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Adoption Form Think Before You Adopt Before you adopt a Boxer or any other animals, we would like to request that you consider few things: Boxers may live for 15 years. Please consider that your lifestyle may change. You may not have the same job where you are able to come home at lunch, you may not have the same roommate, you may graduate from school or move to a smaller house. You may have a baby, get married or get a divorce. If you think that you may not be able to make a lifetime commitment to one of our Boxers, then we kindly request you reconsider adoption. No dog is ever perfect, just like people are not perfect. It requires work to make things work. Your expectations needs to be realistic. Do you have small children or a baby? Boxers are similar. They need love, attention and an opportunity to learn too. Are you familiar with the breed? If not, you may want to look into fostering with us before making a decision to adopt. Boxers are a highly affectionate breed and very energetic. Do you have the financial means to care for the dog? Annual food and medical cost can add up. Are you older and wanting to adopt a young energetic dog? Please think about more mature dogs that need homes. Everyone wants a young dog … if you are a mature human being, please consider more mature dogs that have been waiting for their forever homes for a while. Before you fill out this application, please read our Adoption Criteria. This is required reading, and it will answer many questions you may have. Thank you for taking the time to read our guidelines and becoming familiar with our process. Here are most, but we reserve the right to refuse adoption to any home which we deem unsuitable. Dog must be an inside dog. It is OK to have an outside dog run with inside access. This is because Boxers must be protected from heat and cold. Dogs are family members and do not sleep in a garage or outside. If you expect that the new dog will not react when a child hits them, throw toys at them, takes away their toy or food, etc, then please do not adopt from us. You are not required to have a fenced yard. However, if you do not, you will need to take the dog out for a potty break at least 4 times a day, more if they do not feel well. Same goes for a home with a low fence. If you are looking to adopt a puppy, please be realistic. Any home where no one is home for more than six hours a day times a week will be rejected for puppies. We do not do female to female placements of bully breeds. That means Boxer, Bulldog, Pit bulls, etc. We will consider female to female adoption of dogs with extreme age and size difference. Here are basics you will need: Flat Leash — Nylon, cotton or leather, 6 ft long Good quality food with no corn additive Food and water dish. Sign up for BoxerBriefs to get news delivered right to your mailbox! Get them early for holiday gifts! We are an organization dedicated to the rescue and adoption of Boxers in the metropolitan-Atlanta area, and to provide support and education for Boxer owners. We are operated and managed by a group of dedicated volunteers, and we are funded by adoption fees, fundraisers, and gifts from generous donors like you! Atlanta Boxer Rescue, Inc. If you are interested in adopting a Boxer in Atlanta, you've come to the right place. Take a moment to learn about the Boxer breed, including some of its history. When you are ready to move forward, familiarize yourself with everything you need to know before you adopt. Some Frequently Asked Questions are answered on our site as well. We strive to support your adoption to make it a success for you and your new Boxer friend. All of our Boxers have had a check-up with a veterinarian, been spayed or neutered, and brought up-to-date on vaccinations. We have also done our best to evaluate our Boxers for temperament, socialization, and house-breaking. We are always looking for great volunteers to help us. If you are interested in being a foster home for a Boxer in need, thank you! The number of Boxers that we can save depends on the number of willing volunteers like you. Please complete our Foster Application or contact us for more information. We have a lot of resources to help you. Sign up for our newsletter , contact us about any questions or concerns you might have, or seek comfort if you've lost your Boxer friend. We can't do this without you, so please consider a donation or a purchase from the ABR Store! Be sure the application is filled out in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Fights are happening, resulting in injuries to both dogs. Bailey is very sweet, current on vaccines, and spayed. She has been ok with male boxers so we will consider placing her with a sweet boy, who loves to play. Bailey has no history with young children. She is currently taking Prozac and Trazadone at the advice of a trainer who claimed it would help to keep her from panting in her crate. Shame on this vet who willy nilly dished out these drugs to a 13 month old dog, without asking why!! Bailey needs a committed home, with an understanding of the needs of an adolescent boxer. She should attend positive based training with her new humans. Bailey would love a fenced in yard, in addition to lots of walks and continued socialization. If you are interested in this girl, please apply! Where do your boxers come from? Many of our boxers are owner surrenders. Perhaps the owner purchased the dog on impulse, not understanding the needs of a boxer. Sometimes, financial situations change, and families are not able to care for the dog anymore. We also take dogs that have been brought to shelters around New England. If a shelter reaches out for help, we do our best to find placement for the boxer in need. Lastly, we have a wonderful relationship with boxer rescue in Puerto Rico, and we work closely with them to bring boxers in need, from the island, to New England. All of our boxers are temperament tested and evaluated before coming into rescue. It should be noted that ALL dogs require a decompression period when going to a new home. Can I adopt a female dog if I already have a female dog? The short answer is no. Our experience in placing dogs, has shown us that placing two females together is oftentimes not the best long term situation. We receive many calls from owners needing to surrender their female boxers because there is fighting with another female dog in the house. Either way, the fighting is often brutal and bloody. We have adopted a policy to never place two female dogs in the same house. Are your boxers healthy? They are brought up to date on vaccines, tested for heartworm, and spayed or neutered unless too young or not medically able to be. Their vet records are provided upon adoption. Do I need to have a fenced in yard to adopt a boxer? We do not require a fenced in yard for all of our boxers. We look at each dog, individually, and based on the needs of that dog, we may require fencing. Please note that we do not consider an electric fence to be a proper method of containment and are not able place a dog in a home that uses electric fencing. Do you have a shelter where I can come meet the boxers? We are not a shelter and do not have a physical location where you can meet our adoptees. Most boxers will stay with their owners or shelter until we can secure a foster or adoptive home for them. What Are Your Adoption Fees? Petey Donor Spotlight: Doreen Murotsune For many of us who give our hearts, time, or dollars to rescue, we are first inspired by the love of a single special dog. Hana belonged to friends of Doreen, but Doreen and her boxer, Benjamin, fell in love with her. Benjamin and Hana were best friends, and Benjamin was always on the lookout for Hana and ready to protect her from any yappy Chihuahua who tried to intimidate her. In addition to being an active Strut Your Mutt teammate for each of the past 5 years, Doreen browses the boxers in our care and sponsors many dogs whose stories warm her heart. She not only sponsors dogs with single or repeat financial gifts, but also inquires about dogs with prescription diet needs and then purchases those diets on an autoship schedule, having the food mailed directly to foster homes. Planned Giving If you have ever loved a dog, you know that — while their lives are short in comparison to ours — the love you share is timeless. By including NorCal Boxer Rescue in your Will or Trust or naming the organization as a beneficiary on certain accounts, you ensure that for years to come, NCBR is able to continue rescuing boxers, providing them the care they need, and uniting them with families who will love them forever. Dogs are an incredibly important part of our lives. You can make them a part of your heritage. Click here to learn about the different options. Growing Old with You We know that the best place for an old dog is home with loved ones. Click here to find out more about the Growing Old with You program. Grey Muzzle Thank You! We are so honored to be a Grey Muzzle Organization grantee again this year! We know that many of you have a soft spot for frosted faces, but that the cost of caring for a senior boxer has given you pause when it comes to adopting one. We hope that this support will give you the security you need to give your heart away to a beautiful older soul. Thank you, Grey Muzzle, for trusting in us and for supporting our efforts! We are grateful for your partnership! Thank you, Hoven Foundation. Each dog who enters our lives is a gift. They bring us untold joy and share with us their unconditional love. They teach us to be better people. For nearly 10 years, The Hoven Foundation has not only appreciated the gift that each dog represents, but they have given back generously. The continued support of the Hoven Foundation has meant the difference between life and death for countless beautiful souls. Thank you to the Hoven Foundation for what you give to our dogs and, in turn, to all those whose lives those dogs touch. Join Our Mailing List! NCBR is a c 3 nonprofit and donations are tax deductible. We now accept vehicle donations! Donate your car, boat, RV, motorcycle or farm equipment. Plus you get a tax deduction! Call RIDE to donate or learn more. Upcoming Events.

