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The size of your pooch will depend on the parent it takes after. Since both parents are quite large themselves, expect a huge dog who will need large spaces to move. A Variable Coat Your Germanees will have a dense coat with short to long fur that has the possibility of being water-resistant. If your Germanees pooch has a shorter-length coat, it likely favors the German Shepherd, but a longer fur means this comes from the Great Pyrenees. Both parent breeds feature a double coat, so your doggo will also have this attribute no matter what. Pups from this crossbreed may look wildly different. The German Shepherd offers up black and rust colors that are prominent in their coats. Your pooch can feature a solid color or a combination of the parent colors. They can also feature grey or brown fur. Given that this is still a young crossbreed, there is still a plethora of variation in the breed. The Germanees Temperament: Are they good family dogs? One interesting thing about your Germanees can very well be their temperament. They are a perfect mix, inheriting the gentle nature of the Great Pyrenees and the loyal heart of a German Shepherd. But the German Shepherd and the Great Pyrenees have differing natures. The Pyr can be a little stubborn and challenging to train, but the German Shepard is known for its high trainability. What that means for your pooch is that its personality can differ depending on who it takes after. Your Shepnees pup will be intelligent and loyal while also being protective. Your dog can also be an excellent family dog as they generally do well with kids and families. You need to train them and allow socialization at an early age to ensure their best behavior. If your pup takes after his German Shepherd parent, they can be suspicious of strangers, territorial, and a bit more aggressive. They are also prone to stress and separation anxiety if left alone for long hours. On the other hand, if your doggo takes after his Great Pyrenees parent, they tend not to be very aggressive and nurturing to other animals. They are more independent and do not require as much attention as a German Shepherd. Taking Care of your Germanees There are a lot of factors that will influence the needs of your Germanees. If they have a thicker coat like the Pyrenees, they can handle cold better than the shorter German Shepherd coat. It can be the most high maintenance aspect of them. They are active dogs and will love to run and explore. Long walks, big fenced-in yards to roam, and even training are excellent tools to help these doggos get their energy out. They will need between minutes of daily exercise. They will also enjoy forms of obstacle and obedience training. Be aware that because of their Great Pyrenees heritage, some of these pups will be stubborn during training. Keeping their nails trimmed is crucial, and you may also need to check for nail breakage, which can be expected in active breeds. Bathing them once every month or two will suffice, but you may need to take special care as their German Shepherd parent can have skin issues. Shorter coats will be fine with brushing every days, but longer coats that favor the Pyrenees will require more. Longer coats will need daily brushing to keep out tangles. These coats can also feature more hair on the legs, feet, ears, and around the eyes that requires regular trimming. Checking the hair around the ears can be pivotal in overall ear health. A Healthy Diet Big dogs have big diets. Follow a recommended diet and adjust amounts for your pooch if needed. The Health of Your Shepnees Any mixed breed dog is susceptible to health problems prominent in the parent breeds, and the Germanees are no different. They could suffer from heart conditions like murmurs and Subaortic Stenosis. Possible eye conditions may include Cataracts, Ectropion, and Retinopathy. There are numerous orthopedic conditions they may be at risk for, such as hip dysplasia , elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, osteochondrodysplasia, panosteitis, arthritis, and patellar luxation. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements can help in fighting these problems. Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus, can be a potentially fatal condition that you can combat by feeding your pup 2 to 3 times a day. Be sure to keep an eye on their diet too, as they can suffer from obesity if they overeat. Epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, and deafness are possible in the breed, and they can inherit skin conditions like atopy, which can heighten skin allergies. Always consult with your veterinarian and be sure to have your dog screened and tested for potential health concerns. X-rays, eye exams, fecal exams, urinalysis, complete blood count, skin biopsy, skin scrape, and Buccal Mucosal Bleeding Time BMBT are all tests or screenings that can help keep your pup happy and healthy. The average Germanees lifespan is years, so true love and care will keep them by your side for a long time. The Cost of Your Companion Source: anna. Do your research to avoid puppy farms where living conditions are inadequate and health takes a back seat to profit. A reputable breeder will also share information regarding genetic backgrounds and health concerns. Take a look at this New Dog Checklist to see the supplies you may need. Annual costs for big dogs will also be more extensive. Their food bill will be high and veterinary costs can also be more significant. Breeding Them Big The Shepnees is a rare breed, and finding a breeder for them can be a challenging endeavor. You can check with German Shepherd and Great Pyrenees breeders, but there is no guarantee even then. Your best bet can be to hit the big sites and search for German Shepherd mixes or Great Pyrenees mixes. Sites like Pet Finder, Greenfield Puppies, and Lancaster Puppies will have numerous mixes for you to browse, but be sure to research each puppy and breeder before you make a purchase. Rescuing a Gentle Giant Adopting a dog in need is always admirable, but with a rare breed like this, you may not find them at just any shelter. Your best bet will be shelters that focus on German Shepherds or Great Pyrenees dogs. German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions lists adoptable dogs on their site with possible mixes available. They need space but are great for active families. Source: puppies. This large pup is an excellent guard dog that can be independent and affectionate but likely not great for families with young kids. The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix might not be the best pet for first-time dog owners as their size and needs require extra attention. If you cannot provide adequate space, time for their care needs, or time for training and socialization, this may not be the pup for you. Make sure you weigh all the pros and cons, do your research, and ensure your life can meet their needs before deciding if this dog is for you. Further Reading: Similar Breeds. They can eat the same commercial dog foods that other breeds can. However, we do recommend feeding them high-quality food. Plus, they will eat a lot, so be sure you can afford to feed them before you commit to adopting one. Their food can easily cost a couple hundred a month. We recommend feeding large-breed puppy food and only large-breed puppy foods when these dogs are growing. Larger dogs have different requirements when puppies than smaller breed dogs. If fed incorrectly, they can develop health problems later on. For instance, the higher levels of calcium found in smaller-breed dog food have been linked to a higher chance of hip dysplasia in large breeds. Therefore, be sure to feed your canine specifically a large-breed puppy food — and keep them on it until they are full-grown, which may take a few years! After they grow into adulthood, these dogs may still benefit from large-breed food. Often, these include nutrients like glucosamine and omega fatty acids — which can be particularly beneficial for larger breeds. If your dog develops specific health problems, we do recommend choosing a food designed to conquer those health issues. Many conditions can be controlled somewhat through diet. German Shepherds are extremely energetic. They need hours of exercise each day. After all, they are working dogs through and through and were bred to spend much of their time in the field. We only recommend purebred German Shepherds for active owners — for a good reason. However, the Great Pyrenees is far more laid back. Instead, they spend much of their time lying around, though they can produce bouts of energy if required. Their guarding style typically involves laying around until something happens. This mixed breed can be on either end of the spectrum. They may be extremely active, or they could be significantly less so. It just depends on what traits they inherit. There are some obvious signs that your dog needs more exercise — like excess jumping and running around indoors. Never force-exercise your dog, especially as a puppy. This practice can damage their legs and joints. Dogs are much more likely to develop problems later on if they were forced to move too much. Puppies are particularly susceptible to over-exercise. Their joints are still developing, and too much movement can cause problems. Furthermore, puppies may be very energetic, but their endurance is usually quite low. However, you can expect them to walk for 15 minutes a few times a day. Training should begin as early as possible. We recommend starting your puppy in group puppy classes as soon as they have all their shots. You can begin training at home before your puppy has all its shots. This mixed breed requires extensive socialization, and puppy classes are an easy way to accomplish that. Of course, you should utilize other methods of socialization as well, such as walking in parks and taking your pet to dog-friendly stores. Begin with basic techniques. As a more intelligent breed, your Germanees should master these quickly. Be sure to practice in a variety of situations with distractions. Even after your dog has accomplished these easier commands, you should continue training. The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix is extremely intelligent. They need mental stimulation daily to stay healthy and happy. Otherwise, they can easily become destructive and attempt to make their own fun which often involves chewing through your wall or learning how to open all your cabinets. Training is an easy way to work their brain. Running out of commands to teach will probably end up being a serious concern. You can mentally stimulate your dog through other means as well. Training just happens to be one of the easiest methods. If your canine has a thicker coat, you may need to brush them daily. Typically, these dogs will shed quite a bit. We highly recommend brushing them as much as possible, even if their coats are shorter. Their shedding can get out of control very quickly. Plus, the more you groom them, the more accepting of the process the dog will be. A de-shedding tool is sometimes helpful for extremely heavy shedding periods. Your dog will not need a full-body trim. You should keep their fur longer, even in hotter climates. Trimming can mess with their ability to regulate their body temperature, especially if it is done regularly. However, you will need to trim inside their ears, around their eyes, and on the bottom of their feet. The longer fur in these locations can cause issues and should be removed. You can do this yourself easily at home or take your pooch to a groomer to do it. You should trim their nails regularly — just like you would any dog. Brushing their teeth a few times a week is also necessary. Otherwise, periodontal problems can pop up. They inherit from a larger gene pool, which makes genetic conditions much rarer. However, they are still prone to a few issues. Hip Dysplasia The most serious and common of these is hip dysplasia. This condition affects the growth of the hips in puppies. For some reason, the socket and ball stop growing at the same rate, making them unaligned. Eventually, this creates wear-and-tear — similar to arthritis. This condition does have a genetic component. However, environmental factors also play a role. For instance, dogs that are overfed or fed the incorrect food are more likely to end up with hip dysplasia. Overexercise can also be a contributing factor. Bloat Bloat is a condition that causes the stomach to swell with gas — usually for a completely unknown reason. Not much is known about this illness. This condition strikes quickly and can kill a dog in a matter of hours. The symptoms can seem quite unserious, though. Sometimes, dogs just act a bit uncomfortable until their stomach swells so much that they go into shock. However, it is usually not so noticeable that it prompts owners to see veterinary attention. As an owner of a larger dog, it is vital to know the symptoms of this condition and stay on the lookout for them. Quick vet care is essential to recovery without any long-term effects. If a dog is affected by this problem, they usually do not clot correctly. As you might imagine, this can cause serious bleeding problems! However, it is important to diagnose it. Usually, this condition is noticed when the dog gets injured or undergoes minor surgery. Dogs that are spayed or neutered often get diagnosed earlier than dogs that are not — simply because the bleeding is noticed during the surgery. To prevent this disease, breeders often genetically test both parents. You can prevent this condition by not breeding two dogs with the gene together. Male vs. Female There is no difference between the two genders of this breed. The sizing difference that may be apparent with both their parents disappears when you mix them together. Puppies simply differ too much in size for a distinction between gender to develop. Males may act a bit different if they notice a female nearby in heat — even if they only catch her scent on a nearby tree. For the most part, there is no serious difference between these genders. They are very protective of their family and property, which can make them aggressive towards strangers. However, training and socialization can help get around this. You just need the time and patience for this vital socialization. This canine is great for families and children. They can even be socialized to get along with other pets. We only recommend this breed for those who have plenty of time to dedicate to them. These crossbreeds are also commonly called by other names like Germanees and Shepnees. The German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix is a relatively recent crossbreed. As such, they have not gone through the required three generations of documented breeding used to recognize a crossbreed as a pedigree or designer dog breed. Lack of a breed standard is why our best bet in understanding a Germanees is to learn about its parent breeds. The pioneer creators of the mighty German Shepherd spent more than a quarter of a century refining the breed. Von Stephanitz also co-founded the global GSD club. Because they are originally a German breed, these beloved shepherds suffered anti-German sentiments in the world war era, which saw the breed change its name to Alsatian in Britain. The dogs rapidly rose to fame in the s, especially for their use in movies like Rin-Tin-Tin. They are overall good family dogs that form an unbreakable bond with their owners. Their purpose as a shepherd was to deter wolves and other sheep predators in the France side of the Pyrenees Mountains. Pyrs have a long history dating back to BC. To become the renowned guard dogs they are today, their guarding skills were refined under the frigid temperatures of the Pyrenees Mountains. Do you want to learn more about the Pyr? The reduction in sheep predators caused a significant decrease in Pyrs numbers. However, their arrival in the US aided in the revival of this breed. They were registered with the AKC in .This is because the puppy can inherit half of each parent or be more of one parent in physical features. In addition, your Germanees will bear the proportioned well-muscled body of both parents. As with both parents, your Germanees is likely to be longer than tall. However, the dog will be balanced in its front and hindquarters. Coat Type and Colors The coat of a Shepnees mix can vary in both type and color. Your Shepnees puppy can come with a medium-length coat if it takes more from the medium-length double coat of the German Shepherd. As for the coat color, a Germanees puppy can come in one of the many German Shepherd coat colors , including solid black, white, liver, or blue. A Shepnees puppy could also inherit the white coat of the Great Pyrenees or have a more varied range of markings on the white coat. These markings could include the gray, tan, and badger markings of the German Shepherd. Other Features Other elements of your German Shepherd Great Pyrenees appearance that you should expect include: A proportionate head with the noble and smooth aspects of the German Shepherd or the wedge-shaped skull and rounded crow of the Great Pyrenees. A long muzzle that takes more from the wolf-like face of the German Shepherd or the well-balanced muzzle length and head skull like that of the Pyr. A black nose inherited from both parents. Almond-shaped, medium-size eyes set a bit obliquely, just like those of the parent breeds. The eye color may be dark or rich dark brown. Pointed or v-shaped ears that may be carried erect and open to the front as those of the German Shepherd or floppy like the ones of the Pyr. A long tail that extends to the hock and is typically carried low or curved over the back when the dog is aroused. The tail could be bushy and hang with a slight curve if your Germanees inherits primarily from the German Shepherd. If the puppy is more of their Great Pyrenees parent, the tail will be well plumed with a more accentuated plume at the end. A German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix will grow to approximately inches .The weight and height of an individual Shepnees will vary within this range depending on their age and gender. Younger than 12 month-old Shepnees are smaller in size. Also, female dogs typically weigh and measure less than their male counterparts. This breed has a muscular and robust size, aside from being a large and long dog, since both its parent breeds tend to be so. Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. They have a straight and extremely dense coat which sheds quite a bit, so daily brushing is a prerequisite. Their fur is also medium in length, and the colors may vary between black, white, fawn, and other similar shades. The breed can also develop a mane-like ruff around its neck area which will have a curly or wavy texture. Their eyes are almond-shaped and colored dark brown. Its nose, along with the eye rims and lips, is colored black, creating an expression that makes them look intelligent and eager to learn. Their ears can either be erect or drop, depending on which parent trait is more evident. Its head will be wedge-shaped and is well-proportioned to its body. But to counter this, you will need to train them consistently with much patience. The dog will likely want to be tasked with something whether it be guarding or protecting your kids, or helping you herd the family cat. American Kennel Club German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix Puppies For Sale Before you start looking for hybrid puppies on sale online, it is advisable to conduct a research first regarding the German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix because it will allow you to form coherent and essential questions for when you talk to a breeder. You can find Germanees in your local dog shelter, but if you prefer raising one from scratch, the other option is to talk to a breeder. Make sure that the breeder you found is a reputable one. A trustworthy breeder will supply you with the complete documents of the hybrid parents, which includes their medical history. If a breeder fails to show you these kinds of records, then it is time to find a new one because the chances are that the hybrid puppy has many medical risks. Meeting the breeder personally, along with the dog, will help you assess your compatibility with the puppy. Moreover, you can ask the breeder essential questions regarding the upbringing of the puppy. If you still wish to purchase puppies online, below is a list of online sites that offer various dog breeds and crossbreeds: LancasterPuppies. Grooming Your German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Hybrid Your hybrid can possess a thick coat, and if it does, you will have to regularly check their ears because the fur may block air flow in that area. Too much moisture and dirt accumulation is a prerequisite for an infection so make sure that you brush your dog daily to avoid tangling in their coat. Doing so can also lessen loose clumps of fur. When the shedding is particularly heavy at times, you can opt to use a de-shedding tool. You will also have to trim excess hair around their eyes, ears, and legs to keep them comfortable. A bath now and then is also recommended, but extra caution is needed because the German Shepherd parent may have a history of skin issues. Since the dog has an active temperament, the nails should also be checked for breakage and brittleness. Their teeth will need to be brushed a few times in a week. Here are some recommended accessories you might need in taking care of your dog: Pin brush Deshedder Nail clipper If you are not confident enough, you can also opt to take your dog to pet salons where they can socialize with other dogs. Expert pet groomers will also be better equipped in taking care of your dog since they know what they are dealing with. German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Cross Health Problems While all breeds are susceptible to develop health problems brought about by their genetic upbringing, some races are more vulnerable than others. One of the ways you can avoid this is by buying or adopting a puppy instead of a grown dog. The breeder from whom you got your puppy must offer you a health guarantee on the puppies. If they failed to do this, then it might be time for you to look for another certified breeder. A breeder with a good reputation will be honest about the health problems that the breed of your puppy may be exposed to as well as the statistics of how often they occur. Health clearances exist as a way to prove that your dog has been subjected to tests for a particular condition and has passed it. Remember not to purchase a puppy who cannot provide you with proper documentation that the parent breeds were cleared of possible health problems that might affect the crossbreed in the future. One of the most common problems that a German Shepherd Great Pyrenees cross may face is hip and elbow dysplasia. This can be prevented with frequent trips to the veterinary clinic for early detection. Another issue to look out for is obesity. You can keep your dog occupied by meeting their daily requirement exercise. Consulting a veterinarian for the best diet course can also help your dog prevent obesity. It is also advisable that they undergo random tests like x-rays, eye examination, fecal examination, urinalysis, complete blood count, skin biopsy, buccal mucosal bleeding time, and skin scrape. This is to ensure and monitor that your dog is at its healthiest peak. Dogs have different dietary requirements from others. Since this breed is prone to obesity, it is best not to overfeed them. Obesity can lead to worse health conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia. This can be prevented by training your dog to get used to foods that are rich in fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Another course of action is by feeding them with using the Raw Food Diet. To get you started, we recommend you take a look at our comprehensive guides on what constitutes the worst dry dog food and what makes the best dry dog food. Then, you can proceed to select the right food for your pup according to their size and age. Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix puppies can be fed with the best puppy food brands , but they also enjoy nibbling the best dry dog food for small dogs. When they are all grown up, you can switch to the best large breed dry dog food that will ensure they get all the energy they need. Finally, old doggos require something extra that only the best senior dry dog food can provide. Here are some of the best puppy food you can feed your growing pet: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken, and Brown Rice This brand features a nutritious dry dog food that will provide your pet all the needed nutrition it requires while growing. Some of its notable ingredients are the deboned chicken, whole grains, and carbohydrates. It is also rich in omega three fatty acids and anti-oxidants. Some customer reviews also showed that the taste was delicious for their dogs so much that it can be used as a treat. Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Dry Puppy Food Made with the best ingredients including various protein-rich foods, anti-oxidant rich fruits, and vegetables, this dog food is designed to meet the needs of your growing canines. Some of its notable features include deboned chicken and a variety of fruits and vegetables, including apples, spinach, and carrots. Customers were pleased to find that the long list of ingredients is of top quality. Its formulation does not include corn, wheat or rice, but instead boasts five different probiotic strains. It is also made under the strict safety guidelines of the USA. Filled with multiple protein sources, high-quality carbonates, and dried fruits and vegetables, this brand is made to provide your dog with the best possible nutrition. Instead of corn or wheat, the carbohydrate source for this brand is brown rice and sweet potatoes. In case your dog is not satisfied with this food, the company offers a money back guarantee. The brand also boasts protein-rich food sources, like chicken, eggs, and liver, and high-value carbohydrates in place of corn and wheat. It also contains salmon oil and herring meal to provide omega three fatty acids. Made in the USA, you can guarantee that it is made with only the finest ingredients in the market. Just make sure that your dog gets enough exercise while taking this because the calorie-dense food can make your dog gain weight. While these brands have good reviews and are popular in the market, it is still best to consult your local veterinarian for the best diet regime you can subject your dog to. Due to its Great Pyrenees parentage, the hybrid might possess stubborn tendencies, but his eagerness to learn new traits can overrule that. Its craving for work can be fulfilled by subjecting him to activities that will involve a class or a task at hand. Dog parks can be a good site for this, not to mention that it is also a place to help your dog socialize with others. Experts also suggest using consistency in his training to absorb the lessons better. Being a highly active dog, daily walks are a must. Check the weather and schedule your exercises during cooler times of the day since cold is more favorable for the hybrid. A backyard can also be a perfect place for your dog to play, make sure that you keep them company and that there is plenty of shade outside. The recommended daily minutes of activity is at least 60 minutes while the walk must have at least a 14 miles weekly mileage. Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Hybrid Training Training them at an early age can help your dog be the best they can be. The best type of training you can subject your dog to are obedience, agility, consistency training. Agility dogs must be able to walk by your right and left side. You can present them with rewards if they are behaving significantly. Teaching your dog to turn around a cone or barrel can prepare them for over and between jumps in the future. Moving Items. You can start by encouraging your pet to merely look at the item first and slowly let them build up to standing on the item by themselves. This is one of the most natural training which you can set up in your home using two chairs and a pole. Keep the pole at a low jump height first and make sure that the practice surface is not slippery. Also, make sure that the pole can topple once your dog hits it so that your dog would not get hurt during training. Agility training is suitable for all breeds of dogs, especially those who are anxious since it helps in building confidence and trust. It also introduces them to new experiences. Remember that positive reinforcement such as treats and praises will significantly assist in instilling lessons to your dog. The Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, is a sweet and gentle breed. The hybrid is also very loyal and protective to family members. As for other house pets, they will have no problem living under the same roof. Since the hybrid also has herding tendencies, it might play around with other house pets. However, constant training, socialization, and patience are still needed in raising this hybrid. References: Ritt, Mg, and Tw Fossum. Cunliffe, Juliette. Great Pyrenees. Kennel Club Books, .Coile, D. German Shepherds for Dummies. Hungry Minds, .Temperament: Loyal, sweet and intelligent. These pooches have luscious coats that often make them appear more like a lion than a dog. Combining this gorgeous breed with the sleek, strong German Shepherd produces a breed that is absolutely breathtaking. Some mixes retain the perky ears of a German Shepherd, while others inherit the floppy ears of a Great Pyrenees. With their long flowing hair and enormous body, these hybrids are sure to leave everyone they meet awestruck. Coat and Colors These dogs are most known for their luscious fur. Their beautiful locks are typically medium length and straight. As for color, they typically inherit their coat color from their Great Pyrenees parent — white, black, and tan. They usually have solid colored coats but sometimes their coats may contain multiple colors like their German Shepherd ancestors. Because they have such dense coats, Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mixes shed heavily. So it is very important to brush them daily to help prevent tangles and remove any dead fur. Height and Weight You can expect this dog to stand between inches tall. As for weight they are typically lb. These mixes can be quite muscular and appear very strong — their huge size is sometimes intimidating, yet these hybrids are gentle giants. Although Great Pyrenees German Shepherds act tough when they are working, these dedicated dogs turn into playful puppies in the snow — they love snow! Because of their thick coats, they thrive in cold conditions. They can overheat quickly in warmer climates, so it is important to provide them with plenty of shade if you live in a warm area. Agility training with this breed forms an extremely strong bond between dog and owner and often increases confidence. They can inherit their coat from their Great Pyrenees parent which is water-resistant and acts like a built-in raincoat! These highly independent dogs are prone to wandering off. They do not see this as an issue, because they will eventually return home. But for ease of mind as an owner it is best to invest in a sturdy fence to keep them confined to a large backyard. Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Personality and Temperament This hybrid takes some of the best personality traits from both the Great Pyrenees and the German Shepherd and combines them into one majestic pooch. The perfect mix inherits the kind, gentle nature of a Great Pyrenees and the loyal and dedicated nature of a German Shepherd. Both parent breeds are highly intelligent, so these dogs are very smart as well. As both parent breeds are working dogs , the Great Pyrenees German Shepherds are very determined and serious when it comes to performing tasks. Because German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mixes are so devoted to their jobs they are extremely confident and self-assured. They will almost never appear timid and will always walk around with their head held high. Despite their serious nature while they are working they have a very playful side as well. Pyrenees mixes love to run and explore and may even get into some mischief if they get bored. It is important to play often with them to challenge their minds and let them flex their hard-working instincts. Their large bodies house A LOT of energy! These pups need to be walked and played with frequently to help them burn all of this energy. They can be calm and snuggly, but to achieve this temperament, you have to make sure you exercise them regularly. As long as these dogs are socialized from pups they will be extremely loving with other people or pets. Without socialization they may not trust strangers. As long as they are socialized from a puppy, the Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix makes an incredible family dog. These pooches are very loving and sweet and get along easily with children and other pets. Despite their large appearance these dogs are very gentle and patient so they will get along even with young children. They are easy to train because of their high intelligence and they are typically very well-behaved. These majestic dogs require some moderate grooming and also need a significant amount of exercise each day, so make sure you have the money and time to invest in these beautiful hybrids before adopting one. Exercise Requirements They are highly active dogs that need to be exercised often. Both parent breeds are used to running freely in open pastures. Because of this they require large yards and open spaces to roam in — they are very independent and like to explore. This hybrid mix also loves to walk so if you are not an active person or do not have time to commit to walking a dog, you should consider looking at another dog breed. In addition to walking you should give your mix plenty of opportunities to display its intelligence. Ideally you would give these dogs a chance to use their herding instincts, but not everyone has a flock of sheep in their backyard! Other ways to mentally challenge your pooch include agility and obedience training. They are skilled at tasks such as jumping and running through obstacle courses. Exercising them frequently will help avoid any boredom that could result in destructive behaviors like digging and chewing. Grooming and Shedding Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mixes have gorgeous fur, but they do not just magically have such silky locks — they need lots of grooming! It may be smart to invest in a de-shedding tool as well to reduce the amount of loose hair that ends up everywhere in your home. When it comes to cleaning, make sure not to bathe them too often. German Shepherds typically have sensitive skin and can easily develop rashes or skin irritations if they are over-bathed so it is better to only wash your pup when absolutely necessary max once a month. Watch their skin and pay attention to any dry patches to determine if you are over-washing your dog. Be careful to not overfeed your pup though because this mix is prone to obesity. You should spread out their food over meals per day. Controlling the amount of food that these dogs eat is very important to avoid bloat a medical condition we will discuss later in this article. Remember that German Shepherds typically have sensitive stomachs, so this mix can have a sensitive stomach too. It is important to consult with your veterinarian about the specific food you should be feeding your hybrid if they are having problems with their stomach. The most common health problems associated with this breed are hip and elbow dysplasia. They are large stature makes them prone to issues with the sockets around their hips and elbows. They can also suffer from obesity and bloat buildup of gas, food, or liquid in the stomach. This disorder is characterized by blood that is unable to clot. Heart murmurs, cataracts and epilepsy are also common ailments. This long list of potential health concerns is by no means a guarantee that all Great Pyrenees German Shepherds will suffer from these illnesses, but it is important to be aware of possible diseases your dog can develop so you can watch out for any signs or symptoms. Frequent vet visits are crucial to early detection or prevention of many of these disorders.
