this range. This is an important point to be aware of there is a considerable difference between a dog that is 20 pounds and one that is 70 pounds! Cockerdor Dog Coats and Grooming Requirements The American Cocker Spaniel has two coats: a shorter undercoat, and a longer, silkier outer coat, which can be either straight or wavy. Spaniels have longer hair—termed feathering—around the ears, belly, chest, and legs. The amount and length of fur on a Cocker Spaniel requires regular grooming, to avoid tangling and matting. Labradors also have two coats, although their top coat is much coarser, sometimes called a Guard coat, to help repel water and protect the skin. While grooming is always important, Labradors do not need bathing as often as some other breeds due to their shorter, sturdier coat. As a mixed breed, a Cocker Spaniel Lab mix could end up with either coat or something in between. Thus, grooming regimens may vary. What we do know for sure is that Labs are a high shedding breed, so you need to be prepared for the possibility of dealing with a whole lot of hair. Even with a Cocker Spaniel Lab mix! Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix Temperament and Behavior Both Labradors and Cocker Spaniels are known for their stable and balanced temperament as well as a friendly, loving nature. Both breeds are outgoing dogs that love to play and are relatively easy to train. And to potentially avoid walks with lots of rabbits or squirrels to distract them! Since both of the parent breeds have very similar temperaments, this increases the likelihood that a Cockador dog will exhibit the same behavioral traits. Therefore, the Spanador temperament is generally stable, easy-going, and friendly. Spanador dogs are known for being loving towards people and eager to socialize with humans. However, it is still important to check the temperament of both parents, as well as the background and upbringing of the dog. And to ensure your pet is provided with proper socialization and training. Dysplasia occurs when a ball and socket joint does not form properly, which results in rubbing and grinding of the joint. Dysplasia causes pain and wear of the bone and can lead to a loss of mobility. Symptoms of this disease tend to show up in puppies between 4 and 6 months old. Treatments carried before your dog reaches two years old tend to be more successful. This will reduce the risk of your puppy having dysplasia. Weight Issues in Labradors Labradors are known to struggle with obesity. According to one study , this was linked to Labrador Retrievers being more food obsessed than other breeds. Another study suggested obesity may actually be linked to a genetic trait. Either way, Labradors increased the likelihood of obesity combined with being prone to hip dysplasia, can result in serious medical complications if your Cockerdor inherits both of these traits. In addition, obesity is commonly associated with shorter lifespans, mobility issues, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Other ailments specific to Labrador Retrievers are aortic stenosis, lumbosacral stenosis, and exercise-induced collapse. Cocker Spaniels have additional health concerns including epilepsy, seborrheic dermatitis, otitis externa, and cardiomyopathy. The best way to avoid them is to only pick a puppy from health tested parents. Good breeders health test, and are happy to provide you with evidence of these tests too. This means your Cocker Spaniel-Lab mix will likely have these traits. Both the parent breeds require regular, invigorating exercise , and by extension, a Cocker Spaniel-Lab mix will require regular physical activity. Since both of the parent breeds are in the Sports Group of dogs, they tend to excel at running, hunting, fetching, and swimming. Extended outdoor exercise will be preferred by your Cocker Lab mix. Labrador and Cocker Spaniel mixes are often eager to please, which should make training fairly easy, compared to more stubborn breeds. Start using positive reinforcement training techniques from an early age, and put a real focus on getting a great recall. Cocker Spaniel Labrador mix pups will enjoy prolonged periods of exercise outside. This means a home with a large open area or a family that will take their pup out to suitable natural environments is preferable. Both Labs and Cocker Spaniels are particularly well-known for craving human interaction and being friendly dogs. Labs are especially prone to becoming anxious and destructive if left unaccompanied for long periods of time. They and their crosses are therefore not suited to a home where the family is out for much of the day. So if you are at home often and love company, you may be able to provide the ideal home for a Cocker Spaniel Lab! Designer dog breeders of Labrador cross Cocker Spaniel puppies can be found online. Alternatively, you could contact animal sale and adoption websites. Pay attention to the living conditions your puppy is in, ask about both parents, and get as much information as you can to understand the background of your puppy. Even still, you could end up with a puppy that has the traits of either of the parent dog breed, or your dog could end up having a medical condition that was not seen in either parent. This is why health testing is so important, particularly for issues known to impact both parent breeds, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. This will help you to predict any potential issues or areas for concern. If you are home a lot, love long walks and visits to the park, and want a friendly outgoing dog that will give you plenty of attention, then a Cocker Spaniel Labrador mix may just be the dog for you. Do you have a Cocker Spaniel-Lab mix? Please share your experiences in the comment section below. References and Further Reading Beuchat, C. The Institute of Canine Biology. Burgess K et al. Treatment of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs with cyclophosphamide. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Mukherjee M et al. Lumbosacral stenosis in Labrador retriever military working dogs — an exomic exploratory study. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology. Oberbauer, A et al. Ten inherited disorders in purebred dogs by functional breed groupings. Patterson EE et al. A canine DNM1 mutation is highly associated with the syndrome of exercise-induced collapse. Nature Genetics. Raffan E et al. Development, factor structure and application of the dog obesity risk and appetite DORA questionnaire. Cell Metabolism. Smith et al. Lifelong diet restriction and radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis of the hip joint in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. A good breeder will also have pictures of the puppies available for sale. Labrador Cross Cocker Spaniel Puppies For Sale Labrador cross cocker spaniels are very active and need regular exercise, so if you are looking to purchase this breed of dog you must have some idea about the demands on its time and attention. Labradoodles are very intelligent and have an amazing eagerness to please. These Labrador X cocker spaniels were originally bred in England to be hunters, after which they were brought to America to work in the fur trade. Labradoodle dogs were used for tracking and as guides and scouts, but they were also very well known for their hunting skills. They were a very popular choice with the American military during the Second World War. When this breed of dog was brought back to the United States by German immigrants, they became an ideal lab for those interested in keeping a purebred dog and breeding it to create a quality Labrador. Today, many labs are used for law enforcement, police, and corrections officers. These animals are also used in rodeo shows, agility training, show jumping, obedience classes, and many other events. In fact, many state fairs use Labs to help manage the animals. The Labradoodle X breed has become one of the most popular dogs to date. Many people prefer this breed because it is easy to care for and is very gentle on children. It does not have the short coat of the other labradors and is a very attractive color. The breed is a medium-sized and heavy breed with a long, thick neck and a large head, make them perfect for a family pet. Because the Labradoodle X has a great deal of energy, you will want to have some idea about what your Labrador dog needs when it comes to daily exercise and routine. If you have a dog that works outside all day, then an indoor dog may be a better option. If your Labrador does a lot of work in the yard, then a house dog would be best. You will also need to know if your Labrador dog needs some kind of vet checks up every once in a while. This breed tends to shed a lot. You must take your pet to the vet regularly, especially if you are not going to have the Labrador indoors for any length of time. There are many different brands of dog food available to help keep your labradoodle healthy, so check out some different dog food manufacturers before you buy any pet food. A good breeder of labradoodle dogs will be willing to let you see your labradoodle in action before you buy a puppy or adult. In most cases, you can get these types of puppies at your local pet store, but you should find out from them if they have been spayed or neutered, to make sure that they are healthy. If you are interested in breeding the breed, it is important to make sure that the parents are healthy and strong before getting a puppy. There are many different websites where you can find Labrador Cross cocker spaniels for sale at affordable prices. You can easily find these types of pets at local pet stores or through the internet. Just remember to read everything carefully and ask lots of questions to make sure that you know everything that your dog needs. It is important to make sure that the breeder you choose is licensed and certified, and that the Labrador dog you are buying is free of any genetic diseases or defects. Before you purchase a puppy, make sure that the breeder has a good reputation and that is known for giving quality dogs. There is no reason why you should ever put a Labrador down. It is very easy to find labradoodle puppies for sale if you search the internet. You will be surprised at how many options there are for the type of dog that you want. Be sure to take your time, read everything available to you, and do your homework to find the dog that will be the best companion that you can get. Where To Find Labrador Cross Cocker Spaniel Puppies For Sale When you are looking for Labrador cross cocker spaniel puppies for sale, one thing you will notice is that the price varies from place to place. This is true no matter which source you go to for information. The reason for this variation in prices is due to the different qualities of these dogs and the amount of work that goes into making them look the way they do on paper. In addition to this, many other factors contribute to the discrepancies in costs between breeds. If you are new to the world of dog breeding then it is a good idea to start with one type of breed and then move on to another when you have some experience under your belt. The more time and money that you can spend on making the dog what he or she wants to be, the happier you will be when you bring him or her home. This is not to say