Andorra and Spain Hello Starting Again and welcome to the forum. As for your question, as an outsider, you really can't tell much about the finished article by looking at a very young puppy, even at 8 weeks of age, which is when I assume you'll be bringing your puppy home. Your best indication is looking at the temperament of the parents; if you have chosen a litter with a good sire and dam calm, confident and biddable through genetics rather than through suppression then you have a high chance of having a calm dog yourself. I would always look, above all else, for confidence in the dogs; no anxiety when being left, no issues around other dogs of any size or breed, no noise sensitivity. This may give you a more rambunctious puppy and adolescent, but the final dog will have more chance of bring able to cope around these sorts of stimuli. I say this from the experience of having two anxious adult Labradors and one confident 6-month-old puppy. To be perfectly honest, I'd be a little concerned in your situation. Breeders who are breeding dogs that are going to go on to do jobs of whatever description generally do the choosing themselves, as they spend so much more time with the puppies. I didn't know until 7 weeks which puppy was to be mine. In that litter, there were puppies going to show homes, to be gun dogs, one to be a service dog and the rest pets I wanted a pup that could do some showing and train as a gun dog, too. The breeder chose which was most suitable for each new home, and I believe that's how it should be when you are after something specific. If your breeder isn't doing this, then it may be worth considering that it's not the right litter to be choosing something as important as a future service dog from. Good luck and I hope you hang around to let us know how you get on. Print The dreaded 3-month-old puppy I really enjoy young puppies. Seven- to week-old puppies can be so much fun and while they can be trouble, it is easy to contain them. But when a puppy turns weeks-old…. Three-month-old puppies start feeling good about themselves. They think they have the world all figured out and they will get into everything and run circles around you, even after being scolded or punished. Here is what you need to know about training your week-old Labrador puppy. About this series of posts This is post five of a step-by-step training and socialization program for Labrador puppies. If you read our first post , you know that this series follows our training of Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to raise and train her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. In this case, Bubba will be with us for almost a year and a half. Bubba at 12 weeks old Training and socialization for week-old Labrador puppy — week five home Bubba should have been named Spunky because she is a handful. She runs around our home with her head and tail high, like she is all that. She pulls our shoes out of the organizer, chews on closet doors and digs and splashes in her water dish. So is the life of a 3-month-old Lab puppy. Patience is required to raise young lab pups. They will give you a run for the money. Even the well-behaved ones. No one escapes the terror of the 3-month-old Lab. So, how can you survive this time. Firm and well-defined boundaries that are enforced endlessly. Now is not the time to give up on training your puppy. It is the time to buckle down and show your puppy that there are rules and boundaries, and they must be obeyed. You puppy can and will learn the rules if you are firm and consistent in your corrections. Whatever you do, do not allow the puppy to do whatever it wants with no corrections. That is not being a good puppy mama or dad and it is really not fair to the dog, because training will require much more pressure and correction when the dog is bigger and stronger. Here are the things we worked on this week for training of Bubba. Crate training Bubba is now completely at home in her crate. She remains in her crate a full 4-hours at a time without accidents, is quiet while in there and walks into her crate on a KENNEL command from feet in front of the crate. Bubba will come to me when called, even when she knows that she is going into the crate. While there are still some consistency issues to work on, Bubba is well crate trained at this point. Looking for more information on crate training? Housebreaking Housebreaking is such a difficult job. You will have periods when the puppy is doing so well that you will think you are done. And then, when you least expect it, your puppy will have an accident right in front of you. Bubba has been good at housebreaking. She has had less than a half-dozen accidents in the house and all of them pee accidents. She has never pooped in the house. So, we thought she was pretty much house broke. Then suddenly, she just up and peed right on the dog bed. Housebreaking is always an ongoing process, and we know that over time the accidents will become less and less. Looking for more information on housebreaking? Obedience training your week-old puppy With any dog training, obedience is key! She will SIT on command about 90 percent of the time. The only time we really have issues is when there is a lot of distractions. That is normal for a puppy of her age, but that does not mean that we just allow her to be disobedient when there are distractions. Rather, we look for distractions and then train through them. This is very important because you do not want your dog to just be obedient when everything is calm. You want, even need, your puppy to be obedient when the everyday distractions happen. HERE command As I have already stated, twelve-week-old puppies are cute, but they can also be little terrors. This is the age when they start to get very independent. With that independence comes the desire to run away from you, run around you, play keep-a-way and just generally terrorize your life. We get lots of calls from owners of puppies this age. They all want to know if we can take their dog now for training instead of at the usual months of age that we usually require for hunting dog training. This is very hard, even for professional trainers. But that is almost always a mistake since Bubba will decide to make a game out of not coming to us. Getting your puppy to come to you There are some techniques to help with this matter. Sometimes this is a good time to start treat-training your dog on HERE. This is a short-term fix that we will not continue for long, but it can sometimes help to get us through the next month or two. Labs are almost always driven by food, so it can help you get a better response to the HERE command. You can also have the dog drag a long check cord. The check cord gives you something to grab onto if the dog tries to make a game of coming to you, but you must be careful since the lead can get caught on something and injure your dog. Remember that each time you say HERE, you need to pull your puppy towards you. You need to associate the HERE command with coming towards you. You need your puppy to understand that coming to you is a good thing. That is why treats can help with this. If every time your puppy comes to you, you put her away or take something away from her, soon your puppy will not want to come to you. You must work hard to make coming to you a good experience for your puppy. Last week we introduced Bubba to water and got her swimming. Since then, she has been swimming a couple more times and she is very comfortable retrieving in the water. We also introduced her to decoys on land. Introduction to live birds This week we introduced Bubba to a live bird. We do this using a pigeon with the flight feathers pulled out. The pigeon can walk around and flap its wings, but it cannot fly. We ultimately would love to see the puppy chase down the bird, grab it in their mouth and bring it to us or at least prance around with it a bit. For some dogs, this can take a bit of encouragement the first time. But generally, once the puppy grabs hold of the bird, we see their whole demeanor change. This was the case for Bubba. Once Bubba picked up the pigeon, she pranced around the yard with her tail high and a spring in her step. She was so excited and proud of herself. This is a great response. Introduction to gun fire As I stated in last weeks post, we do not want to rush the introduction to gunfire. We have never had a dog we have raised and trained become gun shy and that is because we introduce gunfire is a very slow and painfully methodical way. The first step is that the dog or puppy is in a box on our dog trailer. While in this box, our other dogs are getting marks in the field. The gunners for these marks are anywhere from yards away from the dog trailer and they are using primers or starter pistols. The puppy is hearing these shots, but they are a long way away and are muted by being in the dog trailer. Our puppies hear these shots for weeks, or months before they ever hear anything closer. This is our first introduction to gun fire. Bubba was exposed to this last week and will be every week for a while before we move anything closer to her. Learn more about introducing your dog to gunfire. Continuation of assistant marks Bubba will continue to get assistant marks most days from now until she is done her training. The marks will continue to increase in distance and complexity but all our marking scenarios for our afternoon sessions involved gunners out in the field throwing marks for Bubba. Final thoughts on training for your week-old Labrador puppy You are really in the thick of it if your puppy is around the week mark. The next month or two will likely be the most challenging of your time raising a Labrador puppy. That will make obedience training easier and faster, but that is still a bit of a ways out. Hang in there and push through. Keep your commands and corrections firm and consistent and you will make progress with your puppy. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Training your week-old Labrador puppy? But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

First weekend in the confirmation ring, he wins the Bred By Exhibitor class 6 mo old and a 4pt major. He loves field work, scent work and hugs. Look for him the field spring of .Complete pedigree available HERE. While intense when working , he has this goofy side that makes an instant smile appear on your face. He loves being brushed, tennis balls and more treats the better. He will have a bright future ahead, but for now he is loving his field work. She has been focused on field and performance events earlier in life with primary owner Michele Throm. As a team they have been very successful in earning those back end titles and enjoying the journey together. We are so proud of them both. Complete pedigree is available HERE Temperament Arya is an adventurer, curious, hard-working, adaptable and a problem-solver. Just like her namesake, she is a warrior in the field and the show ring. We hope to have a litter out her fall of .Sign up to receive notifications HERE. Her with drive and desire to please have made her an extremely well rounded dog earning her multiple title both in conformation and performance. With limiting showing, she has 5 out of 15pts towards her Championship from the Bred by Class and one of three legs towards her Rally Novice Title. She has a commanding presence in the ring and willingness to please that very golden retriever. Intelligent, good drive in the field and loving, she is exactly the perfect reason to have a golden. She finished her championship and grand championship quickly with multiple best of breed wins and group placements from the Sporting Group. Sedona's intelligence and willingness to please made her a natural fit for the Rally ring, where she earned her title in one weekend. She enjoys being a mother to her pups more than anything. Sedona is exactly .All fathered by Calvin, Multi. BIS CH. Our Future. Why would I? Boy, was I wrong. Even though he was a growing puppy, Calvin was not an enthusiastic eater. He would bounce over eagerly at mealtimes, but he would very often walk away without finishing his food. When he turned about 7 months old, he began refusing his food all together, and no amount of hand-feeding would coax him to eat. For the first time, I wondered what exactly was in the food that my babies were eating day in and day out. Two more golden retrievers, Tommy and Emma, joined our family in , and a tiny terrier mix and a golden retriever mix in .Needless to say, all my dogs eat very well now — foods with good clean ingredients. And Calvin actually turned out to be a hearty eater after all, and quite the opposite the picky puppy he used to be, tucking into his bowl with gusto and smacking his lips afterwards. Born together as littermates, Calvin and Susie also left us for the Rainbow Bridge in the same year — .But most of all, Thank you for caring about the same things that we do, and thank you for being the most awesome mommies and daddies to your beloved animals. We hope to continue to serve you for many more years to come. Learn more about available delivery options. Only with Next Day Pets, you receive a pet insurance policy with no waiting period included for immediate accident or illness coverage. Litter Information Litter Information Calvin is one of 10 Golden Retriever puppies whelped and available for sale in his litter. The puppies in the litter were born on Sunday, April 25, .His breeder has carefully selected to feed them Pro Pac, Dry. Their favorite food formulation is Performance Puppy. He comes with papers and is registered with AKC. His breeder has started potty training Calvin and his littermates. Review the breeder's selected potty training methods below. The puppies in the litter have been socialized to develop positive behavior characteristics. Socializing a puppy at an early age may make them more confident, relaxed, compassionate pets. Review how the litter has been socialized below. As part of ensuring the growth and development of Calvin and his littermates, their breeder has introduced a variety of neurological stimulations to each puppy at an early age. Review the stimulations introduced below. Potty Training Method. In April, 6-week-old golden retriever Calvin joined that group as her latest foster. An ultrasound showed an abnormal tissue structure on the left side of his chest. X-rays gave a more definitive view — a defect of his diaphragm suspected to be a diaphragmatic hernia with his stomach and spleen having migrated into his chest cavity, causing pressure on his heart and lungs. Aspiration pneumonia was also suspected. Calvin was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit ICU and placed on oxygen, and antibiotics for the pneumonia, while critical care specialists consulted with faculty surgeon Dr. Michele Steffey and resident Dr. Given the extent of the herniation, a surgical intervention was highly recommended, so the Anesthesia Service prepared Calvin for emergency surgery. He was absolutely the sweetest and cutest little guy who will now have the full life he deserves. Calvin recovered well in the ICU and was closely monitored for any signs of post-operative or post-anesthetic complications. He was healthy enough to be discharged the following day into the care of Emerson, who is a veterinary technician. Two months later, Calvin continues to do well. Everything was wonderful. They made me very comfortable, with regular updates, and plenty of love for Calvin from all the students.

Splitting into a separate breed in , the American Cocker Spaniel was the most popular dog in the US through the s and s. While Cocker Spaniels have fallen in popularity since the mids, French Bulldogs have skyrocketed to the No. In the hybrid or designer dog world, the term Cocker Spaniel takes on a whole new meaning. Cocker Spaniels appear commonly in mixed breeds because of desired spaniel traits like a sweet expression, sporting qualities, loyalty, and friendliness. The French Bulldog Cocker Spaniel is no exception, embodying a docile and kind nature and combining it with a small size, moderate exercise requirements, and compatibility with other animals and family members. French Cocker Spaniels make excellent companion dogs, both affectionate and loyal. What is the history of the French Bulldog Cocker Spaniel mix? Bulldogs descended from Molossian dogs of Greek heritage that also gave rise to the Mastiff. The shorter dogs comprised a branch of dogs that would eventually split into three groups once baiting bulls became illegal. One of these groups was the miniature version of the English Bulldog, popularized among the lace workers of Nottingham, England. Toy Bulldogs had already seen outcrossing with rattiers, and more rat terrier-type dogs were sought when enthusiasts took their miniatures to Normandy France. French breeders refined the French Bulldog , and many believe they introduced the Pug for a flatter face and more prominent eyes. Americans finalized the breed standard, insisting on what has become the signature bat ears. Spaniels are one of the oldest breed-types, used to flush game. Land spaniels would eventually divide further into springers and setters, according to Mycockerspaniel. Springing spaniels produced three size variations of prized gundogs from the large Springer Spaniel to the Cocker Spaniel with the Sussex in between. Cocker Spaniels developed a specialty for hunting Woodcock. American Cocker Spaniels, similarly to German shepherds, were developed mainly as show dogs but had differences specific for hunting American Woodcocks in contrast to the Eurasian Woodcock. What is the possible appearance of a Frenchie Cocker Spaniel mix? French Bulldogs are 12 inches tall and weigh up to 28 pounds. They look like miniature Bulldogs but have erect bat ears and a rounder head. Their bodies are low-slung but compact with dwarfed legs, a greatly shortened and broad muzzle, and a short sometimes screw tail. French Bulldogs have a wide range of colors, both standard and rare. Although breeders may charge high prices for unusual colors, they are often not recognized by the AKC. Standard colors for a French Bulldog include brindle, fawn, white, cream, and fawn. Unusual and highly-sought colors are black and tan, solid black, black and white, blue, and lilac. Cocker Spaniels are 14 or 15 inches tall, according to Americanspanielclub. English Cockers are 14 to 17 inches tall weighing up to 34 pounds. Cocker Spaniel colors are almost too numerous to name. Standard colors include black, brown, black and white, black and tan, buff, red, brown and tan, brown, white, and tan, and brown roan, among others. The AKC sites as nonstandard colors such as cream, blue roan, red roan, sable, and blue roan and tan. The Cocker Spaniel is in stark contrast with the French Bulldog, similar in size but with a refined head and proportionately-built, muscular but slender body. Many Cocker owners dock their dogs' tail to stay true to tradition. Your French Cocker Spaniel will likely be gray or black with tufts of white hair, brown, brindle, black, and tan, or fawn. He may have a bobtail or one that does not quite reach the hocks. Expect more refinement in your mixed dog's head and a longer muzzle than a purebred Frenchie's. He may have large bat ears, but more likely will have medium ears that drop along his face. Your French Bulldog Cocker Spaniel mix will have shortened legs, a powerful neck, and a relatively deep chest for his size. He will likely stand about 13 inches tall and weigh 25 to 30 pounds. This video illustrates that unlike some other hybrid dogs, French Bulldog Cocker Spaniels do not have a particularly distinctive appearance This mix has a refined head that retains the furrows in the brow characteristic of a Frenchie. Note the relatively short legs, brown color with a black mask, square-shaped ears, smooth coat, and rather long tail. Will you have to groom your dog like a Cocker Spaniel? French Bulldogs have a short coat with a minimal undercoat most of the time. Some Frenchies do not have any underfur. Cocker Spaniels have medium to long silky hair with a soft undercoat. A show dog is popular for her luxurious flowing hair. However, people who have pet Cockers often shave them short all over, sometimes leaving long hair on the ears and legs. Your French Cocker Spaniel may inherit a short or long-medium coat. More than likely, your hybrid's coat will be longer than a French Bulldogs with slight waves. You should brush your French Bulldog mix's coat twice or three times a week. Her hair likely will not mat like a Cocker's but may collect dirt. Bathe your dog every six to eight weeks, taking advantage of that time to clip her nails. You should check your dog's ears every week for any signs of infection, especially if they hang. Will your dog have specific health issues? While mixes do not typically struggle with quite as many health problems as their parent breeds, they inherit the more common maladies. French Bulldog Cocker Spaniels most often fight patellar luxation, eye problems, hip dysplasia, autoimmune disorders, seborrhea, breathing abnormalities, and hypothyroidism. French Bulldogs live 10 to 12 years while Cocker Spaniels live 11 to 14 years. Your French Bulldog Cocker Spaniel mix could reasonably live 12 or 13 years. Patellar Luxation Common in the toy and miniature breeds, a luxating patella means the knee cap easily pops out of place rather than glide seamlessly in its groove. It is common in Frenchies who have a malformation of their joint connections due to dwarfism. Cocker Spaniels are often born with the condition. Luxating patellas can be hereditary in your French Bulldog hybrid. Hip Dysplasia Unfortunately, hip dysplasia is common in Frenchies and Cockers, making it a possible hereditary problem of your mixed-breed dog. Eye Problems Your French Bulldog Cocker Spaniel mix could inherit protruding eyes from either parent, leaving these structures vulnerable to scratches and other injuries. As Petcarex reports, Cocker Spaniels are prone to cataracts and glaucoma and can pass these to any offspring. Primary Seborrhea Mostly affecting American Cocker Spaniels, primary seborrhea affects the skin to produce excess scaling and greasiness, leading to longterm inflammation. Hypothyroidism French Bulldogs can inherit congenital hypothyroidism as a recessive trait, but it is rare. Hypothyroidism is more common in Cocker Spaniels. If your mix inherits adult-onset hypothyroidism, she will need thyroid supplementation to avoid skin problems and other health issues. Brachycephalic Syndrome Hopefully, your mixed dog will not inherit the entire complex of respiratory difficulties from his French Bulldog parent. Still, you may notice slight snoring, snuffling, and exercise intolerance if your dog's face has moderate shortening. What is your dog's guarding potential? French Bulldogs are very friendly to everyone but may make good watchdogs if they warn you of the approach of strangers. Many Frenchies, however, are not alarmists, seeking affection indiscriminately. Cocker Spaniels, as opposed to Frenchies, are excellent watchdogs. Some Cockers may bark excessively. A few family lines of Spaniels display a phenomenon known as Cocker Rage Syndrome, whereby the dog attacks unexpectedly. Although the syndrome gained Cocker Spaniels a reputation for unprovoked aggression and perhaps affected their popularity, Cocker Rage appears in other breeds and could be a seizure disorder according to Doglistener. Your French Bulldog Cocker mix should be an effective watchdog, warning you of guests and unwelcome visitors alike. However, French Cocker Spaniels are friendly and not afraid to seek affection from anyone. You must be vigilant about socialization, so your puppy does not develop timidity and fear-biting. Do French Cocker mixes do well with other animals? French Bulldogs naturally get along with other animals. You must supervise them with large dogs, so they do not become victims of bullying or serious injury. If you socialize them well and introduce them slowly, Cocker Spaniels are amiable around other animals, especially dogs. They are also small and need monitoring around big dogs, even Labradors, and German Shepherds. The French Bulldog Cocker Spaniel mix is a friendly dog and when socialized enjoys the company of other animals. They like their people best, though, and prefer being the center of attention. You should watch your Frenchie Cocker mix around tiny animals and birds as their ancestors do have a background in flushing and ratting. How much exercise does your dog need? French Bulldogs are exercise intolerant because of their extremely shortened muzzles and dwarfed limbs, but they still require low to moderate daily exercise to avoid obesity. Thirty to 45 minutes a day is a good rule of thumb divided into multiple sessions. Cocker Spaniels do best with moderate exercise, usually about 45 to 60 minutes a day. They do not require the strenuous workouts that some other breeds do but should receive plenty of socialization and mental stimulation. French Bulldog Cocker mixes should receive 35 to 50 minutes of exercise daily. You will have to gauge how many sessions your dog needs and how much you need to restrict him based on how short his muzzle is. Make sure to supply sufficient mental stimulation and physical activities to prevent boredom and provide appropriate socialization. How smart will your dog be? French Bulldogs are not ranked very high in working intelligence or obedience, but most owners appreciate how adaptive they are. French Bulldogs also tend to react positively and appropriately to their environment. According to Dogbreedslist. How trainable and obedient your French Bulldog-Cocker Spaniel is depended on which traits she most inherits from her parents. Frenchies are renowned performers, but they also can have quite a stubborn streak. Cocker Spaniels are eager to please but can have dominant issues or become oversensitive if training does not occur during the critical socialization period between 10 and 16 weeks old. Will your dog be a good family pet? Cocker Spaniels make great family companions, especially if you work on socializing them and avoid potential psychoses in certain family lines. As the smallest members of the sporting group, Cocker Spaniels have a steady temperament and a friendly nature. They bond with all household members. Frenchies, bred mainly as companion dogs, are enthusiastic and friendly. They bond to all members of your family, showing a loving and clownish personality. Your Frenchie Cocker mix will be affectionate and steadfast, requiring almost constant attention. Children French Bulldogs do well with children as they do with everyone else, but they can become vulnerable if kids hang or lay on them. Cocker Spaniels can be nippy around children if they come from unreputable breeding practices. Otherwise, Cockers are gentle with kids. Keep your Frenchie-Cocker away from toddlers unsupervised, but otherwise, she will be a great playmate for your children. Shannon Cutts As a freelance pet writer and blogger, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to this site. Should a French Bulldog Mix take after their Frenchie parent, they will be a small companion breed that bonds closely with their families. They tend to have an energetic, playful personality and love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. French Bulldogs tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate dogs that get along with just about everyone. They tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. They will even warm up quickly to strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect the same from a French Bulldog Mix. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the behavior she is modeling for the puppies. The breeder should have started some training and socialization, but it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. Frenchies are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes. However, as a brachycephalic breed, they are extra sensitive to heat and also sensitive to the cold. They also do not like being left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a Frenchie Mix to also be a highly adaptable dog. The other parent will introduce their own traits and some potential quirks, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. They could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, or they could inherit some or all of them. They can also be prone to allergies, have sensitive skin, and also a sensitive stomach. Good breeding practices will make a huge difference. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. Although French Bulldogs can sometimes be stubborn, they are eager to please and tend to be easy to train. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, they can be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. If the other parent breed is also easy to train, then you can expect a French Bulldog Mix to be highly trainable as well. Regardless of owner experience, there are many benefits of puppy training classes. A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a mix of both. You will also need to clean their facial wrinkles. Weekly ear checks with cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, a Frenchie Mix is more prone to developing dental diseases later in life. This makes good, consistent dental care for dogs even more important for them. Daily brushing with a dog-friendly toothpaste or using an enzyme toothpaste paired with cleanings at the vet when needed is ideal. Frenchies are known couch potato dogs that are happy to lay back, relax, and cuddle with you. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this affectionate little dog. Even though they like to relax, they also like to play and will be energetic when they do. They can also be athletic and compete in dog sports. As a brachycephalic breed, you do need to be careful of overexertion and overheating. But, there are plenty of ways to safely exercise flat-faced dogs to make sure your French Bulldog Mix gets enough exercise. If the other parent breed is also a low-energy breed, then you can expect something similar from a Frenchie Mix. If the other parent breed requires more activity, then you will need to be prepared for the potential of a higher energy dog. Fully-grown Frenchies usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so make sure you ask the breeder about them. This can give you some idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown French Bulldog Mix. French Bulldogs generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span in a French Bulldog Mix. Featured French Bulldog Mix Article. Height: 14 - 17 inches at the shoulder Weight: 26 - 35 lb. Both of these dogs are very friendly and loving dogs. She is calm, intelligent, confident and eager to please. While friendly she is wary of strangers and alert making a good watchdog. She gets along well with everyone and is quite a well mannered dog! She loves to have fun and play too and will need some outdoor space to do this in. She is loving, reliable, brave and warm. Cocker Spaniel French Bulldog Mix Health All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. The French Bulldog Cocker Spaniel Mix might be prone to Eye problems, patellar luxation, Hereditary deafness, Eye problems, Urolithiasis, Reverse sneezing, brachycephalic syndrome, head shakes, hip dysplasia, skin problems, tail problems, Note that these are just common problems in both breeds. A Cocker Spaniel normally gets professional grooming and you might need to do this with your mix. Get ready to invest in a good vacuum and keep your floors clean anyways. Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. What are the exercise requirements? The combination of these different types of breeds should really make a more moderate shedder. Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! What are the training requirements? Though intelligent, it might be stubborn and demanding. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background. Links to other breeds you might be interested in. Be extra cautious with online transactions! We encourage you to read these guidelines before buying or adopting a dog. Have you done your research? Carry out the research so you have the necessary knowledge of the pet you are getting. Since owning a dog is a big commitment, you should research about the breed fully to make sure it fits your current lifestyle and budget. Have you seen the puppy? Take time to visit the advertiser's home to confirm if they are genuine. Do not settle for online communications and photos. UK Pets does not verify the authenticity of all advertisers. The advertiser should allow you to personally see the puppies with the puppies' mother. If they keep on giving you excuses why you could not visit their home or the address stated in the advert is not the accurate and permanent location of the pet, consider this a red flag. Avoid online payment Never pay anything online through money transfer companies especially if you have not personally visited the advertiser and seen the puppy, this includes deposit and delivery cost for the puppy. There is also no means to recover your money if issues arise. Before closing a deal, you must have signed a well-defined contract. Responsible Advertiser The advertiser should only release the puppies when they are 8 weeks old or older. They should be responsible enough to know that separating the puppy from the mother earlier results in medical and behavioural issues.

By Barri J. Morrison, DVM on Jun. Today, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are in the herding breed group, which means they are high-energy and love having a job or an outlet for regular exercise. They are known for their confidence, loyalty, and bravery, as well as their ability to thrive with expert levels of dog training and obedience. German Shepherds are commonly used as working dogs in the military and police for patrolling, bomb sniffing, and search and rescue. This large dog breed has an average weight ranging from 65—90 pounds. They are typically 22—26 inches tall with a life expectancy of 10—12 years. Caring for a German Shepherd German Shepherds are incredibly active dogs that require intense training and regular exercise to keep them out of trouble physically and mentally. They are best for active families and experienced pet parents. Socialization and consistent training will be essential when a German Shepherd is a puppy. This will help them to grow out of unruly behaviors such as nipping and jumping. German Shepherds have a double coat that sheds a lot. They will also typically go through a molting, which is a period of excessive shedding, one to two times a year. German Shepherd Health Issues While German Shepherds have a long life expectancy for a large breed dog, they are prone to several health problems. A trustworthy breeder will screen both male and female dogs being bred for health conditions such as degenerative myelopathy and hip and elbow dysplasia. German Shepherds commonly also get gastric dilation and volvulus GDV , commonly known as bloat, as well as cancer, allergies, heart disease, and a few other conditions. Pet parents of German Shepherds should be highly educated on the symptoms to look for, as early detection is the key to a good prognosis for any serious condition. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a neurologic disorder that affects the spinal cord, slowly causing paralysis of the back legs. Early signs of degenerative myelopathy include weakness in the hind end and difficulty standing up. Watch your dog carefully for signs of pain and discomfort that come on gradually rather than suddenly. Check their claws at least once a month to watch for signs of uneven wear which would indicate a subtle lameness. There is no treatment for this condition, but physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and protect their ability to use their legs. While there is no cure, you can test for this condition using a DNA-based blood test submitted to the University of Florida or the University of Missouri. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is a degenerative joint disease that can cause lifelong pain in the front limbs. Hip dysplasia is another degenerative joint disease that affects the hind end. Clinical signs include limping, decreased range of motion, and other signs of pain—especially later in life, as arthritis sets in because of this disease process. The treatment for all degenerative joint diseases includes weight loss, reduced activity, joint protection supplements, anti-inflammatory and pain medications, or surgery. Cancer Cancer can develop in German Shepherds at any age, but usually occurs later in life. Common cancers include hemangiosarcoma and bone, lung, and intestinal cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that is most often detected in blood-rich organs such as the spleen and the heart. The signs of hemangiosarcoma are usually related to internal bleeding, with symptoms such as weakness, white or pale gums, trouble breathing, a distended abdomen, and collapse. Other signs are usually nonspecific and indicate overall malaise, including lethargy, panting, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. Depending on the extent of the cancer, treatment plans can include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Bloat Gastric Dilation and Volvulus Bloat, or gastric dilation and volvulus GDV is a sudden life-threatening condition when the stomach enlarges with gas bloat and then twists upon itself GDV. This happens commonly in deep-chested, large-breed dogs such as German Shepherds. To limit the risk of GDV, German Shepherds should wait at least 30 minutes to one hour after eating to resume exercising. Another way to help prevent your German Shepherd from developing a life-threatening GDV would be via gastropexy. A gastropexy permanently attaches the stomach to the inside body wall. This fixation of the stomach prevents the stomach from being able to twist upon itself. Allergies Allergies in German Shepherds can be first seen with symptoms such as itchy skin, skin infections , ear infections , or digestive upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. A thorough medical history and physical examination, diagnostic testing of skin and ears, blood work, and fecal tests are warranted if you suspect that your dog has allergies. Allergies in dogs can be treated by avoiding the cause and the allergen and managing the symptoms that exist with diet therapy and medications. Heart Disease Heart disease, specifically DCM dilated cardiomyopathy , valvular disease, and heart murmurs, can be common in German Shepherds. A special diet should also be considered to restrict sodium intake and to increase the amount of certain amino acids to promote heart health. Dogs with significant heart disease should not be pushed to exercise beyond their limits. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI is a digestive health issue that occurs when the cells of the pancreas do not produce enzymes and hormones normally. The most common symptom is weight loss, despite your pet having a ravenous appetite. Other symptoms of EPI include soft stool or diarrhea; excessive gas; desire to eat feces and other unusual objects; flaky skin; or rough coat. Once the pancreas is damaged to the point that symptoms of EPI develop, you must give your dog pancreatic enzyme supplements and other treatments for the rest of their life. Nevertheless, with proper management, your dog can still live a happy life with this condition. Pannus Pannus, or superficial keratitis, is an immune-mediated painful eye condition that can cause blindness if not managed properly. It occurs more often in dogs that live at high altitudes, those with increased exposure to UV light, and in areas with severe air pollution. Keeping dogs indoors during the sunniest part of the day, providing a doghouse shelter, or trying a specialty pair of doggie sunglasses like Rex Specs may prove very helpful in preventing this issue. Most of these conditions have a genetic component and can be avoid by good breeding and preventive screening practices. They require a high-quality, age-appropriate diet to meet their nutritional needs. These diets are usually labeled puppy, adult, or senior. Offering table food and animal bones should be avoided, as they can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia, and they also have a much higher fat content than dog food. High-fat foods can also cause pancreatitis. How Much to Feed a German Shepherd In general, puppies should be fed 3—4 times per day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day. How much you feed is determined by the specific food your German Shepherd eats. You can ask your veterinarian, follow the package instructions, or contact the dog food manufacturer, as AAFCO-approved diets have veterinary nutritionists who help determine these requirements. There are some theories that German Shepherds that are fed smaller, more frequent meals have a lower incidence of bloat and stomach problems. How to Feed a German Shepherd Although there is a genetic component, science shows that rapid long bone growth in puppies such as German Shepherds and other large- and giant-breed dogs contributes to development of joint and bone conditions. Rapid bone growth is suspected to be caused by overfeeding and calcium supplementation. German Shepherds that are fed free-choice or overfed are at higher risk of rapid bone growth. Maintaining lean body weight will also help to decrease the rate of bone growth. Calcium supplements and adult dog foods rich in calcium should never be given to German Shepherd puppies under 6 months of age, as they cannot absorb calcium appropriately when they are that young. Conditions caused by rapid long bone growth and excess calcium supplementation can include: Hip and elbow dysplasia Osteochondrosis dissecans of the shoulder, knee, wrists, and ankles. This is improper growth and blood supply in a joint, which requires surgery to prevent osteoarthritis from developing. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy HOD. This is inflammation of the bone under the growth plate; it can cause severe joint swelling, pain, fever, anorexia, lameness, and not wanting to move. This is an inflammation of the long bones and associated blood vessels. Joint swelling is uncommon, but the symptoms are similar to HOD. MSM has all-natural anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids high-quality fish oil are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties as well when given at appropriate doses. Research shows that reducing inflammation helps to control pain associated with osteoarthritis , which is a common problem in dogs with joint issues. Probiotics Probiotics such as Purina Calming Care can be helpful not just for digestive issues, but with minor behavioral issues as well. Digestive enzymes come in powdered form to assist dogs who have pancreatic issues, such as German Shepherds with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Other vitamin and mineral supplements are generally not needed for healthy puppies and adults, as they get all they need from their AAFCO-approved diet daily. The breed is considered to be smart and easy to train. They are known to be gentle family dogs and loyal protectors of those they trust. This loyalty can make German Shepherds seem more standoffish around strangers. It does take them some time to gain the trust of other people and other pets. German Shepherds are a very active and athletic breed that require a ton of exercise for both their physical and mental health. Without exercise they will develop unfavorable behaviors, due to irritation and pent-up energy. Controlled leash walks and supervised free play in safe, fenced-in areas should be started when they are puppies. Keeping a German Shepherd on a leash at all times when in public places is a good rule of thumb, as even the most well-trained dog can be distracted and not follow regular commands, leading to a possible confrontation. These results should be provided to a pet parent by the breeder of the German Shepherd before the dog is purchased. Not all temperament and behavioral issues are evident in a growing puppy, and it is impossible to predict whether a dog will be free of these problems. Find a trustworthy breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible. German Shepherd Behavior German Shepherds, like other herding dogs, tend to be on the nippy side. They have very powerful jaws, and unfortunately, they frequently bite. Most aggressive German Shepherds are aggressive because of their owners. The German Shepherd dog is a pack animal. They need you to be the leader of the pack, providing structure and guidance. The key to success is consistency and practice; you will get the behavior you reward. German Shepherds from working lines have an extremely strong drive to work and may be more dog than most people can or want to handle. German Shepherds are very smart companions and exceptional workers. This helps you build the right foundation for your puppy to evolve into a well-adapted and well-mannered adult dog. Conversely, when your dog barks at you to pet them, do not start petting them until they sit down and quietly wait for you to do so. Soon they will learn that they get what they desire without the excessive, unnecessary behavior. German Shepherds thrive on consistency, positive reinforcement, and a reward system, such as a treats or toys to help strengthen the human-animal bond. They become very bonded to all members of the family and will be willing to participate in many family activities. Fun Activities for German Shepherd Herding. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects Degenerative myelopathy is a fatal, chronic, progressive, degenerative disease of the spinal cord, affecting several breeds of dog including the GSD. In time, it leads to complete paralysis in all limbs tetraparesis. To understand the disease process some knowledge of the anatomy of the spinal cord and nervous system is needed. The nervous system is comprised of the central nervous system — the brain and spinal cord — and the peripheral nerves, which connect to the spinal cord throughout its length. It receives messages from sensors throughout the body sensory functions , processes this information, decides what changes need to occur and then sends out messages to glands and muscles to make these changes motor functions. The spinal cord runs along the length of the spine, which protects it. The spine is divided into 5 different regions — cervical neck , thoracic chest , lumbar lower back , sacral pelvic and coccygeal tail. The spinal cord is similarly split into regions and correspondingly labelled. The spinal cord is comprised of two major types of tissue: white and grey matter. The white matter contains the axons — long wire-like fibres - of the sensory and motor neurons that carry nerve impulses either to or from the brain, the grey the cell bodies of the neurons. The axons of the motor neurons, that start in the brain, are often called the upper motor neurons UMNs , and their connections with the cell bodies of the nerves cells that go on to form the peripheral nerves the lower motor neurones LMNs. To increase the speed with which axons can transmit their impulse the electrical message that they carry , they are insulated much like electrical wires in our homes. The insulating layer is called the myelin sheath and it is because of its fat content, that the tissues of the spinal cord that it makes up appear white. In DM there is a slow, progressive degeneration of the white matter of the thoracic section of the spinal cord, with loss of both myelin and axons Shell .Abnormal structures called cytoplasmic inclusions are also observed within the diseased tissue when it is examined under the microscope this can only be done at post mortem Rusbridge no date. The degeneration of the spinal cord tissue appears to be caused by the action of excessive amounts of damaging reactive oxygen species molecules ROS : biochemicals that react with and damage the components of cells, causing oxidative or free radical injury. High numbers of ROS occur with this condition, due to a mutation in the gene which codes for the production of the superoxide dismutase-1 SOD1 enzyme, which is produced by cells to help break down ROS and limit any damage they might cause Awano et al .DM in dogs is comparable to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS a progressive, neurodegenerative disease of humans Awano et al .Prior to the discovery of the SOD1 gene mutation, possible causes of DM were suggested as genetic, nutritional Averill , Williams et al , or immunological Barclay and Haines , Waxman et al .The first signs are typically seen at around 8 to 9 years of age and involve hindlimb ataxia swaying when moving. This may be asymmetrical worse on either the right or left side. The dog may also have difficulty getting up and its hindlimb nails may become scuffed to the point of bleeding. DM has an insidious gradual onset and can easily be misdiagnosed as hip dysplasia or other orthopaedic problems, which are also common in GSDs. Unlike many other of these conditions, DM seems painless Cherubini et al .Owners may notice the hindlegs crossing over as the dog walks. In this stage of the disease, it is mainly the UMNs of the spinal cord that are affected, along with sensory nerves. Spinal reflexes, when tested, often seem to be intact but the dog seems to be unable to sense exactly where the hindlimbs are or place them accurately - hence the scuffing of the nails and ataxic gait. With progression of the disease, loss of motor functions and signs of LMN dysfunction manifest in the hindlimbs. These show as weakness leading to inability to stand and paralysis in the hindlimbs. In time, the muscles of the hindlegs waste away. Most owners elect for euthanasia once paraplegia has occurred; however, if allowed to progress, the disease will ascend up the spinal cord to affect the forelegs leading to tetraplegia loss of use of all four limbs Awano et al .The rate at which the disease progresses is often not uniform rather it is characterised by periods of slow progression followed by rapid changes Cherubini et al .Urinary and faecal incontinence may occur Shell and trauma to nails and the hindlimbs or pressure sores may occur secondary to the paresis loss or impaired movement , paralysis and incontinence. There is currently no effective treatment Cherubini et al , Rusbridge no date although physiotherapy has been shown to prolong the time some dogs can remain mobile Kathmann et al .Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact DM is itself not a painful disease Cherubini et al , Shell ; however, affected dogs may be caused distress by being unable to function or behave as normal. Trauma may also occur to nails and the skin of the hind limbs as sensation and loss of function progresses. Once paralysed, these dogs have long-term care needs which many owners find difficult and some dogs will be euthanased because of this. Ultimately, when earlier euthanasia is declined, DM leads to an inability to carry on any kind of normal life and finally to death. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact Degenerative myelopathy usually appears in dogs from 8 or 9 years of age Cherubini et al , Rusbridge no date , however, animals as young as 6 months can be affected Cherubini et al .The condition is progressive from the start although the rate of progression of the disease may not be uniform. Most owners of affected dogs elect to have them euthanased within 12 months of the onset of signs, often when they become paraplegic. Deterioration to death can take over 3 years Awano et al .Return to top 4. Number of animals affected Degenerative myelopathy was first identified in GSDs. The commonest cause of progressive hindlimb dysfunction in older, large-breed dogs Wheeler , it was originally thought to only affect GSDs, this is now known not to be the case. Wahl et al consider it a major genetic disease afflicting GSDs. The exact percentage of GSDs to be affected is currently unknown although researchers at Missouri University suggest that a relatively high proportion of individuals from the following breeds: GSD, Boxer, Pembroke corgi, Chesapeake Bay retriever and Rhodesian ridgeback have the predisposing mutated gene and that many of these genetically-affected individuals will go on to manifest the disease. From data on estimates of total dog population in the UK and on the percentage of all micro-chip registered dogs that are German Shepherd Dogs Alsatians Lucy Asher, , personal communication , we estimate that the UK population size of this breed may be around , Return to top 5. Diagnosis A definitive diagnosis of DM can only be made after death by microscopic examination of the spinal cord Cherubini et al .A tentative diagnosis of DM, whilst the dog is alive, can be made by a veterinary surgeon through elimination of all other possible causes of the signs. This will include the need for a full physical and neurological examination examination of the nervous system by means of tests to check out the health of various nerve pathways. It may also include blood tests, spinal x-rays including myelography x-rays after injection of a dye into the spinal canal , analysis of cerebrospinal fluid the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord , CT computed tomography scans and MRI magnetic resonance imaging scans, the most useful diagnostic test for imaging the brain and spinal cord. The tentative diagnosis is made if the results of all tests including the MRI scans are normal, though the CSF analysis may reveal a high level of protein Cherubini et al .As DM is most often seen in older dogs it is not uncommon for them to have concurrent disease which often will cause abnormalities on these tests and may complicate the diagnostic process. It is also possible for osteoarthritis of the hips or spine to develop secondary to DM due to uneven weight bearing in the hindlimbs as the disease progresses Cherubini et al .Return to top 6. Genetics Recently a gene connected to the development of DM has been identified. Dogs which are homozygous for the mutated gene SOD1, i. Currently, not all the animals identified with a pair of the abnormal genes have developed the disease. It is not known if they will go on to develop the disease later or if other unknown risk factors are necessary for disease development in these individuals College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, no date. Animals with one abnormal gene appear to be healthy carriers i. The problem has therefore been categorised as an autosomal recessive disorder with incomplete penetrance i. Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? DNA testing can now be performed to identify animals at risk of developing the disease and carrier animals. All animals should be tested prior to purchase and breeding. Return to top 8. The researchers who developed this test believe that careful use of it could help decrease the incidence of DM in affected breeds although they feel this occurs slowly, over many generations College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, no date. Elimination of a recessive gene with incomplete penetrance from a breed is not straightforward if its prevalence is high because removing all carrier animals, that possess a copy of the gene, may significantly affect the number of animals suitable to breed from, and hence the size of the gene pool. Careful breeding of carrier animals to known healthy non-carrier individuals is recommended Bell , with slow replacement of carrier breeding animals with non-carriers over time. If, as suspected, the mutated gene is common in GSDs, halting breeding from all carrier animals may significantly affect the number of animals suitable to breed from, and hence the size of the gene pool. This could lead to excessive inbreeding and the appearance of other unwanted genetic diseases of which there are many. To avoid such a problem, the careful breeding of carrier animals with non-carriers, either from within the breed or from outside the breed, seems necessary. To enable the elimination of the gene whilst minimising the risks of other genetic problems emerging due to greater levels of inbreeding, Bell recommends that, over time, breeders slowly replace carrier breeding animals with non-carriers. Return to top 9. Jul 22, Share We view German Shepherds as intelligent, loyal, and brave dogs who can take on even the toughest of tasks. But like all other dogs, German Shepherds have their fair share of health issues that slowly arise as they start to age. The genes get passed on from litter to litter and is rather painful since it is a malformation in the hip joint. Image Credit: makeitclear, Pixabay 2. Elbow Dysplasia Like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia affects many larger dog breeds from a line of poorly bred ancestors. Instead of the issue with the hip, the same problem occurs in the elbows, and it can vary from mild to severe symptoms. It usually makes it uncomfortable to walk and, unfortunately, not much can be done once a dog is diagnosed. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus GDV Also called bloat , GDV is a serious issue that occurs when dogs eat food too quickly and then participate in too much physical activity. The gas builds up in the stomach and the pressure from the bloating makes it difficult for dogs to breathe. Some dogs go into shock or eat grass to try to vomit. This is a life-threatening condition, and your dogs should be taken to the vet immediately if you think they might have it. Try to feed your German Shepherds three small meals a day to prevent the problem. The signs for diabetes include dry mouth, fatigue, excessive eating and urinating, and swollen feet. Image Credit: Flashieeh, Shutterstock 5. Epilepsy German Shepherds are known for having seizure disorders. Even though epilepsy is incurable, there are many ways to help prevent the symptoms. Hemophilia Hemophilia has occurred in German Shepherds due to a long line of inbreeding. Even the smallest of cuts can be serious for a dog. This disease is more common in German Shepherds than many other dog breeds, so be careful when out exercising with them. Cataracts Another health issue that your German Shepherd might get as they age is cataracts. This issue is usually easy to tell when it is happening because you start to see that their eyes look a little more cloudy or they start running into things more often. If they progress, it becomes challenging for dogs to see anything at all. Image Credit: Pauline Loroy, Unsplash 8. Degenerative Disc Disease is common in large animals, but it can even start to manifest when the dogs are still young. A lot of breeders try to avoid this issue. Get your German Shepherd checked for spinal abnormalities from when they are puppies to keep this in check. Panosteitis German Shepherds grow very quickly and sometimes limp a lot as they mature from 5 to 14 months old. It is more common in German Shepherds because they have many stomach issues like Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. Of course, some breeds have fewer than others, but a lot of them can be prevented with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Over time, visits to the vet can really add up. If you're looking for a good pet insurance plan that won't break the bank, you may want to look at Lemonade. This company offers adjustable plans customized to your pet's needs. However, this breed does have several common health issues that owners should be aware of. The more extreme conditions are a result of inbreeding, so responsible breeders take special care to trace the genealogy before breeding. The average lifespan of a German Shepherd is 10 to 12 years old, but certain conditions might shorten that. Here is a look at some of the most common types of health problems that German Shepherds have and how to recognize them. Diabetes Diabetes is not something that we think of when we think of canine ailments. However, it is not unheard of for German Shepherds to be diagnosed with this health problem. If your dog has one or more of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that they have diabetes. However, they should be checked out to ensure that they do not have diabetes or another serious illness. However, it is much more serious than the average bloat that humans experience after eating too much. This is an extremely painful experience for your dog and also very dangerous. The condition can sometimes come on very quickly. Some of the symptoms that your dog may experience with GDV include: Gums are pale or almost white in color Excessive drooling Gagging and retching. If this happens on a weekend or some other time when your regular vet is closed, look to see if there is an emergency animal hospital nearby. With these conditions, dogs will start to go downhill very quickly. In order to give them the best chance at survival, treatment must begin quickly. Perform an X-Ray to get a better look and see if the stomach is twisted. Perform surgery. The only way to fix a twisted stomach is to perform a surgery. Depending on what goes on during the surgery, your dog will need a lot of time to recover from such an invasive operation. While your dog is recovering, it is imperative that he or she gets a lot of rest and refrain from physical activity. Your dog should be monitored closely for the first few days. If they start to vomit or show any signs that their health is deteriorating, you should call the vet immediately. Hip Dysplasia This is a common problem for German Shepherds and other large dog breeds. This is a genetic disorder that usually happens while the German Shepherd puppy is still in the growth stage. The hip socket is more shallow than usual and it causes the hip joint to become loose, which can cause a lot of pain for the dog. Sometimes, hip dysplasia can go unnoticed, but over time, it can cause a dog to develop other problems, such as arthritis and muscular issues. Some of the most common signs that a dog is experiencing hip dysplasia include: Limping for seemingly no reason Hopping when running Popping sounds coming from the joint Slow to stand up Slow to lay down Difficulty getting on and off beds, couches, and other furniture If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, it is a good idea to schedule a vet visit for your dog. There are a few different treatment options available for dogs with hip dysplasia, including surgery. Your vet will examine your dog and determine the best course of treatment. Elbow Dysplasia Elbow Dysplasia is just like hip dysplasia, except for the fact that it affects the elbows and not the hips. The symptoms are also going to be similar. You may notice your dog limping or not wanting to run. Just like with hip dysplasia, surgery is also a treatment option. But sometimes, a vet will try to just manage the pain if the dysplasia is not severe. Cataracts Sometimes it seems like these dogs grow up so fast. In truth, when German Shepherds stop growing is at 18 months. As German Shepherds age, some have been known to develop cataracts. This is the same eye disorder that humans can get as well. It is pretty easy to tell if your older dog has cataracts as you will be able to see a noticeable white film develop on the lens of their eyeball. If left untreated, cataracts can cause your older dog to go completely blind in that eye. Another thing to note is that German Shepherd skin issues are fairly common. This breed is prone to yeast dermatitis, moist dermatitis, and allergy dermatitis. Make sure to have these conditions treated by a vet as soon as you spot on your pup. Having a German Shepherd can be a rewarding experience. They are a playful, protective, and loyal dog breed. As long as you stay vigilant and monitor any unusual symptoms, you should be able to have your playful pooch around for years to come. Check out Vetericyn if there are products that can alleviate the symptoms of any of these conditions. Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. Sources: Pet MD. Diabetes Mellitus with Hyperosmolar Coma in Dogs. Canine elbow dysplasia. Cataracts in Dogs.

You will need to reward your dog when he shakes. Bite-sized treats are good for training because you can give your dog more of them without feeding them too many extra calories. Also consider what your dog likes and what will motivate them: does your dog like soft treats or hard treats? Is there a certain flavor that your dog seems to respond to more? Figure out which treat works best for your particular dog and have them on-hand for training. These could be small pieces of cooked meat or even some fruits and vegetables. Don't overfeed your dog. Keep treat sizes as small as you can. Do not feed your dog the following food items, as they can cause poisoning or illness: avocado, chocolate, bread dough, grapes, raisins, hops, ethanol, moldy foods, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onions, garlic. The only way a dog can shake hands is if they are sitting. If your dog doesn't know how the command for sit, you will need to teach them to sit first. You won't be giving the treat to your dog just yet. For now, simply keep the treat in your left hand. Bring the treat in front of your dogs nose, showing it to him. Once you have his attention, close your fist around the treat. Don't let the dog grab the treat from you yet. Hold the treat between your thumb and your palm. Say this as you hold the fist with the treat in front of your dog. Once your dog realizes you have a treat in your closed hand, they will try to get it from you. When they make a move toward the behavior you want — such as lifting a paw to try and get the treat from your fist — say "Yes! When your dog makes a move toward the behavior you want, immediately reward them with the treat. Ignore any other attempts your dog may make, such as sniffing or mouthing your hand. Practice this way a few times until the dog is reliably lifting their paw when you say "Paw. Once your dog is lifting their paw on command, you will want to take it to the next step. You should begin reward the dog only as they do something closer to your goal of shaking. For instance, if your dog lifts their paw higher than before, that gets a "Yes! Continue in this way until the dog is offering their paw. Use this additional step only if your dog doesn't seem to paw at the treat in your hand. By picking up your dogs paw, and praising them during and after, you start to show your dog that pawing at your hand is rewarded. Be gentle and move slowly. Amy Bender is a dog training expert and writer with over a decade of experience working professionally with dogs. She owns a dog training business and is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. Shake is a fun dog trick that's fairly easy to teach dogs, and most can learn it quickly. After just a few short training sessions your dog will be offering its paw for a shake every time they meet someone new. If you are clicker training , you will need your clicker as well. This trick relies on the dog sitting calmly and giving you its undivided attention. If it doesn't know how to sit reliably, go back and practice that command before moving on. Hold a treat in one hand and show it to your dog. Close your fist over the treat so the dog can't get it. Give your dog the command "shake," and wave your closed fist under its nose to keep it interested in the treat. Wait for your dog to start digging in your hand for the treat. Usually, dogs sniff around, and when that doesn't work they begin to paw at your hand. The moment your dog touches your hand with its paw, say "good" or click your clicker. Open your hand and allow the dog to have the treat. Practice Practice "shake" for five minutes, two or three times a day. Your dog will be offering you its paw the moment you give the command before you know it. Phase out the Treat Once your dog is offering its paw on command, you can begin phasing out the need to hold the treat in your closed hand. Start with your hand closed over the treat, and give your dog the command "shake. Repeat this several times. Switch Treat Hands Next, put out your hand without holding the treat inside and give the command "shake. Practice this step over several training sessions. If your dog seems confused at any point, go back a step or two in your training. Eliminate the Treat Now you are ready to phase out the treat almost entirely. Begin by offering a treat less frequently, first by giving your dog a treat after every other time it offers a paw on command. Slowly decrease the number of times your dog gets a treat. Soon your dog will be offering the paw on command, and you will only need to give an occasional dog treat to reinforce the behavior. Problems and Proofing Behavior One common problem is the dog who doesn't put its paw on your hand, no matter how long you try to entice it with the treat. In this instance, move the hand holding the treat closer to your dog's paw. You can even give the leg or paw a little nudge. As soon as the dog raises its paw to your hand, give it the treat and say "good" or click. If your dog still doesn't understand what is expected of it after you nudge the paw, you can try lifting the paw into your hand yourself. Give the command "shake," reach down and pick up the paw, and then tell the dog "good" or click your clicker and offer the treat. Repeat this quickly several times in a row, giving the dog a treat each time, and then go back and start from the first step above. Most dogs will now understand what is expected and begin to offer their paw. Remember to be patient and keep training sessions short. If your dog becomes frustrated or bored, it's time to finish up the session. Always try to end on a positive note, even if it means asking your dog to do something simple, like sit. When your dog is regularly shaking with you, it's time to proof the behavior. The best way to do this is to have another person ask your dog to shake. The more familiar your dog is with the person, the easier it will be. Demonstrate your approach with your dog first, so the person can mimic you as closely as possible. Then, let that person sit the dog down and ask for a shake. Try this with a few people and your dog will understand that people love to shake paws! Then, after your dog has mastered shaking, you can move on to teaching your dog to wave. More from The Spruce Pets.