We have answers. What's the most interesting thing about Bernedoodle puppies for sale near New Haven? Bernedoodles are one of the most interesting dog breeds because of their unique physical characteristics and adaptable personality. They are a hybrid cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle; this breed is known for its intelligence and lovable personality. Additionally, Bernedoodles are known for their hybrid vigor par excellence, making them a little healthier than either of their parent breeds. How can I manage allergies with Bernedoodle puppies for sale in New Haven? Managing allergies with Bernedoodles is possible with some careful consideration. First, it's important to thoroughly research the parent breeds, the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog, to better understand if any allergens will be indicated. To help reduce allergies, regular brushing with a hypoallergenic brush allows for the removal of excess fur, dander, and dirt that can all contribute to allergies. Additionally, feeding your Bernedoodle a top quality, hypoallergenic diet is beneficial, as certain foods can create a build-up of allergens in the fur or exacerbate allergies. How do I know what not to feed New Haven Bernedoodle puppies for sale? To ensure the safety and wellbeing of your Bernedoodle, you should review the dog's diet and avoid providing any foods known to be harmful to canines. In general, it's best to stick to a regular diet of high-quality dog food and treats made specifically for canines. Avoid feeding table scraps, candy, bones, garlic, and onions as these can potentially cause health problems. How do I prepare to adopt Bernedoodle puppies in New Haven? Preparing for your new Bernedoodle should include researching the breed, setting up a schedule, obtaining the necessary supplies, and scheduling an appointment with a veterinarian. Before the Bernedoodle arrives, make sure you have knowledge of the breed's needs including the amount of exercise, grooming, and potential health concerns. When planning for your Bernedoodle's schedule, consider the amount of time you have to devote to their exercise, playtime, and cuddling. You'll also need supplies, such as a crate, food, health supplies, and toys. How fast do Bernedoodles for sale in New Haven grow? The size of your Bernedoodle puppy will depend on the size of its parents. Generally, Bernedoodles come in three sizes toy, miniature, and standard and the size of your puppy will depend on the size of its mother and father. In terms of height, toy Bernedoodles typically reach 14 to 16 inches, miniature Bernedoodles can reach heights of 17 to 20 inches, and standard Bernedoodles may reach heights of 21 to 29 inches. Do Bernedoodle puppies near New Haven like to swim? Bernedoodles are generally enthusiastic about water activities. They enjoy the feeling of being in the water, either swimming or paddling, and most love the water. This should come as no surprise since the Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed known to be passionate about the outdoors, and swimming comes naturally for this breed. While some Bernedoodles may love swimming more than others, as a general rule, they are very likely to be playful in the water and take joy in playing in the pool, lake, or ocean. Do Bernedoodles in New Haven make good family dogs? Bernedoodles are a great choice for a family pet. They are an intelligent, affectionate, and loyal breed that makes for a wonderful companion. Bernedoodles are able to quickly bond with family members while still providing a protective nature. They do best in female headed households and are not overly dominant around children, making them an ideal companion for any family. Are New Haven Bernedoodles for sale smart? Bernedoodles are incredibly smart dogs, combining the intelligence of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. These dogs are highly trainable and eager to please. They can be taught a variety of tricks and commands and soon become experts at navigating their surroundings. Bernedoodles have high levels of concentration and will thrive when learning new things. They are level-headed and display a degree of reasoning when appropriate. Even with their tendency to be somewhat independent thinkers, Bernedoodles show wonderful obedience and devotion, which, blended with their bright minds, makes them the perfect pet companion. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near New Haven Indiana and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!
My Josephine just turned 6 months old.This forum is an excellent resource with lots of loving EB parents on it with lots of good advice learned the hard way a lot of the time. This is what I found worked for Josie, and your puppy will let you know what works for him as well. Josie sleeps in a crate in my bedroom so I can hear her, she can hear us and know she is not alone but she is safe while I am sleeping. They don't know chewing on the electric cord will hurt them, or not to pee on the floor. They also get scared they have just lost everything they know and will look to you for comfort and attention. Give him lots of snuggles and love to reassure him that you will always be there for him. The first night home Josie cried and cried so I got up with her and held her on my chest so she could hear my heartbeat. She settled down and fell asleep. She needed this done a few times that first week. At first she woke me up every 2 hours all night long, just like a newborn human. I would take her outside, give her a snuggle then put her back in her crate. I was sooooo tired those first weeks, I thought many times I can't do this, but over time 2 hours became 3 then 4 then a whole night through. When that happens the angels sing and the sun shines and you look in the mirror in the morning and think not bad. Josie still likes to get up early, around 6 am, but my husband is up early too so I simply get up take her outside then deposit her with Daddy for some cuddles and playtime while Mommy goes back to bed for another hour or so. Get an xpen or even a baby playpen, it will save your sanity and your house. Make it a safe fun place for him to be. A few safe toys, chew bone, water, etc. Your puppy needs to go out every hour, like clock work. His bladder is very tiny and he doesn't realize yet that he can hold it. Over the next few weeks start with every hour then when he makes a few days with no accidents go to an hour and 15 do a few more days or a week then add a bit more time. It really helps to keep a book, game or something near where you want him to go since at first he will explore and play not realizing you want him to go potty. Watch him and learn his signs for getting ready to go then praise him like there is nothing greater in the planet than his going then and there. Those first couple of months I spent so much time watching and waiting for her to go potty I felt kind of weird being so obsessed with her bodily functions but you kind of have to be to get control of them. It's helpful to have a command that you always use when he is about to go. We use Go Potty Josie. She will squat on that command now. So pick a command and say it every time he gets ready to go potty. There will be setbacks. I had the hardest time with Josie getting excited during play time and leaking a little piddle, she didn't even seem to realize she was doing it. To control this we changed where and how she was played with and we would take her outside more frequently so her bladder was empty. There is A LOT of trial and error, what works form on puppy doesn't always work for another. You will learn your puppies signals, likes, dislikes and needs and eventually it gets easier. I would highly recommend removing anything and everything you don't want, peed on, chewed on, puked on, etc from the vicinity because trust me the one thing you don't want any of that to happen to it's a guarantee it will. I still have baby gates on all my stairs, rooms shut off so she can't go into them, etc. The world is a huge wonderful place for your puppy to explore and he has time to go slowly and start small like one or 2 rooms then slowly expand his world. He needs to learn this is my home aka crate so I don't potty here, then this room is my crate so I don't potty here, then these 2 rooms are my crate so I don't potty here, until he understands the whole house is his crate and he only potties outside it. Good luck, backtrack a bit and start over setting up a schedule and boundaries, and you will do just fine. It's okay to be overwhelmed every new mother is and that's what you are a new fur mommy with a new fur baby. Cherish every moment they grow so fast! Contact Why Do Bulldogs Cry? There are multiple reasons that a Bulldog might whine and steps you can take to not leave yourself in emotional distress over your dog. Why do Bulldogs cry? Normally, if your bulldog is whining or crying they are trying to communicate something to you. They could be telling you that they are hungry, lonely, in pain, or that they need to use the restroom. Whatever the case, you need to learn their signals so that you can help your pet. Here are some reasons your bulldog might be crying: Hungry or thirsty They need a bathroom break They need more attention Something is causing them pain Your bulldog is going through separation anxiety Almost every reason that a bulldog is crying has a simple solution and can be helped and possibly fixed through the right methods. Try to figure out the cause through careful elimination. Bulldogs Cry to Communicate There are a lot of reasons a bulldog might be crying or whining. They are usually trying to communicate something that they need or want. Do they have enough water? Do they need to go to the bathroom? As a dog owner, you should try to become familiar with when and why your bulldog whines. If your bulldog is whining, it may be because it needs something from the list below. Then, you should probably get a feeding calendar and schedule. They need to be petted, hugged, cuddled, and played with. They need attention. Depending on their personality, they may need more or less, but they still need it. They might whine to let you know that an emergency is imminent. My brother has a small dog and I was staying at his house one time. He did his business, came inside, and was as quiet as can be. This whining might come at inconvenient times, but addressing it is better than letting the dog pee inside the house. If a dog is in pain, they will likely whine. Your Bulldog May be in Pain Animals can be in pain like the rest of all living things. The first indication that your bulldog is struggling and in pain is if they are whining. Vets may cost money, but your pet is worth taking care of the proper way. If they get a lot of attention all the time, they might become used to it. They will probably whine for a while, and this is fairly normal. The whining for attention will usually go away after they get back into their usual routine. Bulldogs, like most canines, do well with a schedule. Note: If you are never around, your pet may adjust and it may not. You may be annoyed by the whining, but your frequent absence may be a key reason for the whining. Dogs need attention! Both extremes are unhealthy for your canine and could cause them to whine for attention. Some are more sensitive emotionally and will need to be trained. You can train your animal to not whine when you leave. Here are some things that you can do to stop it: Get a sitter: Pay someone trustworthy to dog-sit your pup. This is the simplest way. Some people might think that this option coddles your pet too much. Keep a routine: As mentioned before, bulldogs do well with routine. The more consistent the routine, the better. This will help your pet not feel quite so lonely and they will be able to relax. You could also play a recording of you talking so they feel like you are there. This alerts them that something is wrong and that you might not come back. This is extremely hard, but it will help with the whining. Give a five-minute window, enough for them to calm down. Exploring the Delicious Diet of Turtles Then you calmly give them the love that they seek. Get a Thundershirt: A Thundershirt is an outfit that helps a dog stop whining. View Price on Amazon. Those are just a few suggestions you could use. Dogs are living creatures with feelings, and they are going to treat others as they have been treated. If you still have many questions about separation anxiety, your closest veterinarian is a good place for you to find more information. Sometimes Bulldogs are hard to read when it comes to their health and emotions. It will put your mind at ease and help your pet get the best help it can. Related Questions… How do I know if my dog is depressed? A dog will usually retreat and distance themselves just like a depressed person would do. Be sure to read Can My Bulldog be Depressed? Other common signs of depression are changes to eating habits, whining more, less social, less energetic, and lazier than usual. How long can a Bulldog be left alone? Post Views: 1, They also have short and fine coats, which make for a refined and neat appearance. However, this can cause your Frenchie to get cold in winter — or even when the air conditioning is in full-blasting mode during the summer. Dental problems, poor medication reactions, allergies, inappropriate diet, major changes in their environment — and other difficulties — can cause your Frenchie to cry. Unfortunately, Frenchies run a higher risk of suffering from allergies. In most cases, dust and pollen are the ones causing the problem. You can bet that your Frenchie will quickly figure out that crying equals attention — and will use it to their advantage. Even more so, like all dogs, Frenchies thrive on routine. And if your French bulldog is confused, you can expect some crying instead of typical barking. Not so much. So, is there anything you can do to stop your French bulldog from crying? As a matter of fact, yes — there is. Be sure to take your little friend to the vet so they can verify all is good health-wise. Since Frenchies are known for being a breed that cries and whines instead of barking, some of this behavior is expected — no matter what you do. However, you can minimize it by providing adequate socialization, exercise, and playtime. Do you have a crying Frenchie at home? Feel free to share your tips on how to keep Frenchies quiet and content! When not writing, he enjoys hiking and time in nature with his pets. Compared to the zest and rambunctiousness of older puppies, newborn puppies are pretty laid-back. Their eyes aren't fully functional, and their hearing isn't as sharp as it will be. They don't move much, except for some wriggling or crawling. At this stage, they mostly search for their mother's milk and making occasional soft sounds. Vocalizations and crying in newborn puppies Newborn puppies make an assortment of gentle and adorable! Those early squeaks aren't technically crying. They're simply small sounds puppies make as they creep around in search of their mother for yet another meal. Sometimes they even make sounds while sleeping. Like many other newborns, puppies spend the vast majority of their time sleeping, up to 22 hours a day. And when they aren't sleeping, they're usually eating. But a newborn puppy that is truly crying—and perhaps doing it extensively—may be exhibiting signs of a problem1 and a veterinarian should be consulted. Older puppies may cry because they're bored or lonely. But crying in newborn puppies is generally due to one of a few issues: Hunger. Make sure each puppy is nursing properly and is getting enough nursing time. Watch out for competition from the other littermates and keep an eye out for any issues with the mother dog and her milk. Puppies have difficulty regulating their temperatures during the first four months of life and will likely cry if they're too cold. Is the puppies' home usually a whelping box warm enough? Are the puppies staying close enough to their mother and each other to keep warm from the combined body heat? Would they benefit from a heated pad or additional heat source? Newborn puppies can become susceptible to illnesses. Crying in newborn puppies could indicate that something isn't quite right, so be sure to check with your veterinarian. Crying in older puppies The story is a little different when it comes to an older puppy that's over eight weeks old. Older puppies may cry for a wide range of reasons. It's one of their primary ways to express their opinions and wishes. Older puppies may cry when: They're left alone. An older puppy recently weaned and perhaps removed from its littermates is probably still adjusting to these changes. He may cry if his new human family is out of sight. Keeping the pup in view of household activities can help alleviate crying. It's not much fun if you're trying to sleep and your puppy is wide awake, especially when she starts crying or barking. But don't worry! There are a few things you can do to help her sleep at night. They're sleepy. Puppies sleep a lot! It can be as much as 18 to 20 hours a day at this age. And if they're sleepy, they sometimes cry. They need to go outside. If your puppy is already smart enough to alert you when he needs to go outside, you're doing great—and so is he! To make sure things stay that way, take your eight-week-old puppy out every three hours or so to give him a potty break,3 whether he's crying or not. Your puppy's cries are a good form of communication. It's a valuable clue to help you figure out what he's trying to tell you. So listen and respond. You'll be communicating with your puppy in no time! Grieves, Deidre. To be honest, it was heart-wrenching and tiring, but it is an essential part of them adapting to your home as well as their crate training. The bottom line is; French Bulldog puppies do cry when they are taken from their mother and siblings, and they will cry in the crate for some time. You need to weather the storm, accept the lack of sleep, and persevere with it. In this guide I am take you through the steps to cope with the whining and crying, whilst you get your new Frenchie puppy settled into his new home and crate training routine. But first, just a little bit about Frenchies and crying. Why do French Bulldogs cry? They will cry for attention, when they want feeding, or if they need to go to the toilet. It is also related to separation anxiety read more on this when left alone. It can sometimes look a red or brown color, seeping from their eyes. Eye allergies: An allergic reaction can also lead to watery discharge from their eyes, which can look like tears and crying. French Bulldog puppies are even bigger criers, particularly in the first 4 weeks you have them at their new home. Frenchie puppies will also cry when you first start them getting used to sleeping and staying in their crate. Do French Bulldogs cry tears? French Bulldogs do have tear ducts, but they work in a very different way to human ones. Rather than the tears running from their eyes, the actually drain back into the nasal cavity… which is why blocked tear ducts result in what look like tears. Do French Bulldogs Scream? Some Frenchies can make a whining and howling noise that does sound like a human scream, or even a baby screaming in some cases. When we bought our Frenchie home for the first time, he made a few screaming sounds on the first few nights. Not all of them will do this though as each dog will have their own tone of voice and mannerisms… I did find a Frenchie screaming on YouTube which is a great example. Do French bulldogs cry at night? French Bulldogs do cry at night when you first bring them home. Now let me share with you steps you can take to stop your French bulldog whining in their crate, no matter what their age. Firstly, why is your French bulldog puppy crying in his crate? There are a number of reasons, including: Your Frenchie is lonely: This is a classic crying scenario when dogs are used to being with their owner and are shut in a crate when you go out. Your Frenchie is scared: Older or rescue dogs can have negative connotations connected to the crate. Your Frenchie needs the toilet: Or it could be as simple as them needing to pee or possibly even vomit here are reasons why Frenchies can be sick. Please Note: French Bulldog puppies will cry in their crate for at least the first few days you have them. The steps below are best applied when the crying is problematic and longer term. Make the crate experience a positive and comfortable one To stop your French Bulldog puppy crying at night, make the crate as great an experience as you can. For example, you might want to place some interesting toys in there here are toys Frenchies love , make it cosy with blankets, and leave an appealing treat in there. At this stage in their life, puppies will start to teeth and hanker for anything chewable they can get their jaws around. Kong toys are great for this, and you can see which ones work really well in on this teething toys page. You should also try building up positive associations with the crate, and some puppy owners like to let theirs feed in there. Also place something that smells like you in there — it could be a cushion or a t-shirt with your scent on. But, by having the crate close to you during the puppy months, it does mean you will be alerted when they need a potty break. Use the right-sized crate When crate shopping, I always suggest going larger than you need because it can then be their crate and bed for life. Puppies need room to be able to move around, stand up, and turn to let them be comfortable and not feel caged. Make sure your Frenchie goes to the toilet first To really help minimize your French bulldog crying in his crate, make sure their bladder is as empty as possible before sleep time. However, with puppies, they will need the toilet constantly, and I remember this time with our Frenchie very well. Every hour I would take him out of the crate at night and take into our back-yard patio area. You can still expect some accidents though, which is why puppy pads are so essential. Again, you can buy puppy pads on Amazon — they are cheap when bought in bulk. Tire your Frenchie puppy out before crate time An over-excited puppy will not sleep and will cry more in his crate at night if he still has excess energy to burn. Frenchie puppies can tire really quickly, so it could just be a short walk out back or a game of tug of war. Older dogs will have more energy to burn, so give them a run out for 20 minutes before crate time. If you go to the crate every time he cries or whines, you are just reinforcing the behavior, and making him know you will always come and let him out. The difference between crying for attention and crying for the toilet But how do you know which cry is which? Over a week or so, your puppy should learn that crying gives him the toilet and nothing else. As frustrating as your French bulldog crying at night will be, never scold them. If your Frenchie is crying due to anxiety and fear, yelling will not help. Yes, he might stop crying in the short-term, but only because he is scared. The minute you do will put you back to square on. Conclusion Finally, if you cannot put a finger on why your French Bulldog is crying, and have ruled out the possibilities in this guide, please do consult with your vet. Frenchies are susceptible to a wide range of health problems listed all here and it could be a physical or behavioral issue. Both puppies and adult dogs cry and whine, but often for different reasons. Puppies cry or whine when they are distressed, such as when they cannot find their mother. They emit sounds so that their mother can seek them out. When adult dogs cry and whine, their vocalizations may convey a greeting, a message of defense, an invitation to play, or maybe a sign of submission. It is important to determine why your puppy is crying or whining so that you can comfort them when they are distressed and attend to their needs. Puppy Developmental Stages and Learning to Communicate The first two weeks of life for a puppy are called the neonatal period. Puppies are born with their eyes and ear canals closed, and their main activities are sleeping and nursing. They cry or whine to seek contact or care from their mother. At this stage, puppies are helpless; they rely on their mother for everything from food and grooming to a warm and secure place to sleep. The frequency of cries and whines gradually decreases over the next several weeks as the puppies mature and slowly become more independent. The socialization period for a pup occurs next. This is the period of rapid maturation in the brain, and the puppy becomes more coordinated and exploratory. At this life stage, consistent exposure to people, dogs, and other animals is crucial to help puppies develop attachment and gain confidence and familiarity. Also, puppies should be introduced to different floorings, sights, sounds, and objects that they will encounter as an adult. Use positive reinforcement methods to teach your puppy what you want them to do, without scaring them. Positive reinforcement training helps provide a line of communication between the pet parents and the new puppy. It also helps decrease fear and anxiety and increases confidence and optimism in a dog. Puppies may be enrolled in puppy socialization classes if they are at least 8 weeks old, are dewormed, have received their first puppy vaccinations, and are not showing any signs of illness. During these classes, they will get additional introductions to other puppies, people, environment, objects, and maybe even car rides. Why Is My Puppy Crying? Separation Puppies cry or whine when they feel scared and alone after being separated from their mother and littermates and are in a new environment, such as when the pet parent first brings the puppy home. Once puppies have formed an attachment to their pet parents and other family members, they also may cry and whine when they are separated from them. This could be at night, when the pet parent goes to sleep, and the puppy is placed in their pen or crate. Remember, they are used to sleeping with their mother and littermates cuddling up to other warm bodies. Learning to sleep alone can be scary and lonely. They may also vocalize when family members go out of sight for short or long periods of time, such as to the bathroom or work. Also, the puppy may cry if they are separated from other dogs that they have bonded with in the household. They may also protest being placed in a pen for housetraining and being separated from the rest of the family. Pain Puppies cry or whine when they experience pain, such as being stepped on, getting their first vaccine, or having their nails trimmed too short. Illness Puppies cry or whine when they are not feeling well. In addition to the crying, they may have other signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, or discharge from their eyes or nose. Items out of Reach If a favorite toy rolls out of reach, the puppy may cry if they cannot retrieve it. They may whine if the pet parent removes an inappropriate item the puppy is chewing on, such as an electrical cord. Crate Training It is common for puppies to cry or whine when they are being crate trained. You can also give them food hidden in puzzle toys to work on while you slowly increase the distance between you and your puppy. This helps the puppy focus on other activities and learn to be more independent. Sometimes it helps if you stick your hand through the bars so that your puppy can be comforted by the smell and warmth of your hand. This does not make for a comfortable sleeping position, but you may only need to do it for the first few nights until your puppy adjusts to their new sleeping quarters. Additional options include placing in the crate a stuffed toy that makes the sound of a beating heart or that provides warmth while the puppy sleeps. When your puppy is distressed, it is fine to comfort them. You may not need to immediately pick them up after they cry or whine; however, physical contact in certain situations can provide comfort to your puppy, such as when another dog barks at them or just after a veterinarian has given them a vaccination. If your puppy whines out of frustration after losing a toy or after you remove an item from them, such as your expensive shoe or the TV remote, make a noise to distract your puppy and interrupt the crying or whining, then redirect their attention to more appropriate toys or give them back the toy that fell out of reach. Puppies may cry and whine depending on the situation. These are usually cries for help or for the need to be comforted. It is important to provide puppies with the comfort they need in the first few days you bring them home, and to later give them the proper training to address any specific behavior issues or to add to their communication skills. You want your puppy to not be fearful but open to meeting new dogs and people and excited about having new adventures. The more the puppy feels safe and secure, the more confident and positive they will be as an adult. Featured Image: Istock. Wailani Sung has a passion for helping owners prevent or effectively manage behavior problems in companion animals, enabling them to.