how to train your german shepherd puppy

A lot of factors come into play in deciding its price. The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized retriever dog breed from Scotland. It has a gentle and loving personality and a beautiful golden coat. It is often kept as a pet, and in many Western countries, it is one of the most commonly registered breeds. It often competes in dog shows and obedience trials and is also used as a gundog. It can also be trained to be a guide dog. You can look up 'Golden Retriever puppy for sale in Chennai' on the internet and bring in a cute retriever home. Characteristics of Golden Retriever The golden retriever has a good temper, is brilliant, and loves people. Golden retrievers are friendly and outgoing, getting along well with youngsters, animals, and people. One reason why these dogs perform so well in obedience classes and as service animals is that they are so eager to please. They also like to work, hunt birds, or get their guardian's slippers. Golden retrievers don't usually bark and don't have the instinct to protect, so you can't count on them to be good watchdogs. But some golden retrievers will bark when they see a stranger coming. Regular Exercises They must exercise every day or get antsy, nervous, and overactive. This is a big problem if you keep your dog inside and there are other people in the house or if your home is small and has a lot of things that can break. Walk your Golden Retriever twice daily, ideally in the morning and evening. This should last between 45 minutes and an hour so they get enough exercise. If you are willing to obtain any more information about the breed before going ahead with the purchase, you can always get in touch with us and we would be more than happy to provide you with all necessary assistance, just Dial - Diet and Nutrition Golden Retrievers can eat a wide range of foods that are healthy and good for them. Foods high in protein include lean meats like cattle, chicken, lamb, hog, and fish, grains like rice, maize, and oats, and dairy products like plain yogurt and cheese. Vegetables, fruits, and grains can also give dogs the necessary nutrients. To stay healthy and live long, they need to consume enough protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The Golden Retriever puppy price in Chennai generally depends on age, height, health, and diet. Common Health Issues Hypothyroidism, a disorder in which the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone, is frequent in Golden Retrievers. Skin and hair dryness, thinning, susceptibility to various skin disorders, increased body weight, anxiety, anger, and other personality changes are all possible symptoms. What is the Lifespan of a Golden Retriever? Some golden retrievers have been known to live significantly longer than the typical lifespan of 10—12 years. Temperament Golden Retrievers have pleasant personalities that are easy-going and calm. They are quick to learn and like the company of others. They like spending time with the family and can usually be seen dozing down at your feet. We hope this blog has helped you get Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Chennai. Regular home breeders Puppy mill Golden Retriever — Avoid at all costs Puppy mills are horrible places that are run by people whose sole purpose is to make money. Their dogs are badly maintained, poorly fed, and kept alive only to produce puppies. You want to avoid buying your Golden Retriever puppy from such places. These people buy genetically weak and crossbred dogs for a low price and use them as their breeding stock. You can easily spot a puppy mill seller; his price is generally low, and they will never allow you to see the puppy with its mother. They use terms such as heavy bone, double coat, show quality, and show-winner to lure people. Buying a large dog like the Golden Retriever from places like these can result in severe problems down the road. Your puppy can have genetic issues or, worse, can turn out to be an aggressive dog. We recommend that you never rush into buying a puppy. Golden Retrievers are large dogs that will soon become part of your family. Not all pet shops are bad. Some pet shops belong to reputable breeders, but pet shops, in general, are not the place to get your Golden Retriever puppy. Never pay for a puppy if you cannot see it along with its mother. To verify if the pet shop is an authentic breeder of Golden Retrievers, ensure the following. Insist on meeting the Golden Retriever breeder and speaking to them about their dogs Meet the puppy along with its mother. Insist on KCI certification for both the puppy and the parents Read our post on questions to ask your breeder to learn more about your breeder. Buying a Golden from a Broker Getting connected with a dog breeder through a broker is a great idea. Talking to the broker will help you understand its background. Did you know, most Golden Retriever sales in India are through brokers. They play a vital role in bringing buyers to sellers. A good broker will directly take you to the dog breeder and be happy to answer all your queries. These are serious Golden fanciers who love their dogs and breed them at their homes. If you are looking to buy a Golden Retriever, you can consider buying from regular breeders. We recommend that you get in touch with them directly or through a broker and speak to them about their dogs. Ask for KCI certificates to verify the lineage. Once you make up your mind to buy a puppy, visit their home, and meet their dogs. If you are lucky, you can get a top-quality dog at a low price. The best place to start your search for a reputable breeder is dogsindia. This website has a list of top breeders in the country. Remember, the quality of a pup dictates its price. Buying from a top breeder will be expensive. However, it will guarantee the quality of your puppy. Buying a Golden Retriever from a reputable Breeder The best place to buy a Golden Retriever in India today is from a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders and top Golden Retriever kennels in India are home to some of the top Goldens in the world. While the price of the Golden might be higher, you can rest assured of its quality and health. Remember, the additional money that you pay will guarantee a worry-free ownership experience for you. How do I find a reputable Golden Retriever breeder? There are several reputable breeders in India. You can start your search at dogsindia. Most of the top kennels have a listing on dogsindia. The dog food factor Dog food for your Golden Retriever will be your highest recurring expense. For an exotic dog such as the Golden Retriever, high-quality dog food is vital. Dogs on low-quality dog food never reach their full potential no matter from whom you buy the puppy. We recommend that you choose a brand that offers breed-specific dog food. Your dog food cost will vary depending on the brand. We recommend that you read our review of the top dog food in India to choose the right dog food for your dog. The vet factor Before you buy a puppy, it is good to visit a veterinarian near your home. Speaking with the vet will give you a good idea of all the medical expenses you can incur for a Golden Retriever. The following are some of your recurring vet costs. Vaccination cost. Golden Retriever price in dehradun Rs. The cost of a Golden Retriever is not an easy thing to determine given the numerous factors that affect it. Genetics — It all boils down to genetics in determining how much your golden retriever dog would cost. A golden retriever with excellent genetics can be sold for higher prices. Breeders — This factor plays a huge role in determining how much your golden retriever puppy costs as well since they have their own pricing policy based on what they want to sell their puppies for so if they do not want to sell their puppy at a certain price then that would be what they get paid for their dog. Location— Location also plays a big part in determining how much golden retriever can cost. If you live near a golden retriever breeder then chances are that you could get your hands on one for less but if you live far away from any breeders then expect to pay the price of golden retriever more just because of transportation costs. Gender— Gender also has its own effect on Golden Retriever price as male golden retrievers usually command higher prices than females because there is less demand for female golden retrievers. Age — Another factor that determines Golden Retriever price is age since older golden retrievers tend to cost more due to having better genetics. Size — Size also determines Golden Retriever price due to bigger sized dogs costing more money. Coat Color — Golden retrievers with rarer coat colors such as black golden retrievers are more expensive than golden retrievers with normal coat colors such as brown golden retrievers. Well, it is because people prefer buying rare colored golden retriever dogs over normal colored ones. The coat is golden yellow in color and looks really attractive when coupled with black markings. It can be long-haired or short-haired. But its fur has a very good look. On average, Golden Retriever dogs grow up to 3 feet in height at withers shoulders for males and 2 feet for females which is about average for most dog breeds. Females are lighter than males as they weigh 60 pounds on average while male dogs weigh 75 pounds on average. Its exact origins are unknown but most historians agree that it resulted from crossbreeding between black Labrador Retrievers and Tweed Water Spaniels of Scotland. It shares many of its characteristics with other retriever breeds including popular Flat Coated Retriever as well as Irish Setters. The Golden was originally bred to retrieve game from cold water so they have excellent swimming abilities. Golden Retriever Personality And Behaviour Golden Retrievers are incredibly friendly and patient dogs, making them great as family pets. Golden retrievers are known for being loyal and caring towards children. These traits make golden retrievers particularly suited for families with children. They tend to interact well with other animals as well. However, a few short walks each day should provide sufficient exercise for your golden retriever. If you plan on taking long hikes or runs, it is best to do so early in the morning or at night when it is cooler. Also Read — Top 12 dog breeds for Indian climate Golden Retriever Lifespan Golden retrievers have long lifespans — years on average. Because they are large dogs with relatively few genetic issues, they tend to live longer than breeds of similar size like German shepherds. That said, golden retrievers are still vulnerable to diseases that could shorten their lives. Golden Retriever Health Problems Like all breeds, they are prone to certain health problems. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and responsible breeding practices can help reduce the risk. It can cause lameness and arthritis in the affected limbs. Cancer: Golden Retrievers have a higher risk of developing cancer compared to other breeds. Common types include lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and mast cell tumors. Regular veterinary check-ups and awareness of any unusual lumps or changes in behavior are important. Heart Problems: Conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy enlarged heart and mitral valve disease can affect Golden Retrievers. Regular cardiac check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can mitigate these risks. Regular eye exams can help catch and manage these issues early. Allergies: Golden Retrievers can suffer from skin allergies, often triggered by food, environment, or parasites. Maintaining proper hygiene, a balanced diet, and addressing allergies promptly can help manage this. It can result in weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. Medication and regular veterinary care are essential for managing hypothyroidism. Ear Infections: With their floppy ears, Golden Retrievers are prone to ear infections caused by moisture and bacteria buildup. Regular ear cleaning and proper drying after swimming can help prevent these infections. Obesity: Golden Retrievers are enthusiastic eaters, which can lead to obesity if their diet and exercise are not properly managed. Maintaining a balanced diet and providing regular exercise are crucial for their overall health. Providing joint supplements, controlled exercise, and weight management can help support their joint health. Here are five essential golden retriever care tips that will help keep your dog looking good. This also helps prevent ticks and other parasites from spreading on his body. But before doing so, make sure you have all of the necessary supplies like shampoo and towels. To get rid of these pests, visit a professional groomer who can recommend a suitable treatment plan that works best for your pooch. You could either hire a personal trainer for your pet or enroll him in doggy daycare where he can play around with his friends while you go about your daily chores. Remember, taking care of your golden retriever is more than just feeding and walking him every day. Golden Retriever Maintenance Cost The maintenance cost of a Golden Retriever can vary depending on various factors such as location, quality of food, grooming services, veterinary care, and overall lifestyle. Grooming: Golden Retrievers have a dense double coat that requires regular grooming. Alternatively, you can learn to groom your dog at home, which would require investing in grooming tools and supplies. Veterinary Care: Routine veterinary care is essential to keep your Golden Retriever healthy. This includes vaccinations, annual check-ups, flea and tick prevention, and occasional health issues. Training and Socialization: Golden Retrievers benefit from training and socialization classes to ensure good behavior and a well-adjusted temperament. Here are some fun facts about these beautiful dogs! Trainability of Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are highly trainable dogs known for their intelligence and eagerness to please. They are quick learners and excel in obedience training and various dog sports. Positive Reinforcement: Golden Retrievers respond best to positive reinforcement training methods. They thrive on praise, treats, and rewards for desired behaviors. Harsh training techniques or punishment can be counterproductive and damage their trust and enthusiasm. Socialization: Early socialization is crucial for Golden Retrievers. Exposing them to various people, animals, and environments from a young age helps them develop into well-rounded and confident dogs. Consistency and Patience: Golden Retrievers benefit from consistent training routines and clear expectations. Patience is essential as they may require repetition to fully grasp commands and behaviors. Versatility: Golden Retrievers have a natural aptitude for various activities and roles. They excel in obedience trials, agility courses, and retrieving games. They can also be trained as therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, and service dogs. Mental Stimulation: Golden Retrievers thrive on mental stimulation. Providing them with challenging puzzles, interactive toys, and training sessions that engage their minds helps prevent boredom and keeps them focused. Continuous Training: Training should be an ongoing process throughout their lives. Regular practice and reinforcement of learned commands and behaviors help maintain their training and prevent regression. Grooming of Golden Retriever Grooming a Golden Retriever is essential to keep their coat healthy, shiny, and free from tangles. Use a slicker brush or a deshedding tool to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. Bathing: Bathe your Golden Retriever every months or as needed. Use a dog-specific shampoo to avoid stripping natural oils from their coat. Be cautious not to over-bathe, as it can lead to dry skin. Ears: Check their ears weekly for dirt, wax, or signs of infection. Gently clean with a dog ear cleaner and cotton ball. Avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal. Be careful not to cut too close to the quick, which can cause bleeding. Teeth: Brush their teeth times a week to prevent tartar buildup and maintain good oral health. Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Coat Care: Pay special attention to their feathered tail, legs, and neck, where tangles and mats can form. Use a detangling spray and a wide-tooth comb to gently work through knots. Shedding: Golden Retrievers shed heavily, especially during shedding seasons. Regular brushing helps manage shedding, but be prepared for some fur around the house. Professional Grooming: Consider occasional visits to a professional groomer for a thorough trim and cleaning. Frequently Asked Questions Can golden retriever survive in india? Golden retrievers can live in India as long as they are not exposed to extreme heat. Due to their double coating, they are not tolerant of extreme heat and may require continuous air conditioning. Is golden retriever dangerous? In general, Golden Retrievers are loving, kind, and gentle with practically everyone they come into contact with, so they are not dangerous dogs. Due to their affinity for meeting new friends and developing strong ties with the people they care about most, golden retrievers are not dangerous. Are Golden Retrievers good for first-time dog owners? Yes, Golden Retrievers can be good for first-time dog owners. They are known for being friendly, loyal, and easy to train. They are also known for being good with children and other animals. Golden Retrievers are generally eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. They are also adaptable to different living environments, whether in a house or an apartment. Are golden retrievers hypoallergenic? No, Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic. They are a shedding breed and produce dander, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Are pit bulls good with children? Yes, Pit bulls can be good with children if well-trained and socialized. Recommended —. Here is a question Why there is a big difference in the Golden Retriever rate in Chennai? The reason is that the age of the Golden Retriever, quality of breed, Gender, and Place affect the price of Golden Retriever in Chennai. Also, male and female Golden Retriever has their own price due to Gender. The health of the Golden Retriever is also a major factor in Golden Retriever prices. Puppies will be your partner for the next 15 years. We suggest our users that always prefer to buy a puppy when they need a dog. Puppy and humans have a long relationship. One of the advantages of purchasing a Puppy is that it gets familiar to you from childhood. And he becomes familiar with your family. You can train it in your own way. Buying guide of a Golden Retriever Puppy Chennai There are some necessary steps to take before buying a puppy. Check if he has any disease. Confirm with the one you get the dog from, whether it has been vaccinated Make sure that the puppy you want to buy is not lazy. Prefer an active puppy for your household. Buy a Golden retriever puppy from a trusted breeder. Golden Retriever cost in Chennai Golden Retriever cost in Chennai is around about 10, to rupees.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. About Us We are a family breeder located on a 6 acre hobby farm in the beautiful hills of Western NY. After a mini goldendoodle became part of our lives, we knew we had to be a part of the doodle world. We have searched long and hard for the perfect dogs and are so excited to introduce you to our Bernedoodles. Our dogs are members of our family and we can't wait to help you find a new member for yours. We believe in bringing you the best dogs that are healthy, loving, loyal and family oriented. Specializing In: Currently we are specializing in traditional tri, phantom tri and parti tri colored F1 and F1b Standard and Mini Bernedoodles. Bernedoodles combine the athleticism and intelligence of the Standard Poodle with the calm, laid back and affectionate nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog. With good breeding, the resulting puppies are beautiful, playful, affectionate, loyal, sweet and sometime quite comical. They are low to no shedding and tend to be allergy friendly. Full grown, our Standard Bernedoodles will weigh between between 80 lbs. Our Miniature Pups will weigh between lbs. My Bernedoodles are usually black, brown and white in a vaiety of color patters. I am also looking at adding a blue Merle to my pups. I love all Bernedoodle colors and work hard to breed puppies that are beautiful and have great temperaments. Some can have the taller but more slight build of the poodle, others have the stockier build of the Bernese. Their coats come in a variety of styles as well. Most Bernedoodles have a wavy coat, which are low to no shedding. Some can also have a curlier coat more like the poodle. Generally, the curlier the coat the less likely it is to shed. With little to no shedding, Bernedoodle coats can get matted. They need to be brushed regularly and clipped every few months. The F1 cross is considered the healthiest, as the parents have the least likelihood of contributing genes for common inheritable diseases. F1b puppies are the most likely to be non-shedding and allergy-friendly. I currently do not breed F2 Bernedoodles. They are all about people and are happiest when they're spending time with their families: playing, cuddling, and making us laugh. The puppies are raised in our home, being snuggled daily by our children, and come with a 12 month genetic health guarantee. What is the difference between F1, F1b, and F2 Bernedoodle generation breeds? The F1 cross is considered the healthiest, as the parents have the least likelihood of contributing genes for common inheritable diseases. F1b — is a cross in which a Bernedoodle is bred back with a poodle. F1b puppies are the most likely to be non-shedding and allergy-friendly. F2 — is a second-generation cross in which an F1 Bernedoodle is crossed with another F1 Bernedoodle. How do I know I am getting the right size Bernedoodle? Full grown, our Standard Bernedoodles will weigh between lbs. Our Miniature Doodles will weigh between lbs. The only thing to keep in mind is that Standard Bernedoodles, which are larger than most dogs, are calmer and require less activity training. Mini Bernedoodles, on the other hand, are more energetic. Is my building Bernedoodle-friendly, or do I have to move? Before considering the dimensions of your place, you must find out if a dog or any pet, for that matter is allowed in the building. Many limit the number of dogs you can have. How can I find a pet-friendly home for my pup? Questions about Bernedoodle puppies for sale in New York? We have answers. Give me a an overview of Bernedoodle puppies for sale in New York. Bernedoodle puppies for sale New York are a mix or designer breed created by crossing Poodles with Bernese Mountain Dogs. The result combines the best traits of the Poodle, like its hypoallergenic and low shedding coat, with those of the Bernese, like its friendliness and loyalty. New York Bernedoodle puppies for sale are as smart as they are sweet! What if the pup I want is too far away? With Uptown Puppies, it's no problem if your dream Bernedoodle for sale New York is from an out of state breeder. Our network of puppy businesses and companies are all happy to work out pick-up from the breeder or transport to your nearest major airport according to your needs. What kind of checks do you do on breeders and businesses? Holding our network of Bernedoodle breeders New York and companies to the higest standard is what our Breeder Pledge is all about. Everyone in our network is held to the highest standards of animal welfare, legal compliance, and experience - no exceptions. What sets Uptown puppies apart from the alternatives? Social media groups and classified ads are the most popular ways of finding a Bernedoodle for sale in New York. Sadly, these avenues offer no guarantees; the dog might come from a great home, or it might not.That's the reason we created Uptown Puppies, and that's what sets us apart from the alternatives! How much should I pay for a Bernedoodle puppy? As with most breeds, there are a wide range of prices for Bernedoodle puppies in New York. Check it out with our puppy finder! Puppy mills are criminal New York Bernedoodle breeders dedicated to one thing: producing puppies by the thousands and selling them for profit. Mother dogs are held in appalling conditions, exposed to serious maltreatment, and forced to reproduce over and over to the serious detriment of their health. Sickness is common in the resulting Bernedoodles for sale in New York, as well as behavioral problems and significant reductions in lifespan. Are there any Bernedoodle breeders in New York? Of course, that depends on exactly where you live. The growing popularity of this breed means that they are commonly found nationwide. Or, if the distance makes it completely impractical, companies in our network are happy to arrange transport for your new dog. Tell me more about Bernedoodles! Overall, Bernedoodles for sale New York are loving, loyal, intelligent and sweet pooches. Easy to train and always up for fun and games, this pup appreciates an active lifestyle and lots of stimulation. Bernedoodles are great dogs if you enjoy lots of time outdoors and energetic play followed by long evenings cuddling in front of the fire. A perfect companion pooch! Do Bernedoodles need lots of attention? New York Bernedoodles for sale are clever dogs who appreciate plenty of mental stimulation. So this breed enjoys lots of interaction, exercise, and fun and games. In short, your dog will appreciate it if someone is usually around and might not enjoy extended periods left alone. Are Bernedoodles difficult to train? Not at all!