We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Watford City North Dakota and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. This Red Toy Labradoodle puppy is all set to give you some serious paw power. With its adorable raised paw and irresistible cuteness, this little furball is melting hearts left and right. Canis familiaris may be the scientific name, but we prefer to call it the ultimate bundle of joy! Captured by Mark Taylor, this portrait print showcases the perfect combination of a toy poodle and labrador retriever crossbreed. The result? A designer breed that's as cute as can be! Its plain white background allows our furry friend to take center stage, making it impossible not to fall head over heels. This young animal has mastered the art of being utterly lovable. From its fluffy coat to those innocent eyes, every detail screams 'adorable. So go ahead and bring home this delightful print - because who could resist having such cuteness on their walls? Just one look at this red toy Labradoodle puppy standing tall with its paw raised will brighten up any room and leave you smiling from ear to ear! In Stock - Available Now! Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.

We are a very small hobby breeder and raise puppies as part of the family. We do not believe in raising companion puppies in "facilities" as it does not provide proper socialization and personality development of a companion dog. We raise our puppies in our home and sound, holistic physiological and psychological development of our little ones is of the utmost priority! We believe in quality over quantity and only have few adult companions that occasionally allow us the joy of raising some of the most wonderful four legged kiddos! Our mission Our history Our history We specialize in producing quality canine companions and proudly raise healthy, fantastic, sweet, wonderful quality, registered pugs. Breed standards, health, and temperament of our dogs are our top priority. Our dogs are our family and enjoy trips to the park, to the beach, or just hanging out at home. It takes a combination of factors to produce happy and healthy, qualitypuppies and we truly believe, and our previous customers agree, that we have what it takes to accomplish that. We raise our puppies in our home and sound, holistic physiological, and psychological development of our little ones is of the utmost priority! We believe in quality over quantity and only have a few adult companions that occasionally allow us the joy of raising some of the most wonderful four legged kiddos! We specialize in producing quality canine companions and proudly raise healthy, fantastic, sweet, wonderful quality, registered pugs. It takes a combination of factors to produce happy and healthy, quality puppies and we truly believe, and our previous customers agree, that we have what it takes to accomplish that. It is our policy to sell puppies vet checked and they will have their health guarantee when they go to their new homes. They will also have their first sets if shots, will receive their dewormings, flea and tick preventative and heartworm preventative. Harmony Pugs is a preservation breeder that aims to improve the breed and breed to the AKC standard. They plan each breed carefully and raised as part of a family. They have Pugs, along with other breeds and other pets. They are known for their exceptional care for their pets as well as their knowledge and professionalism, which is why they are one of the most popular local breeders in the area. One of the best things about this reputable breeder is that they have an area for playtime with your new pet. You can have some fun time with your pet before you get to take them home! Research and learn as much as you can about them. Not all Pugs are created equal—you can find some that are show quality, while others may not be. Finally, have a bit more patience. The process of finding a Pug breeder takes time. Moreover, it will take you months before you get to bring home your puppy, so exercise patience and everything will go smoothly. Now, how do you find a Pug breeder in Texas? You can ask them to point you to a breeder. There are also local Facebook groups you can join that will help you find the right breeder for you. This means these puppies are registered with the AKC, which guarantees you that you will get the best one you can take home with you. When you find a breeder, you need to ask the right questions. The first question you need to ask is their requirements of people who want to get a Pug. You should also ask if you can meet the parents. Hence, they should let you meet them. Seeing the parents will give you an idea of what the pup will be like. Speaking of parents, you should also ask them if health tests have been performed on the parents to ensure both are healthy and free of any genetic disease that is common to Pugs. Another important question you should ask is their experience with the breed and how long have they been doing it for. You should also ask how they socialize their puppies. Pugs, and other breeds, should be well-socialized in a home environment. That way, they can adjust easily in your home when you take them home. The breeder should also provide you with a health guarantee and contract. This includes updated vaccinations and a health guarantee and contracts for you to sign. Final Words… By following these tips, you can avoid getting a Pug from puppy mills where the dogs are not taken care of properly. Only trust a reliable breeder to ensure that the Pug you will get has excellent Pug parents as well. Are you ready to have a Pug as part of your family? Use this information to guide you in finding the best one for you! Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards, Conclusion Are you ready to own happy pug puppies? Because there is a great demand for pugs, you will not have a shortage of sources where you can buy one. In fact, there may be enough pug breeders to choose from in your area. The most important question we need answers for is this: Are you ready to own a pug? They will need much of your time and attention. With pug puppies, you need twice the focus and the attention since you will feed them, train them, and their inherent need for attention. Pug Puppies will require time for visits to the vet for additional shots, to be dewormed, and other checkups to ensure they grow strong and healthy. If you are settling on a job or a project that will require much of your time, you might need to delay your plans of owning a pug until you have a more relaxed schedule. You are Always Present Pugs have greater tendencies to suffer from separation anxiety, especially a pug puppy. Happy pug puppies receive affection and attention. If your current lifestyle dictates your being constantly on the move, it would be best to wait until your routine is more predictable. A pug is bred for a companion. They are playful, energetic, and would be perfect around kids. Provided them with toys, a comfortable blanket, and your presence, they will be as happy as they will ever be. You are Patient Pugs and pug puppies are average shredders. They shed all year long so you have to be prepared for a great deal of non-stop shedding. It will be up to you to discover which dog shampoo helps lessen the shedding. Another action you need to do is regular grooming. You must have the patience to either do it yourself or take your pug puppy to the groomer. Pugs have folds on their head that need attention and consistent cleaning. Doing this will prevent infection and other diseases that may arise from unkempt fur babies. If you are getting a pug puppy, you will need to have extra patience to deal with the training it needs until it becomes fully able to live with you in your home. Buying Guide: Pugs for Sale in Texas If you are ready to bring home pug puppies, you can try different ways to get access to the best pug puppies for sale in Texas. The best option for you is to get puppies from local breeders and not from puppy mills nor from an inexperienced backyard breeder. Ask Around for Pug Breeders The best route to take is to look for local breeders with Pug Puppies Texas listings or those who would have an annual pug sale. You have to look for breeders that are recognized and respected in the local community. Dog Clubs, Pet Stores, and Pet Supplies To do this, you can start by asking around existing dog clubs or even dog shows in your area. These people will be able to point you in the right direction of breeders who might have a Pug for Sale Texas Area ad running. Another source you can ask is the local pet stores and pet supplies. They are connected to networks of breeders locally. If you are getting a puppy from them, just make sure that the pug puppy you are getting is healthy and does not show signs of malnutrition and other health conditions. You want to be positive that the puppies are not from puppy mills. Beware of Puppy Mills A dog from a puppy mill tends to show aggression and is prone to different health problems. These puppy mills do not practice ethical treatment of dogs and would choose profit over the general welfare of the dots Pug breeders who are concerned about the welfare of the pug puppies will maintain a safe, ample space for the dogs to thrive. They will show you the parents of the puppy and will even show you American Kennel Club AKC certificates if available. Good breeders are knowledgeable on their choice of breed and most often than not, they will focus on a single breed until they know enough to consider taking other breeds. Search Online The online space is a real-time yellow page. Pug puppies are consistently being posted online. Make a list of the search results and visit each site. Take note of their contact details and their addresses. Find the breeders that are closest to you. This will make it convenient for you to check out their place and the puppy. Doing a physical checkup is your perfect puppy health guarantee. Some of the best websites will include relevant information like age, gender, and health records. They will include pictures of the puppies that showcases their living condition and their overall physical health. Sometimes, the closest to your location may have no available puppies at the present or the puppies had just been born. You will need to be extra patient and wait for the perfect time to visit their shelters. Social Media Another avenue you can explore pug puppies for sale is the social media pages. If you want to see how these websites work or how they engage with their community, visit their social media pages. Connect with them and possibly, interact with them through their social channels. Visit their Facebook page, and look for signs of a healthy community around their social media. These social media pages provide a good source of feedback to the sellers and prospective buyers. Adopt a Pug Another great option if you are interested, is to visit rescue clubs and adoption centers. These organizations value the lives of the many animals they rescue, pugs included. They employ pet counselors and experienced vets to make sure the rescued pets will be nourished back to health and will be ready to interact with humans, especially kids. Rescued dogs become really loyal to people who adopt them to their new family. Pups or litters are rescued as well as adult dogs. These dogs are put under the care of a vet who tries to raise them back to their optimal health. It is ensured that these puppies are given the first shots needed to keep them safe and any family member who would interact with them. Make sure to follow our tips for dealing with a pug breeder. Lucky Charm Kennel. View more available dogs Pug Rescue of Austin typically has more than fifty available dogs at any given time. Not all available dogs are listed on our website and new dogs come in often. Once you have been approved to adopt, an adoption coordinator will review all available dogs with you to help you find the best new addition to your family. We Save Lives Our goal is to never say no to a pug or pug mix in need. Most of the pugs we rescue have been in abusive, neglectful situations. Here are some of their stories: Aug 22, Help Cole Heal Aug 22, Cole, a survivor of a car accident, needs your help to recover. He's facing major pelvic fractures and requires surgery. With feeling in his lower extremities and continence, Cole's determined to walk again. Join us in supporting his journey to healing. She was found starved, covered in infections, infested with parasites, and suffering from various health issues. We are providing her with intensive care at Westlake Animal Hospital, but her recovery will be a long and slow process. We need your support to give Pillsbury the chance to heal and live a pain-free life. Jun 26,

Its size falls in between the Miniature and Standard Poodle, but it is not obtained by crossing the two; it is an actual fourth Poodle breed size in Europe and is not a new size. Kleins Moyen are very common in the U. However, they can compete in the UKC conformation venue and many are champions. Kleins tend to be in the inch range, the size of a small Standard Poodle. Moyen means medium in French. Klein means small or mini in German. Both Moyen and Klein are common names for this in-between Poodle size. They are just a bit smaller than the original-sized Poodle. Here in the U. It has approximately the same length as the height at the withers. The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. It has a long, straight muzzle. The dark, oval-shaped eyes are set somewhat far apart and are black or brown. The ears hang close to the head and are long and flat. Both the front and back legs are in proportion with the size of the dog. The topline is level. The tail is set and carried high. It is sometimes docked to half its length or less to make the dog look more balanced. Dewclaws may be removed. The oval-shaped feet are rather small and the toes are arched. The coat is either curly or corded. It comes in all solid colors including black, blue, silver, gray, cream, apricot, red, white, brown or cafe-au-lait. While it does not make the written show standard, some breeders are breeding parti-colored Poodles. See grooming for different types of Poodle clips. It can be trained to a high degree, and is very willing and happy to please its handler. Comical and clever, it is often used as a circus dog. The more intelligent a dog is, the more it needs its mind occupied. This breed cannot live outside in a kennel. It needs to be part of the family. It can behigh-strung if not given the proper type and amount of exercise. Do not allow this dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome, where the dog is led to believe it is alpha over humans. It can cause the dog to become sensitive and nervous, and not very trustworthy with children and possibly strangers, along with many other behavior issues. Socialize your dog well. This is a very good watchdog for its size, seldom becoming aggressive. Kleins may start to bark a lot without proper human to canine communication, rules to follow and limits to what they are allowed to do. Poodles are friendly with other dogs and non-canine pets. Clean and check the ears frequently for wax or mites or infection and pull out hairs growing inside the ear canal. The teeth need regular scaling. Since the coat does not shed it needs to be clipped. There are several different types of poodle clips. The most common for pet owners is an easy-care clip called a "pet clip," "puppy clip" or "lamb clip," where the coat is cut short all over the body. Popular show clips are the English saddle and the Continental clip, where the rear half of the body is shaved, bracelets are left around the ankles, and pom-poms are left on the tails and hips. The AKC standard allows for a dog under a year old to be shown in a show-style puppy clip which has special requirements such as a pom-pom on the end of the tail. Other clip styles are the modified continental clip, town and country clip, kennel or utility clip, summer clip, and the Miami of bikini clip. Poodles shed little to no hair and are good for allergy sufferers. Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder. The size falls in-between the Miniature and the Standard size Poodle. Its size falls in-between the Miniature and Standard Poodles, but it is not obtained by crossing the two sizes, it is an actual fourth Poodle size in Europe and is not a new size. Klein means small or mini in German. Both Moyen and Klein are common names for this in-between Poodle size. Our Moyen Poodle are in the inch size range and weigh about pounds. Our Small Standard Poodles are in the inch size range and weigh lbs. Moyen Poodles Coats, Structure and Temperaments All Poodles have a curly and fluffy coat, which is non-shedding, and quite well tolerated by most people with allergies. Poodles are not as likely to trigger allergies in people because they shed less dander which is what causes dog allergies. The poodle is a very active, intelligent and elegant dog, squarely built, and well proportioned. To insure the desirable squarely built appearance, the length of body measured from the breastbone to the point of the rump approximates the height from the highest point of the shoulders to the ground. The eyes should be very dark, oval in shape, and having an alert and intelligent expression. The ears should hang close to the head, set at, or slightly below eye level. The coat should be of naturally harsh texture, dense throughout. Some standard Poodles are good guard dogs, and some are even trained as hunters and circus dogs! Overall, Poodles are a sensitive, pleasant and happy breed. Moyen Poodle History Historically, the poodle was a water dog, a circus dog, and the pampered pet of royal households in France. The standard poodle was known as early as the 15th Century and was shown in the paintings of German artist Albrecht Durer and the Spanish artist Goya. But the poodle is not all he appears to be. He is native to Germany, not France, and he got his start in the swamps as a water dog trained to retrieve fallen birds for hunters. The Moyen Poodle has a large amount of energy and has a very playful attitude. Poodles love to be around its owner. This dog gets along with other dog breeds and likes other animals. The Moyen Poodle is easy to train as it loves to learn and catches on quickly. The Moyen Poodle is somewhat resistant to cold weather and has good resistance towards hot environments. Poodles are not meant to spend long periods of time alone. Poodles want to be in the home with their families. These are true companion dogs. Height: inches cm. Weight: pounds kg. Moyen Poodles are playful, energetic, and eager to please as well as alert, focused and very loyal to their owners. Some poodles may act nervous around strangers which is why it is so important to commit extra time to socializing your poodle starting very young. Between 8 and 12 weeks is the most important socialization time. For more information on socialization please read: The 12 Rules of Socialization! It is believed that the first Poodle was the Barbet and the Barbet was a curly haired breed found throughout France, Russia, Hungary, and several other places. Even the name Poodle comes from German word Pfudel, meaning puddle, or to splash. This was referencing the water talents of the Poodle. In France it is known as Caniche, or Chien Canard. Both of these names refer to their duck hunting abilities. The hair on the Poodle is usually cut away to imitate a swim suit while the puffs on the legs and tail are believed to represent the days it was used in the circus as well as keeping the joints warm while swimming in cold water. The Poodle also became extremely popular with the ladies of fashion in France as a great and beautiful companion. The French aristocracy found this breed so favorable they made it the national dog of France. Poodles entered dog shows in the late 19th century. Some of the earlier Poodles used in the show ring actually had their coats corded similiar to dreadlocks. Poodle Groups: Even though the Poodle breed of various sizes was formally recognized by the American Kennel Club in .Moyen Poodles can still be registered and shown they just need to be registered as either a Mini or a Standard size. Most moyen poodles mature at inches tall at the shoulders and are pounds. If it is curly, it is more rough in texture but still soft and thick. Poodle Colors: The colors of the coat can be many different solid colors including blue, silver-beige, black, brown, red, white, cream, apricot, cafe-au-lait and also many different patterns including phantom, parti, mismark, sable, brindle and tuxedo. Each color listed can be in different shades. Caring for your Poodle: The Moyen Poodle is extremely smart therefore it requires a large amount of human interaction and mental stimulation and daily exercise. It is recommended to do a min obedience session followed by playing or taking the dog for a good walk every day. The poodle is meant to be mainly an indoor dog however they still love the outdoors!! Poodle coats can easily mat if not cared for properly. It is extremely important for Poodle owners to brush their dogs regularly at home and educate themselves on how to care for this unique coat type. Eyes: You will need to trim the fur around your poodles eyes to avoid irritation and eye infections. Lighter colored Poodles can also get reddish tear stains around their eyes if the fur is not properly trimmed. This can also be caused by some environmental allergies. Ears: The hair inside the ears of a poodle should be also be trimmed or plucked to avoid moisture getting trapped and causing ear infections. Watch for brown waxy debris or bad odour, which could be signs of an ear infection or yeast. Regular gentle brushing reduces tartar build up and promotes healthy teeth and gums. Be sure to know what your poodles normal gum color is — very pale gums could be a sign of health problems and should be reported to your vet asap. Keep a mental note of weight gain or loss which can be felt according to how hard you need to press to feel the ribs. Overweight Poodles can develop serious joint problems like hip dysplasia. This is a serious and painful disease you can help them avoid by keeping them in peak physical condition with a proper diet and exercise. In most other breeds, the hair follicle contains both a long primary hair and multiple fine secondary hairs. To provide the specialized care to keep this coat looking its best, routine grooming and good nutrition are essential. Regular coat clipping helps promote the health of the skin. Many breeders clip the hair at least once each month. We recommend brushing your poodle every day if it has long hair and weekly if it has short hair. Are you looking for a medium sized doodley looking and acting dog? Then the moyen poodle is a great fit. Many times people ask us if our poodles are goldendoodles. We have found that allergy sufferers appreciate our moyen poodles and yet can take their poodle with them to soccer, parks, and other events and experience that same level of doodle companionship. Be prepared to be stopped and asked about your dog! If you are shy, your moyen poodle will do all the talking for you. What we mean is, they are a great conversation piece because they are friendly, cute, and easily win the hearts of perfect strangers. Scroll down and click on the photo galleries below to see photos, video clips and information about our current and last litter of Moyen Poodle puppies. They are ready to go home as early as October 14th. We have an older male available, who is being retired from being a dad here at Sunshine Acres, and he is ready to go home now. We have found the Moyen Poodle to be a wonderful dog for our family. Larger than a miniature poodle, but smaller than a standard poodle, the moyen size is the perfect, medium size dog. They are large enough to have fun romping with the kids in the back yard, but still small enough to care for easily and take with us anywhere we go. With a very trainable, willing nature and non-shedding, hypoallergenic coats, what more could we ask for? As reputable breeders for over 20 years, we are committed to superior health puppies! The Sunshine Acres Moyen Poodle is kept natural meaning we do not shave the coat nor do we dock the tail. Their wavy puppy coats will change to curly coats as the grow to adults. Ready to be a friendly and sweet natured companion for you, our happy puppies are not only from healthy lines, but also from very trainable lines. We are ready to help you add the right poodle puppy to your family. Contact us today!