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? However, if you breed them as a pet to be your company, these French bulldog puppies will want to be with you all the time and crave all your love. Barking is not the most representative characteristic of French bulldogs, unlike other Black Pug or Parti Yorkies. But crying is the most common activity of French bulldog puppies. But why do French bulldogs cry so much? What can you do to hold back their tears? Many situations have revealed that crying or even whimpering sounds are considered typical French bulldogs. Listening to your dog crying all day long could get on your nerves. As many bulldog breeders explain, since your Frenchie is still a little puppy during the first two weeks, expect many crying and moaning sessions from them. After that, your puppy will adapt to all variations at breakneck speed. They will learn to sleep alone, teething, or some fundamental obedience commands. In every part of its growth, crying is a natural, important characteristic. Although our furry friends cry a lot, the meaning of their tears is different from ours. When it comes to the sound of whines, there are several reasons for this standard behavior, such as s craving food, attention, or maybe a bathroom break. Thus, you should ensure whether your dog is in pain, hungry, or something. Learning why your baby bulldogs cry often is vital to achieving this goal. So, here is a list of three main reasons your French Bulldog might be crying: 1. Communication When your Bulldog is crying or whining, they normally try to communicate something they need or want. The first thing coming up is absolutely food! If your furry friends are hungry, you should feed them. But these Frenchies are also not good at having fun by themselves. Therefore, their ideal entertainment activity is being around you and playing with you. Play with me! Anxiety If other dog breeds tend to bark because they are nervous or afraid, your French Bulldog might cry and moan when feeling anxious and uneasy. The main cause of their anxiety is separation. Otherwise, they are likely to have a depressed dog. Separation anxiety is a health problem and can affect dogs of all ages. However, this dog breed is at a higher risk of developing this disease. Pain Whining is the first indication that your puppy is in pain. You can see whether your dog is in pain by observing its attitude and mobility. Since puppies are more vulnerable, take them to the vet if they cry to be safe, in case your puppy has severe conditions that you may not know yet. How To Lessen Their Tears? No matter how adorable your French bulldog is, hearing it crying all day long is likely, not adorable. How can you solve this issue? A French bulldog adult Here are some ways to try: Making a more comfortable crate for your Bulldog is the first step you can take. If your Frenchies are crying due to separation anxiety, placing something with your aroma on in their crates might be helpful, such as your old T-shirt. You could also end your behaviors that might fortify the crying habit, so your puppy understands that crying is not good behavior and you will not give attention to them. If you want more explanations, please comment below, and we will try our best to reply. Have a nice day with your furry friends! Pacing Whale eyes When they show the whites of their eyes Freezing or very stiff and tense body. Ask yourself: Is your Bulldog overwhelmed, or in a new situation? Is he not understanding you or something you are trying to teach or communicate? Did this come on suddenly, when someone or something came close? Can you figure out a way to remove the stimuli that are causing him stress in order to help him calm down? What to do: Try and change the environment. Be calm and reassuring. Make sure that you are clear with training and giving commands. Try to figure out the trigger and avoid it, or work on training to tolerate it better. Your Bulldog is Excited Bulldogs are courageous and loyal. They make great watchdogs and will happily take on a challenge. This means that they can go from resting to excited and lively in seconds flat. This breed exudes energy in the heat of the moment. At times they can also be high energy that can be perceived as excitement. How to Tell: Tail is wagging, running in circles, jumping up and down, barking. Displaying zoomies a sudden release of energy when your dog seems to go wild and is running around at high speed. Ask Yourself: What is your energy level? Have you just come home from work and they want to greet you? Maybe your Bulldog is meeting someone new or wanting to play. If you are feeling high stress or excitement your dog will feed off your emotion and most likely be showing that behavior as well. What to do: You can redirect his energy by taking him for a run, playing a game of fetch with a toy. Make sure that you have calm energy about yourself. Dim lights, or use some of this therapeutic aromatherapy spray from Amazon Affiliate link to help calm her down. Your Bulldog Wants Attention This is the 1 reason other Bulldog owners give for why their dog cries or whines. Raising and caring for a puppy is no easy task. Bulldogs can sometimes be even more challenging since they can build such strong attachments to their owners and because they are so smart they know how to tug at your heartstrings with their adorable little whimpers! How to tell: Similar to when they are excited, but more direct eye contact with you with intentions of trying to get something. Ask yourself: Has your dog had enough exercise and mental stimulation today. Most Bulldogs need at least 60 minutes of exercise a day as well as plenty of mental stimulation. What is he trying to get your attention for? Is it worth giving the attention or not? Is your Bulldog whining to get food? Check out this article I wrote to see why your Bulldog eats weird stuff! Do you have a new pet, person, or situation in your family? Perhaps your Bulldog is jealous? Remember you only want to reinforce behaviors you would like to see repeated. To truly get this behavior under control you need to completely ignore them. Your Bulldog Has Separation Anxiety For little dogs like our Bulldogs, they can easily get used to going everywhere with us. If your Bulldog is not prepared to handle the separation from you the crying can become extreme! How to Tell: Constantly jumps and whines for you to touch them pet them or cuddle them. Cries or howls when you leave them alone destroys things when you are gone, is overly excited when you return. Ask Yourself: How much exercise has my dog had today. How long have I been gone? Have I trained my dog to be ok without being near me every hour of the day? When you leave, make it subtle and no fussing or kisses goodbye. Make your return no big deal and ignore your pup until they are calm. I always say a tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Giving them something to do while you are gone like this chew toy or this puzzle toy from Amazon affiliate link can help a lot. Try not to leave your dog alone too long if you can manage it. Your Bulldog is Fearful Puppies are very impressionable and teaching them and socializing them starts in the very beginning stages of their life. Unfortunately, there are many people that run puppy mills link to information on how to stop puppy mills that are breeding Bulldogs purely for the money and do not take very good care of them when they are young. When a puppy starts their life in this type of environment it can be very damaging and set them up for a lifetime of fear or aggression. Thankfully there are things that you can do to help if you do end up with a puppy that has been treated this way, it will just be more difficult to get them feeling and behaving confidently. How to tell: Tucked tail, shaking, lowered ears and or head, trying to hide behind you or something else. Ask yourself: How was your Bulldog treated as a puppy? Is your Bulldog a rescue? Was your dog properly socialized when they were young? Does your dog get frightened when they hear a loud unrecognizable noise? What to do: If your dog seems overly fearful of many things and you suspect that your Bulldog is whining or crying a lot because of this, you will need to work very hard at building a solid foundation of trust between you and your dog. Once this foundation of trust is established it will be easier for you to teach your dog that the rest of the world is not as fearful as they suspect it may be. You may also need help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who has experience working with fearful dogs. They will help you come up with and implement a training plan. If you think their fear is a one-time circumstance that has been brought on by something unexpected in his environment, like sudden fireworks or the sound of a car misfiring, then you can isolate that particular thing and work towards training them to tolerate it. You could also try something like this anxiety wrap from Amazon affiliate link that has been useful for dogs afraid of loud noises like thunder. Your Bulldog is Bored When our dog Bear a Maltese Chihuahua mix gets playful he lets us know by barking and whining and begging us to play. Most dogs will let you know when they are tired of laying around not doing a whole lot. Bulldogs in particular love to be entertained and challenged. They were originally bred to hunt foxes so they love to play a game of fetch or do some scent work. How to tell: Short high pitched whines, usually accompanied by a sigh, may seem lazy or disinterested in their favorite toys or games. Ask Yourself: Again you need to think about how much exercise and mental stimulation your Bulldog is getting. Bulldogs do better when they have something to do to occupy their time. It helps if they are constantly learning new things. When was the last time you taught your Bulldog a new command, game, or trick? What to do: Provide your dog with some mental stimulation. Teach them some new tricks, work on training, or give them a fun new toy like this fun crinkle toy from Amazon affiliate link. Try not to leave all their toys available all the time. If you keep all but 2 or 3 put away and rotate them that will keep your Bulldog from getting bored too easily. You can also try this awesome program called Brain Training that can give you a huge boost in your training methods and plans. You may think getting your Bulldog another dog as a friend is a good idea, and it very well may help take the burden of entertainment off your shoulders, but before you decide to do that this article can help you think about the challenges versus benefits. Your Bulldog is in Pain Bulldogs need to be taken good care of especially as they age. They can be a healthy breed, but they can also have problems with their joints or hips or other health issues. If you have a rescue or your Bulldog is aging then pain or discomfort may be a reason your pup is whining. How to tell: Look for any kind of physical signs such as limping, constantly licking a sore area, or yelps and whines when picked up or moved. Ask Yourself: How old is my Bulldog? Has his energy been waning? Are there other red flags such as growling or biting when handled a certain way or untouched food? Has your dog had a recent dental exam. Poor dental health can cause pain for your Bulldog. What to do: If you suspect your dog is in pain take him to your vet right away. Why Is My Bulldog Limping? If your Bulldog Puppy is Crying You can expect Bulldog puppies will whine more than adult Bulldog, but puppies, in general, may whine for different reasons than adult dogs. The younger the puppy the more you can expect to deal with crying. If you are trying to crate train a puppy and he whines a lot when he is in his crate it is most likely because he is lonely and scared. Their sense of smell is 40 times better than ours and much more refined. We can use this power to our advantage in two ways. The second way this will benefit your Bulldog is it will allow the scent of his mother and littermates to get on the item so when you bring him home it will smell like them and help make the transition easier for him. Another great tool to help your little puppy miss his family less is to get a stuffy like this one from Amazon affiliate link that mimics the heartbeat of his mama. Having a comfort item like this can be extremely useful and can make a huge difference those first few weeks you have your new puppy. Make sure that he has his own area Crate or Playpen to stay in, this will help him feel more safe and secure. This small area with a crate inside will help your dog feel more safe and secure. The following article may help you decide. You can take him out for bathroom breaks, but when his bathroom break is over put him back in. If you get him out for a cuddle or let him sleep in bed with you, crate training is going to be a lot more difficult. Most Bulldog puppy owners said that they would let their puppy cry it out for min. Final Thoughts Whatever the reason for your Bulldog whining the best thing you can do is make sure that your dog knows you are in charge! If you continue to have problems with your Bulldog crying please seek help from a professional dog behaviorist or a vet.
The coat will be dense with length that can vary. They are a joy to have at home because the Germanees are sweet-natured and kind dogs. Both parents, the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd, are very similar dogs. Imagine a slightly smaller but more energetic German Shepherd and you have the Belgian Malinois. These are high maintenance dogs that require a ton of physical and mental activity on a daily basis. This cross is not recommended for your typical family. They require serious work. As for physical appearance, these dogs can vary. Both parents have high energy, so you can expect nothing less from the Weimshepherd. They are quick, athletic and powerful dogs. Make sure to introduce training as early as possible for this mutt. Providing them with the a proper outlet is the only way to raise a happy and healthy Boxer Shepherd. Thanks to the Springer Spaniel side, these dogs get along with kids of all ages, other dogs and even cats. In fact, the more the better! But if you can handle this, the Spanierd is an excellent German Shepherd mix for any family! Because of the size of the Great Dane, the Dane Shepherd is fairly large, making them excellent watchdogs and an amazing companion. Depending on the lineage, these dogs can have a short or medium coat. Chances are the Dane Shepherd will have a double coat, so except to deal with heavy shedding during spring and fall. Just the massive size of these dogs can scare away potential intruders. Both parent breeds are large, and so is the Airedale Shepherd. The overall body shape resembles a German Shepherd, but they retain the muzzle and ears of the Airedale Terrier. These dogs are inevitably courageous dogs that play well with children. Despite their large size, they make fantastic family dogs, companions, watchdogs and more. Socialization is a must, while obedience training can be fairly easy. Sep 12, Share German Shepherds are widely known for their intimidating and dominant appearance just as much as they are for their loving, loyal, and protective demeanor. The popularity and desirable qualities in the German Shepherd make it a great breed for mixing with other dogs, as the result is often a pup that pulls the best characteristics from each parent breed. German Shepherd and Golden Retriever Mix: The Golden Shepherd Image Credit: Juliena, Shutterstock Perhaps one of the most popular German Shepherd hybrids, this mixed breed is known for its fun-loving and positive personality as well as its loyal, protective, and obedient nature. These dogs are excellent with children and are happy to be around all of their owners. They can inherit a slight distrust of strangers from their German Shepherd parents or general friendliness toward all from their Golden Retriever parents, but for the most part, they are welcoming and sweet-natured. You get a dog that will love and spread joy but also snap into a protective mode in an instant. These dogs are also excellent with children, and they thrive on human interaction. What more could you ask for in a pooch? German Shepherd and Husky Mix: The Siberian Shepherd Image Credit: jnorris2, Shutterstock Also known as the Gerberian Shepsky , this hybrid is strikingly beautiful with a powerful stance and a fearless will to protect and serve their owners. They are very intelligent, so they will pick up on commands, rules, and tricks easily. However, they can also inherit some willfulness from their Husky parent, and this may make training rather difficult for you. Not much! They are highly intelligent and just as easy to train as a purebred German Shepherd. German Shepherd and Rottweiler Mix: The Shepweiler A post shared by EV goevgo The protective nature, loyalty, and power of both parent breeds makes this hybrid one of the greatest options for a guard dog for you and your family. These pups will be loving and are usually very affectionate toward their families and familiar humans, but they are alert and always on the lookout for potential threats. The Shepweiler is best suited for property owners with large yards that are good for exercise and exploration, as this is a very curious and investigative breed. The Shepadoodle is extremely intelligent, and their loyalty and willingness to please make them one of the easiest breeds to housebreak and train. Coloration varies in these dogs as does their likelihood of being hypoallergenic, but they almost always have the adorable, curly hair associated with the Poodle. This is another breed on our list that thrives on human interaction and is happiest when spending time with their owners. Both parent breeds are highly alert and watchful, so this hybrid will make an excellent guard dog. Training can be difficult, but they make up for this with their cuteness and their willingness to protect you and your family. Enter the Sheppit! These dogs are alert and have a very strong will to protect you, your family, and your home. Despite their desire to stand between you and any threat, these dogs are abundantly friendly toward strangers they perceive as friendly. They tend not to get along with other dogs, and that could be because they desire all the undivided attention you could possibly give. The Sheppit is highly affectionate, patient with children, and thrives on human interaction. The Saint Shepherd is a massive dog that can weigh up to around pounds, and if you have the space, these dogs will bring a lot of liveliness and joy to your home. Given their size and the agility and alertness they inherit from their German Shepherd parents, these pups make excellent guard dogs. Looking to travel with your German Shepherd mix? Their temperament can vary as well, but these are generally highly intelligent dogs that are extremely loyal, protective, and hardworking. They are intelligent and learn quickly. However, they also can be willful and a bit stubborn, making training somewhat difficult. They can vary in coloration and can also inherit the ridge of hair on their back after which one of their parent breeds is named. Meet the German Chow. They owe their loyalty and willingness to protect to both parent breeds, so above all else this dog will make a wonderful guard dog. They are alert, intelligent, and entirely fearless. They tend to be distrustful of strangers, but in your home, they will only exhibit sheer friendliness and even affection. Their intelligence and independence do tend to make them willful and stubborn, but once trained, they will be superbly obedient. Consider this pup co-dependent, and assume they never want to be left alone. They are usually good with children but do best in homes without young kids. This is an affectionate and emotionally needy breed that is abundantly friendly toward family and even strangers. These are also extremely active pups that need over an hour of exercise every day. Given their coat density which they inherit from the Malamute, they fare best in moderate to cold climates and can easily overheat in warmer weather. These dogs are extremely affectionate, and their calm nature makes them an excellent choice for families of all sizes, including those with young children. They are moderately playful and only require an average amount of exercise each day. These dogs are intelligent and easy to train, which makes them suitable for new owners. There are breeders out there who have mixed the large and powerful German Shepherd with the small and unassuming Chihuahua. The result is a small-to-medium-sized pooch that can be very territorial and even aggressive. Their distrust of strangers is usually very high and can be problematic at times. Training should be done by experienced dog owners only, as this breed is often stubborn and willful. For the right owner, these dogs make excellent guard dogs and affectionate pets. German Shepherd and Beagle Mix A post shared by Samu samukutyus The Shepherd Beagle mix is another medium-sized hybrid on our list, and they range from around pounds. These pups inherit a strong sense of loyalty from both parent breeds but can get some stubbornness and willfulness from their Beagle ancestors. This breed is great with kids and has enough energy and love to go around in large families. If so, the Shepherdane may be perfect for you! These pups are large and brawny, often weighing in around pounds. They can appear intimidating, are very alert, and will quickly step between you and any perceived threat in a heartbeat. These dogs are playful and can even be goofy at times. They are good with children and families of any size, they are affectionate, and they love human interaction. German Shepherd and Bulldog Mix A post shared by Manny manuelthedevonshiredog These medium-sized pups have a bit of a spunky attitude and will generally be a bit calmer and somewhat less active than most others on our list. The parent breeds are both hardworking and protective dogs, so this mixed breed will be loyal and will go out of its way to ward off any threats. These are moderately affectionate breeds that are great with kids. These dogs are confident, fearless, and protective, so they make excellent guard dogs. They are usually friendly toward strangers and other dogs, but given their tendency to exhibit some dominance, they need to be socialized early on. Their size varies quite a bit, but usually, they will be about medium-sized and fairly muscular. German Shepherd Cross Breeds: Conclusion The German Shepherd is known all over the world as one of the most loyal and protective dogs available. They are very intelligent and highly alert, so they make very good guard dogs. Dog Breeds 10 Energetic German Shepherd Mixes Your Active Family Will Adore Super smart, totally handsome, and ready to take on any task or trick you toss their way, these German shepherd hybrid breeds are great dogs for active people. By Tracey L. Kelley After loving 19 cats, 11 dogs, and a canary, Tracey married someone allergic to all those creatures. Thankfully, she receives oodles of animal goodness sharing stories on Daily Paws! When not traveling, teaching yoga, or doing voiceover projects, she's an editorial strategist and developer for print, digital, and multimedia platforms. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 10, Noble, confident, loyal, and gentle are just a few ways to describe wonderful German shepherds. Whether they're courageous K-9s or making unlikely friendships with other creatures, German shepherds continue to be one of the most popular dogs in the U. In fact, they consistently rank in the top five favorite breeds , and there are many reasons why. Individuals and families alike appreciate qualities such as: Ease of early socializing and positive reinforcement training Abundant energy, which makes them perfect canine companions for active people These characteristics also make them top choices for crossbreeding. But before you set your pet-loving sights on a particular German shepherd mix, keep a few key things in mind. He says it should take months to research and vet a breeder. Make sure to keep the health of both pup's parents in mind, too. For example, the American Kennel Club indicates German shepherds usually live 12—14 years and while relatively healthy, still might have issues with elbow and hip dysplasia and bloat. Although there's no guarantee a mixed breed puppy will have all the most desirable traits from both dog parents we only need to look into our own family trees for that confirmation! Who you callin' mutt, mister? What type of fur your shepadoodle might have is a total toss-up, though—curly, shaggy, wiry, who knows? However, the golden retriever's consistently sweet nature and ability to get along with just about everyone means your golden shepherd will likely be a smart, devoted, and energetic family dog. Keep in mind both breeds also have double coats, so the chance for ' blowing coat ' is percent! Stock up on grooming supplies! Labrador retrievers are eager to have jobs to do, just like German shepherds, and love being outdoors, so you'll be able to train your sheprador to do just about anything! Good-natured, easy-going, and lovable, this pup is bound to be a special companion. Affectionate, quick-footed, able to learn cues in an instant, plus a double-dose of inherited herding skills? This means you'll have a trusted and dedicated mixed breed guardian for family and livestock alike. Collies also have gorgeous coats that need regular brushing , so your shollie might, too. More often than not, the attentive and faithful characteristics of the collie and the German shepherd shine in their offspring, so if you're hoping for a beloved children's pet pal, she might be it. But which corgi will you choose: the Cardigan Welsh with a long tail! When paired with a shepherd, both breeds are lively and bright. Working group border collies frequently earn top marks in agility and trick-performing competitions , so with a few shepherd genes sprinkled in, you'll be astounded at how much your new dog wants to do and learn! He's a great running and hiking buddy, too. Here's a bundle of cuddliness for sure! Beagles are prized for being terrific with kids , so this loving addition to your family might share a few German shepherd traits, too, such as steadfastness, an eagerness to run and play, and the ability to respond well to consistent training. Try scent work with them—they're a natural at it! If you want just one beloved pet with deep brown eyes! Was this page helpful? The Boxer German Shepherd mix is smart and energetic. They are easy to train but the excess energy can cause them to lose focus during the training session. This hybrid is better suited for pet owners with experience. To German Shepherd Boxer mix needs daily exercise to keep them healthy, both physically and mentally. Try to go for at least a long walk every day. A home with a yard where they can run around is best for this breed. Learn more about the German Shepherd Boxer Mix. Also known as the Gerberian Shepsky, this dog is athletic, well-built, and of medium size. A Husky German Shepherd mix has a thick double coat that must be groomed often. Brushing twice a week is enough to keep it sleek and tangle-free. Owners should be prepared to deal with a lot of shedding during molting season. A Husky Shepherd puppy is easy to find, thanks to its popularity. But make sure you deal with a reputable breeder. Ask a lot of questions and insist on a health screening before taking one home. A German Shepherd Husky mix is healthier than its parent breeds, but owners should still watch out for signs of the elbow and hip dysplasia, bloating, and degenerative eye conditions. Learn more about the German Shepherd Husky Mix. Also known as a Corman Shepherd, this is a sweet, loving, and playful dog. A German Shepherd Corgi mix dog will sometimes try to assert its dominance. This dog is generally healthy but you still need to watch out for some common Corgi German Shepherd health issues like bloat, joint dysplasia, slipped disc, and obesity. Learn more about the Corgi German Shepherd Mix. The hybrid is also known as a Shepadoodle in some quarters. They were bred and trained as military dogs by the United States Army in the s. The Poodle German Shepherd mix requires regular exercise and a lot of physical and mental stimulation to avoid obesity. Long walks or regular play dates at the dog park are good for them. An adult German Shepherd Poodle mix should eat three to four cups of high-quality dry dog food a day. This breed is prone to gastric sensitivity so owners should pick the right brand for them. Learn more about the Poodle German Shepherd Mix. A Bull Mastiff German Shepherd mix is powerful but rare. As the offspring of two large dogs, you should expect the height of a Bull Mastiff German Shepherd mix to fall between cm and its weight to be around 36kg. The German Shepherd Bull Mastiff mix breed is renowned for its fur that ranges in color from red, black to silver and sandy tones. Owners should be prepared for a lot of shedding though. Expect this hybrid pet to be energetic, affectionate, playful, and intelligent. The German Shepherd Beagle mix is a good family dog, but they have to be socialized early and properly to curb any aggressive or possessive streaks. A Beagle German Shepherd mix is typically medium-sized, muscular, and strong. They have a dense, medium length coat that needs regular brushing to remove loose hair and prevent tangles. Their teeth should also be brushed twice a week and their nails clipped every two weeks. A German Shepherd Beagle mixed breed might have hanging ears that are prone to infection so owners should check them every week for moisture. This dog is also susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, epilepsy and eye conditions like glaucoma. Learn more about the German Shepherd Beagle Mix. The Labrador German Shepherd mix is even-tempered, playful, and loyal to family members, but cautious and wary against strangers. A German Shepherd Labrador mix puppy needs a lot of space to exercise and play in. Crate training and socialization at an early age is recommended. A German Shepherd Labrador mix is full of energy and needs at least two hours of exercise a day, followed by mentally stimulating play. A lack of activity can cause depression and destructive behavior to appear. Learn more about the German Shepherd Lab Mix. However, brushing up on the parent breeds will shed light on how to care for this hybrid. Due to its small size, a Chihuahua German Shepherd mix is a good pet for those living in small homes or the confined spaces of apartments. This crossbreed is prone to aggression and should undergo training and socialization while still young. The German Shepherd Chihuahua mix needs a lot of physical activity. They also want to be around their family and tend to engage in destructive behavior when left alone for a long time. A Chow Chow German Shepherd mix is an adorable looking dog with a long muzzle, black facial accents and a mane-like coat. The grooming of a Chow Chow German Shepherd entails daily brushing to minimize the effects of shedding. The ears should also be wiped down once a week and the teeth brushed three times a week. The German Shepherd Chow Chow mix loves human attention. They easily get bored and could suffer from separation anxiety. When this happens, they might engage in destructive activities. Experienced dog owners will find this crossbreed smart and easy to train. The Border Collie German Shepherd mix is very affectionate and loves to snuggle with their human. They love to have fun and to play with you. But responsible owners should still be on the lookout for symptoms of epilepsy and hip dysplasia. The Collie Shepherd mixed breed is one of the most energetic dogs around. These dogs can reach an average height of inches tall and weigh between lbs. Owners should expect a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix to have thick, waterproof coats that need to be combed weekly to keep it free from tangles. Make sure their nails are also clipped to prevent painful splitting or cracking. A German Shepherd Dachshund mixed breed is extremely rare. The lack of information about this breed can be offset by studying the parent breeds. A Dachshund German Shepherd mix requires a special diet with fish oil and chondroitin and glucosamine supplements. This will hopefully lower the risk of elbow and hip dysplasia in this breed. The Pug German Shepherd mix is chubby, stocky, and intelligent. They greet strangers cheerfully and have a great rapport with children. German Shepherd Pug mix pets are generally strong and healthy. This German Shepherd crossbreed excels in obedience training and housetraining. But this dog will need a firm owner who knows how to deal with strong-willed pets. This is not a common hybrid so information about them is rare. Learning more about the parent breeds will provide you with insight on how to manage this dog. With such attractive parents, the Cocker Spaniel German Shepherd mix will likely be handsome as well and have a lush, wavy fur. The German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel mix will thrive with an attentive owner who can provide the dog with the right physical and mental stimulation. Finding this specific German Shepherd mixed breed puppy will be difficult. You can look for reliable hybrid breeders near you. Shelters and rescue centers might also have crossbreed puppies for adoption. Expect the American Bulldog German Shepherd mix to have a medium to large frame and be as powerful as the parent breeds. This hybrid is about inches tall and weighs anywhere between lbs. The German Shepherd Bulldog mix is loving, sweet, and gentle to its family members but wary around strangers. This dog will thrive when they have a job to do. But you can infer a lot about this crossbreed by studying the parent breeds. A Cane Corso German Shepherd mix breed is likely to be a massive dog. When it comes to German Shepherd Cane Corso health issues, the dog will probably be healthier than the parent breed. But owners should still be careful of problems like hip dysplasia and bloat. With both parents bred as guard dogs, a German Shepherd Cane Corso mix will also exhibit loyal and protective traits. There are very few details available for this dog but reading about the parent breeds will give prospective owners ideas on how to raise this hybrid. But the wrinkles on the face and shoulders are pure Shar Pei. Expect a German Shepherd mixed with a Shar Pei to be susceptible to the health issues that also plague the parental pair, like elbow and hip dysplasia, cataracts, demodectic mange, epilepsy, and bloat. The Shar Pei German Shepherd mix canine is intelligent, loyal, affectionate to its owners but reserved among strangers. They will bark at anything they think is suspicious and are willing to guard and defend their family. This is a very strong-willed dog so training them can be challenging. They will need an experienced owner who can be firm with them. This mixed breed is also called an Akita Shepherd and a Shepkita. The Akita German Shepherd mix pet needs to be fed lots of animal-based fats and protein for energy. The fats will boost their immune system and keep their fur sleek and their skin healthy. German Shepherd Akita mix puppies might look cute and lovable but they can be stubborn and temperamental. They need to be trained and socialized to learn good behavior and curb some aggressive tendencies. German Shepherd Akita mix needs to be brushed daily. Invest in a good shedding rake to remove any loose hair. Do not shave your dog during summer or winter. Their coats actually insulate them from the sun and from the cold. Studying about the parent breeds will give you more ideas about this hybrid. A Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is alert, intelligent, loyal, and protective. They make great guard dogs and could also be a good choice for family pet. A German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix has a lot of energy to burn and loves physical activities. You can also try rescue organizations or your local shelter. An English Bulldog German Shepherd mix is brave, loyal, confident, and trainable. This is a low maintenance crossbreed that just needs brushing once a week. But those with heavier coats will be shedding seasonally. German Shepherd English Bulldog mix could inherit their parents susceptibility to particular diseases, like joint dysplasia, bloat, degenerative myelopathy, and breathing problems. A Golden Retriever German Shepherd mix is very affectionate, playful and easy-going. German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix health issues are not as severe as the parent breeds. This breed is a shedder so invest in a good vacuum and several doggy brushes. They should be given a bath once a month but their coats have to be brushed daily. This will keep their skin and hair healthy and prevent tangles. German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is a hearty eater. Make sure to add lots of fruits, vegetables, and fish oil. Give them supplements for bone development. A Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix is a strong, quiet, intelligent, brave, and serious dog. They have a strong protective instinct that makes them capable guard dogs. The German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix thrives in cold weather. They can survive in temperate climates but their thick coats mean they easily get hot. The German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback history is a short one as the breed is not very popular. Expect the Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd mix to have a quiet, laidback temperament. The German Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback mix needs an experienced owner who can be firm and provide lots of positive reinforcement. This is an uncommon crossbreed so information about it is rare. They have a large frame, a long muzzle, almond-shaped eyes, and pointed ears with some feathering. Four cups of high-quality dry dog food per day are ideal. They shed all year and require daily brushing to prevent matted hair. Their nails also grow fast so they have to be clipped twice a month. But this dog has a calm, loving, and affectionate personality towards its human family. Early training and socialization will teach them discipline and will curb their unruliness. Finding a Pitbull German Shepherd mix is easy as there are numerous breeders raising them. This breed has sensitive skin so a bath once a month is perfect for them. You should also brush their coat once a week using a hard bristled brush. Learn more about the German Shepherd Pitbull Mix. The French Bulldog German Shepherd mix is a very loyal, loving, and intelligent pet who loves to be snuggled and spoiled. But they can also be protective of their family and aloof towards strangers. A German Shepherd French Bulldog mixed breed puppy needs to be potty trained and crate trained right away. Their training and socialization should be consistent, with lots of positive reinforcement. A German Shepherd French Bulldog mix might develop serious health conditions, just like its parent breed. This hybrid is prone to brachycephalic syndrome, a chronic breathing issue. They are also susceptible to dysplasia, bloat, and degenerative myelopathy. Studying the two parent breeds will give the owner an approximation of how this dog will behave. The Catahoula German Shepherd mix is very playful and zealous. They can start chewing items and generally exhibit destructive behavior. A German Shepherd Catahoula mix requires daily exercise and mental stimulation. These dogs will do well in homes with a big yard. They need a lot of space to play and burn energy. The dog is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu. But reading about the two parent breeds will be helpful in figuring out how to care for this dog. A Shih Tzu German Shepherd mix will likely have an outgoing, affectionate, and happy disposition. They will likely be very loyal and will follow you around everywhere. Shih Tzus are infamously stubborn when it comes to housetraining, a trait that might be passed on to the German Shepherd Shih Tzu mix. They will need to be housetrained and undergo obedience training and socialization early. Try looking at your local rescue shelter for this hybrid. Novice dog owners will find this strong-willed and energetic mixed breed difficult to handle. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is a large dog. They can reach an average height of inches and could weigh anywhere from lbs. Grooming a German Shepherd Doberman mix is fairly easy. They have short and sleek coats that will require regular brushing. Some shedding is to be expected as well. Owners will have to start training and socializing this crossbreed as young as possible. Learn more about the Doberman German Shepherd Mix. While the parent breeds are popular, cross-breeding them is rare. The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is likely to have a calm and stoic disposition. They will also be extremely loyal and protective of their family, but not to an extreme degree. A German Shepherd Newfoundland mix breed could be prone to allergies and elbow and hip dysplasia, problems that are associated with large dogs and the parent breeds. Their food bowl needs to be full of the best food you can find. Puppy pups should get food that meets their requirements, so take a look at the best puppy food brands. Food for older hairy companions needs to have below-average calories and adequate protein levels. These formulas can be found in the best senior dry dog food brands. A regular checkup with your vet can help you find the best option. Mixed Breeds By Meg Marrs 11 min read March 13, 70 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. The German shepherd breed is generally considered one of the most intelligent, dedicated, loyal, and family orientated companions available in the doggy world. Throwing in a mix to this breed just strengthens and enhances these naturally appealing traits. Golden Shepherd German Shepherd x Golden Retriever Mix The golden shepherd is a golden-haired beauty that will definitely win your heart with those soulful eyes. This golden retriever and German shepherd mix is an affectionate sweetheart who thrives on one-on-one interaction with her owners and especially adores the tiny human variety. This makes the golden shepherd the perfect family-with-kids choice. Both retriever and shepherd parents love to eat, so make sure you keep this marvelous mix at a healthy weight. The best of both doggie worlds are all rolled up into this one adorable and energetic bundle of joy. This pug and shepherd breed is an extremely loyal companion, loves his human family, exhibits impressive intelligence, and serves as an alert guard dog. Labrashepherd German Shepherd x Labrador Mix The Labrashepherd also known as a Sheprador is a calm, loving and even-tempered animal with a touch of the shyness from the German shepherd parent shining through when he is presented with new situations. Labrador retrievers have a kind and happy demeanor which definitely shines through in this canine cross. This German shepherd Labrador retriever mix is gloriously beautiful and loves a good play session in the park. Siberian Shepherd or Gerberian Shepsky German Shepherd x Siberian Husky Mix A post shared by German Shepherd Husky Mixes germanshepherdhuskymixes This exquisitely handsome boy is a German shepherd husky mix that will have you falling over your feet when he looks at you with that one baby blue. Love at first sight for sure. And the bonus? He loves you just as fiercely. Make sure these energized pups have plenty of exercise, puzzle toys, and activities to provide mental stimulation. Shollie German Shepherd x Collie Mix A unique combination of the collie and German shepherd gives us this gorgeous designer breed. She is amazingly even-tempered temperament, very eager to learn, and easily trained through basic obedience training. Be prepared to groom the German shepherd collie mix every day though, as those locks are relatively high maintenance. Shepweiler or Rottweiler Shepherd German Shepherd x Rottweiler Mix Shepweilers are immensely protective of their owners, family, and surroundings and make excellent guard dogs. Well-muscled, protective dogs who can always be found at your side? Sounds good to me! The German shepherd poodle mix needs your constant companionship and will follow wherever you may lead. The poodle breed genes are relatively dominant in this dog, resulting in the somewhat curly fur coat. What a striking and intimidating doggo. This breed is a cross between a domesticated German shepherd and a genuine wolf. Please keep in mind that these animals are illegal to own in certain areas, so please research carefully to avoid any heartbreak should you not be able to keep him legally. Designer breeders for a cross as unique as this one can be challenging to come by. With a sensitive temperament and above average hearing, you have a guard dog of indisputable qualities. These dogs are natural hunters, so it will be wise to keep him separate from other small pets like cats, rabbits, and hamsters. He is super-friendly but an excellent protector. He does, however, require intensive training, as he loves a challenge and can often be considered a little stubborn. This dog is an interesting mix of German shepherd and the Alaskan malamute. This is one amazingly beautiful animal. They possess the best of both breeds in strength, loyalty, friendliness, and trainability. And such a cutie to boot! Almost like having a teenager in the house, these shepherd-type dogs will test your patience and push the boundaries, so training is vital. These shepherd pit sweeties are sure to appreciate a game of fetch with their favorite human! Innocence aside, the German shepherd pit bull mix is a powerful animal with a high energy level and training is thus non-negotiable. German shepherd pit bulls need a firm, strong, but loving owner and handler. New Shep German Shepherd x Newfoundland Mix A post shared by Sadie Sanderson resolutedogtraining This breed is an interesting mix of the Newfoundland and German shepherd, forming a giant powder-puff who loves water! Well, space of course! This is a giant dog and needs plenty of room to run off all that excess energy. This behemoth is a loyal, loving, and protective, yet intimidating watchdog, probably due to its sheer size. But be honest — what a cutie pie! But beware, do not leave this puppy to his own devices — you might not particularly like the end results! He craves constant attention and will happily be your permanent side-kick. These canine cuties would benefit from an active family. There you go German shepherd lovers and fans. Please leave a comment on what you think the best German shepherd mixed breed out there is, or share your own cross-breed companion that we might have missed! And, if you have your own GSD or GSD-mix at home, make sure to check out our guide to the best dog toys for german shepherds as well as our piece on the best dog food for german shepherds too! What are the specific guidelines for adopting a German Shepherd mix? Good breeders will only sell to a family with a yard and German shepherd experience, as German shepherd mixes need plenty of space for these dogs to run around freely to get exercise. German shepherd mixes as well as purebred German shepherds should also be owner primarily by those who have experience with the breed, as German shepherds are naturally prone to anxiety and need an experienced, confident handler. The breeder should meet our breeder checklist, have been in business for several years, and their puppies should be well socialized. How much does it cost to adopt a German shepherd mix? Are there any health issues associated with German shepherd mixes? If a German shepherd mix is not from a good breeder, then there may be health problems. German shepherds are prone to a number of different genetic health conditions. The most common health concerns include hip, elbow, and joint dysplasia, cancer, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, narcolepsy, and eye problems. Are German shepherd mixes active? While canine crosses can take on any combination of traits from either of their pooch parents, German shepherds require plenty of daily exercise. GSDs have a high activity level and need to be kept busy mentally and physically. Not all German shepherd mixes will need vigorous exercise per day, but you should have the capacity to take on an active furry friend just in case. What is a German Shepherd mix? A German shepherd mix is a breed resulting from the combination of the German shepherd with other popular dog breeds. These dogs are medium to large in size, and can vary in appearance based on what breeds they inherit traits from. German shepherd mixes do not always look entirely like the German shepherd, as they could also take after their other dog breed parents. How should you train a German shepherd mix? The best way to approach training a German shepherd mix is to provide lots of training sessions focused on positive reinforcement. These pups can be fairly sensitive and eager to please. Thankfully, most GSD mixes are super smart and can master just about any trick with a little time and practice. Some of the best German shepherd mixes around. Which one was your favorite? Have you ever met any of these cuties in real life? Let us know in the comments below! Like it? Share it! Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Because of their fierce loyalty and athletic nature, they make perfect guard dogs. At the same time, they are great human companions that love children and other people. Mixing a German Shepherd with another dog can create a breed that is unique and have many other strong suits that the German Shepherd may not have on its own. The 16 Popular German Shepherd Mixes 1. This is the perfect dog if you are looking for a super family and lovable dog that is also intelligent, obedient, and great for activities. Golden Shepherds love having a lot of one-on-one time with their owners and get along great with children. At the same time, these dogs are ready to go on an adventure, whether it be hunting, tracking, or just walking through the woods. You can get an athletic, cute, and intelligent breed by mixing a Pug with a German Shepherd, which is called a Shug. Although a Shug may sound like an odd idea, this breed is very unique and intelligent. Both Pugs and German Shepherds alike are known to be intelligent and natural guard dogs. Combining them both creates a super adorable, intelligent, and alert pup. This is easily one of the cutest dogs around. One way that the Chow Shepherd takes after the Chow is that you can often spot these dogs with their tongues hanging out. Expect for the dog to lick you quite a bit! Labrashepherds are incredibly intelligent and love new situations. At the same time, these dogs are loving, calm, and do well in family situations. This dog is highly protective and loyal. They also have a lot of muscles and are likely to scare away any intruders just from their appearance and bark. It is a combination of a German Shepherd and a Collie. This dog has a long coat and a very graceful appearance. The coat, though attractive, will require frequent grooming, but it may be worth it for those looking for a gorgeous dog. As for their temperament, Shollies are very even tempered and easily trained. They may not be as playful as some other breeds, but this dog is very kind. Plus, the Siberian Shepherd will be a very hard worker, all while loving to play with you. This dog is a mix of a German Shepherd and an Alaskan Malamute. Its coat is incredibly beautiful. Not to mention, the personality is loyal, friendly, and strong, matched with easy trainability. This is a great dog for you if you have young children and go swimming a lot. This dog is highly trainable, loyal, and gentle, making it a gentle giant for families. These dogs are incredibly loyal and hardworking. This dog is a ball of energy since both Corgis and German Shepherds are known for their high exercise requirements. With the right training, these dogs can be super fun to play with. Being a mix between a German Shepherd and a Pitbull, you absolutely must be a firm but loving owner to raise this dog right. With the right hand, this dog can be an incredibly loyal pet that is always there to protect you. This dog is great within the family because it has a lot of tolerance to irritability and has high amounts of patience, making it the perfect dog if you have young children in your home. Still, these dogs are very patient and loving. These dogs are incredibly friendly and loving, but they will push your boundaries too. Expect the dog to be very willful and in need of serious training. This dog will be very big, requiring a whole lot of space to live and play. So long as you provide this dog a lot of room, it will be very loving, loyal, and protective over your home. This dog is a cross between a regular German Shepherd and an actual Wolf. These dogs are not legal in many areas and can be incredibly sensitive. These dogs are loved because they make great guard dogs, are highly intelligent, and fit in perfect with most families. They have specifically been bred since the s for their working purposes. These dogs have an incredible sense of smell, which is why German Shepherds are often used for finding bombs and drugs. German Shepherds are also suspicious and want to protect themselves and their owners. These traits are matched with high levels of intelligence, allowing them to figure out ways to alert you or complete the task at hand. At the same time, German Shepherds are very lovable and loyal. This dog is known to protect their owners when needed, but they love attention and affection when they know there is no danger. Because of these traits, German Shepherds are great dogs for active singles or families. Because German Shepherds are so great, you may be wondering what the benefits are for mixing it with another breed. German Shepherd mixes have some of the best traits of the German Shepherd and whatever dog it is mixed with, creating a dog perfect for you. For example, Shugs, which are German Shepherds mixed with Pugs, tend to be highly intelligent and much less suspicious than traditional German Shepherds. This may be the perfect dog for you if you want an intelligent and alert dog that is a bit less intimidating. You may also want to get a German Shepherd mix for their appearance. Mixing a German Shepherd with something fluffy or more traditionally cute can create super unique and attractive. Final Thoughts As you can see, there are many lovable, intelligent, and cute German Shepherd mixes out there. Although there are many other German Shepherd mixes available, the 16 we looked at tend to be the most popular. We hope you enjoyed looking at these super cute and unique breeds. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. Any puppies that qualify as a German Shepherd Mix are a cross between a German Shepherd and another dog breed. In a mixed breed, you can get any mix of characteristics in the parent breeds. German Shepherds tend to be strong-willed, intelligent, playful, and loyal. To get a full idea of what to expect in your puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the other dog breed in the cross and check out the mother dog in-person to get a general idea about size and temperament. On the German Shepherd side, you have an independent dog with high intelligence and a playful spirit. German Shepherds make great family pets and are born protectors. Because of their protective instinct, they can be suspicious of strangers. Socialization early and often can help curb this suspicion and make them more open to new people and situations. German Shepherds also tend to be loving and have a lively personality. The German Shepherd Mix can have any or all of these characteristics plus any characteristics from the other parent breed in the mix. Before buying a German Shepherd Mix puppy and bringing them home, be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed. If the puppies are being family-raised around children, you should be able to get an idea of how they will do in a family setting that includes children. The German Shepherd is a moderately adaptable working dog that was bred to guard, work, and herd. They do not tend to do well in apartments and are best-suited for houses with yards. GSDs prefer to be with their families and do not like to be alone. They also tend to prefer cooler climates as they are sensitive to heat. With a German Shepherd Mix, you could get a moderately adaptable dog that is just like a purebred German Shepherd. You could also end up with a dog that is more like the other parent breed. Talking with the breeder about the other parent breed can give you a good idea of what to expect. German Shepherds can be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. You will need to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an idea of any other health concerns to be aware of in your German Shepherd Mix. Health screenings, clearances, and the genetic history of the parents can help allay concerns about potential health conditions. On the German Shepherd side, training and obedience classes are highly recommended for novice dog owners. Although GSDs are highly intelligent, pick up on things quickly, and train fairly easily, they can be stubborn with an independent streak. Regardless of the other parent breed in the cross, you should be prepared to enroll in obedience and training classes with your German Shepherd Mix. The experience will be beneficial to both you and your puppy and will also offer some opportunities for socialization. You will still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an understanding of what to expect during the training process. Professional grooming a few times a year and the occasional bath is also recommended. Regardless of the coat type, your German Shepherd Mix will need to have their nails trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed regularly. Not every dog will allow you to do this, so try to get a tooth brushing session in at least a few times a week to reduce tartar buildup. This will help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, it will help cut down on bad breath! German Shepherds tend to have a high activity level. They were bred to run, herd, guard, and protect, so they are used to working and having a job to do. They are definitely not a lazy dog breed! Be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix. You will still want to go in prepared for a high energy dog with the understanding that your German Shepherd Mix puppy may have an activity level closer to the other breed in the cross. If both are high energy dogs breeds, expect to end up with a high energy dog. A German Shepherd is a large dog breed that generally weighs between 55 and 90 pounds. They also usually stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulders. The other dog breed in the cross could result in a smaller or larger German Shepherd Mix. A German Shepherd generally lives for years. You should be able to expect a similar range in your German Shepherd Mix, but the other dog breed in the cross could affect this range. Featured German Shepherd Mix Article.
We were founded to save Houston area German Shepherd Dogs from neglect, abuse, abandonment and euthanization at high kill shelters. We are an excellent alternative for owners who must give up their cherished pets. Our team of tireless volunteers care for our foster dogs as family. We are based on the concept of placing all our dogs into loving foster homes, where they live with and become part of our fosters family until they find a forever home. Every dog in our care receives proper medical care, nourishment and the socialization needed to discover a new life without hunger, sickness, loneliness, or fear. We live to see these German Shepherds blossom as they realize that they are important to someone who genuinely loves having them as family. We are the guardians of the dogs and funds that you trust us to protect. Our entire organization is comprised of dedicated animal loving people who receive no compensation for their countless volunteer hours. We joined this team for the camaraderie and joy we get from working together to help man's best friends in the most important journey of their lives. Let us know! We are always looking for volunteers to help us make our vision a reality. We'll help you find a way to volunteer that best suits you. We're excited to have you join the team! Find out more about volunteering Thank You Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, thank you. We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you. Together, we can make a difference. We decided to form Lucky Shepherds from the belief that our society can never have too many animal advocates. Great rescue folks come from every walk of life. Each day gives us examples worldwide of rich and poor alike making personal sacrifices to help protect and shelter the forgotten and unwanted animals sharing our planet. Every political, economic, gender and race recognize equally the need to protect and cherish the joy that saving one dog can bring to each of us. Rescue work is a rare area of our society where we can truly come together and accomplish great works regardless of our worldly views. We will respect, appreciate, learn from and assist our fellow Houston area animal rescues whenever and however possible. There will always be more dogs than we can save as individual rescues. Working together in a collaborative, competent and organized manner benefits the dogs we serve as well as the good natured people who choose to give us their most cherished, non-replaceable resource, the time they volunteer with our organizations. We owe it to our volunteers to work together as efficiently and effectively as humanly possible. Our rescue strives to offer the support structure and organizational planning to ensure that our volunteers can focus on the rewarding side of our rescue without having to recreate the wheel on every mission. We all support each other in the village concept and never forget that it is our responsibility to create as rewarding of a volunteer experience as possible for those willing to give their time to our rescue. We do not have a brick and mortar shelter to house dogs that we take in. All of our dogs live in an approved animal loving foster home. Our foster families welcome each new Lucky Shepherd into their home as a part of their family. The foster families show these incoming dogs the love, nurturing and nutrition that most of them have never known. Our rescue provides the needed medical care, food and ongoing preventative care. All of our dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped and brought up to date on all of their vaccinations and immunizations before we place them up for adoption. Almost every shelter dog rescued will cost our rescue far more than the adoption fee we collect. We need funding to keep this rescue open. Please donate to us if you can. We operate this rescue with sound business judgement and respect for our donors and the funds they trust us to manage. The money that you give us will be used to support the dogs in our care. Thank you for your interest in our rescue. Please click the web page link for more information on our program. We are a breeder of German Shepherds and are located in the Houston tx area. All of our dogs are raised in a family enviornment along with our 2 year old twin girls and none are ever kept kenneled. Our sole purpose is to provide your family with an affordable German shepherd that will bring you joy and happiness. We know that everyone cannot afford the high priced dogs, but that does not mean that you should have to settle for a dog that you wont be happy with or that will have health problems. We have been in business since and our dogs have gone on to accomplish many things. First and fore-most they have been perfect family dogs, but some of our others have gone above and beyond. All of our puppies are handled daily and exposed to a variety of things before they leave us so that they are well socialized and ready to adapt to you and their new living situation when they leave. All pups go with their akc application, current worming, first round of shots minimum of 1 round depending on age , current vet check including fecal exam, 30 days pet insurance through AKC, lifetime breeder support, and are started on NuVet vitamins for added immune support. Deposits are non refundable, however deposit can be transferred to another litter. Please click on the menu button on top left corner to view our males, females, available pups, and upcoming litters. Any questions feel free to give us a call at .We are always available to answer any questions or concerns! We are a German Shepherd breeder that specializes in quality, intelligent dogs with proven superior genetics. We sell German Shepherd puppies that are the perfect choice for professionals and families. We focus on producing a stable, protective line of German Shepherds that you can trust with your children. Sweet tempered companions that will protect your family and property Our German Shepherds have incredible pedigrees and we carefully choose only the best genetics to constantly improve upon the German Shepherd bloodline. We have German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas, but arrangements can be made to sell a puppy to any state within the 48 contiguous states. We are always happy to talk or visit with you and would love to show you our beautiful German Shepherds. Our German Shepherd Dogs can be used for search and rescue, tracking, guarding, guide dogs for the blind or physically disabled, police work, show and of course a family pet. Our dogs are well socialized with children and other pets. Our puppies are AKC Registered and come with a health guarantee. Our high quality puppies are excellent with children and very easy to train. We have carefully selected world class German Shepherds with proven superior genetics. Our puppies have the potential to become champions in the show ring and your family hero. The West German bloodlines are bred to have great personalities and superb temperaments. They go through extensive training and rigorous testing to earn their titles. The West German Shepherd bloodlines are not just tested on their beauty and showmanship, but also on their ability to perform difficult tasks that require a high level of intelligence, motivation and desire to please their master. As a German Shepherd Breeder, it is our desire to provide you with an exceptional puppy that can bring you the same joy that ours have brought to our family. Our German Shepherds are the perfect choice for personal protection and are great companions for all ages. Testimonials: "Hi. He blended right into our family and we don't remember life before him. His temperament and intelligence are above average. At the vet I heard the vet and techs in the back gushing over how behaved he was and they sent me home with extra goodies for him hehe. He's already house trained. I've already been able to teach him two commands "here" and "place". He's also the best snuggler and is sooo very patient and forgiving with my tornado of a two year old son. He is the best dog I've had in my entire life and love him to the moon. I can't wait until he's old enough to start going on adventures with us. Thank ya'll for a wonderful dog! We get soooo much attention with her! We've had people literally pull off the road just to comment on her! Lots of people asking if we are going to breed her! We are meeting with someone on Friday to evaluate her for protection training. She's my girl and she knows her job well! Btw, people always ask me where I got her.I tell them all about you guys! Here are pictures of Liberty sunbathing with her sister, Queen Bitsy! She loves her boy! We have answers. German Shepherd cost will vary based on a number of different factors, as breeders may charge differently for experience, pedigree, coat color or type white German Shepherd puppies for sale in Houston , and even gender. We eliminate that risk using our strict screening process, a binding Breeder Pledge, and a powerful MatchMaker system that matches great breeders and businesses with great families. Does Uptown Puppies breed their own German Shepherd puppies? Instead, we focus on making connections between dog-seeking families like yours and the ethical breeders and companies you can count on to bring you on the healthiest, happiest puppies. With Uptown, you can skip straight to the fun part of finding a dog. What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are almost like factories for dogs, where dogs are bred on an industrial scale for the sole sake of profit. Do you have Houston German Shepherd puppies now? As the Uptown partner network expands and grows, odds are great that we can help you find your dream dog. Basically, MatchMaker is how we ensure that the right dogs are going to the right families. How can I be sure Uptown is trustworthy? Puppy mills and dishonest breeders are all over the web. Just have a look at some of our Alumni to see the difference a bit of love can make.
Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd dogs are known for their athletic capabilities, intelligence, and loyalty, making them one of India's most sought after breeds. Dog lovers are enamoured by the German shepherd's majestic appearance, intellect and guarding abilities. If you have decided or have recently become a German Shepherd's parent, you should be grateful to have such a loving and loyal companion who will stand by you no matter what in the years to come. However, parenting a German Shepherd is not an easy feat. Multiple factors need to be taken into consideration before you are confident that you will be able to provide for the needs of this dog. Parenting a German Shepherd is a highly gratifying affair, but the first step is choosing your puppy and caring for it. It needs to be planned out carefully to ensure that you and your dog spend all your days enjoying maximum satisfaction. This article will run you down through all the crucial decisions and actions that must be taken, starting from whether you should parent a German Shepherd, all the way to how you can care for your puppy. Is a German Shepherd is right for you? Before answering this question, it is imperative to check if parenting any German Shepherd is right for you to begin with. This breed is a very demanding one. It requires plentiful exercise to remain physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate playtime and activity, dogs of this breed can become destructive. So the question here is, do you have the facilities required to give your German shepherd this level of exercise? Do you have a yard, a park or a lawn near you where you can exercise your dog? Do you have the time to take them out on frequent walks? German Shepherds are usually suitable for people who engage in high-intensity sports such as running and bicycling. Will you be able to engage in such activities for the benefit of your dog as well as you? Similarly, German Shepherds are highly sociable animals and thrive in interactive environments. They need other dogs or people around them most of the time. Does your daily routine allow you to be near your dog for long periods of time? If you plan to leave your German shepherd at home for hours a day while you are working, this breed may not be suitable for you. Dogs of this breed are also prone to excessive shedding, and you need to be ready to find a lot of dog fur all around you. Being a large breed, feeding and taking care of these dogs are time and money intensive. They live long lives and can suffer from health problems too, and thus, caring for them can be an expensive affair. Thus, these are some of the questions that need to be answered to gauge whether a German Shepherd is indeed right for you to begin with. With these conditions in place, this breed may not be ideal for first-time dog parents. Coming to the type of German Shepherd that is right for you, this breed can be classified into two categories - work line type and show line type dogs. The differentiation is based on the heritage of the dogs of this breed and the purpose for which they were bred. Show lines were mainly bred for their look, colour and body type. Work Lines were primarily bred for their health and personality rather than to look a certain way. The line you choose depends on what you really want to be doing with your German shepherd. Work lines should be chosen if you seek a family pet or want some type of function to be performed because this type is known for its trainability, knowledge and skill. However, if you are more concerned with your dog's appearance, then going after show lines might be more appropriate. It must be mentioned, though, that it is possible to find show line dogs with the same characteristics as work line dogs and vice versa if they have been bred by individuals who are concerned with their appearance as well as health. Beyond work and show lines, age is another essential factor to consider. A good breeder would not offer puppies that are lesser than 8 weeks old as they still require their mother's milk as well as other social skills. Puppies who have received this from their mothers will be less likely to engage in destructive and unruly behaviour. First and foremost, verify that the puppy's parents have good health and desirable temperaments. Then examine the puppy in terms of health and hygiene by checking the eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, paws, etc. Study the gait of your puppy; it should be even. With German Shepherds, in particular, it is vital that you choose a pup that does not have undesirable traits. Visit the breeder at least four to five times before making a decision. Choosing a pup from the litter that is neither the timidest nor the most dominant would be wise if you want a bit of both traits. A German Shepherd puppy that is well built, energetic and sociable would be ideal. Next, to gauge the temperament of a puppy you want to select, you could perform a few simple tests, such as making eye contact with them. If they hold contact, it reflects confidence. It might be a sign of nervousness and anxiety if it looks away. Clapping your hands is another simple test. If the puppy runs away, it can be judged as timid, but it can signify that the pup wants to be friends if it approaches you. Similarly, other tests include calling the puppy to pet it, introducing it to a new toy, making a sudden noise, lifting the puppy and holding it above your head, or grabbing its paw. The reaction of puppies to such actions can provide much-needed insight into a puppy's temperament and help prospective dog parents make the right choice. On the one hand, if you prefer a dog that isn't prone to undermining your authority, it would be sensible to choose a moderately submissive puppy. On the other hand, if you want a dog for protection, it would be wise to choose a tough, trainable, and courageous puppy. After four to five visits, it would be possible for you to judge correctly - the personality and various character traits of the puppy you're interested in. As German Shepherds have highly individual personalities, you might bond more with one German Shepherd than the other. Lastly, before making a final decision, it is always good to ask the breeder for their opinion, as good breeders often have vital information about their puppies and can provide valuable insight into their characteristics and temperaments, thereby ensuring that you exactly find what you are looking for. Bringing Your German Shepherd Puppy Home Once you have established a rapport with a puppy and have made up your mind about becoming a dog parent, or a dog parent to another puppy, take a friend or companion with you who can help you clean up if your puppy is carsick. If you intend on making your puppy comfortable in a crate, give the crate to the breeder a few days before you bring the puppy home so that the breeder can help it acclimatize itself to the crate. The first day at home will be a traumatic experience for your puppy as it is away from its family. Thus, ensure that your puppy has a place to be comfortable and relaxed, with an adequate amount of food and water. It would be wise to spend some time exclusively with your puppy initially, such as an extended weekend plan so that your bond can grow. Be sure to collect your puppy's adoption contract and veterinary records. Furthermore, find out the exact kind of food that the breeder was giving the puppy you just adopted. Giving your pup entirely different food during the first few days can be traumatic for them. With their unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds, your home and car can frighten your puppy, leading it to stress out and get anxious. Anticipate this and give your pup some time to adjust to the new environment. The first few days can be demanding as a dog parent because you need to adapt to changes in your schedule with the arrival of your puppy. Similarly, the puppy, too, can cry, whine or get overly affectionate, which can be regarded as coping mechanisms to deal with the sudden change in environment. During this time, make sure you don't scold your puppy or be overly affectionate either. Before bringing your newly adopted puppy home, it is essential for you to puppy-proof your home! Go down on all fours and check for sharp objects, hazardous materials, or any other dangerous substance that your puppy might end up chewing or swallowing. Cover your electrical outlets as well. Stock your home with food that your puppy has been eating while under the breeder's care. Keep an adequate amount of food and water, water bowls, treats, and grooming tools such as brushes, shampoos for puppies and nail clippers. Cleaning detergent for stains and smells will also come in handy in case of any accidents. Decide on that area of the house that will be where your puppy spends most of its time. This step is crucial as constantly changing your puppy's place can lead to disruptive sleep patterns and cause stress. German Shepherds, being extremely active, will tend to run across your halls, and in such cases, an accident or two are bound to happen. In such cases, it would be a good idea to restrict your dog's movements to areas that can be cleaned easily. Furthermore, German Shepherds have sharp claws and can ruin expensive hardwood floors, so it would be wise to keep them away from such flooring. As mentioned previously, your puppy will be nervous during the first few days. Frequent bathroom breaks will be a necessity for your pup, and thus, keep an area designated just for this purpose. Also, let your dog run around the house and acquaint itself with its surroundings. If your dog is chewing or biting furniture in a puppy-proofed home, you could offer a toy as a distraction. If you have children, teach them how to properly handle your puppy without being too rough. If you have other pets, give your pup a chance to meet and acknowledge them. Be careful while introducing your puppy to other puppies and grown dogs. However, most dogs are not aggressive with puppies, so it is doubtful that you will face problems on this front. Between eight and sixteen weeks of age, Puppies require plenty of clean water to drink and many meals a day. They also have small bladders and hence, will urinate often. Since they expend a lot of energy during the day, they will take several naps. It would be recommended to begin a daily routine for your pup and stick to it. Since German Shepherds require a lot of physical activity, taking them out in the mornings and evenings for an adequate amount of time religiously would be necessary. The faster you get your pup accustomed to a routine, the more beneficial it is to better sleeping schedules and better mental and physical health. When you begin house training your dog, be sure to praise them when they relieve themselves in designated areas but refrain from punishing them if they fail to do so. Remember that your home is a new environment for them, and thus, it will take a while to house train them. Training Your German Shepherd Puppy. Training your dog from the day they come home is very important. Clear rules should be set that should not be broken. For example, if you do not want your dog to get on the bed, do not let them come on the bed ever. Allowing them sometimes and then not other times gets confusing for your dog, and they may not be able to learn the desired behaviour effectively. Training your puppy can be divided into two stages, each with different objectives. The first stage of training needs to take place when your pup is between eight to sixteen weeks of age. In this period, socialization, house training and crate training goals must be accomplished. The second stage of training needs to occur when your puppy is three months of age until about 9 months. The main objectives of this training phase are obedience training, impulse control, and recall. From 8 - 16 weeks Goal: Socialization German shepherds are very protective of their owners. This makes it essential to make them see that other individuals are not necessarily threats. This period is critical to expose your puppy to different people in non-threatening situations. This can help them grow more confident around strangers instead of becoming hostile. Socialization creates a strong foundation for the rest of your puppy's training. One example of socialization comes from the grooming requirements of this breed. German Shepherds need to be groomed regularly so that they don't shed a lot. Thus, introducing them to groomers at a young age and to tools like blow dryers and nail clippers can help achieve this goal of adapting to social environments. Furthermore, to improve their mental development, expose your puppy to new sights, sounds and smells to help their confidence improve. Goal: Crate Training Training your puppy to sleep or stay in a crate can be difficult at first as they might face separation anxiety. Crate training is necessary if you prefer sleeping alone or washing the utensils in the kitchen and need your puppy to stay in one place for a couple of minutes. Patience is key to achieving this goal. Help them get over their separation anxiety with the help of treats and toys. You can also use your crate for feeding purposes to help your pup get more acclimated to it. Goal: House Training A strict schedule can help get your dog house trained. When your pup is around 8 weeks old, it should be taken outside for a bathroom break every two hours or so. At 12 weeks, it should be taken every 3 hours and around 16 weeks, every 4 hours or so. Begin teaching your puppy how to eliminate on cue by looking for signs such as sniffing the floor or circling a particular spot, or going to an area where it has made a mess before. Using a command to push your puppy to go outside to relieve itself can be helpful. Remember to praise your pup when it obeys such actions. From 3 - 9 Months Goal: Obedience Training German Speherds are acutely intellectual and have a commendable work ethic. Training that has begun early and consistently can help your puppy's best traits and features emerge with time. Dogs of this breed are excellent at obeying commands, and you can begin this type of training by teaching basic commands such as stay, down, and up. They can even be trained to walk on a leash easily during this period. Goal: Recall When obedience training is done right, the goal of recalling or successfully calling your puppy to come to you becomes relatively easier. Achieving recall takes patience and practice. It should be done diligently and on a daily basis, using treats and toys as incentives. Achieving this goal can come in handy during emergency situations as well. Goal: Impulse Control German Shepherds are highly susceptible to boredom, often resulting in excessive and inappropriate chewing, barking, chasing, etc. They also have a tendency to chase down cars and even cats. Such impulses need to be controlled as they can otherwise lead to destructive and problematic behaviour. Training for impulse control simply means getting your puppy to pay attention to you when required. You can begin such type of training by getting your puppy to sit before eating or using commands during playtime, which makes them focus on your voice only. Treats and toys could be attractive incentives to encourage your pup to respond positively to commands. Feeding Your German Shepherd Puppy. Remember to follow the breeder's diet in the initial days and gradually change this diet to incorporate different foods. Milk should not be given to puppies at this age as it can cause diarrhoea. Puppies need to be given food rich in protein, calcium and fats as they are still growing. Their food needs to be higher in calories when compared to the food given to a grown dog. When you give your puppy a food bowl, give it a specific window of time to finish eating, such as 10 or 15 minutes. After this period, remove the bowl. This will help your pup understand that it has to eat during a specific period of time only, which is a valuable component of obedience training. Between 4 to 6 months of age, you can start feeding your puppy increased portions of food four times a day. Foods such as meat and vegetables would be ideal. Treats should only be resorted to during training and not as actual food for mealtimes. Make sure to never give leftover human food to puppies as they contain spices, salt, sugar and so on, which are very unhealthy for dogs. FAQs: Are german shepherd puppies hard to take care of? Not just german shepherds, all puppies are hard to take care of initially. This is because it is exactly like getting a newborn baby home. There will be sleepless nights, vet visits, training, creating and sticking to routines and so on. However, these efforts will eventually pay off, because once your pup is trained, they will be socialized and can adapt to your lifestyle easily. How many times should a german shepherd puppy eat a day? For up to four months, puppies should be fed three to four times a day. Post this period, gradually reduce the number of times your pup is fed. After eight to nine months, two meals a day will suffice. Where should my german shepherd sleep? German shepherds are highly sociable animals and should not be left alone for too long. Puppies should be trained to sleep in a crate or share the bed with you if you so desire. As they grow older, they can be allowed to sleep in a crate, or in an area specially designed for them. What are the best foods for german shepherd puppies? Like other puppies, they too require meals that are high in protein, grain-free, rich in good quality fats without any chemicals, artificial additives etc. Is it okay to feed a german Shephard 3 times a day? Up to eight to nine months of age, it is okay to feed your German Shepherd three times a day. However, feeding them twice a day is more than enough beyond this age. The amount of food ultimately depends on your dog's age, size, weight, and levels of physical activity. When do german shepherd puppies stop biting and jumping? It is perfectly normal for your puppy to constantly bite, chew, or jump for the first four to six months. However, while teething is normal, you must redirect your puppy to chew on toys and other things that are appropriate instead of household furniture. Do not wait to think issues will be resolved after months. Get professional help from day 1 to teach your pup the right behaviours. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are amazing dogs with perfect guiding skills and prominent intellect. If you have decided to get one for your home, be sure that you will obtain an obedient, loyal, and reliable friend. However, you need to know the main principles of German Shepherd puppy care to understand how to raise your dog healthy, energetic, and well-trained. Consider whether this dog breed is for you. Home conditions play a great role, so ensure that your GS puppy will feel great at your home. Consider such things as feeding , house training, socializing, exercising, playing, bedding, teaching obedience, grooming, and medical treatment. This guide will help you to find out more about this fascinating breed and how to deal with it with less effort. German Shepherd Puppy Care Starts with the First Minutes You can select your German Shepherd either as a puppy from a reputable breeder or as an adult dog in a dog shelter. Remember that your relationships with your fluffy friend start with the very first minutes of your acquaintance. Bringing a Puppy Home Suppose you have chosen a puppy from a breeder. Now, the first task is to bring it home. Bring someone with you to facilitate the task. You can use a puppy crate. So, ask your breeder to introduce the puppy to it several days before you take it home. However, taking a young puppy from its mother and siblings is always a big stress. Do your best to reduce it. If it is purebred, you may need a copy of a pedigree certificate. It is important if you want your dog to participate in shows. If you take the puppy home in a car, try to reduce the stress from new odors and experiences by letting it explore the inside of a vehicle to get used to it for a while before you drive. The puppy can start whining, so you may want to put it on your lap. However, puppies usually feel carsick and frightened, so they may make a mess. If your trip is long, you may stop and let your puppy stretch and relieve itself. You have already prepared it for a new tenant. This preparation should involve taking away all electrical wires, dangerous materials, tiny and sharp items, and everything your puppy can chew or swallow. You will also need chew toys, and a good cleaning detergent because accidents can happen during the first days. Learn the basics of how to care for a German Shepherd puppy before you bring it home. You may need to know how to arrange an area for sleeping , playing, and relieving. Start with introducing your little one to the potty place outside, and then bring it inside. Your doggy needs to get used to its new home first. So, let it explore the room meant for its stay first. If your puppy starts chewing furniture or house items, give it a chewing toy. Your new friend wants to see a pack leader in you, so it is essential to take this role from the very first minute. You can do it right now because further on it may try to challenge this role. Speak calmly but firmly, call the puppy by its name, and encourage it. If you have young kids, explain to them how to deal with the doggy. Introduce other pets to it. If you have a cat, it is likely not to care much about the puppy. Your cat will just sit and observe. Though, if you have other dogs, they may show a sort of aggression. So, you may need a muzzle for your dog at first to protect the puppy. When you see that they start getting on well, you may take off the muzzle. After that, you can feed your pup. Offer it some food that it is used to. After eating, take the doggy outside for relief. Wait for minutes and then take it back inside. Young puppies need to be fed several times per day, and they should have a lot of drinking water in a separate bowl. It may be the start of house training. However, accidents may happen, so do not scold or punish it. You also need to take your pup outside after every playing session. Try not to feed the doggy before it goes to bed, or you will have a sleepless night. Your puppy needs a special place for bedding. It may be a crate or some mat in a designated part of the room. Your little dog will go to it as soon as it wants to take a nap when it understands that it is its bedding. The First Night at Home Is Challenging The first night in a new place is a challenging and stressful experience for a puppy. It may start crying and whining because it is a pack animal and its instincts prompt it that staying alone is hazardous. So, you need to be in contact with your little one all the time. Avoid giving it food or drink immediately before going to bed because it will end in a mess in the room. Play with the pup for a while to make sure it is tired and ready to sleep. Take it outside before sleep and praise it if it is successful in doing its job. It will be difficult to eliminate this habit in the future. The best way is using the crate. Though, keep the crate not far from you to keep an eye on the pup. You can put it in your bedroom for the first night to make it feel comfortable. Give the puppy a treat before placing it into a crate. The puppy may want to potty at night, so take it out every three hours. You may need to take it out just once during the first nine months of age. You should offer optimal conditions for health, well-being, and daily activities. Month One Breeders are usually fully responsible for the care of a puppy during its first month. There is a strong risk of infections from adult animals and people that can lead to death. The mother is responsible for hygiene. At the age of 3- 6 weeks , breeders should carry out the first deworming. If there is a risk of infections, the puppies should receive their first preventive vaccination. More about 6 week old GSD puppy care. Month Two At this age, a puppy can have its new owner. Weaning from a mother is always significant stress, so if you take the puppy from the breeder, try to distract it with toys and continuous communication. When at home, the doggy needs a determined place for living. The ideal option is to keep it in an enclosed space with a special booth. When you want to keep the dog in a kennel, use straw or hay for its bedding. You can leave your pet unattended for a while during this time, but not for a long time to avoid stress. Moreover, it can start gnawing on something dangerous, get poisoned, and die. Do hair brushing times a week. Do not bathe the puppy before the vaccination. Even adult German Shepherds should not be washed more than 3 times per year. If there is a need for more frequent washing, do not use shampoo. Clean the ears and teeth 1 or 2 times per month. Monitor the eyes. If some redness or tearing appears, contact the vet. Vaccinate your puppy against plague, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus enteritis, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis at this age. Do deworming 2 weeks before the vaccination. Observe a 3-week quarantine after the first vaccination before walking outside. Do not bathe the puppy, change its diet, or do much exercise during this time. More about 2 month old GSD puppy care. Months Three-Six The puppy grows quickly during this time. Its limbs become longer, and the doggy is getting stronger. Start regular walking with the puppy. The first walks should be no more than 5 minutes, but at the age of 4 months , you can walk with it for minutes already. Up to 6 months, it is advisable to walk times a day, but when the puppy gets older, 2 long walks are enough. Take your puppy outside in your arms for the first walks, and then offer it moderate runs and games. Take care of its musculoskeletal system from the first months. The second vaccination is needed at the age of 3 months , and the next one is after the change of teeth. The teeth change at months, so the ears may drop down during this period because of a lack of calcium. As a breed, however, German Shepherds often show these other traits: Easily bored if not given something to do, which may lead to barking or chewing Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog Overprotective of family and territory if not socialized properly Can have an unstable temperament if not bred properly, including excessive barking, hyperactivity, or aggression Suspicious of strangers Prone to a number of health problems She is a faithful companion that can excel at most anything. With early socialization and confident leadership, she is a cheerful and dependable addition to any family. The German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany in .The German Shepherd has consistently been one of the most popular breeds in the United States since the early s with a rise in fame then attributed to canine film stars Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart. GSDs are favored working dogs because of their strength, intelligence, versatility, and obedient natures. The German Shepherd is unmatched in her devotion and courage. She is eager to serve a greater cause with her human companions. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Shepherd. By knowing about health concerns specific to German Shepherd Dogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in German Shepherd Dogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for German Shepherd Dogs. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your GSD looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your German Shepherd is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections German Shepherd Dogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in German Shepherd Dogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. The Vida Veterinary Care doctors will also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Shepherd is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. This means your Shepherd is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Digestive Disorders Several inherited conditions can cause recurring vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss in your Shepherd. These conditions include pancreatic or intestinal disease, food sensitivities, and food allergies. Some of these problems may begin very early in life. To help prevent these conditions, feed only a high-quality pet food we can help you choose the right diet and, most importantly, avoid snacks and table food. The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific digestive disorders your pet may encounter. Bleeding Disorders Your breed is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test, as we may not know your pet has this disorder until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency The pancreas has two major functions: regulating blood sugar and helping digest food. Digestive enzymes are produced by the exocrine part of the pancreas. GSDs are at an increased risk of having too few digestive enzymes, a disorder called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This causes inadequate digestion and absorption of nutrients leading to weight loss; foul-smelling, greasy diarrhea; and a dry and flaky coat due to his inability to absorb dietary fats. Lifelong dietary supplementation of digestive enzymes is an effective therapy. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. The disease is caused when the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing the disc to press on the spinal cord. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump or go up stairs, is reluctant to move around, has a hunched back, cries out, or refuses to eat or go potty, he is likely in severe pain. He may even experience sudden paralysis—he may drag his back feet or be unable to get up or use his back legs. Call us or an emergency clinic immediately! For less severe cases, rest and medication may resolve the problem. And as with so many other diseases, weight control helps reduce the risk of IVDD. You should also provide ramps or steps for your pet from puppyhood on to prevent your dog from stressing his back by jumping on and off of the furniture. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Growing Shepherds can suffer from a painful inflammation of the long bones in the legs called eosinophilic panosteitis, or pano or eo-pan for short. It usually starts around six to ten months of age and shifts from leg to leg. Panosteitis usually causes no permanent damage, but requires pain medication. If your dog has this condition and develops an abnormal gait to compensate for the sore leg s , rehabilitation exercises may be required. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and German Shepherd Dogs are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Heart Disease German Shepherd Dogs are prone to multiple types of heart disease , which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control also go a long way in preventing heart disease. Unfortunately, German Shepherd Dogs can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Shepherds. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. In affected breeds, inflammatory cells infiltrate the cornea the clear part of the eye , which then darkens with exposure to ultraviolet light, and may lead to complete blindness. Doggie sunglasses are also an option to help reduce sun exposure. Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your GSD will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific cancers your pet may encounter. This is a common problem in dogs, and your Shepherd is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite, and reduced activity level followed later by a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss. Treatment usually includes oral medications and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, causes a wobbly, drunken gait in affected pets. Wobbler disease is the result of a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck that pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. When pinched, the nerves do not send signals to the brain as they should causing the pet to be unable to feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice with wobbler disease are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Treatment options include medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery. It affects GSDs more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs, eventually suffering from paralysis in his hindquarters, which also leads to incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture , and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but German Shepherds have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Anal Gland Problems German Shepherds are prone to a painful, longterm condition in which the area around the anus becomes inflamed or develops sores. Signs include bleeding, constipation, licking of the area, smelly discharge around the rectum, and straining or apparent pain when defecating. This condition can be difficult to treat and requires lifelong medications, prescription food, and sometimes even surgery. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Taking Care of Your German Shepherd Dog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your GSD live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. German Shepherd Dogs generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She has a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a fenced yard is a must. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your German Shepherd Dog needs help. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Since German shepherds are large, active dogs and are known to have hips that give out, it's important to make sure they have good nutrition throughout their lives. Make sure to buy healthy food that is not full of filler ingredients. For example, make sure you are feeding a quality food that contains animal protein and doesn't use corn for protein. You can feed your German shepherd dry or wet food, or a combination of both. If you choose to feed your German shepherd homemade meals, it's important to talk to your veterinarian about what they need to include. This will help ensure that the dog will get a balanced diet. Try to resist giving your dog table scraps, especially if it is begging for them. People food can be unhealthy for the dog and can impact its interest in its healthy food. As your dog ages, it will have different nutritional needs. Feed your dog a food that is designed for its specific age, such as a puppy food when it very young, an adult food when it is in middle age, and senior food when it is in old age. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source There are also specific formulas you may need to consider at some point, for example, special foods for large breeds or weight control food for overweight dogs. Talk to your vet about what food will work best for your dog. Because your vet will understand your specific dog's health issues, they may want it to get specific nutritional needs met. Instead, mix the foods together, gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old food over the course of several weeks. Look at the packaging of the food to determine the suggested serving size. This should be based on the size and age of your dog. You can also talk to your veterinarian about how much they think your dog should be eating. It is best to divide your German shepherd's daily food into 2 or more smaller meals. Giving smaller meals helps to minimize the risk of bloat, which is a life-threatening swelling of the abdomen. Go to source When you feed your dog several times a day, your dog will need to relieve themselves shortly after each meal. Never exercise a German shepherd right after they eat since this could increase the risk of bloating. In addition to feeding it healthy food, the snacks you feed your German shepherd can have an impact on its health. Pick low calorie treats that are satisfying for dogs, including crunchy vegetables and kibble in a feeding toy that slows the dog's consumption down. Dogs can drink a lot of water every day and it's important that they do to prevent dehydration. Fill up its bowl with clean water every day and leave it where your dog has access to it. Also, check up on the bowl throughout the day, if possible, to make sure there is plenty of water available. However, German shepherds should drink small amounts of water throughout the day, instead of drinking a large amount at one time. Gradually hydrating throughout the day will ensure that the dog doesn't get bloat. Dehydration can be a threat to your dog's health. Signs that it might be dehydrated and needs more water include excessive panting, loss of appetite, and dry nose or gums. If you see these symptoms, give your dog water immediately. Go to source Advertisement.
Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. When do labs Stop Growing? Labs need to fill out more than smaller breeds as they are medium to large-sized dogs. Usually, an average Lab will be at full height and weight by their first birthday. Is Your Labrador Retriever Healthy? Labrador Retrievers are the perfect family pet. Not only are Labs wonderful companions, but their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and love for life make them ideal members of any household. The best way to guarantee that happiness? Preventative care! This condition can cause pain and make it difficult for your pup to move freely. Due to CHD, they may also develop arthritis in the hip area as they age. Some dogs with CHD have normal hips as puppies, but they can develop joint instability later in life. Unfortunately, CHD affects medium to large dog breeds, with the Lab amongst those dogs with a higher chance of developing this condition. Recognizing the early signs of this progressive disease will help you get treatment for your dog so he has an active life filled with joy instead of pain or discomfort. An old Labrador Retriever is especially prone to developing this disease. Osteoarthritis, or Degenerative Joint Disease DJD , is a progressive inflammation of the joints caused by deterioration and breakdown in cartilage. This action leads to an increase in friction, which causes significant pain for dogs. In cases of osteoarthritis, this cartilage cushion begins to break down because of factors such as age or injury. If a dog has canine atopic dermatitis, the immune system reacts too strongly to common environmental allergens absorbed through the skin, such as mold spores and grass. A dog with atopic dermatitis will typically show signs and symptoms between 3 months to 6 years of age. Labrador Retrievers are amongst the most common dog breeds to develop food and skin allergies. Gastric Distention and Volvulus Bloat Canine bloat , or gastric distention and volvulus GDV , is a condition where the stomach swells abnormally. Bloat is a serious condition that requires immediate emergency care. Dogs of all shapes and sizes can bloat, but some breeds are more susceptible than others. Unfortunately, Labradors are at the top of the list for susceptibility to this condition. The causes of bloat in Labs and other dogs are unknown, but there is likely a genetic element. Dogs who recover from bloating should never be used as breeding stock again. Got a Lab? Get Pet Insurance Coverage You love your dog like a child, but you cannot control what your puppy is dealt with in the genetics department. Health struggles can affect your Labrador Retriever, and his genes will determine what medical conditions or diseases he develops. What if cancer happens? What else might go wrong with your dog in an emergency that will require immediate attention? As a dog owner, you want to make sure that your Lab pup has the best chance possible at living a healthy and happy life. A pet insurance policy will handle any medical issue or expense which may come your way, which is a significant help, especially with how expensive veterinary bills can get. Get insurance quotes today and see for yourself how much better life will be with this coverage. Can you tell how big a puppy will get? Your puppy will be growing very fast when you first bring them home. But that growth rate slows down quite quickly. So when do dogs stop growing for good? And how will you know when your puppy has reached their adult size? Labrador Puppy Growth Chart We have a fascinating and long running thread on our forum, where members enter the weights of their puppies at different ages. The Labrador growth chart below shows the data we have collected, in a Labrador weight chart by age. Labrador dog weight chart by age and breed Each dot represents a snapshot in time of an individual puppy. You can find his or her age in weeks along the bottom of the chart and his weight in pounds up the left hand side. You can see how all the dots taken together follow a pattern, but there is still a considerable range of puppy weights at each age. When Do Dogs Stop Growing? But what about a two year old Lab, or a one year old? Well, in broad terms, dogs stop growing sometime between one and two years old. But it varies between breeds. Most dogs are fully grown by their first birthday. In general small breeds reach their adult height several months before large breeds do. Yet dog size varies greatly among individuals, even within the same breed. Larger dogs are often slower to mature than little dogs, and carry on growing for longer. Small dogs are sometimes fully grown by the time they are 9 months old. Whereas giant breeds can take up to three years to reach full size. Adult size, temperament, and coat type are all likely to affect energy requirements, and affect the rate a puppy grows. In fact even breeds which end up similar in size can grow at very different rates. There is very little scientific research — but a lot of anecdotal evidence — about when Lab puppies stop growing. In , a UK study following 37 Lab puppies through to adulthood revealed that all of them had reached their adult weight by their first birthday. But more recently, a much larger lifestyle study of over 4, UK Labradors found that their weight continued to increase between one and four years old. When Do Labs Stop Growing? The Labrador puppy growth chart finishes when the dog reaches adulthood. General wisdom from breeders, vets, and experiences Labrador owners is that Labs stop growing during their second year. In fact, he will be quite close to his final adult Labrador height at around nine months of age. Does color change the Labrador puppy growth chart? When is a chocolate Lab full grown? Is it the same time that a full grown black Labrador or yellow Lab? So your average chocolate Lab will be adult sizes at the same time as the average yellow or black Lab. How Quickly Do Labradors Grow? Our Labrador puppy growth chart shows that all Labrador puppies follow the same breed specific pattern of growth spurts and slower growth, even though the actual numbers on the scale will vary from individual to individual. The most rapid period of growth will take place in the first month or so after you bring him home. In , a study of Labrador puppies in Norway found that Labrador weight gain is most rapid at 89 days old in females, and 95 days old in males. So around the week mark. And Labradors usually reach half of their adult weight by the time they are 18 or 19 weeks old. How much do Labs grow after 6 months? Another trend you can see in our Labrador puppy growth chart is that Lab puppies gain weight much less rapidly after their 6 month birthday. Once your Lab has hit this milestone you can expect them to gain a little height, and probably continue to fill out for up to a year or so. In other words, the point when you Lab stops getting any taller. It is estimated that in the UK the average height at the shoulders of a male Lab is cm taller than the breed standard. Will my dog still grow after being neutered? Whether or not dogs should be routinely spayed or neutered is a subject which divides opinion. Labrador owners deciding whether and when to neuter usually end up with a lot of questions, few of which have straightforward answers. Many veterinary care providers and shelters advocate neutering at a young age, or even make it a requirement of the adoption contract. A study found that neutering before 37 weeks old is linked to very slightly more rapid growth, and neutering after 37 weeks leads to very slightly slower growth. How big do Labrador Retrievers get? As we all know, very few dogs fit the mathematical average — they are much more likely to occupy a range of normal sizes. But most of us like a more precise answer than that before we commit to sharing our home with a puppy. So, how big do Labs get? Labradors are remarkably variable in height and weight. The biggest male Labs can be almost twice the size of the smallest female ones. But you want me to give you some numbers, so here are some averages. Many adult female Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches high at the shoulder. This will be the same whether they are a female chocolate Lab or a female black Labrador. Many adult male Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches at the shoulder. But remember, your dog is probably not an average dog! Can you always predict size with a Labrador puppy growth chart? These Labrador height and weight numbers are very broad guidelines, and they may give you a rough idea of how big a pup will grow. How big your Labrador will get depends partly on his parents. Assuming that your puppy had healthy not overweight parents, their own weights will give you an idea of how big your Lab is likely to grow. But there are always surprises in any group or family of dogs! Has your puppy stalled on the Labrador puppy growth chart? It is possible that your puppy will weigh less than the average examples. Labrador puppy weight and size can vary widely depending on a number of different factors, many of which are normal and harmless. American Labrador puppy growth Labrador puppies from working stock are often less heavy than those bred for the show ring or pet homes. Dogs bred for hunting and field trials tend to be faster and lighter in build because they are expected to be agile and quick when working in the field. Small parents Size is also partly genetic. In other words, if your puppy had small parents he might well be on the small size for his age, throughout his life. Again, this is only a general guide. Even puppies from the same litter can vary quite considerably in size when plotted on a Labrador puppy growth chart. How much should my Labrador puppy weigh? But this kind of rule of thumb is of limited use, and there are problems with judging whether or not a puppy is thriving by his weight alone. Because it is so difficult to know exactly what size your puppy will be as an adult, no-one can really say what he should weigh today, or any other day. It may however give you an indication if your puppy is seriously under or overweight. It is rare for puppies to have any kind of growth disorder. Or for their families to starve them by mistake! But it is also normal to worry a little if your puppy seems on the small side. Is my puppy is too fat or too thin? The very best guide to whether a puppy is the right weight for him, is how he looks and feels. Not where he falls on an average Labrador puppy growth chart. Physically examining and observing your puppy will help you decide if they are doing ok in this respect. Just like older Labradors, puppies should not be too heavy. Most experts nowadays like to see a waist on even quite young puppies. Does it matter if my puppy is a bit plump? We all used to think that puppy fat was a good thing. When I was a child fat puppies were the norm. Perhaps this extra layer of fat was helpful in sustaining the puppy during illness before vaccinations were widely available for dogs? Nowadays, the thinking is that puppies should be slim. With a defined waist, just like an older dog. It causes their bones to grow too rapidly as well. And this may result in painful skeletal abnormalities in later life. Chubby Lab puppies might be plotted higher than average on the Labrador puppy growth chart, but if they are a shorter stature they could be following the line. You need to assess your pup by how they look and feel. Weighing your puppy If your puppy has been ill and is very thin, or if he has become rather overweight , you might consider weighing him in order to monitor his progress on a Labrador puppy growth chart of your own. If you can see his ribs, or feel them very easily just beneath his skin, your Labrador puppy is too thin. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian. You can show them your Labrador puppy growth chart too, so they have a good idea of how they are progressing. My dog weighs 35lbs at six months old. Is that OK? I mentioned above that an average Labrador might weigh around 50lbs at six months old. But there is huge variation around this figure. To illustrate how much very healthy puppies may vary, there are 6 month old Labs on our forum weighing 30lbs, and others weighing 60lbs! These are very different points on the same Labrador puppy growth chart, but could both be healthy animals. And the truth is, no-one can tell you exactly what your six month old pup should weigh, or indeed your Labrador of any age. What age does a puppy turn into a dog? When does a puppy no longer belong on a Labrador puppy growth chart but instead have reached their adult size? And when will your puppy be a fully grown up dog? There are three aspects to changing from puppy to dog: physical maturity and mental maturity. Sexual maturity in puppies People are often surprised to discover that puppies become sexually mature before they are full grown. These sexually mature pups still belong on the Labrador puppy growth chart, and will gain weight and height. Most Labradors are physically capable of breeding while still puppies. Though of course they should not be allowed to do so. Many female Labradors come into season for the first time between at between six and nine months old. Though some will be over a year old. And most male Labradors are ready and willing to mate well before their first birthday! Mental maturity in puppies Not only is your Labrador physically still a puppy when he or she reaches sexual maturity. He is also very much a puppy mentally and emotionally. In fact, many experts do not consider a Labrador to be fully grown up and mature until they are around two years old. In practice, there is no exact age at which you can definitely say your puppy is a grown up. Some puppies mature mentally and physically quicker than others. As a broad guide, you will often hear people use 18 months as the divide between Labrador puppy and adult dog. When do dogs stop growing? Most Labradors will have completed much of their growth by their first birthday and will stop growing completely before their second. Beyond this point there is no need to plot their weight on a Labrador puppy growth chart, but instead they should just be monitored physically. Weights vary greatly among individuals of this breed and puppy weight unless very extreme, is not a great guide to health. Enjoy your puppy for what he is, large Labrador or small. Just remember to check with your vet if you think he is unwell or not growing as he should. Is your Labrador puppy still growing? Do you think the runt of the litter is going to surprise you by reaching the upper end of the scale? Were your predictions at X months completely confounded? Share your anecdotes in the comments box down below! Labrador puppy weight. It can be hard to know what the right weight is for your specific pup. An American Lab is likely to weigh less than an English Lab in general, but not always! How much do Labs weigh in general? Male Labradors weigh between 60lbs and 80lbs, while females weigh in at between 55lbs and 75lbs. But many healthy Labradors fall outside these averages. As you can see, there is quite a range! Labrador Puppy Weight Lots of our readers want to know how much should my Labrador weigh at this age or that age. Labrador puppies are growing fast, and their weight is constantly changing. We used the data from our forum to create the Lab weight chart below. If you want a rough idea of how much your pup should weigh at different stages of their young life, just compare them to this chart and see how they match up. But remember, average Labrador weight is not totally straight forward… Average Labrador Weight Labradors come in a wide variety of sizes. So average Labrador Retriever weight figures can be misleading. As a very rough guide an adult female Labrador might weigh between 55 and 70lbs. An adult male Lab will weigh 65 — 80lbs. Female Lab weight will on average be lower than male Lab weight, but as you can see there is a considerable cross over. But Labradors also come in a couple of different types, and his type will have an impact upon his ideal Labrador weight. English Labs bred from show lines are likely to be at the upper end of the scale. You can expect English Lab weight to be around 60 — 70 lbs for a female and 70 — 80 lbs for a male. Some of our chunkier, show bred Labs can be a good twenty pounds or more heavier than their field bred cousins, without necessarily being overweight. Whereas the American Lab who is field bred is likely to be at the lower end of average. Volume for volume, muscle weighs more. So it is worth bearing in mind, that a very fit dog will have more muscle and may weigh more than an unfit dog of similar dimensions. Black Lab Weight In theory there should be no difference in weight between Labradors of different colors. Black Labrador weight for an English black Lab will probably be at the higher end of the range, for an American black Lab it will likely be lower. Black Labs are frequently found in both these categories, but some Lab colors differ. For example the chocolates. Chocolate Lab Weight Chocolate Labs are more likely to be show bred than field bred. English Labs weigh more than American Labs in general, and may therefore be at the higher end of average when it comes to weight. This is because yellow Labs are commonly found in both categories. White Labs are more likely to be English Labs, and will therefore probably be at the heavier end of the scale. Fox red Labs are normally American Labs, and will often be thinner in build and therefore lighter in weight. The way to effectively judge whether your Lab is at an ideal weight is not through the scales. It is by feel and appearance. You should not be able to see ribs, but if you press firmly along his sides you should just be able to feel your fingers bumping along them. But in most cases it really is not necessary to weigh your puppy every day, or even every week! Any more than you would weigh your three year old child on a daily or even weekly basis. There are however, some exceptions. Very thin puppies Occasionally we have people post up about puppies that are desperately underweight and clearly failing to thrive. Most of these comments come from people that have purchased puppies that are not ready to leave their mothers, and should not have been sold by the breeder. Some of these puppies are as young as three weeks old. If you have inadvertently been sucked into this horrible trade in underage puppies, do contact a vet for help with feeding your puppy, as a matter of urgency. If you are concerned that your puppy might be seriously underweight, again, your vet is the first port of call. As a very rough guide, many Labrador puppies will weigh around a kilo for every week of their lives. So you would expect a ten week puppy to weigh something in the region of ten kilos or around twenty-two pounds. A twenty percent variation around this would be fairly normal. If your puppy falls outside this variation he may still be perfectly healthy, but if you are inexperienced, a check with the vet is a good way to put your mind at rest. Should I Weigh My Dog? You may need to weigh your dog if he needs medical treatment. Determining the appropriate dose of some drugs requires that we know the exact weight of the patient. But in this case your veterinarian will probably do it for you at their check-ups and assessments. The main reasons to weigh a dog are loss or gain. Trying to put weight on a very thin puppy? You may want to check your progress with regular weigh-ins for a while to make sure they are sufficiently gaining weight. Trying to help your adult Labrador weight decrease? Checking their weight each week will help you to know that you are succeeding, along with visual checks. How to weigh a dog If you need to weigh a puppy, and he is small enough to hold in your arms, you can do this at home. Just weigh yourself on the bathroom scales without him, then weigh yourself again whilst holding the dog, and subtract the first weight from the second. This is accurate enough for most purposes. Larger dogs will need to be weighed on purpose built scales. Most vet surgeries have one in the waiting room, and some pet stores have them too. Really tiny dogs can be weighed accurately on a good sized set of kitchen scales. For once, this is a situation where appearances really do count. Try to get into the habit of looking at your dog objectively and of avoiding comparing with other dogs, many of whom will be overweight. You may find that some other dog owners will tell you your nice slim Labrador is actually too thin. This happens a lot, largely because people are simply getting used to so many dogs being overweight, including some of those receiving the highest accolades in our show rings. Again, if you are worried, check with your vet, but the chances are if someone is telling you this that actually your dog is healthy, and it is really their dog who is overweight. The Lab puppy weight chart shows you the average weight for male and female Labs every month from 2 months old, up until 12 months if you have a puppy Lab, check out our New Puppy Checklist to learn more about what to bring home for your first 24 hours and beyond. Doing so helps you and your veterinarian keep your puppy healthy. Are There Different Sizes of Labradors? Among the retriever breeds, the Labrador is one of the largest, where an adult male can top the scales at 80 pounds. Labrador Retrievers may differ in size due to individual variation and outside influences, such as the amount or type of food they eat, the amount or frequency of exercise they get, or underlying health conditions that may affect appetite or growth. But overall, a retriever should ideally hit a 5 out of 9 on the body condition score, regardless of the actual weight number on a scale. A healthy size Labrador has an evident abdominal tuck and observable waist, viewed from both the side and top of the dog. The AKC considers Lab puppies to be in adulthood when they reach 12 to 18 months of age, though there are outliers — those who grow faster or slower, reaching maturity either before 1 year old or not until 2 years old. Like other large dog breeds, Labs go through multiple stages of puppyhood until they reach adulthood. The average height for Labrador puppies is largely unknown due to insufficient data, but the average adult Labrador Retriever gets to be about inches tall at the shoulder. These numbers are contingent on the puppy receiving top-notch care, good nutrition, and appropriate levels of exercise. Different factors, such as health, breeding practices, and nutrition, may alter these estimated numbers. The below Labrador weight calculator can help you determine approximately how big your Labrador will be. But there are dogs who will fall outside of these parameters. The Waltham Petcare Science Institute offers puppy growth charts for veterinarians to use with their clients. You can also learn more about the ideal size and weight at different ages for different breeds with our Goldendoodle growth chart , a Golden Retriever size chart , Great Dane growth chart , or Chihuahua size chart. For that advice, consult your veterinarian. Possible Common Thus, a black or yellow Labrador can belong to either breed. It is more likely for chocolate or white Labrador to belong to the English Labrador breed, and it is more likely for a fox red Labrador to belong to the American breed. Singe English Labradors frequently weigh more than American Labradors; these colors may give insight into heritage lines and reasons for differentiating weights. Physical Condition Even though these figures are universal amongst Labradors, it can be challenging to decide whether your Labrador is healthy solely based on weight. Fitness and physical capacities will have a considerable influence on whether or not their weight is healthy. Many Labradors may be over or under the healthy weight range, but they may be fit and active. This means they may weigh less due to being lean and toned without much body fat, or they may weigh more due to increased muscle mass. To assess the health of your Labrador , their weight will need to be compared with their fitness levels as well. Labrador Gender Weight Differences Generally speaking, male Labradors weigh more than female Labradors since males grow faster and typically grow larger than females would. While Labrador puppies may have similar figures on the scale at very young ages, their average weight may begin to diverge as they draw closer to the cusp of adulthood. Average Labrador Puppy Weight Irrespective of the breed and gender, ensuring a healthy weight as your Lab ages will rely on observation and care from a very young age. Weight is typically very similar during this time irrespective of differentiation, affecting their average healthy weight ranges into adulthood. They should be gaining approximately 2lbs per week up until they are 6 months old. Once Labrador puppies reach adolescence, inherent differentiations will begin to affect their average weight, after which owners will need to assess their weight maintenance according to their breed and gender. However, gender plays a prominent role in determining healthy weight in maturing Labrador puppies, and males typically weigh more and grow faster than females. Owners will need to ensure that their weight is maintained through exercise and adequate dietary compositions. Nutrition, physical activity, and a balanced diet will all play a role in supporting a healthy weight as they grow into full adult Labradors. How much should a Purebred Lab weigh? Purebred Labradors still experience a diverse range concerning their weight. However, numerous purebred Labrador owners have come together and created an average healthy weight range from adolescence to adulthood, based on experience with their fit and healthy purebred Labradors whether male or female. Labrador Age months.
Despite their ancestry, English Bulldogs are not ferocious anymore but laid back and affectionate. Bulldogs are one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world. They are medium-sized dogs with low-hanging, thick bodies. They are perfect for inexperienced owners due to their relaxed personality, moderate exercise needs, and easy grooming. Of course, there are some negatives to owning English Bulldogs, like health problems caused by their flat muzzle and their unusual body shape. This is the English Bulldog price range for a puppy from a small-scale but reputable breeder. Gasping at these numbers is an appropriate reaction, but there are multiple reasons why Bulldog puppies are so expensive. We will cover the high costs of breeding later, but the price of English Bulldogs also depends on market laws — the popularity of the breed drives the price up. Four British Bulldog puppies on a run While the adorable Bulldog is low-maintenance in terms of grooming and exercise, various health problems can make them expensive to care for. You should also avoid buying puppies from pet shops since they usually come from puppy mills. Buying a puppy directly from a reputable breeder is the best way to go. Ethical breeders provide health screenings for their puppies and answer all your questions regarding their parents, breeding, and living conditions. Bulldogs from reputable breeders cost more due to high breeding expenses. Other breeding costs include genetic testing, vet bills, and preparation expenses. On the other hand, when you adopt from a Bulldog rescue, the dog is usually spayed or neutered and up to date on vaccinations. Age: Caring for a newborn Bulldogs takes time, money, and energy. Older puppies or adolescent Bulldogs will cost less than newborns. Gender: The price for female English Bulldogs might be slightly higher in some cases, but the difference is usually negligible. Coat Color: Coat color can seriously affect the price of the dog because some colors and patterns are pretty rare. Standard coat colors include white, fawn, red, brindle, and their combinations. Bulldogs with these colors and patterns fall within the average range price. Meanwhile, rarer colors and patterns are more expensive. The newest colors, like merle or lilac, are even more costly. These numbers are based on the essentials like supplies, food, grooming costs, medical expenses, training costs, with microchip and license included. This price range might still increase, especially if you opt for a puppy from a champion bloodline or one with rare coat color. Compared to both cousin dog breeds, purebred English Bulldogs cost more due to the extra care needed during birth. A pregnant British Bulldog must be closely monitored once it reaches its final stages of pregnancy. Female Bulldog: Which Is Better? Besides papers and registry documents, bloodline, age, and coat color are also some factors that could affect the average price of your Bulldog. Here is a detailed list of the factors that affect the price range of an English Bulldog: Age: English Bulldog puppies cost more than seniors or adult dogs because they are healthier and more active. Senior dogs often have tons of health issues that need immediate medical attention, while puppies are a joy to be with because they are at the prime of their health. Gender: Female English Bulldogs may cost you a bit more than a male because of their breeding potential. Potential owners and Bully enthusiasts also request a female pup more than males because of their better temperament. The demand pushes the price of female English Bulldogs to a higher cost. Rarer colors like tri-color , merle , and blue English Bulldogs are typically much more expensive. Bloodline: A champion English Bulldog puppy might cost three to four times as much as typical English Bulldog puppies. They are known to exhibit the best physique, temperament, and health. Plus, they are perfect for competitions. Reputable breeders often have a long history of breeding success. Their high prices are also backed by health guarantees and other safeguards. Health Screenings: Before selling their puppies, many breeders evaluate them for health problems. They sell their puppy for a higher price if it is deemed to be in excellent health. Regardless, it is still a good idea to look for an English Bulldog puppy that comes with a health guarantee. With this list, you might already have your own cost estimation for the pup you want. English Bullies that have been rescued have already been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and have complete registration documents. Before being put up for adoption, they undergo retraining and behavioral rehabilitation as well. Rescues often house more adult Bullies as puppies are more likely to be adopted immediately. To help you in purchasing, we have compiled a list of all the initial expenses for owning an English Bulldog: Food and Treats: One of the basic items you should get for your English Bulldog is high-quality dog food and a few treat packages for on-hand training. You may need to buy a few of them to see which one works best for your dog. As a fairly slobber-ish canine, you might have a hard time cleaning leftover dog food from a cheap container. Bed: To prevent your English Bulldog from abnormal physical disorders, it is best to invest in a high-quality dog bed. A crate may also be a safe haven for your dog when you are not home or when you have visitors. Leashes and Collars: Some of the first things you should get for your English Bulldog are leashes and collars. Be sure to get one that is a good fit for your dog. Metal nameplates included in these items that are less likely to corrode might cost a little extra. Toys: Chew toys that are easy to pick up and clean are ideal for English Bulldogs. Choose interactive and sturdy toys that will stimulate their high intelligence and withstand their strong jaws. Grooming Essentials: Brushing English Bulldogs a few times a week should keep them looking nice, and their shedding would be manageable. Cleaning moisture that could be trapped under their wrinkles is also a must. Nail clippers and a doggy toothbrush are good investments, too. Initial Vet Visits: English Bulldog puppies require initial vet examinations to ensure that they are healthy. Dog License: For an English Bulldog puppy, a license is a necessity. The dog microchip should have all your important contact information as the owner, increasing the chances of your Bully being returned to you as soon as possible if they get lost. Replacement costs of these types of goodies will range based on how quickly your Bulldog destroys their current supply. You can also order subscription packs from many reputable companies that give your dog new exploratory items every month. Since these dogs are at risk for many health complications, save as much as you can—erring on the side of caution. The best time for obedience lessons is between 6 months to a year, but every trainer varies in preference. Depending on the treatment, you could spend thousands of dollars in one swoop. Pet sitting is more personalized care but can rack up extra fees. If you want to save as much as possible while still giving your Bulldog the care they need, look at these money-saving tips. They mainly offer spay and neuter surgeries at reduced costs, but they can also provide basic care. You can make anything from dog toys to intricate beds. Many things you can make may not even require going to the store for materials—you can simply make them from existing items at home. Auto-Ship Dog Food If you buy your dog food from certain websites, many companies offer discounted prices if you place an automatic, recurring order. Of course, you can always save on English Bulldog costs by using low-cost services and making tons of at-home projects and toys for your pooch. Less - The English Bulldog is a wide, medium-sized, compact dog with short legs. The body and head are massive with extra skin on both the skull and forehead falling in folds. The cheeks extend to the sides of the eyes. The muzzle is wide, short and pug with a broad, deep stop. The black nose is broad with large nostrils. The dark eyes are deep set. The rose ears are small, thin and set high on the head. The jaws are massive, very broad, and square with hanging upper lips. The teeth should have an under bite. The tail is either straight or screwed and carried low. The short, flat coat is straight, smooth and glossy. Coat colors include red brindle and other shades of brindle, solid white, solid red, fawn, fallow, piebald, pale yellow or washed-out red or white or a combination of these colors. Despite its "sourmug," the bulldog is jovial, comical and amiable, among the most docile and mellow of dogs. It is willing to please, although it retains a stubborn streak. It is very good with children. Most are moderately friendly toward strangers. Although some can be aggressive with strange dogs, the breed is quite good with other pets. These dogs were bred for sheer fighting capacity, and they were famed for latching onto their prey with an iron jaw which they refused to release—they could even suffocate opponents this way. English Bulldogs are simultaneously a symbol of British tenacity and an immensely popular American pet.