Dana has raised Golden Retrievers since .They are smaller than most goldens because they are bred to the Golden Retriever standard. Females fully grown are between pounds and Males fully grown are between pounds. Our Goals: At Champagne Goldens, we strive to produce the healthiest high quality pure bred golden retrievers possible. This involves breeding only to the AKC golden retriever standard and only to golden retrievers that have received and passed all of their OFA Clearances which includes hips, elbows, thyroid, eyes and heart. DNA is also cleared for any health issues. Puppies are evaluated for temperament, soundness, trainability and health. Our Puppies: All Puppies are sold on a co-own basis only. Pet companion puppies are sold on a limited registration, but not spayed or neutered until the age of Months because of health concerns. This is the primary reason for co-owner contract, because of the long wait to spay or neuter. Once there is confirmation from a veterinarian that the puppy has been spayed or neutered, the puppy will be registered solely under the buyers name for Pet puppies and at 7 years old for Show Prospect puppies. Show prospect puppies will be on a co-own unlimited registration with breeding rights, with the option of the breeder as a mentor to buyer for showing or the breeder can show the puppy for the buyer. If you would like to get a puppy from us: 1. Have patience — we only have 1 to 2 litters a year. Check on this page for announcement of breeding plans. How do you reserve a puppy? Once the puppies are born: We notify those who have completed the puppy inquiry by the date inquiry is received. Those interested will be sent a copy of the deposit contract and sales contract by email once commitment has been confirmed. How do I receive my puppy? Puppies can be picked up in person, met half way for a fee, or shipped by airplane paid by buyer. What is the process of choosing a puppy? The choosing process is a collaborative effort, but in the end we have the final say. We spend a lot of time with the puppies. New owners are encouraged to let us know if there are certain puppies they feel they are drawn to. The decision for puppy placement is made between around 8 weeks old for pets and weeks for Show Prospects— after the puppies have had their temperament test, breed structure evaluation and veterinarian health check. This process seems to work out well for all. What else can you expect? Each puppy will have received their vaccinations against parvovirus and distemper and up to date by age of pick up, usually between weeks of age. You can also expect a lifelong breeder relationship and support. Champagne Golden Retrievers will Always have a Home- If, for any unforeseen circumstance, you find yourself unable to care for your Champagne Golden Retriever you can NOT relinquish your dog to a shelter, rescue, or resale the puppy. No matter the reason, we will provide a loving home and take them back. Litters If you would like to get a puppy from us: 1. Have patience — we only have 1 to 2 litters a year. Check on this page for announcement of breeding plans. How do you reserve a puppy? Once the puppies are born: We notify those who have completed steps .Those interested will be sent a copy of the deposit contract and sales contract by email once commitment has been confirmed. How do I receive my puppy? What is the process of choosing a puppy? The choosing process is a collaborative effort, but in the end we have the final say. We spend a lot of time with the puppies. New owners are encouraged to let us know if there are certain puppies they feel they are drawn to. The decision for puppy placement is made between around weeks old — after the puppies have had their temperament test, breed structure evaluation and veterinarian health check. This process seems to work out well for all. What else can you expect? Each puppy will have received their vaccinations against parvovirus and distemper and up to date by age of pick up. You can also expect a lifelong breeder relationship and support. Champagne Golden Retriever will Always have a Home- If, for any unforeseen circumstance, you find yourself unable to care for your Champagne Golden Retriever there is no need to ever relinquish your dog to a shelter or rescue. No matter the reason, we will provide a loving home. Puppies were born September .Interested in more information? When you adopt a puppy from Horizon Puppies, you become part of our family. I picked up my gorgeous golden today. He was bathed and just perfect. No problems at all. Once home he quickly settled in. Just shows how much love and care went into raising them. Look around and then take a hard look at not only the quality of pups they raise but then at an affordable price. I know I made the right decision after a lengthy search. Thank you so much for a wonderful life companion and soon to be spoiled family member. Tim Galloway Amazing to work with. Highly Recommended. Great Puppies. Adam Steury May 26, We received Maggie May from Mark and his family and she is great she was raised very well and kept very safe and clean she was family raised we picked up up at eight weeks old within three days she was going potty outside by ringing the bell at the door she is very smart she will be four months old tomorrow she plays games and completes that with no problem already on stage III Christoph Incorvia November 19, Highly recommended Horizon Lab Puppies!!! From day 1 they have been so great! We got weekly updates to watch our puppy grow and they were very informative on everything the puppies were learning and doing. They made sure the puppies were apart of the family and you could see all the love they gave them. So happy with our purchase!!! Beverly Kreimeyer November 10, We brought home our beautiful puppy Luna today and she has been an absolute delight. We loved getting the weekly updates from Horizon and that we knew all of the puppies were well taken care of, and also part of the family. She had already started potty training and was well loved by a family and children included. I would highly recommend them and purchase from them again in the future. Working with Horizon has been a great first experience for us. The breeders truly care about these pups and their forever homes. We keep in regular contact with the breeder and send updates on our pup. Harvey has been a great puppy. He is a beautiful dog and has been a quicker learner. He has been so much fun for our family. We would definitely recommend Horizon to our family and friends. I am a college graduate with little background with dogs. The breeders were more than willing to answer all my questions and walked me through the caretaking process. I met the breeder personally and saw where the puppies are raised. The breeders truly care about their puppies and it shows. Beau has been healthy and an incredible dog. I would most definitely recommend this breeder to friends and family. Beau below at 6 months Matthew Harvey.

As a couple, Trish's love for these breeds rubbed off on Dale, and after struggling with infertility, they decided to take a break and welcome their first boy, Lucky, into their lives. Soon after, they were blessed with a baby girl named Reagan, who can often be seen in pictures with their puppies. After discovering their love for breeding, they established a home kennel and have since become devoted puppy parents. They are located in Central Indiana on a spacious property in Zionsville, where all their dogs are raised and socialized by their large family, which includes five children between the ages of 7 to 25, and a bengal cat named Mama Bell. As passionate breeders, they have expanded their family to include some French bulldogs, including Phoebe, Jasper, and Echo, and a one-year-old Dogue De Bordeaux named Belle. The love affair they have with their dogs has never faded, and they treat them all as part of their family, young and old alike. Dependable and predictable, they make wonderful family pets and are loving to most children. People-oriented as a breed, they actively seek human attention. They develop their own personalities quickly, and will leave you laughing most days of the week. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. It was said that during my growing up years that I had a way of spoiling our family pets and loved spending all my time with them. I always made sure they had the greatest care. This passion has carried with me into adulthood and it is the same with our current pets as well. Why Choose Us? We Are Family God has blessed us with our dogs as our family. We don't have kids so all of our love is poured into our dogs and then shared with are customers who are family. Visits Welcome Trust is a major factor when choosing a breeder. That is why we invite you to our farm and welcome any questions you may have before or after your purchase. We take great pride in the temperament and health of our dogs and puppies. Selective Breeding Our breeding dogs have to meet a high standard of genetic qualities before we even consider breeding them. We also seek confirmations to build upon traditions of selective practices. We have done this to ensure the highest quality puppies that will give many healthy years of companionship.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We produce beautiful black and red, as well as solid black German Shepherd puppies. We keep our puppy owners actively involved from before the time your pup is even born! You will get progress updates on mom, pictures as she grows, videos of the puppies moving in mom, etc all up until the day the pups are born. Then, you will get updates as the puppies are born, as well as pictures. It is not just about coming to pick up a puppy at 8 weeks, but it is a growing relationship between us to truly have you a part of our Samherz family. We become good friends with a lot of our puppy owners, as there will always be questions, concerns, stories, etc to share after you take your new puppy home. We are here to help. We require the best for our puppies, and we want you to have the best too. Samherz is located on 35 acres of gorgeous land, giving our dogs and puppies exposure to sights, sounds, smells and everything in between to ensure they grow up well socialized. We have done extensive research to choose the best pairings to produce top quality companion animals, as well as conformation, sport and working prospects. We currently breed European bloodlines only, avoiding crossing any working lines. Our breeding program proudly uses dogs that have generations beyond generations of solid hip and elbow clearances, as we follow SV guidelines in which all parents, grandparents, etc have certifications. Our puppies are true German shepherds, not American line, and are bred within the breed standard. We breed health tested and stable temperament dogs only. Our dogs are part of our family, loved and cared for and raised in our home. Feel free to contact us with questions, comments or simply to share pictures of your pups! We love to expand our friendship pool! Samherz Shepherds name came from the heart of our kennel, Samurai, call name Sam. The German word for heart is "herz". It is with great honor that our kennel is named after our impeccable companion, Sam. We will see him again on the other side of the rainbow bridge. Proudly created by Wix. Minnesota German Shepherd Breeder located in Brainerd. German Shepherd Resources German Shepherds are truly gems of the Canine world, so it comes as no surprise that you are considering or have decided to add to your family. The breed is highly versatile as it can be used as family dogs or companion dogs, show dogs, police dogs, therapy dogs, and a lot more. They are a true working dog breed with a lot of love to give. They are blessed with high intelligence so they are easily trainable dogs which is what makes them very versatile. States like Minnesota are no strangers to the German Shepherd breed. There are lots of German Shepherd breeders residing in different locations within the state. And just as there are many breeders, not all these breeders are reputable breeders that truly care for the breed. This is why it is recommended that you take out the extra time to know your chosen breeder. In this article, we try to make the search for a good German Shepherd breeder a lot easier for you by providing you with a list of 10 good German Shepherd breeders in Minnesota that have showcased good breeding practices as well as impressive socialization and training programs for each of their German Shepherd litters. We advise that you only view this list as a mere guide to aid you in finding that perfect German Shepherd puppy for you. With that being said, do ensure you read till the end as it promises to be both engaging and informative. Located in Roosevelt, Minnesota, Northern Sky German Shepherds is a reputable German Shepherd breeder that is focused on raising AKC-registered German Shepherd puppies that are mainly bred as family companions but also double as either therapy dogs or service dogs. Their dogs are IPO titled and are either solid black in color or black and red. All their German Shepherd parents are imports from West German show lines with impressive pedigrees and good health. They are blessed with good conformation, high intelligence, and decent temperament. Their dogs are made to undergo genetic health testing as well as orthopedic health testing to show they are indeed ready to be added to their breeding program. When they are not being bred, they are kept as family pets. All dogs both adult and puppies are raised in the home of Lyndi and Russ located in Roosevelt, Minnesota. Their puppies are properly socialized using humans both children and adults to keep them occupied. They are also given basic training and are properly checked by the licensed vet who administers their vaccination shots and deworming. Every puppy should come with a written health guarantee. They should be vaccinated and dewormed and also come microchipped. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in Minnesota? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in Minnesota cost? The price of a German Shepherd can vary depending on a ton of factors, factors including location, coat color, breeder experience and more. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Minnesota will often vary in price significantly, especially if one is for sale by a reputable breeder and the other is coming from an unknown source that may or may not be an unethical facility. Am I limited to local breeders with Uptown Puppies? How does Uptown Puppies screen breeders? You may be wondering, what is the reason for that? Why is Uptown Puppies different from finding a pup through an online search? When you sit down at your laptop to search for German Shepherd breeders in Minnesota or German Shepherds for sale in Minnesota through a site like Google or Yahoo, what you are really doing is prioritizing local breeders by marketing budget, not by the quality of their puppies or how they treat them. Instead of getting lost in an endless online sea of puppy mills and fraudulent puppy businesses, it might be time to give the Uptown Puppies solution a try. What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are factory like-facilities where puppies are bred for profit, more often than not facilities that are being run on severe budget restraints. Puppies and mothers alike are given low-quality food and expected to breed as soon as they are done with the last litter. German Shepherd puppies in Minnesota and across the country are bred by a wide variety of breeders for quite a few purposes. LIke many other popular working dogs, there are still purpose bred German Shepherd puppies available for people who are looking for a working companion! How does Uptown Puppies work? The Uptown Puppies process is so easy that your dream German Shepherd could be just a few clicks away. All you have to do is begin by browsing our large selection of puppies available to be picked up or transported to you! How do I know I can trust you? At Uptown Puppies we believe in creating lasting relationships between owners and their puppies as well as trust between customers and our team. How should I think about a backyard breeder? Unfortunately, a lot of the time these vendors turn out to be backyard breeders. Backyard breeders decide to start their puppy business despite not having the funds to do everything the right way. When you expose young puppies to imperfect conditions, you can imagine that things can go south quickly. Why are there so many puppy mills in Minnesota and the rest of the country? Puppy mills, just like backyard breeders often cheap out on the food and safety protocols that are required to raise healthy dogs.

They are outgoing, active and affectionate companions who have a lot of energy and love making their owner happy. They have strong retrieving instincts as they were bred to be gun dogs, so they love both soft toys and diving into bodies of water. It is highly unusual for the puppy's owner to care for them during this time and is best left to a responsible, reputable breeder. Your puppy's body will double in weight as their muscles, organs and bones develop. Nutrition During the neonatal stage, your Labrador puppy will get most of their nutrition from their mother's milk. At around 4 weeks you may wish to introduce a mush of minced protein such as beef, but always consult your vet first before changing your puppy's diet at this stage. Health During this time it is important to monitor your Lab for any infections, diseases or birth defects. Puppies are unable to urinate or defecate by themselves initially, so their mother helps them but may additionally require your assistance. Keep your vet's contact details close by and educate yourself thoroughly on this stage of puppy development. By the end of this period, your puppy will be mobile and will explore the world mouth first — be sure to keep choking hazards and toxic foods out of their reach. Behaviour During most of this time your Labrador puppy will be asleep or inactive, but they will soon be playing with their brothers and sisters. After weeks they will go through as much sensory development as a human baby does in a few months. It is important to avoid disturbing the puppies' mother as she will be likely be protective, but some interaction with the young pups is normal so they become used to human touch. This is a formative time for your puppy and will be when they learn to walk, play, bite, hold their bladder, and interact with others. You will soon notice their attentiveness to you and their intense love of play — many Labs keep this caring and fun attitude for their whole lives if you foster it. Nutrition During the weaning stage, you should slowly introduce into their diet a nutritionally complete dog food which is appropriate to your Labrador's large size and young age. Labs are notoriously greedy and will quickly gobble down food and snatch treats from hands. You should familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid and hide as your puppy will soon find ways to get into forbidden snacks found only in bins. Labradors puppies instinctively like to 'dig' inside their water bowls so much of their water will end up on the ground. Make sure to get your puppy used to touching inside their small ears as they are prone to ear infections and will need regular checkups. Behaviour Due to the changes in their environment, your Labrador puppy will likely be under a significant amount of stress. It's important that you provide lots of attention and positive reinforcement for good behaviour at this time to establish boundaries early. Labradors are eager to love anyone but can be overbearing, so you should introduce them to a number of different people and environments so that they are not overwhelmed with excitement later in life. PUPPY By the time your Labrador Retriever reaches puppyhood their personality will be well developed and you will have established a loving, social friend who wants to maximise time with you and others. Your Labrador puppy will do well socially and behaviourally from puppy training classes as long as treats are involved. Nutrition Your Labrador puppy's diet should be based around a high quality, nutritionally complete puppy food. You may also wish to introduce them to fresh, lean raw meat — however, don't feed your puppy any meat you would not feed to a fellow human being. Bloat is potentially fatal but can be combatted by feeding your dog two smaller meals per day, a habit you should start while they are a puppy. A rough guide is that they should exercise for minutes per day and less after 5 years when many lose their appetite for long marathons of activity. Your pup will need brushing every few days, with more frequent grooming during seasonal changes to combat shedding. Bathing should be infrequent as this can damage the waterproofing of their coats, however, you should wash them after swimming or rolling in muck. After around 8 weeks your puppy will be due for some vaccinations, so they will need a checkup at the vet and to arrange for boosters after that. Studies showed that dogs supplemented with a diet of bovine colostrum had a quicker and stronger immune system response to CDV vaccine as compared to dogs fed a control diet. Colostrum supplemented dogs maintained a higher antibody level even after 40 weeks A diet supplemented with Colostrum helps bridge the immunity gap in puppies that occurs between 3 weeks and 5 months of age. Behaviour Do not be complacent with training your Labrador puppy — almost all are very gentle and well behaved, but this does not mean that training is unnecessary. Labs are very loving and patient with all that they meet, but they often do not know their own size. To combat this, they should be trained in how to act around small dogs and children to avoid intimidation or accidental injury. They will also benefit from obedience training to drop things from their mouths, avoid rushing across busy streets and make sure they come when called. Recommended Articles. All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. Labrador retrievers are an adorable and popular dog breed that can make a great addition to your household. Aside from a physical examination, you can do a professional DNA test on the dog to check its genetic makeup. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Does the fur appear short, and have a thick texture? The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Did you know? There are silver labs, but silver is not an acceptable color in the breed standard as this color is believed to have come from a cross with the Weimaraner. However, dogs with this coat color may still be registered with certain kennel clubs. If the dog is a yellow or black lab, check that the puppy has brown eyes. In the case of chocolate labs, check for brown or hazel eyes. Check to see how long its legs are; while a Labrador should have longer legs than a Dachshund, its legs should be shorter than a Husky. Purchase a dog genetics test, which will give you a specialized testing kit. Some DNA tests will look for genetic markers, while cheaper tests focus more on the different breeds. Tip: Try to keep the puppy from sharing food or playing rough with the other dogs, as this might hurt the integrity of the saliva sample. Package the saliva sample according to the instructions given by the company. Seal the envelope or package carefully, so the sample is completely secure while it travels to the lab. Generally, you can find the test results listed by breed, followed by a percentage; however, this might differ, depending on the company. If this is possible, use a cotton swab to collect saliva samples from 1 or both parents. Store these samples carefully, so you can send them to a professional company. Seal the envelope or package carefully to secure the sample, and keep it safe in transit. Go to source Seeing a CH or confirmation champion title on the pedigree certificate means that the dog is close to the ideals in the breed standard and is related to a dog that was able to win over other dogs at a show with at least 15 conformation points. Go to source A dog with this lineage can make a great candidate for showing. If your dog has documented parentage with the American Kennel Club, you can search their database and purchase a certificate that affirms this. You can also register your dog through the American Kennel Club once you have proof of their pedigree. Go to source Fees for pedigrees very depending on the type. When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy. If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Feed that mix for several days. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food. If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating. Go to source The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism. Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. Tip: If your vet suggests a specific food but doesn't tell you how much to give your puppy, follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems. Go to source Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily. Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor. Tweet on Twitter Getting a healthy, pedigree Labrador puppy requires planning. In this article we are going to share with you 8 steps that you can follow to ensure that you are buying a healthy Labrador puppy. There are potential problems that many new puppy buyers are not aware of. The litter of puppies next door, or in your local newspaper, might not be the right one for you. So you need to be cautious as you set out on this exciting journey! Plan in advance Good breeders do not usually struggle to get puppy buyers. On the contrary, they often have waiting lists. So, if a litter of eight week old puppies is still unsold, be wary. It pays to plan in advance. Six to twelve months ahead of when you want your puppy is not too soon. The structured approach below is designed to help those with no contacts in the dog breeding world, find the right puppy. Step 1. Those bred for the show ring or as pets, and those bred for work as gundogs. You can read about these two types of Labrador, and their characteristics in this article: which Labrador is right for you? In the UK we call these two strains working type or field type and show type. They look and are, very different dogs. In the USA, working bred Labradors are often referred to as field type or American and show bred gun dogs as bench type or English. The split is the same in both countries, whatever they are called. And you need to know which is which and which you prefer. Step 2. This article looks at all the different places and ways in which you can buy puppies and explains the pros and cons of each. Finding a reputable breeder if you have no contacts in the doggy world, is not as easy as walking into a pet shop, but it is worth every bit of the effort that goes into it. One way to start your search, is by looking at your local Labrador breed club. This will lead you to some experienced breeders. You will then need to do some further checks to find out whether or not the breeders meets the standards you are looking for. Many people that are involved in the committee of their breed club are themselves breeders. If they no longer breed, they will be able to put you in touch with someone that does. One will be labelled FT secretary. The FT stands for Field Trial and suggests that this person is involved with working type labradors. If someone is showing their dogs, the dogs themselves are more likely to be show type rather than true working type. Step 3. Contact some Labrador breeders Make a list of contacts to approach, you can then phone them or email them. Let them know that you found them on the Kennel Club website, and are looking for a pedigree Labrador puppy. Tell them which type work or show you are interested in. Have a separate list ready, to enter details of any litters. So the second question is often the best way of getting a puppy from one of her dogs. If you have a colour preference, let the breeder know. He or she will ask you plenty of questions later if you want one of their puppies. Step 4. For several reasons. They may not have any puppies at the moment, or they may not meet the criteria you have set for the breeder of your puppy. They will however, be able to give you more contacts to add to your list. What you are aiming to do, is to make a list of half a dozen or so litters of puppies that you can then check out and narrow down. One of the best ways to find a litter of puppies, either before or after they are born, is to find a nice stud dog, and track down all the female dogs he has been mated to over the last month or two. A reputable breeder will be happy to email you photos and may even let you visit her stud dog, so that you can decide if you like him. This trail will also lead you to some smaller, less experienced breeders so you will need to do your homework carefully to make sure that the mother of your puppies has the right credentials. Checking those out is our next step Step 5. Checking credentials It is up to you to check the credentials of the litter. This is something that people are often unaware of. A pedigree does not guarantee very much at all. The Kennel Club pedigree is simply a statement of ancestry and contrary to popular belief, does not imply that the puppy it belongs to or his parents have met any standards. The three credentials you need to personally check and verify are Temperament Abililty Temperament The most crucial of all credentials has to be temperament. An adult Labrador may weight in excess of 70lbs. These are large powerful dogs that everyone expects to be friendly. You cannot take any chances with poor temperament. He will inherit tendencies to friendliness or unfriendliness, nervousness or confidence etc, from both of his parents. Never buy a puppy without meeting his mother. And if you can meet the stud dog, so much the better. If you cannot meet the stud dog, make sure that someone who has met him, can vouch for his good nature. This may not be quite as crucial with a show champion as any successful show dog will have proven itself happy to be handled in the most personal manner by total strangers. Working dogs are a different matter, and occasionally dogs with poor temperaments do succeed in competition and are used at stud. Health Health credentials are essential. Follow this link to read all about inherited diseases in Labradors and read our article on health checks. I cannot stress this too much. You must physically check certificates or copies of certificates way in advance of collecting your puppy. It is very hard to turn down a puppy once he is in your arms. Ability Ability is important if you have an activity in mind for your dog. If your aim is to compete in working trials, you might want to choose a puppy whose ancestors have been successful in that sport. Choosing a litter Narrowing down your choice to a single litter can be tough. Unless you have your heart set on a puppy from a particular dog, you may find it difficult to decide. In many cases though, there are not that many litters that meet the right criteria. You can narrow down your choice further by looking again at the breeder. How friendly and helpful is she? Do you think she will be supportive if you get into difficulties with your puppy? Has she offered to take the puppy back at any point in his life if you cannot cope? If you can answer yes to all three, then that is a real bonus point for that litter. This person is important and you need to feel that you can trust her. A breeder with a lot of dogs may have her pups in an outdoor kennel, but they should still spend lots of time with the family. Check out this article: How to spot a good breeder , and this one How to spot a bad breeder for more information. It pays to be picky. Step 7. Choosing gender Should you buy a dog or a female dog? Some people simply prefer one gender over another. And it is very hard to generalise about the sexes. Male Labradors are no more difficult to train or control than female dogs. And though entire males may be more likely to roam if not supervised in an unfenced property, female dogs can do this too. Females come into season twice a year at which time they may need to be confined to washable floors. They will also need to be kept separate from entire males with vigilance for a period of around three weeks. Neutering a female is more expensive than neutering a male. And older, un-neutered female dogs are prone to a serious and potentially deadly condition called pyometra. These are all things to consider. But overall, it often just boils down to personal preference. Step 8. Choosing your puppy And now for the final and most exciting step Choosing your puppy. Which one of these gorgeous bundles of Labrador loveliness should you take home? One of the very best things you can do when choosing a puppy from a litter, is to take someone experienced with you. Another good reason to choose an experienced and dependable person well in advance. If there is a choice, a good breeder will be able to guide you in this. All they can tell you is what you can hope for from the pedigree, and that the puppy seems OK physically. Check out this article: Choosing the right dog for more information. To make sure all is well, you will need to have your new puppy checked over by your own vet, within a day or two of bringing him home. Health and temperament problems in a large dog can be devastating. Now available in most countries, the handbook is already a bestseller in the UK. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. Almost all the pet lovers who want to buy a new dog for themselves might have thought several times about owning a Labrador. Labradors show their best side when they are happy and excited. These breeds love to please their owners and wait eagerly for their commands. There are some simple yet highly effective methods on how you can keep your labrador retrievers healthy and happy. Some of the tips given below would also help you to eliminate undesirable behaviour in your dogs. So, let us begin with the discussion. Daily Brushing of Coat Labradors are dogs who shed a lot. You will see them losing a lot of hair during autumn and spring. By brushing their hair daily, you can make them immaculately clean and cut down the amount of hair fall as well. Brushing also stimulates the natural oils of the skin, which keeps their coats shining. Find a suitable dog brush for your labrador that will help you remove their dead hairs and keep their dense undercoat clean. Regular Exercise Labradors are breeds who exhibit high energy levels and hence need regular exercise to keep them fit, both physically and mentally. If you notice that your dog has gained some serious weight without overfeeding or has developed an excessive chewing habit, know that they are under-exercised. A normal, healthy labrador would need 1 hour of daily exercise. If you have a relaxed labrador, then the physical activity of 30 mins to 45 mins would be enough. At the same time, puppies should be excluded from vigorous exercises, as their bones would be soft and tender at this stage. Five minutes of exercise for each month of their age should be enough for them until they reach one year. Provide them with a Healthy Diet Labradors are dogs who love to eat. They can manipulate their owners into getting the stuff that they see in front of their eyes. Therefore, it is necessary to feed them a diet that is not only delicious but also nutritiously fulfilling. Foods having Omega 3 fatty acids are also vital for them to maintain a healthy coat and to reduce shedding. Begin Their Training Early As labradors generally have a lovely temperament, most dog owners stop their training just after housebreaking. This can get quite risky, as labs are a large breed and may become hard to control without proper training. Also, remember that rewarding them adequately with delicious treats goes a long way in training them quickly. Give them Chew Resistant Dog Toys As mentioned above, labradors can indulge in excessive chewing behaviour if their daily exercise requirements are not met. They show this tendency even when you leave the house for a short while. So, it will be useful if you have good chew-resistant toys for your dog. With the help of these toys, you not only keep them engaged but also give a healthy outlet to release their pent up energy. They love to be around people and exhibit the same level of enthusiasm with a toddler and an older person. It would be best to avoid tying your labs outside as they desire to be a part of their family. Take them with you if you go for walks regularly in the park. If you feel your lab is over-enthusiastic, buy a suitable dog collar that can help you to control them effectively. Play With Them Endlessly Nothing can be more exhilarating for a labrador than an endless playing session with their owner. It is also one of the ways to build a strong bond with them. Whenever you get a chance, play with your lab, whether it is indoors or outdoors. Labradors love to play the fetch as they are genetically a retriever breed who were bred to hunt. This game keeps them engaged and gives them a sense of accomplishment each time they chase their toy. All in all, Labrador Retrievers are dogs whose cute and innocent looks can make you fall in love with them. As their proud owners, you can do many things for them in return for their incredible love and affection. The tips given above would help you a lot in keeping them jubilant as well as healthy. Shower them with your love and see how the bond between you two grows. An avid nature and animal lover, Akhil likes to read and watch anything related to wildlife. He also has a great interest in athletics, mainly track and field events and is a big Masala Dosa fan. More like this.

Our dogs have mellow, affectionate, and playful temperaments, love water, and especially children. They are living as trustworthy family members, as emotional support dogs, service dogs, and medical alert dogs around the world! Content Link Block Polarbear is our Name. Or perhaps just looking for the total package in a dog? Health and longevity remains the foundation of all we do. Take for example, the standard German Shepherd dog as seen in this photo: View fullsize …Dogs bred with these traits often end up with crippling disabilities and premature death. This is so inhumane. The focus of our kennel, on the other hand, is to produce dogs with straight backs, broad heads, and short coats, as in the photo of Polarbear's foundation sire, Shack Von Hammer below. Aside from their magnificent appearance, Polarbear White Shepherds are calm, sociable, and affectionate. They are gifted empaths and comedians at heart. Their goofy personalities and love of children make them perfect nannies for even the youngest child. They love water, retrieving frisbees, and diving into the occasional swimming pool. What kind of dogs do all that? And they are living fulfilled lives, as medical detection dogs, service dogs, and family and companion dogs in nearly every state in the United States! World Map of our Clients Before leaving, you might like to click on some of our pages. Our "Words of Warning" for those purchasing a purebred dog for the first time on the internet is a favorite. Just remember this quote…. No amount of training or special food will fix a problem dog. If you want to view videos of our dogs, check out our Youtube Channel page. If you appreciate our breeding philosophy and love what we do, do let us know by becoming a fan! Raising dogs for you and your family. Call or text .Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. If you are not certain yet, check out our essential White German Shepherd breed info to find out everything about the White German Shepherd. How to find White German Shepherd puppies for sale? When buying a puppy, it is important to consider not only the pet but also the breeder. Because a responsible breeder will ensure their dogs come from the strongest bloodlines and have the best start to life. Ask about the health and temperament of their White German Shepherd pups as well as their living environment. But also find out about the breeder's practices and commitments. A good breeder will be happy to answer everything before you decide. After all, they will want to ensure that their dog goes to a good home. When you have done your research and got all the info you need, you can then choose the right breeder with confidence. To help ensure you choose a responsible breeder, all the White German Shepherd kennels you see listed here are verified by Pets4You. You will also find that the best breeders will provide a guarantee with their dog. This information, and more, is available on the breeder's website within Pets4You. Browse through our dog breeder directory with complete breeder profiles and current puppies for sale to find your dream dog. Disclaimer It is the duty of every person that is considering buying a puppy or dog to confirm all the information provided to them by the breeder is accurate. Pets4You makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the condition of any dogs offered for sale, the standards or practices of any breeder, the quality of their canines, or the accuracy of any information contained within our site. Pets4You does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee a particular kennel, breeder or dogs listed on the Pets4You website. For Buyers. Please leave this field empty. Got our girl home to Minnesota. Little freaked out by the snow and the zero temps. She is doing great. She is a lovable sweetheart. Also fairly adventuresome. In and out of tight spaces outside and crawling over a pretty sizable and messy rock pile. Anyway, thank you. Tom Ziggy is awesome! My 3 yr old hugs and lays with him and he sleeps at the door of her room at night. Sara Thanks so much Doug. Proud to be the guardian of such joy. Thank you so very much, trust me when I say he will be loved and cherished. Take care. Sharon The puppy I received, 8 week old female Legacy was beyond my expectations, she was everything I was promised and more! Everyone who meets her loves her, she is the sweetest smartest thing. She is excelling in her obedience and her service dog training, I am very blessed for that. Thank you Doug! John B. Wells — former Coast to Coast talk show host, now at Caravan to Midnight. Our dog Luna is all you said she would be and more,beautiful,intelligent,we love her so much! Thank you, Heidi P. She is fantastic! We got him from you back in July .Ghost is the most amazing dog. He is the most loyal, the most loving, protective, and smartest dog I have ever known. Have a great day! The puppy has been started on its vaccination series, dewormed, vet checked, and given lots of T.

Thankfully, it is very preventable with proper vaccination. This virus was discovered in the s and rapidly became a serious threat to canine health. This is primarily because the virus is hard to kill, can live for a long time in the environment, is shed in large quantities by infected dogs, is highly contagious, and is often fatal without appropriate treatment. This is why the parvo vaccine is considered a core vaccine for puppies and dogs. While the highly effective parvovirus vaccine has decreased the risk to properly vaccinated dogs, this disease is still widely prevalent, especially in puppies and poorly-vaccinated adolescent dogs. Parvo is an infectious DNA virus that commonly causes severe illness in young and unvaccinated dogs. Heart muscle cells of very young puppies can also be damaged by parvovirus. Although parvovirus is most common in puppies and adolescent dogs, it can also affect adult or senior dogs, especially if they are unvaccinated. Symptoms of Parvo in Dogs A dog infected with canine parvovirus will usually start to show parvo symptoms within days of infection. An infected puppy will often show lethargy as the first sign, and they may not want to eat. They will also often have a fever. As the virus progresses, your dog will begin to suffer from abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, which may be severe. Very sick puppies may collapse and have a high heart rate , difficulty breathing, and hypothermia due to the degree of dehydration and infection. Causes of Parvo in Dogs Parvovirus is an incredibly contagious disease that spreads quickly and efficiently. While canine parvovirus is not airborne, it can be found on many surfaces. However, it is susceptible to diluted bleach and some specialized cleaners commonly used in veterinary hospitals. Can Humans Get Parvo? Parvovirus is species-specific, so humans have their own version of the virus. This means that humans cannot get parvovirus from dogs, and dogs cannot get parvovirus from people. Cats also have a type of parvovirus that causes severe disease, known as feline panleukopenia. While dogs cannot get feline parvovirus from cats, cats can become infected with canine parvovirus. They most often have much more mild clinical signs than dogs do, but there is a strain of canine parvovirus that can cause severe illness in cats. The feline parvovirus vaccine, which is part of the core FVRCP vaccine , may offer some cross-protection against canine parvovirus. How Is Parvovirus Diagnosed in Dogs? Are There Parvo Tests? Fecal ELISA tests enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay are the most common way of diagnosing a dog with parvovirus in a clinical setting. The test requires a fecal swab and takes about 10 minutes. While this test is accurate, a negative result does not necessarily rule out parvovirus in a symptomatic dog, as they may not be shedding the viral antigen at the time of testing. Further testing may be needed in these cases. Stages of Parvo The stages of canine parvovirus are the same as most viral infections. Infection The puppy or adult dog is exposed to parvo via fecal material from an infected dog. Incubation There is an incubation period usually days in which the dog is infected with parvovirus but not yet showing symptoms. During this period, the virus specifically seeks out the most rapidly dividing cells in the body—typically, it starts attacking the tonsils or lymph nodes in the throat. Once it has multiplied and entered the bloodstream, the virus will seek out other sources of rapidly diving cells. The most hard-hit areas are: Bone marrow Cells that line the walls of the small intestines In very young puppies, parvovirus can also infect the heart, which causes inflammation of the heart muscle, poor heart function, and arrhythmias. Illness When the virus infects the bone marrow, it attacks the young immune cells, which leads a drop in protective white blood cells. This is where the worst damage happens. How do you treat parvo in puppies? First, your veterinarian will run blood tests to confirm your puppy has parvo. Therefore, hospitalization is strongly recommended for puppies with parvo symptoms. Some patients might have to stay in the hospital for three to five days depending on the severity of the case very sick puppies might stay in the hospital for up to ten days if they require intensive care. Puppies infected with parvo will be placed in an isolation ward to prevent transmission between doctors, nurses, or other animals in the hospital. They will also receive IV fluids, pain medication, anti-nausea medication, and antibiotics. A nasogastric tube might also be necessary in order to provide nutritional support. Frequent vet visits will be necessary to check blood sugar levels and electrolytes on a daily basis. This option may not be possible depending on the severity of the infection. Pro tip: Treatment for parvo can require 10 days of hospitalization. Without pet insurance that could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Luckily, routine puppy vaccinations, which can be covered through pet insurance plans, include vaccinations for parvo. These vaccinations require multiple shots and vet visits, so pet parents should take some time to compare pet insurance plans and find a policy that will cover this routine care. Most parvo patients recover if aggressive treatment is used and therapy is started before severe dehydration and septicemia occur. Most puppies that make it through the first three to four days will recover completely. Recovery usually takes about a week, but it depends on the severity of the case. Some breeds, such as the Doberman Pinscher, English Springer Spaniel, and Rottweiler, have a significantly higher fatality rate than other dog breeds. Puppies continue to shed the parvovirus for up to ten days after recovery, so make sure to keep any animals recovering from the virus away from unvaccinated or partially vaccinated dogs. How can you prevent parvo in puppies? Parvovirus is preventable through vaccination. Puppies shoulbe be vaccinated against the virus every two to four weeks starting at six to eight weeks old, up until they are at least 16 weeks old. The last shot at 16 weeks is required for coonfidence in lasting immunity. Until the round of vaccines is complete, they should be kept away from public areas where other unvaccinated dogs could be, such as dog parks. Ensure that all dogs in your home are vaccinated. Pregnant females can also be boosted with a parvovirus vaccine weeks before giving birth in order to transfer higher levels of antibodies to the puppies. Your vet will help you make the final decision about a vaccination schedule that best fits your pet. You should also be extra careful when socializing your pet. Until puppies have received all of their vaccines, they should be allowed to come into contact with unvaccinated dogs. Avoid dog parks as well as other places where canines gather and try to socialize your puppy in less public environments such as your home. The stability of the parvovirus in the environment makes it very important to properly clean and disinfect contaminated kennels, crates, bedding, and other areas where infected canines are kept in order to keep the spread under control. Your vet can provide specific guidance on cleaning and disinfecting agents for your home. Key Takeaways Parvo is one of the most contagious and potentially life-threatening canine diseases. Understanding how it spreads, the clinical signs, treatment options, and what you can do to prevent parvo in puppies will help keep your pet healthy and happy. Schedule your CPV vaccines as soon as possible, get in touch with your vet should you have any concerns. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Puppies are especially at risk for contracting the potentially life-threatening virus. As a German Shepherd owner, you want to make sure you are doing everything in your power to keep your dog healthy and happy. Treatment will be effective in the overwhelming majority of cases. The important thing is to start treatments as soon as possible and make sure you are prepared for every possibility. Contents What Is Parvovirus? Parvovirus is a serious and highly contagious illness that targets dogs. It does not harm humans but you are still capable of carrying the virus and spreading it to your dog. It attacks the digestive system causing your dog to have severe intestinal distress and become unable to retain fluids or nutrients. It also lowers their white blood cell count so that they are less able to fight off the virus and any other infection that tries to take hold while your dog is sick. Parvo is spread primarily through fecal matter and it is very, very contagious. Even a small speck of parvo carrying fecal matter brought in the house on the bottom of your shoe could be enough to get your unvaccinated dog sick. And if any pet in your house has it, strict quarantine is essential to keep your other pets safe. While it is so easy to spread, parvo is specific to dogs. So if your dog has parvo, your cats and the humans in your family are safe. When left untreated, parvo has an extremely high mortality rate. Symptoms Of Parvo In Dogs Symptoms start to become noticeable about 5 or 6 days after the dog has been infected. If left untreated, vomiting and diarrhea and the lack of appetite will become so severe that the dog will dehydrate and starve. Essentially, parvo will weaken your dog until it no longer has the strength to fight the virus. This is a painful and tragic process to watch. We are not trying to scare you but simply prepare you and make sure you understand just how important it is to get treatment for your dog as soon as you notice these symptoms. These symptoms indicate a serious illness that might be parvo or might be something else but, in either case, should be treated. When left untreated, parvo will almost certainly kill your dog. With treatment, however, most dogs will recover. So with those statistics in mind, read more about what treatment actually involves. Parvo Treatment Once parvo takes hold, you and your German Shepherd will have a tough road ahead of you. However, survival is possible and, in fact, if treated, the overwhelming majority of dogs will survive a battle with parvovirus. The biggest health risk is dehydration. With the diarrhea and vomiting, your dog is losing a lot of fluids. They will not be able to drink water quickly enough to replace the lost fluids. Alongside dehydration, they are losing a lot of nutrients and their lack of appetite prevents them from restoring those lost nutrients. As their body weakens from these things, they become less capable of fighting the virus and they became more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections. Because it requires an IV, most parvo cases are treated by hospitalization which can get expensive. It is possible to do this treatment at home. But you will need instructions and training from your vet to learn how to administer the IV and how to care for your German Shepherd properly while it heals. If you plan to do home treatment, you also need to be prepared to invest a lot of time into caring for your pup while it recovers. Your German Shepherd should not be left alone at any point while it is battling parvo. Someone needs to be with them at all times. Treatment at home will involve: Quarantine. Keep your sick dog quarantined to a specific room or area of the house until they are virus free. You need to be extra vigilant about cleaning and keeping your home sanitized during this period. Thoroughly clean food and water dishes with soap and water daily. Vacuum and mop times per week. Wash your hands before and after handling your ill dog. It is possible to learn to do an IV on your own. Do not skip this. Dehydration is the most pressing threat followed by nutrient loss and bacterial infection. Your vet will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics that are probably given via injection. Make sure that you administer these as instructed and use the full course of treatment even after your dog appears to be fully recovered. Relieve symptoms. Use other medicines or herbal supplements like the one mentioned below to help alleviate the painful symptoms of parvo. This will keep your dog more comfortable and help give them the strength they need to recover from parvo more rapidly. Here is one of our favorite herbal supplements for treating parvovirus: Paxxin All-Natural Parvo Aid This is an herbal supplement created to help animals recover from Parvo. It helps treat the symptoms like digestive distress and it also stimulates appetite. If given to your dog before symptoms show for example, if you suspect they might have contracted parvo , it is very effective at eliminating the illness before it has a chance to cause serious damage. However, if symptoms are visible, this will not be a strong enough treatment on its own. As mentioned, keeping your dog hydrated via IV bags will be essential. Preventing Parvovirus Prevention is the best way to keep your dog healthy and happy. It is the cheaper and nicer option. There is a vaccination that you can get to make your German Shepherd immune to parvo. You can get your dog vaccinated at the vet or buy an injection and do it yourself. Here are a few things to be aware of when you are getting your dog vaccinated: Your German Shepherd should be at least 8 weeks old before you start the vaccinations. So if your puppy is still too young to get vaccinated, make sure to be extra vigilant about the other at home prevention methods discussed below. The first vaccination will happen in a series of typically 3 separate vaccinations. These are given every 3 to 4 weeks. Dogs that are currently sick or pregnant or suffer an immune system disorder should not be vaccinated. So if any of those things are possible, see a vet before vaccinating. If your dog has had allergic reactions to other vaccines in the past, talk to your vet before giving it the parvo shot. Overall, vaccination is the best way to keep your dog safe from parvo. So the parvo vaccination is your fail safe that will ensure your dog is protected. At Home Prevention Whether our dog is too young for vaccination or otherwise unable to get the vaccine, at home prevention is important. Parvovirus is highly contagious and super easy to spread. It can also survive an unusually long time even without a host. So the best thing you can do to prevent Parvo at home is to practice proper sanitary methods that keep your home clean and free of parvo. Parvo spreads primarily through fecal matter. So feces in your yard could be hosting the deadly virus. Minimize this threat by either training your dog to use a specific section of the yard only for easier clean up on your part or just make sure you are regularly scooping poop from your yard. Keep unvaccinated pets indoors. You have more control over the indoor environment than the outdoor one. Clean floors and surfaces with diluted bleach. Mix about half a cup of bleach with a gallon of water. Use this mixture to clean floors. This will help remove any lingering parvovirus. Leave shoes outside. You could unknowingly be tracking in parvo from the outside world across your carpet and floor by wearing shoes in the house. Take them off before you come in to keep your home parvo free. Wash your hands. Wash your hands as soon as you come home. Especially if you have come in contact with any other dogs while you were out. Keep watch for symptoms. The earlier you can catch parvo, the better. Keep an eye out for the symptoms described earlier. Consider using Parvaid or something similar if your dog might have been exposed. For example, if you took them to a dog park or you caught them eating feces or recently took them to the vet. This can stop the virus in its tracks. With this information, you are now prepared to protect your German Shepherd from the dangers of parvo. And if your dog already has parvo, get them started on treatment immediately. So remain alert, and remain dedicated to their health. Your German Shepherd can beat this! Last Updated on October 18, by Post navigation. While most dog owners carefully vaccinate and protect their dogs, it seems parvovirus is on the rise and that all too often, we hear of another beloved dog becoming ill or even dying of the disease. How Do Dogs Get Parvo? Dogs catch parvo by coming in contact with an infected dog, infected feces or infected surfaces, and parvo can live in the environment for months. Highly resistant, the virus can live in the environment for months, and may survive on inanimate objects such as food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpet and floors. It is common for an unvaccinated dog to contract parvo-virus from the streets, especially in urban areas where there are many dogs. Areas that dogs typically catch parvovirus include veterinary clinics, groomers, training classes, parks, schools, shopping malls, residential neighborhoods, humane societies, rescues and dog shows. But parvo can live on any surface, nearly anywhere. Parvo Symptoms Parvovirus is known for its ability to cause bloody, foul smelling diarrhea, lethargy, severe vomiting, loss of appetite, which can lead to life-threatening dehydration, and can cause lifelong heart damage. Which Dogs Are At Risk? Puppies are most susceptible to contracting parvo, but dogs of any age can catch it. Unvaccinated dogs are more prone to contracting parvo. The breeds with the highest risk are German shepherds, Rottweilers, Doberman pinchers, Labrador retrievers, and American Staffordshire terriers. Wolves, coyotes and foxes are also susceptible. Prevention The best way to protect your dog is through vaccinations. Puppies should be vaccinated at 6 — 8 weeks, receive boosters at four-week intervals until the puppy is weeks of age, and then again at 1 year. The puppy series is not complete before 4 months. A titer test to determine immunity can be performed by a vet. The best way to protect puppies from contracting parvo is to avoid areas that may be contaminated until full immunity. Treatment Dogs infected with parvovirus need immediate medical care. According to stats from The Merck Veterinary Manual, 8th ed. How to Kill Parvo If you suspect your environment has been infected with the parvovirus, you will need to disinfect all areas with a solution of 1-part bleach to 30 parts water. Let the solution sit on surfaces for 10 minutes. You may use on any non-material surface, including the soles of your shoes, dog dishes, toys, etc. Areas that are harder to clean, such as grass, wood, carpet, etc. Potassium peroxide brand names Trifectant or Virkon also kill parvovirus. Never use these disinfectants on your dog. There is also preventative medication available, meaning that you can protect your canine best friend entirely from this dangerous illness. What causes parvovirus, how is it spread? Parvovirus is highly contagious, meaning that it spreads very quickly amongst animals who are not vaccinated against it. The virus itself is contracted by coming into direct contact with an infected canine, or indirectly, such as by sniffing an infected dogs feces. One of the biggest challenges of parvo is that it is extremely resilient. Not only is there evidence that suggests it can live in ground soil for as long as 12 months, but it is also highly resistant to most cleaning solutions. Household bleach is pretty much the only disinfectant that can eraicate the virus. Since it is extremely contagious, most boarding kennels and dog shelters insist that an animal is fully vaccinated against parvovirus and free from the disease before they can be admitted. How quickly can you tell if your dog has parvovirus? Dogs that contract parvovirus will typically begin to show symptoms of the infection within days of being exposed. However, most deaths from parvo happen within 72 hours of the symptoms beginning and so it is essential that you seek treatment immediately if you believe that your dog may have been infected. Symptoms of parvovirus Parvovirus manifests in two different ways. Intestinal Parvovirus - This is the most common form of parvovirus as it is passed through oral contact with the virus, as described above. Cardiac Parvovirus - Much rarer, cardiac parvo is found in puppies under 8 weeks old who have been infected in-utero from their mother who carries the virus. Unfortunately, this type of parvo has a much higher mortality rate and puppies born with parvo rarely survive. Symptoms of intestinal CPV include: - Bloody diarrhea. The canine parvovirus CPV infection is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs. The virus manifests itself in two different forms. The more common form is the intestinal form, which is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite anorexia. The less common form is the cardiac form, which attacks the heart muscles of very young puppies, often leading to death. The majority of cases are seen in puppies that are between six weeks and six months old. The incidence of canine parvovirus infections has been reduced radically by early vaccination in young puppies. Symtoms The major symptoms associated with the intestinal form of a canine parvovirus infection include severe, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, fever, vomiting, and severe weight loss. The intestinal form of CPV affects the body's ability to absorb nutrients, and an affected animal will quickly become dehydrated and weak from lack of protein and fluid absorption. The wet tissue of the mouth and eyes may become noticeably red and the heart may beat too rapidly. Dogs that have contracted CPV may also have a low body temperature hypothermia , rather than a fever. Causes - Most cases of CPV infections are caused by a genetic alteration of the original canine parvovirus: the canine parvovirus type 2b. The virus can also be brought into a dog's environment by way of shoes that have come into contact with infected feces. There is evidence that the virus can live in ground soil for up to a year. It is resistant to most cleaning products, or even to weather changes. If you suspect that you have come into contact with feces at all, you will need to wash the affected area with household bleach, the only disinfectant known to kill the virus. Improper vaccination protocol and vaccination failure can also lead to a CPV infection. Breeding kennels and dog shelters that hold a large number of inadequately vaccinated puppies are particularly hazardous places. Diseases or drug therapies that suppress the normal response of the immune system may also increase the likelihood of infection. Diagnosis - CPV is diagnosed with a physical examination, biochemical tests, urine analysis, abdominal radiographs, and abdominal ultrasounds. A chemical blood profile and a complete blood cell count will also be performed. Low white blood cell levels are indicative of CPV infection, especially in association with bloody stools. Biochemical and urine analysis may reveal elevated liver enzymes, lymphopenia, and electrolyte imbalances. Abdominal radiograph imaging may show intestinal obstruction, while an abdominal ultrasound may reveal enlarged lymph nodes in the groin, or throughout the body, and fluid-filled intestinal segments. You will need to give a thorough history of your pet's health, recent activities, and onset of symptoms. If you can gather a sample of your dog's stool, or vomit, your veterinarian will be able to use these samples for microscopic detection of the virus. Those puppies that have had one or two in the recommended schedule of vaccines will often have an advantage over those without in actual chances of recovery. The build up an immunity against parvo and all the other diseases, veterinarians recommended vaccination schedule is a loading dose at six weeks, a follow up four weeks later and another given four weeks after that. Six months after the last DHLP-P is given, a follow up parvo vaccination is given and then the vaccines go to an annual injection that is usually given with the law required Rabies shot. Parvo is a relatively recent disease. Its first reported cases occurred in and proceeded to lay waste to large numbers of the canine population. Parvo is a highly contagious viral disease that can be spread in a number of ways. Contact with the feces or vomit of an infected dog is the source of the infection but tracing it back to the contagious dog can be extremely hard to do. A puppy can come into an environment in which a contagious dog was in up to six months previously. Strays can spread it by sniffing with another dog through the fence. In , humans were and still are one of the main carriers of the disease. Dog breeders at that time were often wiped out as entire litters as well as their adult dogs became infected with the disease as would be buyers would go to several different sites looking for a puppy. These buyers would come into contact with an infected dog and carry the disease to each stopping place along the way on their hands, clothes or even shoes. With infection, the disease will often take one of two forms: the diarrheal and the cardiac form. Puppies not treated for the disease will often dehydrate and die quickly. Congestive heart failure in itself will cause the premature death of the puppy. A veterinarian who suspects parvovirus may run a series of different tests to prove the infection. One of the oldest and most reliable tests is to simply do a white cell count. A marked decrease in these cells is a good sign of parvovirus being present. There are also tests that can be run on a small stool sample, which most veterinarians can run in office with results given within ten to fifteen minutes. If the test shows positive for the disease, the owner then has to decide on a course of action. The preferred course is an extended hospital stay, IV fluids given through out the day, medications given to slow the gastrointestinal tract and antibiotics to prevent secondary infections. The cost of these treatments is high and only the owner can decide if they can afford to proceed and it must be remembered that even with the best of veterinary care, there is no guarantee that the dog will survive. The vaccines are fairly inexpensive and can be gotten not only through a veterinarian but also through feed and even some drug stores. They are injected under the skin with few puppies having reactions. Please do not use our website to attempt to diagnose or treat your pet. The consultation with your veterinarian is the best source of health advice for your individual pet. You should not rely, on the veterinary advice or any other information provided on this site for the diagnosis or treatment of any specific condition. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the medical condition or general treatment of your pet. GSD Resources.

The answer is yes. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recognizes this as a canine mental illness and its symptoms are much like those experienced by humans. Why Does This Happen? There are many reasons why a dog may be depressed. Most common are: A dog loses his owner or one of their owners A dog loses his canine playmate Moving to a new home may cause stress and depression for a Boxer dog A dog may act depressed while his owner is away for the day and then bounce back with energy when he is finally greeted at the end of the day. This type of short cycle depression falls under Separation Anxiety. A chemical imbalance may cause a dog to be clinically depressed. Symptoms Most owners know right away that their dog is depressed. Dogs "will not be themselves" and they will not only act down, but also in a lot of cases they will actually look sad with droopy eyes and a loss of expression on the face. There are 3 basic behavior changes that an owner will notice. A dog may mourn just as a human does. In these cases, time is what cures most cases. If a dog does not show signs of bouncing back and has a severe lack of appetite, medical intervention is necessary. It does not take long for a dog to develop malnutrition or to become dehydrated. In the beginning stages, it may help a dog to have a piece of clothing or other object that has the scent of the person or canine friend whom they are missing. In middle stages, introducing your dog to a new playmate usually helps. Spending time together will help the dog bond with closer with their main caretaker. Moving to a New Home This can be upsetting and stressful to everyone, both human and dog; particularly if the move was forced and not wanted. For example, if their dog food was always in the far right hand corner of the kitchen, place it in the far right hand corner of the new kitchen. Taking time to walk the dog around the year each day can help give the dog a sense of their property and where they belong. Spending time together will help, even if your dog is mopey. Introducing new toys, trying to teach new commands or just cuddling together to great a stronger bond will be helpful. A dog may become depressed or they may start to have behavioral problems such as barking all day or being destructive. There are several things that you can do. Preparing a comfortable, fun area. Dogs that are left alone all day should not be crated, confined to a small area or left to roam an empty home. Gating off 1 room is helpful. You will want to have specific areas for: Food if they are still young enough to need daytime meals Water Thick blankets or canine bed to comfortably rest on Lots of dog toys. For this type of Separation Anxiety behavior, interactive dog toys which hold treats inside work best. These types of toys allow you to hide a treat inside and a dog will spend hours trying to release the yummy treat that they smell. Be sure to spend a weekend day listening to that radio station or channel, so that you can be sure there are no loud shows that come on or any disturbing noises. Choose a station or channel with soothing, calm voices. Getting a Playmate for Your Dog's Depression? Many owners wonder if they should get a 2nd dog as a playmate for a dog who is lonely during the day. This will help a dog. However, this is also a big responsibility for you. You will have double the dog expenses and need to go through the steps of training and so forth. If you can handle a 2nd dog, studies do show that a dog is happier when with an animal of the same species and breed. For example, a dog will most love to have another Boxer dog, and would not be as happy with a cat brought into the home. When bringing a 2nd dog into the home as a playmate for your Boxer, it is best understand that dogs will always need to have 1 Alpha dog. This is usually the older dog and usually the one who has been in the home the longest. It stresses dogs if they must figure out on their own who the Alpha Dog is…the struggle can last for years and cause behavioral issues. You can help by identifying who the Alpha dog will be and training the dogs appropriately. To clarify, canine depression is actually a thing, and all breeds including boxers can suffer from it. Researchers have proven that dogs can experience a wide range of emotions from happiness, sadness, jealousy, fear, anger, and even depression. And surprisingly enough, this helps us out a lot. Many of the signs and causes of canine depression are very similar to the ones that we experience. Important note: Everything must be taken into context. Hiding and avoiding A common sign that indicated canine depression is frequently hiding away from the main focal point of the house. Especially considering boxers usually love nothing more than to be right at the heart of any action or activity. Not wanting to play games with you or barely reacting to when you call them is a common sign of canine depression. The same goes for canine depression too. If your boxer is feeling particularly down or depressed he may start refusing food. The same goes for your boxer too. If your boxer has been very active, then sleeping more is likely justified, but sleeping excessively is something to be wary of. Pacifying behaviors Engaging in pacifying behaviors can indicate your boxer is depressed, stressed, or feeling anxious in general. The most common pacifying behavior seen in dogs is excessively licking their paws. Other potential pacifying behaviors are excessively licking or biting other parts of the body, or even scratching. Identifying whether your boxer really has depression or not, relies on witnessing multiple signs and a good cause. If in doubt, always call your veterinarian for a health check-up to be on the safe side. Grieving the loss of another pet or family member Humans and canines alike go through a grieving period when a pet or someone close has been lost. In fact, studies show that the canine grieving period can be a lot longer than it is with us. Addition of another pet or family member The complete opposite of losing a pet or family member is gaining one! And this too can cause your Boxer to react negatively. The addition of a pet, new baby or partner, could lead to some level of jealously and feeling left out. This is likely down to the fact that dogs are highly in-tune with their survival instincts, and often react unpredictably when things change around them. Dogs really do mirror the way we feel and act. Insufficient exercise or stimulation Boxers are highly energetic and need sufficient stimulation both physical and mental in order to be happy, calm, and well-behaved. When left understimulated boxers can react in a range of negative ways including bad behavior, destructive behavior, aloofness, aggression , stress, anxiety, and depression. Ways to keep Boxers entertained and stimulated 6. Being left home alone too much If your Boxer spends many hours home alone every day this can certainly lead to anxiety and depression. Dogs are social animals and do not like being left alone. Some breeds are more sensitive to this than others, and Boxers are definitely on the sensitive side. Each Boxer will tolerate a different amount of time but in general hours is the threshold for most. Boxers are particularly sensitive to their owners and are generally love being close and affectionate with them. Without your love, time, and focus, your Boxer will feel down, sad, and eventually depressed. In rare cases but still possible a change in their diet could lead to depression. Typically, a range of other reactions will happen first, like food refusal, upset stomachs, and diarrhea , however, if your Boxer remains eating food they are not happy with, depression could be the result in the long run. Dealing with any kind of consistent pain mild or severe can have a huge effect on how your Boxer feels. Unfortunately, there are myriad of health issues that Boxers are prone to, and without a detailed health check-up, are often hard to diagnose. As mentioned above, many of the signs and symptoms of depression are shared with other issues like chronic pain and health problems. The solutions ultimately depend on the cause. And some are more easily dealt with than others. Prioritize his exercise, training, and socialization, or make that important switch back to his old food… Other things can be a little tricker. Time is your friend with a grieving dog. Be sure to show your Boxer plenty of attention, and encourage him to interact with the new addition in a friendly positive way. Ample treats and praise are the tricks. Perhaps you need to hire a dog sitter or rearrange a work schedule if possible. If your Boxer is spending several hours home alone every day then I would personally address this right away. I have a full article on leaving Boxers home alone here. If you have no idea as to a potential cause, then I encourage a vet check-up to rule out health issues. You will also have the chance to consult with your veterinarian who likely has experience in behavioral issues such as canine depression. Thank you for reading! The Puppy Mag makes an active effort to search for plagiarized content using plagiarism detection software. If plagiarized content is found, action will be taken.