that breeders are not worth the money because many do an exceptional job with their animals. Labrador cross Cocker Spaniel puppies for sale all come from good sources. These include people who breed dogs for business purposes, amateur breeders, and shelters. Some of these dogs were rescue dogs whose owners were unable to take them to an adoption center. These dogs have either been neglected or abused in some way and are now able to find a loving, caring owner who will protect and care for them. Of course, the majority of these dogs go back to their breed because they are either out of the dog market or are unwanted for any reason. If you are considering going to an animal shelter to look for Labrador cross Cocker Spaniel puppies for sale, make sure you do your research first. Ask what the typical cost of adopting one of these dogs would be. Be prepared to pay up to ten dollars or more for a puppy. Also, ask if the shelter will take the dog before testing it for temperament and health problems. Some shelters even do these tests, but you may be charged extra for that service. You should also ask if the breeder pays for any of the expenses, such as food, travel costs, and puppy lunches. Another place to look for these dogs is rescue groups. You should be able to contact the local animal control officers in your city to find out if they have any dogs like these for sale. There are also lists of rescue groups that can be obtained from the National Pet Rescue Association. You can contact the local SPCA, as well, but you have to be careful when buying from these places since they may be unscrupulous and not give you the right information. You may have the opportunity to purchase a puppy from a private breeder. Some websites allow people to buy and sell puppies online. These are often the best places to get a puppy like the one you are looking for. The breeder can give you a price range for the puppies that are for sale, and you can compare the puppies to the others in the litter to decide which puppy to buy. Some breeders offer guaranteed pedigrees, although this is not always the case. You should visit the facility where the animals are kept if you can since you will want to see how the dogs are taken care of. They should be well cared for, with plenty of space to run around and play. Breeding or selling puppies is never a good idea, but you can get a real bargain if you know where to look. In some areas, you may find the puppies for sale in the local newspaper, through an ad in the yellow pages, or by posting signs in your yard. You can also look on the Internet at different breeders who advertise dogs for sale. It is important to check out any puppies that you are considering before buying, and you should also ask questions to make sure the breeder is qualified to take care of the animals. Even breeders with a long list of happy and healthy dogs to show off will not be able to keep all of them in the same condition for the entire life of the dog. Ask to see the animal that you are interested in, and also ask to speak to the owner to see how the dog is with the owner. Share this:.

Now taking deposits for litters going home October or call Bill Mays at For the latest news regarding available puppies, please visit the SouthWind Labrador Facebook page! These dogs will be great family companions as well as your best hunting partner for many years. Southwind Labradors have both Fox Red and yellow lab puppies for sale. Our fox Red puppies are brilliant red and our yellow puppies are usually yellow with red highlights. We are home-based breeders and focus on quality. My dogs are my companions and join me in the field for hunting. I am an Outdoor writer for hunting magazines, I duck hunt, upland game hunt, and my dogs give me their all in the field. We breed a Labrador Retriever you can hunt with for 3 months and live in harmony as a calm well-adjusted family dog. We work very hard to maintain our dogs and our kennel. Our females have a secure environment with temperature control so they are stress-free as they care for their litter. Our females are well adjusted and have excellent temperaments. Over the past 25 years of raising puppies we have made many new friends and have sold puppies to parents and now their children. Families who have purchased puppies from us have kept in contact and sent us letters and pictures of their puppies as they grow up. We raise Labrador Retriever puppies for the love of the breed and to bring love and happiness into your household for years to come. Thank you, Hope , bred to Quincy three Litters of red lab puppies, born mid-August, ready to go home late september to mid-october! These will be wonderful litters of puppies that will hunt well and be easy to train. Looking forward to this litter with its excellent bloodlines! Click the parents' names above for additional information, pedigree and certifications. Pic taken September 9. Pic taken Sept 9. We have been breeding labs on our farm in Iowa for 28 years, starting with our chocolate female Marley. We made the transition to red about 16 years ago, after hunting with a friends fox red lab and being extremely impressed with his dog. It is a small kennel and we have limited litters a year but we are breeding the very best you can find in fox red pointing labs. We are always striving to better the breed. My name is Jim and I am the owner of the beautiful dogs that make up this business. I am an avid hunter and can testify that all of our dogs are wonderful hunters as well as pointers. We are a family business; my daughters and wife all help with the dogs and especially help with socializing our puppies. My dogs are out of their kennels at least twice a day and go for a lengthy run both morning and evening. During hunting season I take out a different combination of dogs each day so they all get ample hunting time in during the season! They are able to hunt all day with plenty of energy. I rarely miss the opportunity to get them out in the field. During the off-season we get the dogs out and train with chuckers and pigeons. We are breading medium sized, muscular dogs. Males are lbs. All of the dogs are strong natural pointers and that trait is passed down to their puppies. My females are certified pointing labs, males are all grandmasters pointing retrievers and they are all AKC registered. These pups will be perfect for a family or hunting setting as well as a combination of the two. Our dogs all have excellent temperament and stamina and will be sure to fit any role you have in mind for the new member of your family. All of the pups are wormed, dewclaws removed and up to date on vaccinations when you receive them. They are all EIC clear. We have a two-year health guarantee for your puppies on their hips, eyes and elbows. We love to hear from people who have bought dogs in the past as well! Hope you enjoy this page and our dogs. Fox red Labrador breeders Labs come in three colors, yellow, chocolate and black. As well as some pale, dilute forms of those colors. The red fox Lab, or fox red Lab, is a dark coated variety of the yellow Labrador Retriever. Breeders are selecting darker red Labrador Retrievers to breed from as they become more popular companions than paler yellow Labs. Sometimes known as the ruby Labrador or fox red Lab, these are smart, energetic dogs are best suited to active owners. Yet at one time, almost all Labradors were black. This was partly due to nature, and partly due to a little human interference. Chocolate and yellow Labs were both harder to breed for and less desirable. Horrifically, yellow or brown puppies were often culled at birth! Yet all three colors of Labrador Retriever, black, chocolate and yellow including the red shade , share the same origins or history. Bred to be hunting companions, with bags of intelligence and a friendly disposition. In recent years, these rarer colors are becoming more popular. Which leads to more people selectively breeding for them. And therefore more dogs being born with these coats. Red Fox English Lab vs American Lab The trend in Labrador coat colors swung to paler and paler colors in the s, and remained that way for decades. Especially among the dog showing community. Fortunately a pool of dark yellow or fox red Labs remained popular in the working sporting dog community. Possibly because a pale yellow dog, being far too easy for wildfowl to spot, is not an ideal hunting companion. American Labs are slimmer built, with less stocky heads and chests. They have a stronger prey drive, are a little less forward and playful. Even today you are unlikely to find a Red Labrador with a show background. Any dog advertised as an English fox red Labrador will probably have a pedigree that is a mix of American and English dogs. It is largely from this pool of working retrievers that we now have the stunning fox red Labrador Retrievers that we see today. And because they are often the American Lab type rather than English Lab type, they are often taller and more athletic in appearance than the paler yellow Labs. And if you live in the USA, you may have to do plenty of detective work to find one at all. You may have more luck looking for an American Lab type, from working lines. They are very intelligent and trainable, with loyal, loving personalities. Although they have the usual Lab friendliness, they can also be a little more nervous and wary of strangers and slightly high strung. Lots of socialization and plenty of attention will keep these dogs happy. Coupled with lots of exercise, and both mental and physical activities to keep them busy. Presumably because breeders are selecting for the popular deeper coat color in order to increase puppy sales. There is a lot of pressure on breeders to produce certain colors. But a responsible breeder should not choose parents purely on the basis of color. Especially when there are not large numbers of fox reds to choose from. You may be tempted to skip this — but give it a go — it might be easier than you think! Think of a Labrador as a basically black dog. Black is the default color. The black coat is caused by a pair of genes called the B genes Your dog inherits one from his mother and one from his father — in a pair — like this: BB B genes come in big or little versions. So a black dog could have a pair that look like this instead: Bb Little b carries the code necessary to make a brown coat instead of a black one. BUT, big B is dominant and switches off little b. So little b only gets a say, if two of them get together like this: bb, and when that happens, you get a chocolate Lab! This is done by two little e genes. They also come in a pair like this: ee And when they get together they have the amazing power to completely block the genes that cause black and brown coats. A lab with two little ee genes cannot have a brown or a black coat and so the coat color now defaults to yellow. Now we are getting closer to our fox red color. E genes can also be big like this: EE or mixed like this: Ee, but when that happens the big E switches off the little e, and takes away its power. Yellow vs Red Fox Lab Coats A red Lab is a variation of yellow, and every red dog has those two essential little e genes that switch off black and brown. But then it starts to get a little bit more complicated. It centers on a pigment called pheomelanin. And it is controlled by two different sets of genes. The A gene controls the production of the red color. And the C gene controls whether or not it is fully expressed or diluted. This is what makes things a little more complicated. In fact, I am still over-simplifying it a bit. Otherwise the B gene will override them. And you are back to black or brown. Fox Red Lab Breeders Your first step when bringing any Labrador into your life should be to make sure that this is the right time for you to do this. The next step is to find a reputable breeder of Labradors. Finding a nice fox red stud dog and making a list of all his recent matings is often a starting point. You are most unlikely to find a good breeder who only breeds fox reds. This is because color is not the top priority for a responsible breeder. And remember, in most yellow litters there will be a range of shades. Puppies may darken as they grow, or they may not. No breeder can guarantee you the final color of your puppy. Make sure that both parents have good hips, elbows and a clear eye test, as well as a PRA clear certificate. Then your pup will have the best chance of growing up healthy. Red Fox Lab Puppy Prices When it first starts to trend, a fashionably colored dog may be more expensive, and this is still happening to some extent with reds. My advice is to be wary of paying an unusually high price for a red lab puppy. It could indicate that you have found an unscrupulous breeder who may be cutting corners on health or other important matters. The reason I say this is because many respectable breeders will look down on selling puppies of different colors for different prices. In fact paying the same price irrespective of color could mean you have a better breeder, and a healthier pup! This shade gets increasingly darker over the first few weeks. By three weeks old they are starting to look much more like the Labrador you know and love. By the time you take them home at 8 weeks old they will have that lovely fox red shade. Not all the puppies in a litter will be the same shade, even if both of their parents are fox red themselves. Just like any other Labrador, it will be important to dedicate their first few weeks in your home to getting them settled. Starting to work on important things like potty training and setting food habits. They really benefit from positive reinforcement training. Using rewards to help encourage them to behave in a way that will help them to fit nicely into your family. Start off with no more than a few minutes of formal exercise a day when they are small puppies. And work up to any big walks or runs very gradually over time so as not to accidentally hurt them. Did you turn up here hoping to learn about red fox Labs, only to find us referring to them as fox red instead? There are no consistencies in the way fox red Lab is spelled. Whether fox red is one word or two. Or whether the fox or the red comes first. Of course, we know fox red is much more special than that. At least it means you can spell it any way you like! I tend to say fox red Labrador, you can say redfox or red fox Labrador if it makes you happy. Ultimately they are all just gorgeous Labradors, with a darker shade to their yellow coat. More about Labrador Types and Colors! Life Span Did You Know? One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that there are a few distinct color coat variations. Fox Red Labradors are a rare-colored version of the Labrador Retriever. Despite this, they can be registered as purebred Yellow Labrador Retrievers , as the darker-colored coat is not considered to be a disqualifying factor. Due to their unique and certainly eye-catching color, the Fox Red Labrador continues to grow in popularity. Labrador Retrievers are known for being exceptionally sweet and are one of the most affectionate dog breeds. These dogs yearn to be a part of a family, and fit right in when joining one. In fact, Labs are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. Well-socialized Fox Red Labradors tend to get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. After all, every person they meet is a potential friend that they can play with. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Despite their energy, Fox Red Labradors can adapt to most settings. As long as this dog breed has a chance to get in daily walks, go outside to run and play, and they get plenty of attention, they are content. They are not overly affected by cold weather, but they have a dense double coat. Fox Red Retrievers are also happiest when in the presence of people and they love to be with their families whenever possible. They also have a lot of energy and get bored easily. Potential health concerns to be aware of in Fox Red Labrador Retrievers can include hereditary myopathy, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, heart disease, and cataracts. There is also a condition with a genetic link that can occur in young adult Labradors called exercise-induced collapse EIC. Carriers can be identified by DNA tests. Good breeding practices can reduce the risk of potential health issues and make a big difference in the health of Fox Red Lab puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances. The national breed club recommends hip and elbow evaluations, an EIC DNA test, and an ophthalmologist evaluation at a minimum. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, the Fox Red Labrador Retriever is at a higher risk of bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Labrador Retrievers are one of the smartest dog breeds and are highly trainable. Although they can become stubborn at times, they are eager to please and pick up on training quickly overall. Their energy and intelligence mean they can lose focus in training and get bored easily. However, training that is kept clear, consistent, and focused on positive rewards usually keeps them focused and responding well. Any color variant of the Labrador Retriever is ideal for beginner dog owners. Fox Red Labrador Retrievers have a short, dense double coat that is water-resistant. They shed year-round and more heavily as the seasons change. Brushing their coat a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and looking great. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Because their coat tends to protect them from the cold and they are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water , your Fox Red Lab may try to go for a swim regardless of the season. If they are an avid swimmer or tend to get into a lot of things, you may need to bathe them more often. It is highly recommended to give them a bath or at least rinse them off thoroughly after going swimming with your dog. Their nails should be trimmed once or twice monthly. This will help prevent ear infections. Proper dental care for dogs is essential for preventing the tartar buildup that lends to dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is a good start. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. Like other Labs, Fox Red Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for this dog. However, they will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Often, they are just happy to be spending time with you. Labs tend to have an extended puppyhood until they are around years old. They will mellow out a little, but also tend to maintain a puppy-like exuberance even in their senior years. Once they are done growing and your vet has cleared them for more activities, you can try a lot of different things. Labs are athletic and versatile dogs. They are one of the sturdy dog breeds for outdoor adventures and tend to enjoy a variety of activities. They tend to excel in swimming, running, obstacle courses, and several dog sports. Fully-grown Fox Red Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Fox Red Labs generally live for years on average. Picks are given in the order that the deposits are received, and if the particular pick is not available, then the client is given their choice of what remains, or waiting for the next litter to arrive. Deposits will be refundable until the time that the puppies are born. We ask that each family complete the puppy questionnaire, receive a response to the questionnaire and discuss options prior to sending a puppy deposit. Deposits can be made by mailing a personal check, cashiers check, or money order along with the completed puppy deposit form. The puppies are going through constant changes and at 7 weeks you will have a better pictures of what they are like. At 7 weeks of age we will do the last set of photos and do videos of the puppies. I contact each client in order of deposits received, and work with each client to match them with the puppy that fits best with their family from my observations of personality and their observations of pictures and video clips. All picks are usually made over days depending on how many puppies there are. If someone is last pick, and I feel the puppy personality is not a good match for the family I will give them the choice of getting their deposit back or carrying the deposit over to another litter. We allow our puppies to go home at 8 weeks. We will deliver within a reasonable distance, and we also offer delivery to Grapevine, TX for our Texas families. We are also now offering delivery to the Boston area on a frequent basis. Delivery fee is determined by the distance traveled and the number of clients serviced by the delivery. Puppies are dewormed at 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks. At 6 weeks, the puppies are given their first shots. PIctures are taken on a bi-weekly basis. We begin monitoring personality at 4 weeks of age. All puppies go to the vet for a health check prior to leaving us. All puppies are microchipped. Puppies come with a puppy packet that includes: A written guarantee for 26 months on hips and 18 months on eyes AKC paperwork Information on registering the microchip A ziploc bag of puppy food and feeding information A toy that has been played with by the puppy and its littermates. The scent of the littermates helps the puppy to adjust to its new surroundings easier. Boot is lbs of handsome sweetness. Faith x George 9. She is a complete joy and has a beautiful personality. She is six months old now and is so intelligent she challenges us daily. We have a couple of child safety gates up to keep the dogs out of certain areas and she mastered being able to unlatch those quickly by the latch itself. She has now figured out how to open doors using the door knob. She is a beautiful baby. Thank you for such a wonderful baby. Thank you Audry and everyone at Blackfork Labradors. Heres a pic of two BFL babies. The Gullickson Family Just wanted to drop you a note to tell you that Gus is doing fantastic and we love him to pieces. All the Best! The Johnson Family Here is Bodie. He is 8 months old today. Only in CA can he swim in March. Best dog ever. Thank you Blackfork. We cant say enough great things about him, smart, lovable and amazing with the kids! Thanks for such a great addition to our family. All pet puppies will be sold with Limited Registration. Limited Registration means that the dog is registered but no litters produced by that dog are eligible for registration. A dog registered with an AKC Limited Registration shall be ineligible to be entered in a licensed or member dog show. It is eligible, however to be entered in any other licensed AKC event such as obedience, tracking, field trials, hunting test, herding, lure coursing, agility and earth dog events. Limited Registration can be changed to full registration only by the litter owner. Doc x Roxie.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. What to Feed German Shepherd Puppies: A Healthy Feeding Guide One of the first things you need to know about what to feed German Shepherd puppies is, right from the start, to choose a high-quality puppy-specific food for large breed puppies. What to feed German Shepherd puppies—feed German Shepherd puppies a diet that is: Specifically created for large-breed puppies. What do German Shepherd puppies eat? New owners are given a host of choices when bringing home their new pups. You can choose to offer one or the other, or even opt for mixed feeding. Dry Kibble Kibble is the most popular and economical choice for German Shepherd puppies. Plus, the major manufacturers offer a complete and balanced diet in many different flavors, with or without grains, and even limited ingredient diets. Kibble can be moistened either with water or broth. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of kibble when it comes to feeding German Shepherd puppies: Advantages Easy to purchase at most stores and online. Keeps for longer than other food options. Quick and simple to serve with little clean up. Disadvantages Can be difficult for some puppies to chew, causing them to not eat enough. Wet Food Here are some advantages and disadvantages of feeding German Shepherd puppies wet food : Advantages Softer and potentially more palatable for picky eaters. Contains more water content than dry food, which can help keep your puppy hydrated. Can leave dogs feeling fuller for longer due to the water content. Can be more expensive than kibble in the long run. Requires more preparation time. Mixing Dry Kibble and Wet Foods Feeding our German Shepherd puppies is no easy task, and deciding between wet and dry puppy food can leave us scratching our heads. But what if we told you there was a middle ground? Mixing wet and dry puppy foods can be an option worth considering, but it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Wet food contributes to increased water intake, ensuring your furry friend stays well-hydrated. Allows you to provide a diverse array of nutrients, contributing to a balanced diet for your growing German Shepherd. Disadvantages Might make it trickier to regulate portion sizes accurately, potentially leading to overfeeding and weight issues. These diets exclude foods that have been cooked or processed in any way. There are also some advantages and disadvantages to feeding a German Shepherd puppy a raw food diet: Advantages Raw diets consist of uncooked, fresh ingredients that retain their natural nutrients, potentially promoting better health for your puppy. Some puppies with food sensitivities might find relief on a raw diet as it eliminates common allergens found in processed foods. Disadvantages Preparing a balanced raw diet requires careful planning to ensure your pup gets all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions. Raw diets carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination, potentially affecting both your pup and you. Sourcing high-quality ingredients and properly storing them can be costly and time-consuming. Homemade Diets For large breed puppies, like German Shepherds, homemade diets must be carefully formulated, just like commercial foods. To create a homemade diet recipe specifically for your dog, it is preferable to consult a veterinarian who holds a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Unfortunately, research has shown that many well-intentioned dog owners still overfeed or give their dogs an unbalanced diet, which can be harmful. By cooking at home, you can skip additives and preservatives often found in commercial dog food. Disadvantages Without proper knowledge and planning, homemade meals may lack essential nutrients, leading to nutritional imbalances. Preparing homemade food demands time and effort, which might be challenging for busy pet parents. Mishandling raw ingredients can lead to contamination, causing health issues for your puppy. Remember, these charts help provide a guideline, but each dog is an individual. For example, if your dog has had a busy day of training and playing, they may need a few extra calories for dinner. This helps ensure they are growing as expected, and if not, you may need to alter the recommended feeding amount. As a rule of thumb, most German Shepherd puppies will eat as follows in this chart: Age. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk. Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy's diet as it could cause diarrhea. If by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day, but at specific times. We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating. A puppy's food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn't finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times. Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian. You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend these such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement. Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals [1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy. After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don't forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities [2]. In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care. For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at.Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.