Some Final Words There are several steps to take to do this task just right. Here are those steps to follow if you are going to do this job yourself. Start from front to back, then move from head to toe. Look for any mats that need detangling or cut off. Remove those mats, once you find them, by cutting them off at the best spot possible. Be careful not to pull those mats as you will cause your toy poodle a little discomfort or pain. Or you can pull the mat away from their body and then brush it back in the direction of their skin. Start cutting their fur at the nape of their neck and move towards the back. The scissors should be in one hand while the other hand gently pulls the fur tight. You can try to have your pet roll over so you can cut their stomach hairs or put them in a little sling to hold them while you do that job. The ankles and legs should be done in the previous step. Focus on the hair between their toes. Now that most of their body is done, it is time to trim their face. You do not want to use sharp scissors here in case your hand slips or the dog moves suddenly. Cover their whole head and face at this time. Toy poodles should be groomed about every 6 to 8 weeks. This will help keep their coats under control. Also, if you like them to have longer fur, you should brush their fur about 3 to 4 times each day. A toy poodle should be trimmed about every 3 to 4 weeks when they are younger. Plus, you should wait about 3 to 4 months before giving them their first haircut. To keep the mats out, you should brush them regularly. Brushing often helps make their fur easier to cut. If you are going to give them a bath after their haircut, use a dog shampoo. Even baby shampoo does not have the right amount of PH balance for dog hair and skin. Long nails can cause your pet a little pain and a lot of discomforts. So, when you are trimming their fur, make time to trim their nails as well. Dogs are not like cats and do not need long sharp claws. Some Final Words Take the time to get your pet familiar with the scissors or razors you will be using to trim their fur. That way they will not fight as much and may stand still a lot longer for you. Take your time as you will only make a mess of things if you rush this job. If you rush, you may cut your pet and hurt them. Then they may be forever afraid of grooming time. This is an attitude you want to avoid at all costs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. By Yvonne Villasenor Yvonne Villasenor is a freelance writer and animal lover who just so happens to be allergic to cats and dogs. That doesn't stop her from cuddling with them! When Yvonne's not working, you can find her lounging with her charming Chihuahuas, weightlifting, or wandering around Halloween stores. Having such unique and versatile fur means there are countless poodle haircuts for you to choose from, and a professional groomer can give your poodle a makeover with a hairstyle that best matches her personality and lifestyle. With so many options available, learn how your poodle can look like anything from a plush toy to elegant royalty! Teddy Bear Cut The teddy bear cut is a popular trim for poodles and other long-haired breeds. With this look, your poodle has longer hair on her face for a soft, rounded "teddy bear" appearance, and the rest of the fur on her body is cut at a shorter, uniform length throughout. Talk about cuddly cuteness! Summer Cut Because poodles have a single coat, they can enjoy the luxury that comes with it: the summer cut. Known as one of the most low-maintenance poodle haircuts, the summer cut is a practical haircut option that keeps your poodle's fur short so she stays comfortable in hot weather. So if you're looking to cut your hair to beat the heat in the summer, you and your poodle can rock shorter hairdos together! Puppy Cut No matter your poodle's age, you can seemingly turn back time with the puppy cut. Also a popular choice among poodle parents, the puppy cut is a simple, natural-looking trim that leaves your dog with an evenly cut length, typically 1 to 2 inches, all over. This is a highly modifiable look, so consult your groomer for a length that best fits your and your dog's preference and lifestyle. Continental Cut The continental cut is a glamorous and traditional hairstyle often worn by poodle show dogs. With this look, your poodle's face, throat, feet, and part of the tail are shaved. This look is characterized by full hair on the rib cage and chest, pom poms of fur on the tail, ankles, and hips, as well as a banded topknot on the head. German Trim Looking for a haircut that looks fancy but not too fancy? The German trim uses the power of angles to give your poodle a sharp profile. The hair on your furry friend's legs is left long, while the hair on the body and ears is cut short. This is a great option not only if your poodle is more active but also if your pup is prone to ear infections or ear matting. Modern Cut The modern cut is an elegant hairstyle that combines aesthetics with your poodle's natural features. This cut keeps the hair on the body short, accentuating your poodle's shape. The fur on the head, ears, and tail is left longer to create a fluffy appearance. When your dog has such curly, coarse locks, you may wonder how many trips to the groomer you and your poodle may be making. Poodles and poodle-crosses also go through a coat change in the first year of life, so they need to be groomed more often," says Danna Alexander, owner of Prestige Dog Grooming School. To keep mats and tangles at bay, it's best to brush your poodle at least two to three times a week. Toy poodle haircuts aren't off limits for miniature and standard poodles, just as standard poodle haircuts aren't off limits for miniature and toy poodles. While any poodle can sport any style, there may be common options you'd like to choose from. Because there are various names for different types of poodle haircuts, make sure to bring your groomer a photo of the haircut you'd love your pooch to have. Was this page helpful? This will be good practice for later on — for both of you! Yes, haircuts are essential for Poodles. Their thick, long, curly coats are prone to tangling and trapping debris. When will my Poodle puppy need haircuts? Then, at around four months old, they will shed their puppy coats and start to grow out their rougher adult coats. Frequency As a general rule, Poodles should have their coats clipped every weeks once their adult coats grow out, whatever your desired length. This is because they grow so quickly and can become matted just as fast! What equipment should I use? There are three main types of dog grooming scissors; straight scissors, curved scissors, and thinning shears, and they all perform slightly differently. Straight grooming scissors are a multi-task tool, they have straight blades for general, basic grooming, creating straight lines in the coat, and adding the finishing touches to haircuts. Curved dog grooming shear has a curved blade that can be used to fine-tune and shape specific areas of the coat, such as the paws and hindquarters. Thinning shears have a cutting edge on one blade and teeth on the other, and there are also double thinners that have teeth on both blades. They are designed to remove lots of hair in even sections for a natural finish, and they can also be used to blend out the harsh lines from clippers and texturize the coat. Or, if you just need something for the occasional touch-up between visits to the groomer, a simple pair of electrical motor clippers will do just fine. Electric motor clippers are also good for keeping short coats short. You should also be aware of the types of blades that come with clippers. The higher the number of the blade, the more hair that it will remove. Or, you can get guards that fit a single blade to customize the length, which is a lot more convenient. Start by showing them the equipment and getting them used to the sight and sound of it before you cut any hair. Reward them just for being around it and then try cutting a small section of hair. If they react well, reward them again, and then do another section. Keep rewarding them as you go and again after the haircut is finished. Do it in a well-lit, comfortable part of the home that your pup can stand up in. Once you get them into a routine — keep it up! Work your way down the legs first, then from the neck to the hindquarters, or vice versa, and then the tail. Take care with the feet, underside, and head, shielding their eyes from falling fur. Use long strokes and go from the neck down to the back legs. How to deal with grooming anxiety If your pup is afraid of the scissors or clippers, take it really slowly and try to make it an enjoyable experience. You can do this by breaking up the haircut into smaller sessions to make it less stressful and taking breaks in between each one. Give your dog lots of praise and a reward every time you take a break and ask another family member to comfort them during the haircut. You can start brushing your Poodle from any age. To brush them, simply go in the direction of hair growth using short strokes. Hold the fur at the base with your free hand to remove knots, and use a mat remover for any stubborn mats. Bathing a Poodle puppy As for bathing, you should give your Poodle pup their first proper bath at months old to help them shed their puppy coat, unless they get seriously dirty before that. However, you can give your pup a bath any time after weeks of age to get them used to the sensation, but avoid overbathing them, as this will strip the fur of its natural oils and make it dry and brittle. Once they have their adult coats, your Poodle pup will need a bath once a month. You can even buy shampoo that is designed especially for Poodle coats. To give your Poodle a bath, lather up their wet fur with the shampoo, massage it in, leave it for as long as directed on the bottle, and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with conditioner if necessary. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.
how much does a pug puppy weigh - Even dogs bundled up in adorable sweaters and hats can experience shakes and shivers. That's because chilly temperatures aren't the only thing that causes our furry friends — and us! Dogs often shake for harmless reasons, but sometimes their shivering can be a cry for help. But what causes a dog to shiver? And when should you take action? Here are six common reasons why dogs get shaky and what you can do to help. Cold The simplest answer for, "Why is my dog shaking? Shivering in frigid environments is an involuntary response designed to get the blood pumping in order to raise body temperature and prevent hypothermia. Smaller dogs, such as Chihuahuas , may be more prone to shivering than larger breeds due to their lack of body mass and insulation, explains Wag! What you should do: If your dog doesn't fare well in the cold, consider limiting their exposure. A dog sweater or coat can also help them stay warm and ease shivers. Also, give them a warm place to curl up; a dog bed near a heating vent with a warm blanket can do just the trick on a cold night. Excitement Some dogs shiver when they're happy or excited. No one is sure why, but one theory is that it's an outward manifestation of intense emotion. There's no danger in this type of shivering; it will most likely stop once they calm down. Stress, Anxiety and Fear Other intense emotions that can cause shivers are fear and anxiety. While shivering, in this case, isn't harmful in and of itself, stress isn't any better for your dog than it is for you. What you should do: Do your best to reassure your dog and, if possible, remove the source of the stress. If your dog is prone to shaking during thunderstorms, for example, try to help them stay calm by introducing therapeutic toys or masking the sounds of thunder. In general, if you notice something consistently turns your pup into a shaking state, try to redirect their attention. Dogs are also very perceptive and if you are stressed, anxious or afraid, they are very good at mimicking your emotions. In certain situations, when you remain calm and ignore a stressor in your house, your dog can pick up on it and learn that it's nothing to be anxious about. Seeking Attention However, if you rush to comfort your dog every time they're shaking, they may learn that shivering is a good way to get your attention. Some dogs even turn on the shakes while begging for food to earn sympathy. What you should do: Millan points out that while this behavior isn't exactly harmful, reinforcing it isn't a good idea. If there's no other reason why your dog might be shivering, it's generally best to ignore this blatant tug on your heartstrings. Pain or Illness Shivering could be a sign that your dog is in pain or suffering from an illness. Shivering and muscle tremors can be symptoms of serious conditions such as distemper, hypoglycemia, Addison's disease and inflammatory brain disease, as well as more common ailments like an upset stomach. Constant shivering could be a sign of generalized tremor syndrome, also referred to as shaker syndrome, a chronic condition that can be helped with medication, according to Wag! What you should do: Look for other signs of sickness or injury. If the shivering is accompanied by abnormal behavior or seems out of character for your dog, contact your veterinarian immediately. Old Age It's not uncommon for weakening leg muscles to develop tremors as dogs age, but shivering could also be a sign of arthritis or joint pain. What you should do: If you notice your aging doggy starting to shake, it's best to get them checked out by the vet. Shaking vs. Seizures Normal shivering and shaking are much different than a seizure, during which the muscles seize up and a dog loses both mobility and awareness of their surroundings. If you suspect your pup is having a seizure, and they're not already being treated for a seizure disorder, get them to the emergency vet ASAP. While most causes of shivering in dogs are relatively harmless, it's best to reach out to your vet if you're wondering, "Why is my dog shaking? Even if there isn't cause for concern, you'll have peace of mind once you get a vet's assessment. Contributor Bio Jean Marie Bauhaus Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of furbabies. Why is My Dog Shaking? Shaking can be normal for pets, but may indicate discomfort, pain, mental distress, or disease. Your dog often provides clues for you to determine whether their shaking is a normal response, or a veterinary visit is in order. Here are some of the top reasons dogs shake, to help you narrow down your list. Causes are unique to your pet—some dogs tremble only at the veterinarian, while others start shaking the second a stranger looks their way. You can determine if your pet is stressed by looking for other clues, which may include: Excessively wide or squinty eyes Turning, running away, or hiding from a perceived threat Panting or tension at the mouth corners Holding the ears back or tucking the tail Vocalizing Stressed dogs who are pushed beyond their limits may bite or snap out of fear. Remove them from the stressful situation and discuss behavior modification with your veterinarian, trainer, or veterinary behaviorist. A happy, excited dog will hold their tail level and wag or happily wiggle their whole hind end, have a soft, relaxed facial expression, and approach people readily with a loose body. Small breeds, old or young dogs, dogs with short or thin fur, and thin dogs are more susceptible to cold and more likely to shiver after only a short time outside. Take your dog back inside as soon as you notice them shaking to prevent hypothermia. If you think your pet is in severe pain, seek emergency veterinary treatment. Chocolate , xylitol , coffee, nicotine, and snail baits commonly cause these signs, which may be accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or hyperactivity. Some dogs may have partial seizures that appear as a temporary tremor rather than a generalized, whole-body convulsion. Read more about epilepsy and seizures here. Brain or nerve disease — Nerve dysfunction or brain tumors can change the way your pet moves and may cause them to tremor. Infections — Some infections, including rabies and distemper , attack the nervous system. These illnesses are often fatal, but both can be prevented with regular vaccinations. Generalized tremor syndrome GTS — Affected dogs develop tremors between 9 months and 2 years of age. The cause is unknown, but may be inflammatory or auto-immune in nature, because these dogs respond well to corticosteroids i. What to do if your dog starts shaking If your dog begins to shake uncharacteristically, develops other illness signs, or you suspect they ingested a toxin, you should seek urgent veterinary care through your primary veterinarian or a local emergency veterinary facility. This is especially common in small dogs like Chihuahuas. Dog shaking can be just a normal fact of life for some pups, it can also be a warning sign that something is amiss. There are many different reasons that your dog could be shaking, ranging from benign to concerning. Whether or not you should seek treatment will depend on the opinion of your veterinarian, but keep in mind that some reasons dogs shiver are quite difficult to pin down. Learn the reasons why a dog shakes so you can determine if it's a problem. Warning Eating many different toxins can cause your dog to shake or have seizure activity. Take your dog to the vet and call Animal Poison Control right away if your dog has started trembling after eating something. Why Do Dogs Shake? Sometimes dogs are cold, and sometimes we can't explain a dog shivering. But dogs will shake if they're hurt or in medical trouble, so it's important to keep always keep an eye on your dog's behavior. Try not to worry about a shaking dog until you consult a veterinarian. Cold Weather Many dogs with thin coats or low-fat content, like greyhounds and Dobermans , get cold easily. Generalized Tremor Syndrome Some small dogs just tremble. If your small dog trembles a lot, especially if it worsens with stress or hinders normal activity, ask your vet about it. Your vet can assess muscle tone and check for other reasons your dog might be trembling. She may diagnose your dog with generalized tremor syndrome, which can be treated with corticosteroids. Sign of Muscle Weakness or Injury Have you ever exercised so much that your muscles quiver a bit? Or noticed that a pulled muscle vibrates when you move the wrong way? The same can happen to your dogs. Quivering is a common symptom of pain, injury, or weakness. Check with your vet if, say, your dog's leg is shaking after some heavy exercise or if the trembling is accompanied by a decrease in activity level. You may notice that the muscle tremor gets worse if you touch the area, attempt to stretch or massage it, or exercise your dog. Many dogs who tremble because of pain or weakness will also appear stressed. Fear, Excitement, or Anxiety Strong emotions can make dogs tremble or shake. In this case, consider seeing a veterinary behaviorist or certified dog behavior consultant to learn how to help your dog feel more relaxed in excitable situations. Diseases or Medical Reasons There are a lot of scary diseases out there that can cause your dog to shake. Distemper , neurological diseases, low blood calcium, and seizure disorders as well as many, many more diseases can all cause shaking in dogs. If your dog is shaking and acting weird—if the trembles are relatively new and accompanied by other symptoms—get a full veterinary checkup as soon as possible. While some of the diseases that cause shaking are treatable or manageable, others, like distemper, are very serious and often fatal. Vaccinate your dog to help prevent distemper. Good preventive care can also stave off systemic diseases. The causes of seizure disorders and neurological diseases can be harder to pin down. Toxin Ingestion If your dog has ingested a toxin, such as mycotoxin—found in moldy food or garbage—you might notice her shaking or trembling. Other toxins to look out for are metaldehyde used as a pesticide for snails , insecticides, chocolate , and caffeine. For a dog who's cold or excited, treatment may be as simple as warming her up or calming her down. If that's not helping, it's probably time to see a vet. Your dog starts shivering after ingesting something unusual. A dog shaking and panting will appear distressed. If your dog is sick or injured, veterinary treatment is required. Your vet may recommend medication, supportive care, rest, massage, or even surgery—all dependent on the underlying cause of your dog's shaking. The treatment recommended after toxin ingestion can range from inducing vomiting to aggressive veterinary care. Speaking to a poison control center can help you know what to expect. How to Prevent Dog Tremors Again, the specific prevention will depend on the cause of your dog's shivering. Keeping your dog warm, relaxed, up-to-date on preventive care, well-exercised, and away from toxic "snacks" can all help keep her from shaking. That said, certain breeds or individuals might be more prone to the mysterious generalized tremor syndrome, which has no known way to prevent it. While shivering may be as simple as cold or anxiety, it can also be a symptom of serious diseases or toxin exposure. FAQ Why does my dog keep shaking his head? Head shaking is usually normal; dogs do it to deal with discomfort or itchiness. Why is my dog shaking and throwing up? This indicates there is something very wrong with your dog: She could have been poisoned, have an injury, or even be a symptom of kidney disease. Call your emergency veterinarian immediately. Why is my dog shaking after surgery? The after-effects of anesthesia include shaking and trembling. If it doesn't resolve after 24 hours, call your vet. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Conclusion Why Is My Pug Shaking There are many possible reasons why a Pug may be shaking, the most common reasons are that the Pug is feeling excited, anxious, scared, or sick, and another reason is that the Pug is feeling cold. When they feel cold, they might start shaking as a way to generate some extra body heat. Consider using a doggy sweater or jacket during winter walks to keep them nice and toasty. Out of Excitement Pugs are bursting with energy and enthusiasm, especially when they sense something exciting is about to happen. Fear Like many dogs, pugs have their fair share of fears and phobias. Common triggers for fear-induced shaking in pugs include thunderstorms, fireworks, loud noises, or encounters with unfamiliar animals or people. Anxiety and Stress Pugs are known for their affectionate and loyal nature, but they can also be sensitive souls. Any change in their routine or environment can trigger anxiety or stress. This could include events like moving to a new house, traveling, or meeting new people or pets. If you notice your pug shaking in these situations, try to create a calm and familiar environment for them. Offering a comfortable space with their favorite toys and blankets can help them feel secure. Additionally, using positive reinforcement and gentle encouragement can go a long way in helping them overcome their fears. Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia , or low blood sugar, can occur in pugs, especially in puppies or toy breeds, due to their high metabolism. To prevent this, establish a regular feeding schedule for your pug and ensure they have access to balanced meals throughout the day. If you suspect hypoglycemia, try offering a small amount of food or a treat, and if the symptoms persist, seek veterinary attention promptly. Epileptic Seizures Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect some pugs. If your pug experiences repetitive and uncontrollable shaking episodes, often accompanied by loss of consciousness or unusual behavior, they might be having a seizure. Poisoning While xylitol, a sugar replacement used in many chewing gums, does not contain nicotine, cigarettes do. These medicines or poisons can cause pug-type dogs to shake and shiver a lot. Your pug may shiver or shudder in response to a bee sting, a snake bite, acute food sickness, or scorpion stings. Learn more about some human foods pugs should avoid. Medication Side Effects Some medications may have side effects that include trembling or shaking. If your pug is on medication and you notice shaking, consult your veterinarian. Old Age As pugs grow older, their bodies might experience age-related changes. Muscle weakness, tremors, and shaking are not uncommon in senior dogs. This can be attributed to various factors, including arthritis, degenerative diseases, or changes in the nervous system. Providing your senior pug with regular veterinary check-ups and appropriate senior dog care can help manage and improve their quality of life during their golden years. Infections or Illness In pugs, various infections and illnesses can lead to shaking as a symptom, including respiratory infections, digestive issues, or fever. If they are displaying other signs of illness such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea, seek veterinary attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing illnesses and preventing them from worsening. Learn more about health problems in pugs. How to Address Pug Shaking If your pug is shaking excessively, there can be a number of possible causes, ranging from excitement or anxiety to pain or illness. Is there a specific time of day or situation where the shaking occurs more frequently? Make sure your pug is not in any physical discomfort or pain. Check to see if there are any signs of injury or illness, such as limping, whining, excessive licking, or stiffness. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your pug to the vet for a full examination. Consider whether your pug may be too cold. Pugs are sensitive to cold temperatures, so make sure they are wearing a dog sweater or have access to a warm spot in the house. If the shaking persists or worsens, consult with your veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment. Pug Shaking Head and Pawing Pugs are known for their adorable wrinkly faces and friendly personalities, but they can also have some health issues. One common behavior in Pugs is shaking their head and pawing at their ears. This behavior can be a sign of several different health conditions. Possible Causes: Ear infections: Pugs are prone to developing ear infections due to their floppy ears. The shaking and pawing behavior can be a sign of discomfort caused by inflammation or infection in their ears. Allergies: Pugs are prone to allergies , and a reaction to an allergen can cause itching and discomfort in their ears, leading to shaking and pawing behavior. Trauma or injury: If a Pug has experienced trauma or injury to their head or ears, they may exhibit the shaking and pawing behavior as a sign of discomfort. What to do: If your Pug is shaking their head and pawing at their ears, it is best to take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may involve medication, ear cleaning, or even surgery in severe cases. It is essential to attend to this behavior promptly as it can cause severe ear damage, hearing loss, or other complications if left untreated. There could be a few reasons why a pug shakes while sleeping. One reason could be that they are dreaming and their muscles are twitching in response to their dream. However, if you notice your pug having seizures while awake, you should contact your veterinarian right away. In most cases, a pug shaking or twitching while sleeping is nothing to worry about and is just a regular part of their sleep cycle. Pug Shaking Back Legs Pugs shaking their back legs can stem from several reasons, including neurological deficits, joint problems, hip dysplasia, muscle atrophy, exhaustion, hypoglycemia, and pain. It is a result of a neurological deficit that develops in the spine, causing the rear legs to appear weak. Affected Pugs may initially drag their feet, stagger, have trouble standing up, and eventually become unable to walk. However, further investigation by a veterinarian is necessary to diagnose the exact reason for the shaking as it can be a sign of a more severe medical condition. Pug Shaking and Vomiting Pugs, like any other dog breed, may experience shaking and vomiting for various reasons. These can range from mild issues such as motion sickness or excitement to more serious medical conditions such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, or ataxia. Signs of stress and anxiety can also cause a Pug to shake. If a Pug is shaking and vomiting persistently, it is highly recommended to have them evaluated by a veterinarian. The vet can perform a physical examination and recommend further diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork or X-rays, to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms. What should I do if my pug is shaking too much? Your vet can help you identify the root cause of the shaking and formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Is there anything I can do at home to help my pug stop shaking? If your pug is shaking due to anxiety or fear, try to make them feel more comfortable and secure. You can use calming techniques such as a massage or providing a familiar blanket. Can shaking be a symptom of something serious? Yes, in some cases, shaking can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, including seizures or kidney disease. Remember to consult with your veterinarian for guidance and advice on how to best care for your furry friend. With a little extra attention and care, you can help keep your pug happy, healthy, and free from those pesky shakes. I love researching, writing, and teaching other pet owners how to care for their pets. When is shaking not just shaking? They should be completely aware and responsive, and still able to walk, change position, eat and pass motions unhindered. What causes shaking? Shaking can have many and varied causes, and sometimes it can be hard to get to the bottom of. They have a big surface area from which to lose heat, compared to the size of their bodies. This means they are at risk of hypothermia getting too cold. Be careful if you use any form of microwavable heat source. These can be far too warm for the puppy and should be wrapped in towels to prevent him from getting burned. A puppy shaking from being cold should soon stop as he warms up, and should seem otherwise normal. Here, it can result from the animal making psychological associations with past experiences. Perhaps with people, other animals and certain uncomfortable or unpleasant situations. Pain Discomfort or pain can cause a puppy to shake or tremble involuntarily Toxicity or poisoning It can be the result of ingesting a toxic substance , here the puppy might have other signs like drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, inappetence or even seizures, and may get worse over time. Neurological problems There are conditions that can cause shaking in puppies, among them is hypomyelination — otherwise known as shaking puppy syndrome. Here, puppies often seem normal whilst sleeping, but when awake their whole-body shakes and they can be wobbly ataxic when moving around. There is no treatment for hypomyelination; the cause is unknown, but, it might result from a genetic mutation. Energy and mineral problems Very low blood glucose or calcium levels can cause shaking and may progress to seizures. These signs tend to occur when a puppy is severely affected, so they are often accompanied by others that indicate there is something wrong before the shaking starts — for example, lethargy, collapse, disorientation, not wanting to eat and vomiting. Shaking can be confused with other concerning problems such as seizures. There are many forms of seizures, ranging from very mild outward presentations such as twitching or changes in behaviour, to dramatic grand mal seizures that cause convulsions, unconsciousness and loss of bowel control. Since there are many variations of seizure that exist between the two extremes including tremors and shaking , it can be difficult for owners to distinguish between their puppy having a seizure or if it is just shaking. It can be hard to know when not to worry about a new puppy. You may also be interested in;. Pug shaking of head Why Do Pugs Shake Pugs can shake due to a variety of factors including excitement, separation anxiety , stress, cold weather, seizure symptoms, generalized tremor syndrome, aging, and medical issues. Some of the most prevalent reasons for Pug shaking are as follows: 1. Sign of excitement Because pugs were taught to thrive on human connection, they are happy when a family member returns home. When they see you preparing to eat their favorite food or play with their favorite toy, pugs may shiver and shudder. Pug owners may tremble, yell, and even urinate enthusiastically when they get home late at night; nevertheless, this is unrelated to illness. While many of these behaviors are common in pugs and other companion dogs, keeping greets short and frosty may help your pug relax. If the temperature in the surroundings lowers to a level that your pug cannot withstand, your pug may begin to quiver. So if you leave in a cold region, make sure you keep your pug body temperature under check. Ways to manage pug cold: When the temperature in your surroundings is chilly, there are two options for keeping your pug from becoming entangled in cold shaking. To begin, you need to purchase pug attire, which is available at a reasonable price in a variety of online and offline pet stores. The second step is to raise the temperature of one of your rooms, take your pug into that room for a brief period of time, and then give him some exercise. Sign of ingesting toxins or poisonous bite While cigarettes contain nicotine, xylitol, a sugar substitute found in many chewing gums, does not. In dogs like pugs, these drugs or toxins can produce a lot of shaking and shivering. A bee sting, a snake bite, severe food poisoning, or scorpion stings may cause your pug to shiver or tremble. What to do… If you believe or notice that your pug has swallowed anything potentially toxic or has been bitten by a small animal, please take him to the veterinarian. Sign of hypoglycemia An abrupt dip in blood sugar levels is known as hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia, which causes pugs to shiver and shake, is also a possibility. Because their ability to manage blood sugar levels has not completely matured, this problem is more frequent in puppy pugs up to 4 months. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead your pug to lose consciousness or, in the worst-case scenario, death. Stress, starvation, and even being the runt of the litter can all contribute to hypoglycemia. Sign of old age As they become older, they have health problems as a result of their prolonged lives, which causes their legs to weaken, resulting in shaking. Tremors in the back and front legs of senior pugs are more common, making it difficult for them to move correctly and producing trembling or shivering. What to do… Consult your veterinarian when your pug reaches the age of ten to identify the best course of action for your senior pug. Generalized tremor syndrome Full-body tremors similar to those experienced by a dog when it is cold characterize this illness, often known as shaker syndrome. Generalized tremor syndrome manifests itself differently in various dogs, although it most commonly affects pugs aged three to five. Even though no one knows what causes widespread tremor syndrome, it is largely thought to be non-lethal. What to do… Corticosteroids may be prescribed by your veterinarian, however, for some dogs, shaking is an inescapable part of life. If your pug continues to tremble for no apparent cause, take him or her to the clinic. A seizure symptom Seizures are a neurological disease in which dogs tremble uncontrollably and pass out if not properly cared for. Dogs of various sizes and kinds, as well as other pets, can suffer from seizures. Seizures are unlikely to cause physical harm to the dog, although they can cause damage if the dog falls or knocks things over and into itself. Seizures in pugs include jerking, tongue chewing, loss of consciousness, and collapse. What to do… Make sure you remove all material that may injure your pug in your room and make sure your pug gets enough air. If things slow down, see your vet ASAP. If your pug begins to have seizures, call your veterinarian straight once. Medications for seizure control may be of assistance. Sign of canine arthritis or pains If your older pug shakes or chills, especially in his hindquarters, he might be suffering from canine arthritis. Many pains can cause a pug to shiver or shake excessively, so if you see uncontrollable shaking, keep a watch on your dog. Infections, injuries, and even dental problems may cause a pug a lot of pain. Signs of distemper Distemper is a virus that mostly affects puppies and young dogs that have not yet received all of their vaccines. The distemper virus affects the gastrointestinal, neurological, and respiratory systems. The signs and symptoms of distemper are usually fatal. The good news is that because most pugs are completely vaccinated, distemper is uncommon. What to do… Distemper must be treated by a veterinarian. Make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect your dog has canine distemper. Owners of pugs, for example, routinely lift and carry their pets. Difference between pug seizures Vs shaking Normal shivering and shaking are not the same as a seizure, in which the muscles cramp up, and the dog loses both mobility and awareness of its surroundings. While pug shaking may subside in a short period of time, seizures may require the assistance of a veterinarian. They can both explain why a dog is shivering and detect whether something more serious is happening. Even if you have no reason to be concerned, getting a second opinion from a veterinarian will offer you peace of mind. Pug shaking of hind legs The reason for hind limb shaking in pug might be patellar luxation or generalized tremor syndrome, which is common in small breeds like pugs, Boston terriers, miniature pinschers, and Chihuahuas. Pug shaking and panting Excessive panting and shivering in Pugs can be caused by a variety of things, including stress, more severe pain, discomfort, poisoning, renal illness, injury, allergic responses, toxins, bites, and stings. Pug vomiting and shaking A hazardous plant, onion ball, garlic ball, or poisoned substance can all give a pug an upset stomach, resulting in vomiting and trembling. A bloated stomach, pancreatitis, or renal disease can all induce vomiting and shaking in Pugs. Trembling and vomiting in your pugs are symptoms that something is amiss, and they should visit a doctor as soon as possible. Pug shaking of head Ear infections, flea bites on the head skin, allergies, and head tremors as a result of a head injury can cause pugs to shake their heads. Pugs may shake their heads due to old age or other conditions. Pugs are prone to ear infections due to the shape of their ears, and ear infections are one of the most common reasons that pet owners see their veterinarian each year. As your pug gets older, shaking of the head might indicate an ear infection, ear mites, parasites, allergies, hematoma, toxins, or even balance concerns. Examine their ears to see if anything is amiss, but the problem persists. Schedule a consultation with your veterinarian. Post navigation.
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how much does a pug puppy weigh - Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? Making sure your German Shepherd gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is really important for keeping them healthy and happy. Regular exercise can not only keep them in good shape, but it can also help improve their behaviour and well-being. How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? German Shepherds are highly active dogs , originally bred for working and guarding flocks of sheep, and more recently used by military and police forces. All this means that German Shepherds are among the most high-energy dogs out there. Of course, their exercise needs can vary based on a number of factors including age, fitness level, general health, food intake and more. That said, most German Shepherds usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing. To get an exercise goal tailored to your dog, simply download the free PitPat app and enter their details. How much exercise does a German Shepherd puppy need? This is especially true for this breed since they are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia. As a rule of thumb, puppies will need five minutes of formal exercise such as walkies for every month of their age. These walks should be opportunities to explore their environment, work on training and good behaviour outdoors, and socialise with other people and dogs in a controlled manner. How much exercise does a senior German Shepherd need? You can also set your own goals manually in case they have higher or lower exercise needs. What types of exercise are best for German Shepherds? German Shepherds excel at all sorts of exercise and canine sports thanks to their working background. In addition to their daily walks, you could try:. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You need the best exercise for German Shepherd puppies to keep them healthy, fit, and, more importantly… Out of mischief! Quite the opposite is true for your fast-growing breed! German Shepherd puppies should stick to only five minutes of continuous, on-leash leisurely walking at a time, based on their age in months. So, an 8-week-old puppy can walk for 10 minutes at a time on a leash, while a 6-month-old can walk on a leash for 30 minutes at a time. However, your puppy can enjoy low-impact, gentle exercises for longer periods of time. You can play games that work on sustained growth multiple times per day safely. Instead, exercise on soft surfaces, for example: Grass Sand Dirt paths or trails Stretching of soft ligaments at too early an age, strains on young, growing joints, and carrying too much weight on their overall framework can and will harm your young puppy. This leads to problems in adulthood, which you could avoid! Remember to watch for: Panting heavily with rapid breath Lagging on their walks for longer than usual Stopping on walks and standing Lying down on their belly or side If your dog is hyperactive and displays excessive chewing and destructive behavior, they may need engaging brain stimulation to help them use their brains to engage in their environments constructively. Ideally, you also need to teach them basic commands and house manners. Start now with basic obedience training to avoid later behavioral issues. Eventually, your active, adult GSD will need at least 2 walks of 45 minutes each source. Other great ways to exercise your German Shepherd puppy include working on their balance, enjoying mental stimulation, and playing gently with toys they love. Until your vet clears your dog as having their bones fully fused this is around 12 to 18 months of age , activity should be cautious and slow-paced. Up to twelve months of age, natural free running is the best way to exercise German Shepherds. With free running, your dog is off-leash and can stop or slow as they wish. Limit and monitor on-leash walks and activity while your German Shepherd is growing. When walking on a leash, allow them to Walk at their own pace Stop and start as they please Sniff around leisurely to explore the grass, flowers, and trees Lay down, roll around, and dig in approved digging places Use a no-pull harness with a design that allows for natural shoulder movement to avoid unnatural gait development. Try this padded no-pull harness on your German Shepherd to avoid any neck injuries to her while she is young. This design also limits pulling and helps teach nice leash walking manners. The handle on the back of the no-pull harness makes it easy to grab your pup to stop them from running into a hazard or just to catch them! Read more helpful information on the benefits and disadvantages of using a harness or a collar to help you choose the right equipment for walking your new puppy. There are plenty of other ideas to try with your new baby German Shepherd. Even better? You can find so many ways to learn what your new German Shepherd puppy likes to play with for their fun and games! Keep reading for a German Shepherd puppy exercise chart and specific, step-by-step fun games to keep your new pup happy and healthy. Exercising puppies heavily too early in life may lead to joint damage. This is especially likely in large breeds with rapidly growing and heavily loaded joints, such as your GSD. High-Impact Activity to Avoid Jumping, especially from couches, furniture, or cars Twisting such as chasing a toy that wildly moves in many directions Exercising over hard or uneven ground especially sidewalks and asphalt Keep exercise short and frequent, as this is more beneficial than long, infrequent periods of activity. Sep 06, Puppies need exercise to develop healthy bones, muscles and hearts. Exercise goes a long way to help curb anxiety and behavior issues related to boredom. But you may have heard that too much exercise can be harmful. How much exercise is necessary, how much is too much, and what kinds of exercise should you be doing? As a general rule, your puppy knows best. Normal puppy play is okay, and you should never feel as though you should stop your puppy from playing on its own accord. Short walks are also okay, as long as your idea of a short walk isn't 3 miles every morning! Short games of fetch and tug are also okay. Fetch is especially hard on the body because most dogs rapidly accelerate to go after the ball and rapidly decelerate once they get to it, so good throws is plenty in conjunction with other acceptable exercises. Tug is also hard on the body, so minutes is plenty in conjunction with other acceptable exercises as well. Swimming is a great, low-impact exercise. Just make sure your puppy doesn't ingest too much water while swimming. It's also recommended that you not play fetch in the water because dogs can accidentally ingest a lot of water when retrieving toys thrown into bodies of water. Examples of exercises that are too rigorous for puppies are long hikes, running steps, long games of fetch, long walks, running, jogging, weight pull and pulling carts of any kind, wearing vests with anything over a few ounces in it for anything other than a short stroll, flyball, and inappropriate amounts of agility training. All of these things are stressful on soft, growing bones and joints and can result in hip and elbow dysplasia and musculoskeletal deformities, diseases and injuries. As a rule of thumb, don't exceed 5 minutes for each month of the puppy's age of acceptable exercise no more than twice a day. For instance, 15 minutes of exercise twice a day is ideal for a 3-month-old puppy, while 20 minutes twice a day is ideal for a 4-month-old puppy. As a general rule, you can start building up puppies to adult levels of exercise once they turn 9 months of age if they're not expected to grow over 25lbs. By a year they can be exercised as an adult as long as you properly build up their stamina. For medium and large breeds, you can begin to build them up to adult levels of exercise by 15 months and it's safe to exercise them as adults once they turn 18 months old. German Shepherd dogs will naturally travel in a cantering-lope rather than a slow walk. That means that it is imperative that you train your puppy early on how to walk on a leash by your side without pulling. German Shepherds are a powerful breed and are capable of dragging handlers who aren't strong enough to hold them back. Eliminate the possibility of a physical tug of war by relying on solid training instead. Remember, exercise is also great for keeping hip and elbow joints stabilized in German Shepherd Dogs. Many large breeds are known to suffer from hip and elbow problems later in life, but dysplasia seems to unfairly target the German Shepherd. Regular exercise can help to build muscle around joints to protect them. The more muscle, the less stress on the joint. Make sure you keep your puppies lean, well hydrated, and wait an hour or two after your puppy eats before exercise. If you stick by these rules, you lessen the chances of hip and elbow dysplasia, panosteitis, strains, sprains, ligament injuries, bloat, obesity, heart disease and arthritis. Also keep the temperature in mind and watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Stop exercise if your puppy no longer wants to play or stops to rest and everything should be fine. Beginners often have a lot of questions: how long should they walk with a German Shepherd, how often should they do it, and what are the rules of feeding and vaccination. Therefore, before the responsible purchase, it is important to get acquainted with the nuances of ownership. At what age can you walk a German Shepherd? Experts have different opinions about the age at which a German Shepherd can go for a walk. There are two polar positions, so owners should consult their breeder or veterinarian. Some experts, when asked how to properly educate the pet, argue that it is categorically not recommended to walk puppies before they reach 3 months old. This is due to the high vulnerability of puppies to infections, which they can catch while playing with other dogs during the period when routine vaccinations have not yet been done. Put napkins or gravel or sand on it. Keep a close eye on your puppy. The negative side of this approach is the increased likelihood of encountering puddles of urine at night even in adulthood. According to the opposite opinion, up to 2 months old puppies still have the immunity received from their mother, so you should start walking outside as early as possible. Increased production of vitamin D due to exposure to sunlight, preventing the development of rachitis. Frequent exposure to nature increases the production of general immunity. If you decide to walk your puppy from an early age, you must choose a small but clean area and prevent him from coming into contact with other animals, especially stray ones. Until the German Shepherd reaches the age of six months , you should carry him in your arms when walking up a flight of stairs. His spine is not yet strong enough, so sprains when going up and down are detrimental. How long should you walk The duration of a walk with a German Shepherd puppy should increase in increments. In the first days, minutes is enough to familiarize the dog with the world and empty the bowels and bladder, but you need to go out times a day. It is better to go out right after feeding. Further, the duration of time outside should be in accordance with age: three months — about half an hour, the puppy should definitely run; four months — from 40 minutes to 1 hour; at six months, the normal mode of walking is established — at least two hours, twice a day. If it is possible to walk longer, you should take advantage of the opportunity. You need to figure out how to walk your German Shepherd correctly. To do this, you need to follow a few tips. It is important to use every walk outside to teach your dog to potty outside the apartment or house. While the dog is still very young but is already used to having to pee outside, spontaneous but short walks at night are likely. Up to 6 months old, it is important to make sure that the dog does not jump over any obstacles. As with ladders, this harms the skeleton and back muscles. You should try to take your German Shepherd outdoors during daylight hours so that he can enjoy the sunlight. After exploring the nearest surroundings, you should decide where to walk for an extended period of time. Great if there is a park or square nearby where it is allowed to walk the dogs. It is also important to go to special doggy playgrounds. You need to give your pet some freedom to get to know other puppies and adult dogs. It allows: Control the movements of the dog and accustom the puppy to the leash. Helps in the initial stages of training. Prevents him from eating unhealthy food picked up off the ground. Provides safety when stray dogs appear. More mature dogs can be leashed to a collar. Answering the question of when you can put the collar on the puppy, many experienced breeders responded with a recommendation to do it as early as possible, so that the puppy got used to the foreign object initially. Before buying a collar or harness, it is important to pay attention to the material: Leather — is the most durable, suitable for walks and training, but it is recommended to replace it in rainy or snowy weather. Leather gets wet, stretches, and loses its durability from moisture; Tarpaulin — holds its shape in all conditions, but is prone to contamination and has a short lifespan; Synthetic — is versatile and does not have the negative qualities of the previous 2. To properly put on the harness or collar during the period of accustomization, you need to create a comfortable atmosphere for the puppy: calmly call by name, and offer a treat. Before buying, it is important to measure the pup. This will allow you to choose the optimal size collar, in which the German shepherd will feel comfortable, and walks will be a pleasure both for the pet and for its loving owner. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. For the most part, you let the puppy decide his own activities at this stage. Your puppy, at this tender age, does not need exercise; he needs activity. Indoor play consists of informal activities in which you educate your German Shepherd to avoid dangerous behavior while satisfying his need to be active. At this stage, it is more about mental activity games and basic training as opposed to physical activity. This nifty little toy is excellent for young pups. Here are some low-impact games that are appropriate for a German Shepherd puppy at 8 weeks of age: Puppy the Explorer Let your GSD explore the indoors while keeping a close eye on him. This also presents an excellent opportunity to teach him to follow you. You must do this organically. Wait for him to get in his explorer mode and start walking beside him. Remember not to exceed a period of 10 minutes of exercise in the second month and stop whenever your pup shows signs of being tired. The minute mark is the maximum duration, not the minimum. Initially, your puppy will get tired after a few minutes of walking around and exploring. In each subsequent week, he will be engaged for a few more minutes. You might need to use jazz hands to get his curiosity. Once your pup starts following your palm with his head, simply tap his nose and hug him. At this point, you might be tempted to start moving your arm out of his reach to prolong the game. Follow the Wiggling Toy This is the ideal transition exercise that I would start around the tenth week of indoor play. For this, I recommend the Pacific Pups Rope Toys Set from Amazon, not just because it is budget-friendly but because you can use toys of different sizes as your German Shepherd puppy continues to grow. Once you have him sitting close to you, introduce the rope toy and place it on the floor with your hand holding onto one end. Your job then is to make sure he takes at least four steps before he catches the rope toy. Again, this is a high-engagement, low-impact exercise that builds up the foundation for medium-impact activities later on. Jaw and Bodyweight Exercises Recommended age: 3 — 4 months Maximum duration: minutes per day, twice a day Risk factor: low Things to avoid: sprints Your German Shepherd puppy is now three months old; he is building on his training according to the standard puppy training methods, and you can start to interact with him more physically. Still, his growth plates remain open, and you still need to avoid exercises that strain the joints, especially ones located around long bones like limbs. At the same time, your German Shepherd has more energy and may want to exercise more than is good for him. As a result, your role has shifted. Here, instead of letting your puppy have the toy once he follows it and grabs hold of it, you play a small tug of war with him. If your GSD is used to getting the toy after following it, he may get too defensive when you tug it. I recommended the toy set for this reason precisely. The final thing worth remembering about this game is that you always lose! You place the rope toy on the ground and let your German Shepherd puppy follow it as you move it around. Once he grabs hold of it, you use your arm strength to keep it in place. Do not try to pull it too hard. It is also essential that you gradually move up the tug of war in time and position. Gradually you can move the tug toy slightly above the ground. Throughout this, make sure your dog is on a leash because you do not want to encourage grabbing and dashing. Ultimately, you have to let your puppy win! As soon as you release the toy, he gets to have it for a while. This is also the best stage to train him to release objects on command. Make sure your GSD is on a long leash before you start this activity. Associating running with playtime is risky. A long loose leash allows you to bring him back to you gently. Be prepared to spend a lot of time negotiating with your GSD. I suggest playing tug before this because it builds trust. When you roll the ball on the floor, your puppy will get it. You cannot expect him to bring the toy to you. You simply tug the leash gently and bring him close to you. Then, you hold the ball in place. You should not pull it away. That will only cause your German Shepherd to bite down on it harder. When you have it firmly in place, your dog will try to wrestle it free but will eventually let the ball go. You can encourage this by just talking to him in a reassuring tone and using training treats. As soon as he lets go of the ball, put it on the ground and roll it. As GSDs take pleasure in high-engagement activities, the activity itself becomes a reward. In my experience, this will always be a mixed bag. Some dogs never stop giving pushback at the retrieval stage, while others let go of the ball the moment you extend your arm toward it. Stick to softer surfaces, like grass and dirt paths, while your pup is young and their bones are not fully fused. Most GSD owners simply want to take train their puppy to walk on a leash in the neighborhood and park without getting pulled down the street. There are three basic ways to communicate how you want your German Shepherd puppy to walk on a leash with you: the stopping method, the turning method, and the luring method. The Stopping Method Open the door, but only open the door if your dog is sitting. This step could take some time and practice. Once you both are out the door, have your dog sit again. You need to lock the door and your dog needs to sit for this. During your walk, have your dog sit for you at various times. When he does offer a tasty, high value, quick-to-eat treat. Now immediately start walking again and give the release cue. Stand still and wait until he sits. This could take a while. This is important, especially because one day your little pup will be large enough to injure you if they pull you along on the walk wildly! This will take lots of time and patience. But setting a strong and obedient walk foundation allows you to enjoy your walks more and maintain control over your large breed dog as they mature and grow stronger. The Turning Method Use the same steps as above to get outside your house and begin your walk, except instead of stopping and waiting on your dog, turn in the opposite direction and begin walking the other way. Quietly turn around and guide them along when they get a few steps ahead of you. You may also tire of turning. But stick with it. Either of these techniques takes plenty of patience and a strong mental character. But your dog loves to learn. Their mind is like a sponge at this young age, but they also lack obedience skills and an attention span. Use treats and toys to get your dog to follow you. The Treat Luring Method: Hold the treat at their eye level in front of them so they can see and smell the treat. Take one or two steps forward, having them follow the treat with their nose and eyes. They will probably keep following the treat. She loves them! Take a couple of steps forward while squeaking the toy. As they follow, keep stepping forward and squeaking the toy. After a few successful steps forward, let them play with the toy as their reward. Keep up this game to motivate them to follow you. Eventually, your dog gains confidence in their new surroundings and with your help and will walk on their own. Never allow your dog to run loose near traffic. Never unleash your dog in a new area. Never allow your dog to eat objects found on the ground. They could be poisonous! Never think a person running or someone on a bicycle sees your little pup. Puppies are quick moving and can dart in front of a moving person causing them to trip and fall. This can also injure your dog as they may fall on top of them or kick or step on them. Pup is distracted Remember that being outside with your dog is equivalent to you going to Disney Land! Give them a chance to develop their attention skills, or use the high value treats to make them pay attention to you. If you are limited in the places you can go, choose different routes so your dog gets to experience new smells and sights. The dog looks stressed or afraid Find quieter areas to walk in or use the lure and reward method to help them overcome their walking fears. Carry them home and end your walk. Next time, go a shorter distance and take less time. Use positive training and rewards to communicate. The best walking setup for a puppy is a no-pull harness that connects at two different points in the front and back. No-pull harnesses are great for introducing your puppy to structured walks while keeping them safe and happy. Need More Manners Training? Your GSD needs to learn more than just walking nicely. He also needs to learn all the basics of obedience. Use this free training guide to get started today! This activity is usually one of the longest and hardest to teach since you are competing with the sights and smells of the great outdoors! Stay patient, positive, and stick to your training. Your doggie will love you for it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts.