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One of the most popular membership boxes out there, BarkBox is all about themes. You and your pup are sure to be delighted by each month's delivery. From Scooby-Doo to Cinco de Mayo, the boxes come filled with two toys, two treats, and a chew curated to fit the theme. When you sign up, you will answer a few questions about your pup weight, age, and allergies. Shipping is free within the contiguous United States, and BarkBox even has an online shop selling more toys and surprises. If your pup likes to chew , you might want to opt for the Super Chewer box filled with impossible-to-destroy toys. You can cancel at any time on a month-to-month plan, but the other plans cannot be canceled. You can also get boxes that provide your dog with both premium-made toys and treats. Based on box selection, your package may contain five or six surprises for your pet, and you can customize the toys based on their preferences. This brand is a great choice for anyone looking for value. Each month you will receive a box of well-made toys and treats for less than you would spend in a store. The BoxDog subscription box is a monthly service that comes with two treats, one skincare item, and two to three toys, clothing, or accessories you pick. Choose from items such as a dog jacket, a squeaky toy, or a premium leash, depending on what your dog needs. Your first BoxDog box typically ships within a couple of business days, and then every three months for the seasonal plans. BoxDog is a great choice for any pet parent who wants a less-frequent subscription box and likes curating items for their pup. Instead, consider a monthly subscription like the Pet Treater box, which offers a toy-only bundle or a treat-only package. Items like stuffed animals, chew toys, and rope pulls will make sure your furry friend will never be bored again. Want more for your little buddy? Choose from a monthly subscription, or pay for multiple months in advance to save even more. You can cancel at any time, and customer service representatives are always available via live chat, email, or phone. You can even tell the customer support team to avoid certain types of toys e. Best for Chewers: Bullymake Sign Up Now Anyone with an intense chewer knows the pain of seeing a brand new dog toy in shreds after only a few minutes. But if a chewing debacle happens, the company offers to send a replacement as long as you provide a photo of the sacrificed toy. Every box comes with two to three chew toys and three healthy treats. While Bullymake boxes cost more than some other choices on our list, the price is worth it for toys that last. This monthly subscription includes a trendy bandana with every installment, as well as two treats and two toys for your pooch. We give bonus points to the Dapper Dog Box for how easy it is to cancel or skip a month without speaking to customer service just do it on your profile. This subscription offers fresh dog food packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. All ingredients are human-grade and never processed, nor do they contain artificial ingredients or fillers. Every shipment arrives cold and should be frozen until you're ready to feed your dog. This monthly subscription is made by the same company that offers BarkBox, but this service is focused specifically on dog dental hygiene. With every box, the company donates bowls of food to shelter pets in need, so you can feel good about spoiling your pooch. The longer you subscribe, the cheaper the monthly cost. And, you can cancel any time with a month-to-month subscription. Even if your dog does not love one of the toys which we doubt is possible , you will still feel great about giving back and helping a shelter dog in need. While the company doesn't offer full or partial refunds, you can send them an email with a photo if your package is damaged and they will try to resolve the problem. You can also cancel your subscription at any time. The price depends on the type of surprise you want for your pup treats or toys, for example and how often you want a box delivered. A dog subscription box is often cost-effective if you tend to get your dog treats and toys regularly. Many companies charge less than pet store prices. What Comes in a Dog Subscription Box? Most shipments include a variety of products such as toys, treats, and chews. Heavy chewers, dogs with allergies , or pups that ignore toys can all benefit from a dog subscription box. While some dog subscription boxes only provide chews and treats, most come with a toy or two every month. If you are mostly interested in toys, you can opt for a box specializing in dog toys such as Pet Treater Dog Box or Bullymake. These options are great for dogs that go through toys quickly, requiring frequent replacements. Related Topics. Directly supports hungry shelter animals Gives you a premium assortment of products Still affordable considering the included donation Cons Subscription doesn't accommodate food allergies Why It Made the List Anyone who has a rescue or simply loves dogs is sure to appreciate The Animal Rescue Site's subscription box. RescueBox lets you spoil your dog every month while supporting a good cause in the process. With every RescueBox, you'll be sent five premium products, and The Animal Rescue Site will provide dozens of meals to homeless pets and shelter animals through its charitable partners located in the U. If you've been on the fence about splurging on a monthly dog subscription, RescueBox gives you the perfect excuse to do so. Subscriptions for small, medium, and large dogs are all the same price and include the same number of products. No other customizations can be made beyond dog size, but the treats, chews, and toys you receive are always carefully selected by a team of pet experts. The products also follow a monthly theme, so your dog will get to enjoy an exciting variety of high-quality goodies, and you'll feel good knowing that your subscription is helping pets in need. Yes Products Include: Treats, toys, and chews Final Thoughts If you want convenient monthly deliveries of different toys and treats for a price that doesn't make you think twice about spoiling your dog, a subscription to BarkBox gets you the most bark for your buck. Some subscriptions let you customize your plan based on your dog's needs and preferences, while others have experts that curate an assortment of goodies based on a new theme; BarkBox does both. You can expect a fun-themed variety of premium toys every month but can also customize your plan to your dog. Upgrading your plan to accommodate another dog or one who just goes through toys fast will increase your bill but will also qualify you for free shipping. It can be hard guessing whether or not your dog will like something you order online, but all BarkBox plans have a percent satisfaction guarantee. Free shipping isn't always included, but when it's not, you can often qualify for it by adding extra products to your order. None of the subscriptions on this list require committing to a certain number of boxes, though most plans are automatically set up for either 12 months or four quarters of recurring deliveries. You're always free to cancel whenever you want, and you never have to pay the cost of the entire subscription period upfront if you prefer month-to-month payments. Chewy's Goody Box is the only exception because unless you set up recurring shipping at checkout, every box must be ordered individually. Most dog subscription boxes contain bundles of both food and non-food items, but Pooch Perks , Bullymake , and Pet Treater let you adjust your plan to receive only toys. However, if accessories are the non-food item you prefer, BoxDog is the best option. While the subscription does include treats and toys, it also sends skin care products and lets you pick out accessories every month. The same applies to Bark Bright , which will supply you with a monthly supply of toothpaste and chews. Methodology To find the best dog subscription boxes, our team reviewed nearly two dozen services, evaluating each one on the following criteria: Average price Number of items per box Variety of products.

As far as their height is concerned, most labs will reach their adult height of 22 to 25 inches 56 to .They will also reach their optimal weight of 64 to 80 pounds 29 to 36 kg by their 15th month. Labrador Retrievers are very food motivated, more so than quite a few other pups. Keeping your pup properly nourished is vital but letting your dog get fluffy is obviously ill-advised. With lots of myths and misconceptions flying around the place, many people believe that neutering or spaying your lab puppy too early will slow down its growth. There are some minor changes here and there, depending on the study, but nothing too significant. How big is the pup compared to the rest of its litter? The average time it takes for a Labrador Retriever to reach its maximum height is about 11 months or less than a year. Some puppies take a bit longer and others do it even sooner. A few weeks of variation are to be expected as long as your vet is certain your pup is healthy. As for the weight, this reaches its potential a bit later — around the 15th month. How can you tell how big a Lab puppy will get? It will also likely have a pretty dominant personality and require an experienced owner. How much do Lab puppies grow each week? In terms of weight, a 3 pound 1. From there, the growth will gradually slow down until the puppy reaches its maximum height around the month mark and its optimal weight around the 15th month. How big is an 8 week old Labrador? How big exactly is such a pup, however? The average 8 week old Labrador should be somewhere between 8 and 12 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 30 cm with females being an inch or so shorter. As for their weight, that can vary between 10 to 14 pounds 4. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Labrador retrievers are beloved family members. But too much of a good thing—food and treats—can lead to many potential health problems. If your Labrador Retriever is starting to get a little pooch in his belly your might be thinking how much should my lab weigh? But there are many factors that enter into what determines a healthy weight for your particular lab. And female labs should weigh between 55 and 70 pounds and be between .But keep in mind that even healthy labs may fall outside of these guidelines. There are many variables that enter into why a dog is a particular weight, including the following: Genetics. The parents and family tree of a lab determine his potential size and structure. Diet and nutrition. In order to reach his potential, a lab requires the proper diet for his stage of life and activity level. A lab who is a couch potato will generally require fewer calories than one who is active. Female labs usually weigh less than male labs at the same life stage. English vs. American Labrador Retrievers Although there is no recognized separate breed of English and American labs , in reality there are distinctions regarding their breeding. English labs are bred for the conformation ring and generally weigh in at the higher end of the desired range for labs. And they may weigh even 20 more pounds than American labs without being overweight. American labs, aka field-bred labs, are bred from working lines, in order to hunt. They are leaner and more muscular than English labs. There is no definitive guide stating that labs of certain colors weigh more than others. But their breeding and function enters into whether a lab will weigh more. Black Labradors. Black labs are found in both English and American labs. But an English-bred lab is likely to weigh more than an American lab is. Chocolate Labradors. They are more likely to be from conformation lines than those from working, field lines. So chocolate labs are more likely to be at the higher end of the weight spectrum. Yellow Labradors. They are found in both show and field lines, so there is no likelihood that a yellow lab will weigh more. Other colors. Although not a recognized color, red fox labs are generally American, field-type labs. What Is an Ideal Lab Weight? Muscle weighs more than fat does by volume. Body condition and general health determines what your lab should weigh. Labrador retrievers usually reach their full height between nine and 12 months of age. There are nine different levels that are measured. And you gently palpate the dog to feel how much fat covers those areas. In the first three levels of the chart, a dog is determined to be too thin. Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, and pelvic bones are prominent. And there may even be muscle wasting. There is no to little discernible body fat. And there is an obvious waist and abdominal tuck. In the ideal range, levels four to five, ribs are palpable without excess fat. The waist is easily noted when viewed from above. And there is an evident abdominal tuck when viewed from the side. In the last four levels of body condition, steps six to nine, the dog is too heavy. And the dog has a discernible but not prominent waist when viewed from above and an apparent tummy tuck when viewed from the side. The last three steps range from the ribs barely being palpable to massive fat deposits over the body with no abdominal tuck and even abdominal distension. So you really need to determine where your dog is along this scale. If in doubt, check with your vet to determine whether your lab is an appropriate weight for his age, size, and activity level. So expect them to keep weighing more during that period. Factors regarding how large a lab will get include: Genetics. Generally larger parents and lineage means larger lab puppies. Paw size. Of course, as a lab gets older, he should grow. During the first six months, a lab has rapid rate increases, including growth spurts. On average, a puppy will gain about two or so pounds per week. So a five-week-old puppy will be about 10 pounds and a week-old puppy around 26 pounds. 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:. Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. Fourth meal 5 pm You should follow this type of feeding schedule until your Lab puppy is 14 weeks old, after which you can adopt a two meal per day plan. However, keep in mind that Labs are especially prone to overeating and obesity, so if you use treats, ensure you give them sparingly. In fact, a study in the UK listed Labrador Retrievers among the eight breeds most prone to being overweight. So your food-loving Lab puppy requires a bit of control. One way to keep them from overeating treats is to portion out their food for the day and use that as their reward. In most cases, the puppy will respond just as enthusiastically to kibble. Place a bowl of water in a location accessible to your puppy and supervise him to ensure he drinks enough but not too much. Puppies at this age should drink between half and one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. So if your eight-week-old Lab is 12 lbs 5. This is an essential part of puppy care. As mentioned, if you get your puppy from a reliable breeder which should always be the case , the pup should have already started with his vaccinations, and the breeder should provide the vaccination records. Then, make an appointment with the vet for any vaccination follow-up. Also, ensure your pup stays on worm preventative medication as puppies are more prone than adult dogs to worm infection. Sometimes puppies are also born with certain types of worms from an infected mother, especially roundworms and hookworms, where mother-to-puppy transmission is a significant mode of spreading. Be especially sure that your Lab puppy gets the heartworm vaccination. Heartworm is a dangerous and potentially fatal disease, and once your dog is infected, the cure is expensive and extremely harsh on your dog. A trained dog will learn how to behave in and outside the home and around other humans and pets. I have a full beginner guide on how to train an 8 week old Labrador puppy , but in a nutshell, there are three training areas you should focus on in terms of pet training: housebreaking, obedience, and socialization. Housebreak Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Housebreaking means training your puppy to eliminate outdoors or at a designated location inside the home instead of doing it anywhere and at any time. Puppies need frequent bathroom breaks because their system is not yet mature enough to hold it for long. Luckily you can take advantage of that to teach your dog to always use the same spot. Pay attention to the signs your puppy gives when they need to ease themselves, like circling, whining, or sniffing their groin. Puppies naturally need to eliminate at these times: First thing after waking up in the morning. Last thing before retiring at night. After every meal. After drinking plenty of water. Upon waking up from a nap. During or after play or exercise. When they wake up during the night. Their brain, at this point, is like a sponge that will easily absorb new info. Also, teaching these commands early will make living with you easier for your dog as he will know what is expected of him. Teach your Lab puppy to sit, lay down, stay, leave, and other basic commands that are foundational for more advanced training later. Remember to use only positive reinforcement training approaches and reward your puppy with verbal praise, positive gesture cues, and treats. Exposure to these realities will help your Lab puppy adjust fast and nurture proper social behavior. In addition, exposure will preempt signs of poor puppy socialization, like aggression and fear around people and other animals. In general, your eight-week-old Labrador puppy should have two minute sessions of exercise daily. In addition, keep the following in mind: Keep exercise sessions short in the beginning and allow your puppy to adapt gradually. Playtime counts as exercise, so be careful not to over-exercise your Lab puppy. This is the harness I use. Allow your pup spontaneous rest moments between play. When exercising your puppy , avoid taking him for walks during the coldest or hottest times of the day. There are several ways to ensure your eight-week-old Labrador puppy is always safe, including ample supervision and choosing the right kind of toy. They might also try to get away on an exploratory walk if the door is left open. To avoid these dangers, puppy-proofing your home before getting your eight-week-old Lab puppy is vital. Read more here, What Foods are Poisonous to Labradors? Unplug power cords and put them away when not in use, as your puppy could try chewing on them. Remember that your puppy is young and still learning. It is also a legal requirement in some countries, such as the UK, and it may be required when traveling. While name tags are an excellent way to identify a dog, they can be easily removed or get lost, which means you are better off microchipping your Lab puppy, or even better, do both. Choose Safe Play Toys for Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Like us, eight-week-old puppies still have their baby teeth which they gradually lose to make room for their adult teeth. So, expect a lot of chewing and nipping during this time. Like humans, teething can be uncomfortable, and chewing is their only way to relieve some of that pain. To that end, ensure your Lab puppy has the right chewing toys to avoid damaging teeth or accidentally swallowing toy pieces. This toy is great for teething pups, doubles as a fetch toy, and is also a treat-dispensing toy where you can stuff it with peanut butter or other goodies. If proper toys are not provided, your Lab puppy will chew any available object in the house, such as table legs, shoes, remotes, or your hands. As such, they need proper resources for resting and sleeping. That includes the time to do so and a place where they will feel safe in. This synthetic dog bed has an ultra-soft feel and provides maximum comfort for your Lab. You can use it in the crate or as a stand-alone bed, and it comes in a few different styles and sizes. I like this bed due to its 3. Ensure the bed is in a location with no draft and where your puppy does not get any disturbance when resting. If you put your puppy straight into the crate without helping them adjust, it may react poorly. When buying a kennel, the best approach is to buy one that your pup can use as an adult dog, which for a Lab would be around 42 inches .Just be sure to get a crate with dividers so you can make the space smaller for your puppy. An 8-week-old Lab puppy can only walk for approximately minutes at a time. In most cases, young puppies will not walk but rather jump around and play. Still, keep in mind that they do not need long exercise sessions. Instead, keep playtimes short and allow for lots of rest. Remember that puppies should only walk about five minutes for every month of age, twice a day. At three months, you can stretch it to 15 minutes. Overwalking your Lab puppy can cause joint and bone issues and should be avoided. As such, a dog from a larger breed will need more food as a puppy than a smaller breed. An 8-week-old Lab puppy should be fed three to four meals of no more than cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy will depend on his size and weight. For example, if your puppy is between lbs 4. These measurements can vary with each dog food product, as different manufacturers have varying ingredients, so ensure you check the packaging first. Eight week old Lab puppies sleep for approximately 18 to 20 hours a day. An 8 week old Lab should pee as soon as they wake up, after eating and drinking, after waking up from a nap, during or after a session of play or exercise, just before going to bed at night, and when they awake during the night. Labrador puppy weight. It can be hard to know what the right weight is for your specific pup. An American Lab is likely to weigh less than an English Lab in general, but not always! How much do Labs weigh in general? Male Labradors weigh between 60lbs and 80lbs, while females weigh in at between 55lbs and 75lbs. But many healthy Labradors fall outside these averages. As you can see, there is quite a range! Labrador Puppy Weight Lots of our readers want to know how much should my Labrador weigh at this age or that age. Labrador puppies are growing fast, and their weight is constantly changing. We used the data from our forum to create the Lab weight chart below. If you want a rough idea of how much your pup should weigh at different stages of their young life, just compare them to this chart and see how they match up. But remember, average Labrador weight is not totally straight forward… Average Labrador Weight Labradors come in a wide variety of sizes. So average Labrador Retriever weight figures can be misleading. As a very rough guide an adult female Labrador might weigh between 55 and 70lbs. An adult male Lab will weigh 65 — 80lbs. Female Lab weight will on average be lower than male Lab weight, but as you can see there is a considerable cross over. But Labradors also come in a couple of different types, and his type will have an impact upon his ideal Labrador weight. English Labs bred from show lines are likely to be at the upper end of the scale. You can expect English Lab weight to be around 60 — 70 lbs for a female and 70 — 80 lbs for a male. Some of our chunkier, show bred Labs can be a good twenty pounds or more heavier than their field bred cousins, without necessarily being overweight. Whereas the American Lab who is field bred is likely to be at the lower end of average. Volume for volume, muscle weighs more. So it is worth bearing in mind, that a very fit dog will have more muscle and may weigh more than an unfit dog of similar dimensions. Black Lab Weight In theory there should be no difference in weight between Labradors of different colors. Black Labrador weight for an English black Lab will probably be at the higher end of the range, for an American black Lab it will likely be lower. Black Labs are frequently found in both these categories, but some Lab colors differ. For example the chocolates. Chocolate Lab Weight Chocolate Labs are more likely to be show bred than field bred. English Labs weigh more than American Labs in general, and may therefore be at the higher end of average when it comes to weight. This is because yellow Labs are commonly found in both categories. White Labs are more likely to be English Labs, and will therefore probably be at the heavier end of the scale. Fox red Labs are normally American Labs, and will often be thinner in build and therefore lighter in weight. The way to effectively judge whether your Lab is at an ideal weight is not through the scales. It is by feel and appearance. You should not be able to see ribs, but if you press firmly along his sides you should just be able to feel your fingers bumping along them. But in most cases it really is not necessary to weigh your puppy every day, or even every week! Any more than you would weigh your three year old child on a daily or even weekly basis. There are however, some exceptions. Very thin puppies Occasionally we have people post up about puppies that are desperately underweight and clearly failing to thrive. Most of these comments come from people that have purchased puppies that are not ready to leave their mothers, and should not have been sold by the breeder. Some of these puppies are as young as three weeks old. If you have inadvertently been sucked into this horrible trade in underage puppies, do contact a vet for help with feeding your puppy, as a matter of urgency. If you are concerned that your puppy might be seriously underweight, again, your vet is the first port of call. As a very rough guide, many Labrador puppies will weigh around a kilo for every week of their lives. So you would expect a ten week puppy to weigh something in the region of ten kilos or around twenty-two pounds. A twenty percent variation around this would be fairly normal. If your puppy falls outside this variation he may still be perfectly healthy, but if you are inexperienced, a check with the vet is a good way to put your mind at rest. Should I Weigh My Dog? You may need to weigh your dog if he needs medical treatment. Determining the appropriate dose of some drugs requires that we know the exact weight of the patient. But in this case your veterinarian will probably do it for you at their check-ups and assessments. The main reasons to weigh a dog are loss or gain. Trying to put weight on a very thin puppy? You may want to check your progress with regular weigh-ins for a while to make sure they are sufficiently gaining weight. Trying to help your adult Labrador weight decrease? Checking their weight each week will help you to know that you are succeeding, along with visual checks. How to weigh a dog If you need to weigh a puppy, and he is small enough to hold in your arms, you can do this at home. Just weigh yourself on the bathroom scales without him, then weigh yourself again whilst holding the dog, and subtract the first weight from the second. This is accurate enough for most purposes. Larger dogs will need to be weighed on purpose built scales. Most vet surgeries have one in the waiting room, and some pet stores have them too. Really tiny dogs can be weighed accurately on a good sized set of kitchen scales. For once, this is a situation where appearances really do count. Try to get into the habit of looking at your dog objectively and of avoiding comparing with other dogs, many of whom will be overweight. You may find that some other dog owners will tell you your nice slim Labrador is actually too thin. This happens a lot, largely because people are simply getting used to so many dogs being overweight, including some of those receiving the highest accolades in our show rings. Again, if you are worried, check with your vet, but the chances are if someone is telling you this that actually your dog is healthy, and it is really their dog who is overweight.

A gentle love bug looking for his fur-ever family. Jax has now recovered from a broken leg and is anxiously awaiting to leap into a new home. His foster family would describe him as a smart and loving guy who is coming along well with his basic commands. Jax would love a family that is willing to work on more positive reinforcement training with him, as he is very eager to learn new things! A few of Jax's favourite things include snuggling by the fire place, playing with his treat ball, daily walks, and being loved by everyone around him! He is an exuberant guy, so daily mental and physical stimulation is important to him. Since he has been in our care he has been recovering in foster, so at this time we are unsure how he is with other dogs and cats, however, with slow introductions he may do well. Jax has suffered with some allergies in the past, so he is on a veterinary prescribed diet to keep his skin in tip-top shape! Jax loves nothing more than to be around people and show you how grateful he is to have you in his life! Jax wants everyone to know he is a good doggo! To adopt: 1. View Jax's profile: spca. We do our best to respond, although are not always able to respond to all applicants. We will reach out to the approved adopter Website. Reverse brindle and sealed. Pups were born Aug 8th and will be ready for their new homes Oct 4th, One of their other names, the Shichon Teddy Bear refers to their.Currently lbs Good temperament Great with kids Easy going happy dog We are looking to rehome him, after much consideration, he is a great dog, Kamloops Only 2 left! Husky Boxer with some Akita bear and Rottweiler. They are very lovely little ones, they are from a litter of 8 all srong and healthy. Parents are family dogs with prefect demeanors and are great with children and chickens : even cats Pick up is an option in.This adorable cutie is ready to go. Both parents are unregistered Purebred Boxers. Mom lives with me and Dad is.These puppies will be ready for their forever home in the first week of September. They will go home having been properly checked by a vet and been given their.Tails and dew claws done Ready to.I owe both parents. Born June 19 , puppies will be ready to go on August .They are born on the 2. September and are ready to go .Mom weighs around 55lbs and is a fawn. She is very.Ready for forever homes on Sept 9. Located in Victoria BC Mom and dad both.Raised with their parents, cats and in a family environment. Very trainable and loving. We have 4 girls the puppies are about a week an a half old will be ready to leave at 8 weeks old our past litters all turned out to be great dogs.They come vet checked with first vaccine, vet record and deworming These pups are very well socialized and ready to go. We also own both mom and dad, and they all have great.Maple is our.Browse other categories in Pets in British Columbia.

French Bulldog Puppies For Sale Near Me splendid french bulldog pups When requesting info from us please let us know the following: Do you have any dogs? Do you have any kids and what are the ages if you do? Do you stay home if none of the above? We care about our kids and we want to make sure they will be happy where they are. One year health gaurantee and all shots up todate. Text me your email address now via x x if interested for more info and pics. They are very cute. If you are interested just contact me. View Detail French bulldog puppies for sales French bulldog puppies for sale to loving homes in red colour, all with black mask 3 boys and 1 girl. They come vaccinated, wormed and microchipped, with birth certificate and dog pack. They are very friendly and great for children and another animals View Detail Pure Bred Full Pedigree French Bulldog Puppies puppies for adoption- pups shall be wormed with drontal oral suspension French Bulldog Puppies formula and come with their first vaccination and a vet checkup. You will have to be quick, they shall go fast. Adorable pups with friendly personalities. These puppies will make excellent companions. They have been family raised and are well socialized. They are up to date with their shots and dewormer and have been vet checked as well. They are healthy and enjoy romping in the house! She is 9 weeks old, has been vet checked and was free from heart murmurs, excellent tight hips and knees. They are 11 weeks old, very sweet and funny. Their parents had no health issues and their daddy is a show dog. Up to date on shots, dewormed and will go home with one year health guarantee. Please call or text xxx xxx-xxxx.NO breeders please! View Detail Need help? Please contact contact petzlover. For them, it was a love at first sight. Now their dreams have come true. Left Right I have one of Max's puppies. I am so happy with him. We have had him for about 9 months and he is a wonderful, healthy, good tempered puppy. He was already started on house training and he is a true joy. I could not be more pleased at how easy going this dog is. He isn't hyper, doesn't bark needlessly, is gentle with our kids, and is all around just EASY. He is slightly timid with guests, but also leaves them alone, which is nice. She is best dog; absolutely beautiful and has a wonderful playful temperament. I searched for a French bulldog for over a month but I couldn't find one that was the right fit for my family. Southfrenchies made the process so easy for me and I was able to pick up my puppy the same day. He was very sweet and adjusted in no time. I even went back for a second puppy. They are happy healthy and thriving. They have really improved my life. South Frenchies made this the easiest "yes" in the world! They were responsive and reliable both before and after adoption, and even came right to our house! We are so lucky to have Archie and his sister, Lulu, nearby with our friends! Cash has truly been a blessing. The adoption went great and everything about Cash was as advertised. All deposits are non-refundable! We accept Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, Apple Pay for the deposit, which will be deducted from the total and the remaining balance upon pickup. Put a small deposit 02 We schedule a pickup based on your availability. You can either: meet us at our puppy's care home in DC, or have your new frenchie delivered directly to you delivery fee may apply. Plan our meeting Buying process 4 easy steps to get your little pal Today is the day! It's very exciting; everything is set up, and your little companion is ready for his forever-home. See you soon! In-person delivery or pickup. Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. We have answers. All over the internet, and within the Uptown network, you will notice that there are many different prices for French Bulldog puppies. The prices differ according to coat color, pedigree, experience of the breeder, as well as several other factors too! Our network is specifically designed to get you the perfect puppy at the perfect price for you! What kind of dog is a French Bulldog? Frenchies are really goofy looking dogs. Their heads are just so big for their small, little bodies that they look like they could tip over at any moment. French Bulldogs are descendants of their great big cousins - English Bulldogs. They were specifically bred to be smaller and cuter than their English cousins. Today, their charming personalities make them exceptionally popular. After that, when puppies are ready to be delivered, a C-section has to be performed due to their extremely narrow hips. These facts escalate the price of French Bulldogs and explain why they are pricier than your average breed. Not a chance! Most of the companies and breeders affiliated with the Uptown network are complete pros when it comes to transporting and arranging travel for your French Bulldog puppy to any major airport nearby! As the Uptown network grows day by day, you may even be able to pick up your puppy in person. We are contacted on a daily basis by prospective breeders and businesses. There are very strict standards where Uptown is concerned with regards to animal care, facility care, breeding experience and more. One click away, and a French Bulldog puppy could be yours. Sadly, this leaves an open space for inexperienced breeders and puppy mills to sell you unhealthy puppies that often die young. We only have one goal - to help the best breeders connect with loving families and put the best Frenchie puppy in your home. A breeding facility that is honest is usually a paradise for little puppies. They are well taken care of. Puppy mills, on the other hand, are like prisons for dogs and puppies. They are often, very unsanitary and puppies that come from these places often have behavioral issues and a multitude of health problems that will lead you spending thousands on vet bills. All it takes is a simple click below, then take a look at the list of dogs available. You are sure to find the French Bulldog puppy you have always wanted. Start getting excited as your new Frenchie puppy will be yours!

What should be in a German Shepherd puppy starter pack? Choosing the right kind of food for your German Shepherd puppy is important - they may have special dietary requirements such as grain free and hypoallergenic foods. Identification A must-have item are identification tags which should be firmly attached to your puppy's collar. Remember to include your current address and phone number. It's also a good idea to include a separate tag with your veterinarian's name and phone number. We strongly recommend NOT to include your pets name on the tags, as anyone who may try to take your pup will be able to call them by name and your dog may assume they are friendly. Most pet shops offer over-the-counter tag engraving. Dog Lead There are lots of leads to choose from; short, long, retractable, halty leads.There's really no one perfect lead and it's down to personal preference for you and your dog. We can however recommend that if you have a large or strong dog breed that you start off with a regular short lead, at least until your pup is well trained and can walk nicely on a lead. A shorter lead here makes controlling your pup easier and is better for everyone's safety. Perfect-Pets have a fantastic book available, filled with lots of help and advice on training your dog including lead training. Stain Removers and Deodorizers We can say for sure that at some point your puppy will make a big mess. Having good cleaning products ready to go is important to avoid any lasting stains or, more importantly, any lingering smells. If the area is not cleaned and deodorised properly, your pup will be able to smell it and will assume that this is the place to go to the bathroom. Remember that just because you can't smell it, doesn't mean that your dog can't - their sense of smell is much better than your own. Most stain removers do a good job, but we highly recommend the Simple Solution Extreme Stain Remover. Poor dental health can lead to a number of health problems, but they are so easy to avoid. You can get an actual Dog Toothbrush, but in our experience a lot of dogs won't sit and allow you to brush their teeth. You can get Toothbrush Chew Toys and fill with doggy toothpaste instead - this will clean their teeth and provide entertainment all in one. A lot of dog owners choose to have their pup professionally groomed, but if you want to bath them at home then you'll need a good shampoo. Puppies skin is sensitive, and even grown dogs can be prone to skin irritation from chemicals and substances present in a lot of grooming products. We recommend using a sensitive dog shampoo with no or only a mild scent, such as this Pro Pooch Sensitive Dog Shampoo. Dog Bed and Crate Your new puppy needs to feel safe and comfortable to have a good nights sleep, especially if you plan to have them sleep downstairs overnight. We suggest getting a puppy crate and draping blankets or towels over it to create a nice little den for them. Realistically, your pup will outgrow their first or even first few dog beds quickly, so we recommend finding one that is comfortable but inexpensive such as this basic dog bed. Once your puppy is all grown up, there are lots of great beds to choose from such as this highly rated ANWA Donut Dog Bed , or for dogs who prefer beds with sides ours does! Toys and Chews Puppies love to chew. They normally chew to entertain themselves, or because they're teething or even just because they're bored. Having dog toys and chews that your pup has easy access to is important to avoid any destructive behaviour towards furniture, flooring, clothes or pretty much anything within reach! Choosing toys and chews that are the right size, shape and texture for their growing teeth, mouth and jaws is important for healthy physical development. Strong chewers such as Labradors, Rottweilers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers to name a few require tough chew toys - unless you want to buy new toys on a weekly or even daily basis. Recent posts. Feeding and grooming 1. Traditional leather collars with an engraved tag are a popular choice. They can be personalised with up to 25 characters of information which will help someone return your pup to you. But here at Happy Puppy HQ, we love them! If your puppy reaches the end of their leash quite suddenly, a harness distributes the impact over a large area of predominantly muscle, rather than concentrating it on a small area of delicate throat tissues. And they make it easier to safely control your puppy during training. Travel Restraint Most people want to be able to travel with their dog. But there are some things to buy German Shepherd puppies that will make this easier. Puppies who travel unrestrained in vehicles can be somewhat mischievous however! It can be all too tempting to try and climb into your lap or your footwell, for a bit of attention. Furthermore, unrestrained dogs are more likely to sustain serious injuries in a collision. However, if your GSD puppy is a destructive chewer, this kind of crate might not last long. Another Alternative A great alternative is anchoring their harness securely to the seat belt plug. This will keep your puppy in place, and distribute the impact of a crash as safely as possibly over his body. So one of the things to buy a German Shepherd puppy is a leash. Young puppies are very receptive to new experiences, so teaching them to accept wearing a leash is easiest while they are still young. Most GSD puppy parents find that they need two types of leash. The Two Types First, a short lead for keeping their dog under close control near traffic and whilst walking on the sidewalk. Crate People tend to have mixed feelings about dog crates. But used responsibly, they have heaps of advantages. They can become a cosy den for your puppy, which he will learn to associate with being safe and relaxed in. They can make toilet training quicker and easier. And they prepare your dog for being unavoidable crating in the future, for example if they ever need to stay at the vet, or travel by air. Our crate training article is all about how to choose the best crate, and use it correctly. And this article is all about choosing the right size for a German Shepherd. So add some bedding to your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy! If you decide to move onto something more supportive as they grow up, our review of the best beds for German Shepherds will help you find the perfect next step. Many of them are available in standard crate sizes too — perfect for making the bottom of a crate as luxurious as can be! Puppies are curious, playful, and at times even total trouble-magnets! Creating a safe place in your home where you can leave them for a few moments to visit the bathroom or answer the door protects them from harm and gives you peace of mind. Your puppy zone should ideally have wipe clean floors in case of toilet accidents, and you should invest a little time teaching them to associate it with good things — by leaving treats in it for them to find, and returning their favorite toys there when they leave them lying around. Toys Like all puppies, German Shepherd pups have stacks of energy. So, toys should be a priority on your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy. They love to play, and playing plays a valuable role in developing their muscles, motor skills and coordination. In fact, GSDs have pretty tough teeth and jaws, even from a young age. So we recommend choosing toys designed with durability in mind. Food and Water Bowls All puppies need access to clean, fresh water. And whilst we recommend using most of their daily food allowance as rewards during training, you might also like to give them small meals in a bowl. In fact it is estimated that bloat causes the death of approximately 1 in 7 GSDs. Food Your puppy should come home with a modest supply of the food they were weaned onto by their breeder. This will minimize the possibility of them etting an upset tummy. Our article on the best diets for German Shepherd Dogs will give you some food for thought. Are they just the start of a slippery slope towards canine obesity? Well, we think treats have an important role to play in successful German Shepherd training! But the best way to capture a new behavior, or advance an established area of training to the next level, is by offering a high value food reward at first. Pieces of cooked chicken or small cubes of cheese are equally effective. Some we Like You may need to experiment with a few brands to find out which your GSD will work the hardest for. These basics belong in every dog owners kit: A brush, for removing loose hair, debris, matts and tangles — German Shepherds need their coats brushing at least two or three times a week. Shampoo, for when they roll in in something stinky. Toothbrush and Toothpaste These could be considered part of general grooming supplies. Medical procedures such as setting broken bones and corrective surgery for bloat cost several thousand dollars. Most insurance plans have the added bonus of including public liability cover. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Getting your relationship off to a good start begins by finding the best puppy products that are also the safest and best performing. Puppies learn good potty habits when introduced to a properly-sized crate early on. You have options! Using the handy, included divider, you can slowly increase the size of the crate to match the life stage of your GSD as she grows. The foldable design adds to the convenience and makes it a great crate for travel, too. This crate is 48L x 30W x 33H inches. This crate divider from MidWest Homes for Pets comes in a variety of sizes. Make sure you choose the proper size to fit your model of crate to prevent injuries. This crate also comes in a double door style if you prefer. We like the rounded corners, sturdy wire construction, and the 1-year warranty. Enter the hard-shell plastic kennels from SportPet. These airline-approved crates are sturdy, safe, and comfortable to make sure your GSD puppy has the safest trip possible. They also make great everyday crates for at-home use, too. This crate comes in a variety of sizes, so either start small and upgrade later or go for the adult-sized crate right from the start. With rounded edges, secure-lock doors, and easy-clean plastic floor gutters, this travel crate is sure to please. The larger sizes even come with wheels to help you move through the airport with ease. Give him the next best thing by providing soft, supportive, comfortable bedding for in the crate and around the house. With supportive, comfortable memory foam and a removable and washable cover, this bed should last a long time. There is therapeutic gel infused in the memory foam to help promote proper joint alignment and bring your dog comfort during rest time. Cuddle beds are great options for pups who need a little more support or who enjoy the feeling of being cradled. Made from top-quality memory foam, your GSD puppy will be snuggled in therapeutic comfort right from day one. The waterproof liner will keep things sanitary, while the removable cover will make cleanup a snap. This crate mat from Best Pet Supplies Inc. Have a couple of these on hand for quick and easy bedding changes. Choose between small, medium, large, or extra-large to match your use. Take a small or medium in the car, place a large or extra-large in the crate or on the couch. This fuzzy blanket will keep your pup warm and cozy no matter where you go. This soft and cozy mat does double-duty covering both ends of the spectrum. This absorbent mat will wick moisture away while still giving your sweet pup a soft and comfy place to rest. Double stitching ensures the mat will last a long time, even with frequent washings. There are two colors to choose from and three sizes. We suggest having two—one for use and one in the wash. Food and water bowls should be kept clean and sanitized to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. These products below pass our rigorous tests and came out on top of the competition. These raised feeder stations grow with your puppy and keep food and water raised above the floor. Raising the food and water dish off the floor helps your pup eat and drink comfortably while preventing pests from reaching. This one comes with 3 height adjustment settings and includes the two stainless steel bowls, too. With leg extensions, this feeder can adjust as your puppy grows, making this an economical solution, too. Puppies can really eat fast, and this often ends up in tummy aches and sometimes even vomiting. Teach your puppy to slow down with this slow feeder bowl. Small bits of kibble rest in the bottom of each dip in the bowl, making your puppy take her time to get to each one. This neat rubber mat is cute and functional, holding the two stainless steel bowls firmly in place during meal times. The edges even fold up a bit to help catch spills and dribbles. Loving Pets Metallic Bella Bowl For our readers who prefer a more minimalist approach to dog supplies, these cute bowls should do the trick. They come in a variety of colors on the outside, but the inside is time-tested stainless steel. These bowls are skid-proof on the bottom and are dishwasher safe, too. Just be sure to remove the rubber base first. The best way to safely confine a GSD puppy while still allowing room to play is by providing a playpen or play yard. Amazon comes through with flying colors with this adjustable, foldable playpen. It has rounded, safe wire construction and comes in a variety of sizes to fit your needs. You can also daisy chain a few of them together to create an ever-expanding play yard for your GSD puppy. You can choose a play yard with a door or without. This set also comes with eight ground anchors to keep even the most rambunctious puppies from toppling the sides. Inspired Essentials 34 Inch Pet Playpen Sometimes you want a safe play yard for your German Shepherd puppy but also want some class, too. With sturdy, heavy-duty plastic in black or white, this play yard can look good in any house or yard. There are non-skid feet included and it comes with a gate to make access that much easier. Bring her along with this brilliant portable playpen. This set includes a collapsible travel bowl, too, which we think is pretty neat. This item comes with inches of usable length and stands at 28 inches tall. We love that it even folds flat if you need to transport or store it. However, we can give a basic overview of things to discuss with your vet when asking about the best foods for your puppy at each life stage. There are always basic guidelines online, but your vet is the right person to ask for advice to keep your specific puppy in the best health possible. Their products are made without corn, wheat, or soy, and there are no artificial colors or flavors. Their puppy treats contain no corn, wheat, or soy, and are perfectly shaped for puppy mouths. Soft and moist, these puppy treats are great for training, playtime, or just to give your GSD puppy a special treat to say you love her. The ring shape is easy for puppy paws to get a good grip on while they chew and relieve teething pain. They are fun, interactive, and educational objects that keep your puppy entertained and out of trouble. The most important aspect, however, is that toys help you bond with your German Shepherd puppy. They often show signs of separation anxiety early on, especially while crate training. To help alleviate this stress, the Snuggle Puppy plush toy can be introduced right from day one. With a realistic heartbeat and a warm pack, this plush toy gives stressed out pups a soft, comforting, familiar place to rest and relax. The unique tube shape is easy to grasp with teeth or paws, and the squeaker is just loud enough to be fun without being so loud it gets annoying. These toys are fun to toss around, play tug with, and are durable enough for teething puppies. ZippyPaws — Skinny Peltz These sweet plush toys have no stuffing to rip out and choke on, which is a pretty big deal for aggressive chewers! But even without the stuffing, these three woodland creatures are filled with fun. This bobbing, wobbling treat dispenser is endless fun when filled with either regular kibble or a delicious treat. Your GSD puppy will love pushing the toy around and discovering which actions give them the most rewards. They come in a huge variety of colors, too. Genuine leather, handmade, comfy, and stylish! There are many colors to choose from and each is lovingly crafted with riveted strap ends, premium hardware, and padded sheepskin linings. These cute collars come with matching bowties in a variety of colors and patterns. These collars are also machine washable. Reversible Dog Harness A comfortable, supportive, and secure harness can help your new GSD puppy learn good manners while showing off her unique style. This harness comes in a range of sizes to be sure your pup is covered at every stage. Sturdy construction accompanies lightweight materials and stellar design choices for a top-notch harness option. This is a low-cost harness option with all the safety of the more expensive brands. Reflective materials and bright colors help keep your pup visible and safe, even on evening walks around the neighborhood. Great colors, sturdy construction, and a strong clip make this leash a good choice for any age GSD. The padded handle is a nice touch, while the smoothly rotating clip helps keep tangles at bay. Here are some of our favorite puppy training aids to get you started on the right paw. JdPet Washable Puppy Pads While most GSD parents want to housetrain their pups to go potty outside, there are some good reasons to potty train a pup to use an indoor bathroom option, too. We like the washable, leak-proof, and waterproof reusable pads for this situation. They are environmentally friendly, keeping disposable pads out of landfills or clogging sewage and septic systems. Get a few of these absorbent, washable pee pads for your GSD puppy and save a lot of money down the line. Solimo Super Absorbent Puppy Pads Washable pee pads might not be a good option for all homes, so disposable wee pads are still a decent choice. These potty-training pads are super absorbent, unscented, and are available in big or small packs, depending on your needs. The artificial grass is easy to clean and the catchall bottom just needs a quick spray with the hose to stay fresh. HoAoOo Pet Training Clicker Training clickers are an excellent way to train pups and older dogs to associate the clicking sound with a reward. This reduces caloric intake later on, as the click becomes the reward instead of a mouthful of treats. These clickers come with a handy wrist strap and are small enough to fit in a pocket, too. Tackle problems head-on with the right cleaning supplies. The pooper scooper. No more bending, stooping, and straining yourself to clean up the yard. This long-handled and strong scoop can pick up even the most impressive lawn apples your pup leaves in his wake. We love the slim design and the fact it hooks right onto the leash. The integrated waste bag section lets you place a whole roll inside. They will break down completely because they have no plastic. There are no dyes or other chemicals either, making these poo scoop bags even cooler. High fives all around, folks. These powerful little proteins are the products of bacteria—the good kind—and do one heck of a job fighting odors. This one even works on stains! Chemical-free, non-toxic, and powerful cleaning is right at your fingertips. Used by breeders, boarders, and vets alike, this powerful cleaner is an awesome ally in the fight against pet odors. It can even take out old, impregnated smells that have been around for years. Final Thoughts By now you should have a complete list of everything you need for a new German Shepherd puppy. Be sure to ask your vet for their recommendations as well.

Frequency Of Feeding Bernedoodle puppies have different nutritional requirements compared to adult dogs. Puppies need more frequent meals as their stomachs are smaller, and they require regular energy to fuel their growth. Generally, Bernedoodle puppies that are two to six months of age typically eat three times a day. It is essential to maintain a consistent feeding schedule when raising a Bernedoodle puppy. Choosing The Right Type Of Food When it comes to choosing the right type of food for your Bernedoodle puppy, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you will want to make sure that the food you select is appropriate for their size and nutritional needs. Soaking Kibble For Easier Digestion One of the recommended feeding guidelines for Bernedoodle puppies is soaking their kibble in raw milk. Soaking kibble can make it easier for them to digest and absorb nutrients from their food. When puppies eat dry kibble, they tend to swallow large pieces whole, which can lead to digestive issues such as bloating and constipation. For example, by the time Bernedoodles are weeks old, they will be eating one raw meal per day and two kibble meals per day soaked in raw milk. Raw milk contains probiotics that can help promote healthy gut flora and improve overall digestion. It is also high in protein, calcium, vitamin D and other essential vitamins and minerals that support growth development at this stage of life. Factors To Consider When Feeding A Bernedoodle Puppy When feeding a Bernedoodle puppy, age, weight, activity level, and nutritional requirements should all be taken into account to ensure that they are getting the proper amount of food for their growth and development. Age As your Bernedoodle puppy grows and develops, their age plays a crucial role in determining the appropriate feeding regimen. Each stage of growth has specific nutritional requirements to ensure healthy development and weight maintenance. For example, at eight weeks to 12 weeks old, these fluffy pups need about one cup of food three times a day to fuel their rapid growth. Around four months of age, it is important for owners to establish a regular feeding schedule with meals served at consistent times each day. This helps develop good eating habits and prevents potential gastrointestinal issues caused by erratic meal timings. Weight One of the most important factors to consider when determining how much to feed your Bernedoodle puppy is their weight. Activity Level The activity level of a Bernedoodle puppy plays a significant role in determining the appropriate amount and type of food they require. Puppies with higher energy levels will burn more calories throughout the day, thus needing increased caloric intake to support their growth and development. A common rule for puppies is providing 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, times per day; this can help you estimate how much food your pooch needs. Additionally, consulting with your veterinarian about tailoring meal portions can further aid in promoting healthy weight gain and avoiding overfeeding issues. These adorable pups require high-quality, animal-based protein in their diets for optimal growth and development. Additionally, Bernedoodle puppies need higher amounts of calories than adult dogs due to their growth stage. As they grow older, the caloric requirement will decrease gradually before reaching adulthood at around two or three years old. It is recommended to weigh your Bernedoodle at least once a month, preferably more frequently during their growth stage. Moreover, regular weigh-ins can also prevent obesity, which is a common problem among dogs. Overfeeding or underfeeding can lead to various health issues such as joint problems, heart disease, and diabetes. Here are some signs of overfeeding or underfeeding your Bernedoodle puppy: Weight gain or loss: Sudden and drastic weight changes can indicate an imbalance in their diet. Ensure that you keep track of their weight regularly. Low energy levels: Overfeeding can lead to lethargy and low energy levels, while underfeeding can make them restless. Digestive issues: Overfeeding may cause digestive problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation. Behavioural changes: Overfed puppies may show lack of interest in activities, become irritable or overly aggressive, while underfed puppies tend to become anxious and overly active. Dull coat: Both overfed and underfed puppies may have a dull-looking coat due to poor nutrition. Increased thirst and urination: Overfeeding can lead to excessive water intake resulting in frequent peeing while underfeeding can cause the opposite effect where they drink less water than required. Reduced appetite: Underfed puppies often lose interest in food altogether leading them with a reduced appetite. As a general rule of thumb, the amount of exercise should be limited to 5 minutes per month of age until they reach maturity. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can adversely affect their health and cause other problems down the line. Also, be sure to measure out the exact portion sizes recommended for each meal as free-feeding or guessing can lead to overconsumption. Importance Of High-Quality Ingredients Choosing the right type of food for your Bernedoodle puppy is crucial, and one of the most important factors in ensuring their health and wellbeing is selecting high-quality ingredients. High-quality dog food should provide your pup with a balanced diet that includes all the necessary nutritional requirements, such as protein, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and carbohydrates. When choosing a dog food brand for Bernedoodles puppies or dogs, look out for products that use real meat such as chicken or lamb rather than by-products. Additionally, avoid foods that contain artificial preservatives and fillers like corn gluten meal or wheat flour. This dog food brand also has wholesome grains like brown rice and barley which are easy to digest sources of complex carbohydrates; it maintains energy levels throughout long playtime sessions spent outdoor exercising while supporting digestive health thanks to fiber content from fruits and vegetables plus probiotic strains supplements found within each kibble bite-sized piece they consume. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of dry, wet, and raw food options to make an informed decision. Type of Food. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Mini Bernedoodles planned for, loved on, and prepared for forever families. If you want to give your dog a treat, then get a treat that is meant for your dog and not for you. The best kinds of treats for your dog are freeze dried meat or fish. This is strictly meat, no additives, no coloring. Chews are good for your dog but do not give your dog rawhide because it comes off in big chunks and can choke your dog. Other chews you should avoid are any sort of treats or chews made in China, buy local as much as possible. Go to your local butcher and ask for raw meaty bones, specifically for dogs. Bully sticks, pig ears, chicken feet, and cow hooves are all very good options. If you would like to get your puppy on a good potty schedule you need to offer your puppy food at least three times a day until it is at least 4 months old or over 3 pounds. After it is 4 months old and eating well and weighs over 3 pounds you can offer it food twice a day, in the morning and evening. Put the food in the pen and leave it for approximately 15 to 20 minutes and then take it up again. Pay attention to see if your puppy does it and just take note that they are eating regularly twice a day. Once you dog is potty trained and if it is not a glutton, you may leave food out for longer periods of time if you prefer. Nutrition The idea that canine diets should be grain free may have come about due to some allergy concerns as well as the realization that dogs are carnivores and should be eating a diet with a substantial amount of meat. Of course, many manufacturers were quick to promote this new fad diet and eager to capitalize on sincerely concerned pet owners. The problem is that there have been no significant studies conducted on these grain free diet feeding plans for dogs. In fact, many veterinarians and even the FDA are now realizing that grain free dog food is actually causing more harm than good. The concern is that when grains are taken out of the food, another filler must be added to take the place of these grains. These fillers are usually high in carbohydrates like peas and lentils, which have been linked to Dilated cardiomyopathy DCM , diabetes, and other serious health issues in dogs. When you are looking for dog food be sure that you do your due diligence and check ingredients, do your research. Look for a reputable brand, which is generally one you can't get at the grocery store. Your local feed store is an excellent source of high quality dog food that often comes with some great advice. Keep mixing and giving more and more of the new food, little by little. In this way you can avoid tummy upsets for your dog. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. How Much to Feed a Bernedoodle One of the most common questions we get is how much to feed their puppy, teenager and adult bernedoodle. Great question and unfortunately many do not understand the needs and requirements of an F1 standard bernedoodle bernese mountain dog x standard poodle that has Bernese mountain dogs in them. So to expect a bernedoodle to have a waist line like a Great Dane will put your bernedoodle into hunger mode and if young will lead to potential behavioral challenges and this is a time when they need calories due to them being a fast growing mixed breed. We shoot for always having a little bit of food left over and we let them have access to food for about minutes but this can be adjusted based on your schedule. We only do this for the breakfast. We will begin adding about tablespoons of different types of lightly cooked meats can go raw as well and sardines to the above topper along with a little bit of cut up or shredded carrots, blueberries and can add other dog friendly fruits and veggies but make sure you check before using. We would also add dog-based salmon oil according to the instructions about a tsp. Often in the morning we would do sweet potato, yogurt, and a meat and dinner some of the other ingredients. Lunch we keep plain. Be sure you are washing your food and water bowls once per day with hot soapy water. Lastly we recommend starting with TLC adult all life stages dog food for large growing breeds like bernedoodles and even for the puppies. The adult food exceeds AAFCO requirements for puppies and has glucosamine and chondroitin which is important for joint development. Many vets compare bernedoodles to what they consider a typical healthy dog build high thin waist line, etc but that is not the case for F1 standard bernedoodles as they will have a thicker build. Recent Posts. You have done your research, and are ready to take the leap. It is no surprise that many people are adding Bernedoodles to their families. This large breed puppy has a friendly temperament and a fierce loyalty. We personally got a Bernedoodle last year, and she just turned one. I remember the day we brought her home trying to figure out how much to feed a Bernedoodle puppy. As a new puppy parent, the last thing you want to do is over or under feed your new pet, so hopefully this post serves as helpful for you with your new Bernedoodle puppy. This post may contain affiliate links All about Bernedoodles Bernedoodles are adaptable, making them a wonderful choice for novice or veteran owners. They are smart and protective dogs. This makes them great for young ages. If you are just doing your beginning research, the Bernedoodle breed is a combination of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. They inherit their intelligence from the Poodle parent. It is obvious that the goofy traits are those of the Bernese Mountain Dog parent. These parent breeds create a perfect family dog. Their size is determined by the Poodle parent. They are broken down into size categories. Bernedoodles can be toy, mini or standard. One thing that is pretty surprising is that the different sizes do not typically affect their food choices during puppyhood. Bernedoodle puppies are known to love younger children. They are playful and gentle as a lifelong companion. Bernedoodles are smart but are also silly. This trait makes them a good choice for all ages. As a mom of four kids, this was very important to me. If you want to learn more about owning Bernedoodle — I have a whole blog post here with all the details on what is like to truly own a Bernedoodle puppy. How much to Feed a Bernedoodle Puppy As you prepare to become a bernedoodle parent, their growth and development are important to you. You are undoubtedly concerned about health issues or health problems that may arise. Did you know that there is a big difference between puppy food and adult dog food? It may be hard to know where to start, but I will break it down for you! In their full size, they are big dogs. At their full height, they are also very tall. Their looks can be deceiving. Even though they are larger dogs, they may not need more food than a typical dog. You want to be prepared with this knowledge before you decide if this dog is right for you. How do you ensure a healthy lifestyle for your pup? It is important to learn how much food is necessary in their different life stages. The Reasoning Behind the Puppy Food New dog owners have several choices to make when it comes to food. It can be overwhelming, but there are a few simple things to keep in mind for a balanced diet. Your main goal is a healthy, happy dog! Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. Puppy food is specifically designed for growing pups. As they grow, they are burning more calories. This means that they need more calories per pound of body weight to sustain their developing bodies. Bernedoodle puppies need more fatty acids and high protein diets. These puppies complete a majority of their growth within two or three years. In these first few years, they will need higher amounts of protein calories. Veterinarians will say that it is, however, not toxic for your puppy to eat adult dog food. They may suggest that you do your best to stick to these separate kinds of dog food for optimal health. This type of food is typically referred to as adult maintenance for day-to-day living. It should be clearly labeled on the packages. Once they have reached their adult weight, they can maintain the health benefits from their simpler diet. The transition from puppy food to adult dog food should be seamless. Bernedoodle dogs are laid back and not picky! Most of the time, they will eat what is put in front of them. Now that we have covered the difference between the types of dog food, we will get right to specific amounts for Bernedoodle puppies. Our Penny had a very sensitive stomach as a puppy, and we have stuck with this puppy food and been very happy with the choice. She seems to be happy and thriving on it. Specific amounts of Food for Bernedoodle Puppies Young puppies that are two to six months of age typically eat three different times a day. The daily amount of puppy food depends on weeks of age and how much they weigh. It will also depend on how much exercise they receive. I will break that down specifically. But, it is important to keep in mind that their food intake will increase as they grow. At around six months of age, Bernedoodle puppies can eat twice a day. This schedule may continue for adult Bernedoodles. They are growing very quickly. Setting your puppy up with proper nutrients will benefit growth, brain health and a long lifespan. It is helpful to stick to designated eating times for your puppy. Do not forget that It is a good choice to check the directions of the healthy dog food you purchase. On the back of each package, there should be a suggested serving size. As always, contact your veterinarian if you are concerned about how your Bernedoodle is developing. Interestingly enough, adult Bernedoodle dogs tend to only eat one serving a day. They can finish their larger amount of food in one sitting. When they reach an even older age it may be difficult for them to finish this serving in one feeding. It is helpful to spread these servings out for older dogs while it gets harder to finish a meal. At this point you will be in tune to what your Bernedoodle dog needs. Bernedoodles are known for their love of food! It is easy to over-feed your puppy. A general rule is to check their ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs easily but not be able to see them at a glance. This is a great way to check on your Bernedoodle dogs and their weight gain. It can be tempting to feed your pup food from the table. This seems innocent but can create poor eating habits down the road. It can also disrupt their digestive systems. You have worked hard to create a healthy diet and want to keep it that way. If a Bernedoodle puppy is hungry, they will eat from their designated spot and will not need anything extra. Do not forget that although the feeding schedule is important, we cannot forget about giving our dogs plenty of exercise! Long walks will encourage a healthy life for your Bernedoodle and for you. Overall health includes diet and exercise. This is another reason why Bernedoodle puppies are a wonderful family dog. They have plenty of energy to keep up with toddlers. It is also a helpful way to encourage your teens to get outside and away from their technology. Bernedoodle Puppy Food — Dog Food Options With a growing amount of dog food brands, it can be hard to pick the best food. As you browse the isles, it is obvious to note that wet food is more expensive than dry food. However, they are both great options! The standard Bernedoodle loves to eat and they are such large breeds that they can eat a lot. Fortunately for dog owners, many dogs love dry food. Wet or raw dog food has less carbohydrates than dry food and can be more hydrating. Many veterinarians suggest that either kind is a great choice! I would find a brand and type that fits into your grocery budget. Bernedoodles tend to eat what they are given. If only this trait would rub off on the human puppies we have. There is nothing wrong with the dry kibble choice! Each type of dog food has the nutrients it needs to help your dog grow. The biggest difference between dry and wet dog food may be the way it is digested. Keep in mind — that as with kids and yourself there may be adjusting to find what is best for your puppy. Start with a small bag the first time you purchase puppy food, and if you are changing them from what they were on at a breeder or in a shelter mix the new food with the previous food for a slower change on their gut. Now that you have been prepared with nutrition knowledge, you are ready to welcome that pup in to the family. Giving them proper puppy and adult dog food will help create a healthy dog. More than food, your Bernedoodle needs love and affection. This will not be difficult at all. Bernedoodles are easy to create a bond with. I know that you will love your Bernedoodle puppy as much as my family does! If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments below, and be sure to pin the photo below to find this post later. Related Posts:. My Bernedoodle is 18 months old and around 60 lbs. She currently eats 1 cup three times per day and has maintained a healthy weight. Bernedoodles perfectly pair the loyal and laid-back Bernese Mountain dog with the intelligent, low-shedding Poodle. Their gentle but playful nature makes them a popular choice for families with children, but even active seniors and singles can enjoy the company of a Bernedoodle. Also referred to as the Bernese Mountain Poo, Bernedoodles love to eat! Because of this, many new owners have concerns about whether their Bernedoodle is getting enough food. Variations in breed types toy, mini, and full-size , as well as the specific activity levels, age, and health of each dog, can further complicate the feeding time and schedule required for optimal health. Gain more insight on feeding your Bernedoodle in this guide , including the amount, type, and frequency of food. Dogs need a well-balanced diet to support a healthy immune system and proper growth like all living things. As omnivorous animals, dogs need a diet of animal and plant proteins. Malnutrition, or failing to supply any nutrients, can result in serious health complications for a Bernedoodle. Protect your pup with a varied, high-quality diet rich in protein, grains, vitamins, and minerals. Each has its own set of pros and cons. Wet dog food can ease the transition for a weaning puppy, but the prolonged feeding of wet foods particularly canned versions can lead to digestive problems. Dogs who consume a diet primarily of wet foods also tend to have more dental problems, such as plaque buildup and tooth decay. While you can counteract this effect by offering whole bones to your dog, it may not be sufficient in helping them avoid dental issues. Kibble dry dog food is generally the preferred feeding method for dogs, particularly among large dog breed owners. It is often because kibble tends to be less expensive per pound than other dog foods. Kibble also typically lasts longer than raw or cooked food, so there is less potential for waste. The hardness of kibble can also protect a dog from dental issues, as it helps to wear away plaque, the leading cause of tooth decay. If you choose this feeding method for your Bernedoodle, take some time to research and compare the various brands. Pay special attention to major recalls. Opt for a trusted and reputable brand. Consider using dog brand comparison sites for an in-depth look at the ingredients. Avoid by-products and focus, instead, on kibbles that contain mostly whole-food ingredients. Cooked and raw dog food diets have emerged as a trend over the past few years. These diets typically involve the preparation of human foods like liver, eggs, cottage cheese, sweet potatoes, chicken, and beef cuts. However, there are commercial selections available for purchase. The potentially large size of a Bernedoodle can make raw and cooked food diets cost-prohibitive for some owners. Even those that can afford it should talk to their vet. Should it be administered incorrectly, a raw or cooked diet can lead to serious nutrient deficiencies. This can lead to long-term and even life-threatening health problems for your Bernedoodle. Regardless of the age or size of your Bernedoodle, a feeding schedule should be used to prevent overeating and obesity. The only exception is when the pup is weaning during its first three months. Grazing can be permitted during this stage to help them adjust to regular dog food. When Bernedoodle puppies reach four months of age, owners should move to a regular feeding schedule. The pup should be fed at the same time each day, three times daily. At around six months of age, the growth of a Bernedoodle begins to slow, and obesity becomes more of a risk. To minimize it, Bernedoodle puppies should be transitioned to twice-daily feedings once they reach six months of age. Older senior dogs may sometimes need to return to grazing, as they may struggle to eat their entire serving in one sitting. Just be sure to watch your dog for excessive weight gain. Bernedoodles tend to be voracious eaters, so they can quickly become overweight when allowed to graze. Puppies can be especially prone to bone problems if permitted to gain weight too quickly, so watch them closely for any signs of excessive eating. Also, be sure to feed your Bernedoodle the right amount of food. Larger Bernedoodle dogs will need more. However, the amount of dog food should not be determined through charts alone. They are only guidelines. Health, age, exercise and activity levels, and sub-breed can alter the amount of food a Bernedoodle needs — sometimes significantly. Healthy Bernedoodle pups can eat as much as three times the food as an adult dog of the same weight. As such, Bernedoodle owners should start at the minimum amount of food and then monitor the dog for weight loss and weight gain. An observation journal can help you note small changes over time while also allowing you to keep track of how much your Bernedoodle is eating. Dogs getting the appropriate amount of food usually have visible ribs and a tucked tummy. This is when viewed from the side. When viewed from above, they should have a visible waist. If your dog continues to appear underweight, despite increases in food intake. You may need to schedule a trip to the vet to rule out parasites or underlying health conditions. Should you start noticing a rounded stomach, a waist disappears when viewing your dog from the side. Reduce their food amount slightly until their shape returns. You can also take your Bernedoodle out for more exercise to reduce their weight. Bernedoodle Treats — Yes, No, or Sometimes? Treats are often used to train young Bernedoodles. Of course, senior dogs love treats, too! Yet, because Bernedoodles can be prone to overeating, avoiding excessive treat giving with this breed is important. Bernedoodles rarely mind. Give only limited amounts of commercial dog and protein-dense treats to minimize the risk of obesity in your Bernedoodle. Bones with marrow should only be given on occasion. Keeping Your Bernedoodle Healthy Diet is not the only health consideration that Bernedoodles owners need to make, as it is not the only pillar to good health. Depending on their age or specific health needs, your dog may also need additional vitamins or supplements; your vet can advise you further. Such as malnutrition, tooth decay, excessive weight gain, sluggishness, unusual shedding, or other alarming symptoms. Regular check-ups and vaccinations are also important for ensuring good health in your pet. From puppy to senior, you can keep your Bernedoodle happy and healthy. Whereas by feeding them a well-rounded, high-quality diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Good health allows them to be a loved member of your family for years to come. Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. Sharing is caring! This is important for all dogs but especially for a growing puppy. Protein is what essentially determines the quality of dog food. When you read the label, you will see one or more of the following protein types: Meat protein. As the name implies, this type of protein comes from other animals. It is usually made up of muscle or organ meat and is the closest protein to human quality. It is superior to other types of protein for dogs. Animal by-products. This protein type is made up of the parts of the animal that are not included in meat protein. It can be made of hair, hoofs, lips, and even eyelashes. Vegetable and grain proteins. These are mostly soy- or corn-based. The goal is to provide a diet with more animal protein than veggie protein, which you can do by choosing a food with at least two animal sources of protein listed within the first five ingredients on the bag. Carbohydrates Just like humans, Bernedoodle puppies get energy and dietary fiber from carbs. Many different types of carbs can be found within puppy food. High-quality carbs include rice, barley, and oats, while lower-quality carbs include corn or wheat. Fats and Preservatives Of all the ingredients in puppy food, fats are the most expensive. Because they are harder to extract and more challenging to preserve. The best usable fats for puppies are those from chicken, sunflower, or canola oil. Other fats you might see include fish oil and lactose-free dairy fats. Remember that vitamins are nothing more than organic additives that help give the puppy anything it needs that it is not getting from its food. If the food is of high quality, then there should not be a need for a significant amount of calories coming from vitamins. That said, some vitamins should be included within the food to allow your Bernedoodle puppy to digest it properly. There are two main types of vitamins: Fat-Soluble. Examples include A, D, E, and K, and these types of vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissue. Water Soluble. Examples include B and C. You will find plenty of foods with long lists of added vitamins. This might look impressive, but, again, if the food is of high quality, then less is more when it comes to vitamin additives. Consider the Ease of Obtaining Puppy Food Another factor to consider is how easily you can get a food. When it comes to ease of access, you will find three main options: Brands you can find anywhere. These are the most popular brands you have likely heard of, and they can be found at just about any grocery store, big-box store, and even some drug stores. These are also generally the least expensive options. However, they often choose meat from 4-D categories, which means the animals that make up the protein are dead, dying, or diseased. It is also common for the fats used in these brands to be of lower quality and not as easily digestible, which might require your Bernedoodle puppy to eat more to get the nutrients they need. Premium brands. Historically, they were found in specialty pet stores and animal hospitals. They generally use a higher grade of meat and higher quality fats, which means that puppies generally need less of these foods than those that are more commercially available. Holistic foods. These are only found in specialty pet stores or online. These are the cream of the crop and generally have human-grade meats and highly digestible fats. Even the grain carb mix will be made from high-quality foods. You will find many of these to be free from hormones and steroids. Of course, this quality comes with a high price, and they can be harder to find. Once again, the high quality means less food is needed compared to lower-priced options. Balancing Cost and Quality Not everyone can effort to pay for holistic food. The key is to find the best quality you can for the price you can afford. You do not need to spend that much money to keep your puppy in good health. Adult Bernedoodle Nutrition As your Bernedoodle ages, it no longer needs the extra calories for growth. Most dogs will become less active once they leave the puppy stage between 18 months and two years, which further reduces their need for calories. The type of Bernedoodle affects its total expected weight: Standard Bernedoodles get to pounds Miniature Bernedoodles get to pounds Tiny Bernedoodles get to 10 — 24 pounds If you are not sure how much your particular dog is likely to end up weighing, you can talk to your vet. Smaller Bernedoodles might be at their adult weight by six or seven months old, while standard Bernedoodles often grow well beyond 12 months of age. Once again, look at the package for its breakdown of nutrients. The two main options for adult dogs are adult maintenance all-stages. Adult maintenance is generally the better choice for dogs that are overweight or not as active, while all-stage food contains extra nutrients for more active dogs. Senior Bernedoodle Nutrition As your Bernedoodle becomes a senior dog, its nutritional requirements will change. Many senior dogs deal with a wealth of health issues , including obesity, arthritis, and cognitive issues. Meanwhile, they can also suffer from appetite loss. The opposite is actually true. A healthy senior Bernedoodle will need more protein to fuel their muscle. As dogs age, they begin to lose muscle mass — sometimes so much that they cannot move around with assistance. Find the Right Calorie Balance Younger senior Bernedoodles are often overweight, but as they get older, they tend to become underweight. You will need to know the calorie content of the food you are feeding and adjust it accordingly if your dog gains or loses weight when you do not want them to. Because many of the elements that you want a lot of — or none of — vary widely or are not listed at all on regular senior dog food. For example, a dog with heart or kidney disease should have low sodium food, but the amount of sodium on the most popular senior dog food brands ranges from 33 to mg per kcal. Likewise, a dog with kidney disease would need a diet that is low in phosphorous, but no dog food label notes how much phosphorous is in a diet. If your senior Bernedoodle develops a health condition that requires strict control over specific elements of their diet, a prescription diet might be the only place to achieve that goal. You Will Need to Find a Food That Your Dog Likes When it comes to feeding younger Bernedoodles, unless your dog is particularly picky, you can likely feed them whatever is healthiest, and they will be happy to eat it. The same cannot be said for senior dogs, who often do not have a healthy appetite. In addition to loss of appetite, senior Bernedoodles might have dental issues that make it hard to chew their food, or digestive issues that make them uncomfortable after eating certain food types. At this stage, you might choose canned or soft food that they enjoy eating more. You can also help your dog eat more easily by feeding them on a raised platform or while they are lying down so that they do not have to bend down. Bernedoodle Treats When your Bernedoodle is still a puppy, you will need treats for training. You will need to experiment to determine what this is for your puppy. One of the most popular options is freeze-dried liver. Your dog might prefer small pieces of chicken or other proteins. For training, treats should be very small so that your dog can quickly eat them and move on to the next part of the training. If you are training for an extended period and offering a significant number of treats, then you should reduce the amount of kibble you give your puppy to balance the calories they received via treats. As your dog grows, you might still want to treat them from time to time, but you will not be offering them as many treats as you did when they were training. Feeding Schedules for Bernedoodles The amount of food you feed your Bernedoodle will depend on the food you choose for them. Look at the bag to see the recommended number of cups. If you have a puppy, there will be a chart with weeks or months of age along with weight. Find where your puppy fits and feed based on that amount. Note that these are just starting places. Your food might suggest 3 cups of food, but if you find that your puppy is constantly hungry and not gaining weight as quickly as they should, then they might need more. Feeding Frequency Until six months of age, puppies should eat three times per day. After they reach this mark, feeding them twice per day is recommended for the rest of their life. However, if you cannot feed your puppy three times per day, trust that your puppy will adapt. The number of times you feed them is not nearly as important as feeding them the correct amount. If your lifestyle allows for it, feed your puppy or dog at the same time every day. This helps comfort the pup because it will learn that food is coming. It also helps keep their digestion regular and makes it easier for you to notice if your dog is eating more or less than they usually do. If their appetite varies slightly from day to day, there is likely nothing wrong. However, if your Bernedoodle suddenly loses its appetite or changes its diet preferences for several weeks, it is time to call the vet. Post navigation. They are smart dogs, family-friendly, and very loyal. They can vary in size from 10 pounds to 50 pounds because poodles come in different sizes toy, miniature and standard. Their personalities can vary quite a bit as well, making each Bernedoodle unique! It really depends on which parent breed they take after. They can differ even more the original litter is bred with other Poodles or Bernese Mountain Dogs. Additionally, the Bernedoodle is a newer breed so people are still learning about them with each generation. They usually have curly or at least wavy coats that tend to shed less and cause fewer problems for allergy sufferers. They do not like to be left alone and can develop separation anxiety. Good training can help to prevent this, however, and this quality makes them wonderful canine friends anyway. Feeding Your Bernedoodle Puppy Thorough knowledge of puppy feeding can help deter bad behavior and potential health issues down the road as your puppy blossoms into an adult. Your puppy needs a well-balanced diet just like a human baby. It should contain a combination of proteins from both plant and meat sources, as well as some grains. Also, puppy food and adult dog food are not the same. Puppies require more nutrients and more calories than adult dogs because they are growing so quickly. You can choose between dry food, canned food, cooked food, or raw food. Dry and canned foods are designed to provide all of the nutrients that your puppy needs to grow and be healthy. There are also size-specific food types you can choose from that contain different nutrient amounts or smaller kibble. As puppies transition from nursing to puppy food, it may be easier to feed them a mixture of wet and dry food. This will help them adjust to eating just kibble as they get older. Bernedoodle puppies tend to overeat, so they must be kept on a feeding schedule. Puppies younger than four months can be allowed to graze as needed as they transition from nursing to puppy food. At four months old, Bernedoodle puppies should be fed three times per day, at the same times each day. At six months old, you should transition your Bernedoodle puppy to feedings twice per day instead of three times. Be sure to feed your Bernedoodle puppy early enough in the evening that he has time to digest and go potty or he may have accidents overnight. The amount of food you feed your Bernedoodle puppy can vary greatly based on the size of poodle the Bernese was bred with toy, mini, or standard. Smaller Bernedoodle puppies, those that were bred from toy or miniature poodles, will require much less food than the larger Bernedoodle puppies. Keep an eye on the shape of your puppy. You should be able to see his ribs slightly and his tummy should tuck upward. You should not be able to see his hips, however. Begin feeding your Bernedoodle puppy the smallest amount for their weight, but if he looks underweight, increase that amount gradually. If he looks overweight, decrease his food intake. The first step to determine how much to feed your puppy is to figure out approximately what your puppy will weigh once he is an adult. The following chart show approximately how much to feed your puppy based on weight and age range: Bernedoodle Puppy Feeding Chart 6 weeks to 3 months 4 — 5 months. One thing is certain — your life will never be the same again once you bring this little bundle of happiness home. Dogs change your life in ways nothing else can — a Mini Bernedoodle is an affectionate and loving companion. Bringing home a puppy also means you are responsible for their well-being. Here are some handy tips on how to take care of and train your Mini Bernedoodle puppy. Diet and Nutrition There is no universal food when it comes to dog foods. What is suitable for one dog might lead to allergies or digestive problems in another. Just make sure you only provide high-quality dog food for your Mini Bernedoodle puppy for them to stay healthy. Your veterinarian might also have some specific suggestions. The feeding quantity will depend on the age and size of your MiniBernedoodle pup. Here is a rough feeding guide: puppy food meals till 6 months 2 puppy food meals a day post that Change to adult food once they are a year old The general rule of thumb is to feed 20 calories per pound of body weight. For example, a pound Bernedoodle puppy needs calories per day. Activity and Exercise Mini Bernedoodle puppies are very active and need a lot of exercise. You can take your Mini Bernedoodle puppy for regular walks, hiking, running, and even swimming. These pups love water. The critical point is to have regular playtimes with your Mini Bernedoodle pups, or they can become restless. If you cannot take them for walks, do have playtimes at home. Play fetch in the yard or make them run around the house. Just make sure they have enough activity throughout the day. MiniBernedoodles enjoy playing in the snow as well! Grooming Mini Bernedoodles will need to be brushed a couple times a week to prevent tangles and matting. This also distributes oils in their coat to keep in looking shiny and healthy. You Mini Berndoodle will also need the occasional bath — rugged outdoor play may find them a bit dirty. When you bath your minibernedoodle use a gentle shampoo that is meant for dogs. Be careful to keep soap out of their eyes and give them treats to make bath time more fun. Every couple months your mini will need to visit the pet salon for a day for relaxation. A skilled groomer will give your mini bernedoodle a bath, trim her hair, trim their nails and express their anal glands. Your veterinarian will give your pup a thorough examination, help keep you on track with immunizations and may suggest heart worm and flea tick preventatives. Being an active participant in your pets health is crucial — so be ready with any questions or concerns you have when you visit your veterinarian. Mental Health Mini Bernedoodle puppies are like Velcro; they like staying close to their humans. If you work long hours away from home, a Mini Bernedoodle puppy may not be a good choice. They tend to suffer from separation anxiety and become depressed if they are left alone for prolonged periods. You need to keep them close, they will enjoy coming along on trips to the park and pet shop. Mini Bernedoodle pups are also very intelligent, given they are bred from poodles. Poodles are the second most intelligent dog breed in the world. Make sure you give them a wide variety of toys and play mentally stimulating games with them. They will be happy, healthy, and will thrive if you can provide them with such an environment. Laura:

Breeds The link has been copied! This remarkable canine is a unique twist on the well-loved and highly-regarded German Shepherd breed, sporting a stunning liver-colored coat that will make you do a double-take. Bold, intelligent, and utterly enchanting, these dogs have a special kind of charm that's impossible to resist. Don't be surprised if, while strolling through the park, you hear whispers of "Is that a chocolate German Shepherd? So get ready to be smitten, because once you meet the Liver German Shepherd, you'll be swept off your feet by their endearing personality and irresistible good looks. Prepare to fall head over paws in love! This striking canine is a variant of the classic German Shepherd breed colors , distinguished by its eye-catching liver-colored coat. The liver coloration is a result of a recessive gene, making it a rare and sought-after trait among German Shepherds. Although the liver hue is the most prominent feature, these dogs retain all the impressive qualities of their traditional counterparts. The liver color ranges from a light, tawny shade to a deep, rich chocolate hue. This fascinating coat color does not affect the breed's temperament, intelligence, or working abilities. Liver German Shepherds are as smart, agile, and devoted as any other German Shepherd, making them exceptional working dogs, loving companions, and protective guardians. Just like the standard German Shepherd, the Liver variant is a versatile breed, excelling in various roles, from police work and search and rescue missions to therapy and assistance work. Their keen intellect and unwavering loyalty make them a perfect fit for families and individuals seeking a steadfast companion with a unique flair. So, if you're captivated by the allure of the Liver German Shepherd, you'll be happy to know they're not just a pretty face but a remarkable, well-rounded canine with a lot to offer. The Genetic Recipe for the Liver Coat Color To create the enchanting liver coat color in a German Shepherd, both parents must carry the recessive gene for this unique trait. The liver color arises from a mutation in the B locus gene that affects the production of black pigment in the dog's coat. When a puppy inherits the mutated gene from both parents, it will display the liver hue instead of the typical black pigment. Interestingly, liver German Shepherds can appear in various coat combinations. Solid liver, liver and tan, liver and cream, liver and silver, or even liver sable are all possible outcomes when the right genes align. Each of these captivating combinations adds an extra layer of allure to an already striking breed. It's essential to remember that responsible breeding practices are vital for maintaining the health and well-being of these dogs. A reputable breeder will prioritize the breed's overall health and temperament over coat color, ensuring a happy, healthy pup with that mesmerizing liver hue. Developed in the late 19th century in Germany, the breed was initially intended for herding sheep and protecting flocks. Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, envisioned a versatile and intelligent working dog and played a significant role in shaping the breed we know and love today. The liver coloration has been present since the early days of the breed, albeit rarely. As German Shepherds gained popularity worldwide for their exceptional abilities, the liver variant remained relatively uncommon due to the recessive nature of the gene responsible for the color. In recent years, the Liver German Shepherd has gained recognition and admiration for its unique appearance, while still maintaining its status as an extraordinary working dog. As more enthusiasts become captivated by this rare beauty, the Liver German Shepherd's legacy continues to thrive, proving that their charm goes beyond their alluring coat color. As mentioned earlier, the liver coloration results from a recessive gene, which means that both parent dogs must carry this gene for their offspring to exhibit the unique hue. Even then, not every puppy in the litter is guaranteed to have a liver coat. The rarity of the Liver German Shepherd adds to its charm and appeal. It is not uncommon for these dogs to be the center of attention when out for a walk or at a dog park, with their eye-catching coat sparking curiosity and admiration. While their scarcity can make them more challenging to find and potentially more expensive, it also contributes to their allure for those seeking a truly distinctive canine companion. The liver coloration is simply a genetic variation that occurs naturally within the German Shepherd breed. While the coat color may be unique, Liver German Shepherds maintain all the essential breed characteristics, such as temperament, intelligence, and physical attributes. It is crucial to work with a reputable breeder when searching for a Liver German Shepherd to ensure the dog's purebred status and genetic health. A responsible breeder will prioritize the well-being and overall quality of the breed over the coat color, resulting in a healthy and well-rounded companion. Bear in mind that the liver color does not impact a German Shepherd's eligibility for breed registration with organizations such as the American Kennel Club AKC. However, it is essential to note that, in some breed clubs or dog shows, the liver color may be considered a disqualifying fault due to the breed standard, which can limit a Liver German Shepherd's participation in certain events. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and bravery, making them exceptional companions and working dogs. These canines are highly trainable and eager to please their owners, thriving when given a task or challenge to keep their minds engaged. Liver German Shepherds are inherently protective, making them excellent guardians for their families. They can be aloof with strangers but warm up quickly once they understand that the newcomer poses no threat. Early socialization and consistent training are crucial for nurturing a well-behaved and balanced Liver German Shepherd. They are sensitive dogs that respond best to positive reinforcement and a gentle approach to training. They are well-suited for households with children, forming strong bonds and exhibiting patience with their younger family members. Their high energy levels make them a great match for families who enjoy outdoor activities and have the time to provide ample exercise and mental stimulation. While Liver German Shepherds are generally good with other pets, early socialization is key to ensuring harmony in multi-pet households. It's important to remember that these dogs are strong and energetic, so supervision around small children and pets is advisable to avoid accidental injury. As with any breed, a Liver German Shepherd's suitability for a family depends on individual circumstances, such as available space, time commitment, and the family's ability to provide consistent training and socialization. With the right environment and dedicated owners, a Liver German Shepherd can be a loving and protective addition to any family. Nutritional Needs of Liver German Shepherds A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of your Liver German Shepherd. These dogs have similar dietary requirements as standard German Shepherds, as their coat color does not impact their nutritional needs. A high-quality commercial dog food, formulated for large breeds with high energy levels, is generally suitable for meeting their dietary needs. Keep in mind that the specific dietary requirements of each dog can vary depending on their age, weight, activity level, and overall health. It's essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding plan for your Liver German Shepherd. They can recommend the appropriate type and amount of food to ensure your dog receives the necessary nutrients for optimal health. Remember to monitor your dog's weight and body condition regularly, as German Shepherds can be prone to obesity. Providing treats in moderation and incorporating a consistent exercise routine can help prevent weight-related health issues. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! Common Health Concerns in Liver German Shepherds Liver German Shepherds share the same health concerns as their standard counterparts, as the liver coloration does not contribute to any additional health risks. Some common health issues found in German Shepherds include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: These hereditary conditions affect the joints and can lead to arthritis and mobility issues. Regular check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and providing joint supplements can help manage these conditions. Degenerative Myelopathy : This is a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord, leading to hind limb weakness and eventual paralysis. Regular veterinary check-ups can help monitor your dog's neurological health. Bloat Gastric Torsion : A life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding exercise immediately after eating can help reduce the risk. Allergies : German Shepherds can be prone to skin allergies or food sensitivities. Consult with your veterinarian if you notice excessive itching or digestive issues, as they can help identify the cause and recommend treatment. Working with a reputable breeder and scheduling regular veterinary check-ups can help ensure the health and longevity of your Liver German Shepherd. A proactive approach to healthcare and early detection of potential issues will contribute to a happier, healthier life for your canine companion. Their distinct coat color results from a recessive gene, which means both parent dogs must carry this gene for the puppies to display the liver hue. Due to the rarity of the gene combination, Liver German Shepherds are not as commonly found as their standard counterparts. Their scarcity adds to their unique charm, making them a popular choice for individuals seeking a distinctive and eye-catching canine companion. While this rarity can make finding a Liver German Shepherd more challenging and potentially more expensive, the allure of their remarkable appearance often outweighs these factors for enthusiasts of the breed. Their unique liver-colored coat sets them apart from the crowd, while they still maintain all the impressive characteristics, intelligence, and loyalty that make German Shepherds such exceptional dogs. Whether you are drawn to their captivating appearance or their steadfast companionship, Liver German Shepherds have much to offer. With proper care, training, and socialization, these striking canines can be loving and protective family members, devoted companions, and exceptional working dogs. If you're ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime with a Liver German Shepherd by your side, make sure to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of these extraordinary dogs. With dedication and love, you'll have an unforgettable bond and an extraordinary partnership with your Liver German Shepherd. The link has been copied! You might also like. Some breeders thought that another male had gotten to their female and the resulting brown looking puppy was a mutt. Others knew what they were and put them down as they did not want anyone to know they were producing anything other than traditional colored shepherds. However, with the canine genomic project and strong breeders who stood their ground for this color of GSD, they are beginning to be seen in several countries. I have always admired the liver coloration and wanted to incorporate liver into my breeding program; however, I found it to be difficult in the beginning to find them especially with AKC full registration as the breeders that did allow them to live, only sold on limited registration for fear that they were not as healthy as their colored siblings. I came across a litter of four liver female puppies and between myself and my best friend, Dawn, we rounded up three of the four, and the last sister went to a fellow liver lover. My search was far from over since the liver gene is inherited autosomal recessive I had to find a male that carried liver or was liver himself. Finally, I found an awesome four year old male, Dutch, for sale. His owner drove him to my kennel and I was in love as he is a big social, warm, gentle giant but will protect in a heart beat. Shortly after I found him, the liver pups arrived and I knew I wanted to go with chocolate names for my liver shepherds. Chocolate is a much more flattering word for these majestically colored GSD. She violated our agreement. She is a proven scammer. The color has been apart of the original gene pool from the start. The puppies born a brown chocolate color are registered as Liver. It is a recessive gene and in many pedigree's. In order for a GSD to produce Liver, both parents must pose the b gene. Brown is incomplete black. Thus giving all areas of the GSD that would normally appear black be a chocolate color. Since the colors and patterns are separate, they can come in all patterns: saddle back, bi-color, sable, solids, and various patterns. We are looking forward to meeting like minded people that want to work with the dilutes as well. We are open to discussing medical and color questions for anyone interested. Scroll through the albums and if you do not find what you are looking for please send me a message. Keep in mind you do not have to have a facebook page to see this page. Their liver brown coloring is a striking contrast to the usual black and tan coat of the breed, and they usually have brown markings on their fur, nose, and eyes. Their coat color is due to a recessive gene called B locus. They are considered dilute types, meaning their supposed black pigment is diluted by a recessive gene, resulting in a lighter coat. Fortunately, their unique coloration does not negatively affect them in any way. The liver gene can only affect their coat patterns. Hence, all the other aspects of a liver German Shepherd are similar to other varieties. Are Liver German Shepherds Purebred? Yes, liver-colored German Shepherds are purebred dogs. Remember that for a dog to be considered purebred, it needs to meet particular specifications or breed standards, not just the coloration. In the case of liver GSDs, some of the indicators that they are purebreds are the following: They stand around 26 inches tall. They appear to have smooth, graceful curves rather than angles when viewed in the outline. They are courageous, confident, and willing to put their life at risk in defense of their owners. The most defining feature of a liver German Shepherd is its brown-colored coat. The hue can range from a brownish color to a deeper brown tone. In some cases, it may even look reddish at first glance. Apart from their unique coloration, they look the same as any other German Shepherd with their imposing muscular body. These dogs also have double coats. The topcoat protects them from harsh weather and other external elements, while the lush and soft inner coat provides insulation in cold and hot climates. Unlike other GSDs, liver shepherds do not have any black markings on the saddle or face as the liver gene prevents any black pigmentation. The most common color and combinations found in liver German Shepherds include solid brown, liver and tan, and liver sable which are discussed in detail below. Solid Liver German Shepherd Photo by kumamatata IG Solid liver shepherds don a solid brown coat color, and their nose has a brown leather hue as well. However, they take on a rich brown color instead of black. These dogs have a combined liver dark brown and tan interpreted as any shade of brown, from fawn, chestnut, or silver to deep darker hues markings. You will rarely find these dogs on canine shows, given that their color indicates diluted genes. Liver Sable German Shepherd Photo by hellsgermanshepherd IG The sable color of this GSD means that their hairs will have varying amounts of black on the tip, while the rest of their coat will take on a primary liver color. Sable is considered a classic pattern in the breed, and it makes the liver look like a typical wolf coat. Liver German Shepherds get their light brown coat from a recessive liver gene that occurs on the B Locus gene. For a German Shepherd to manifest this color, its parents must carry and pass on at least one liver gene to the puppy. Given that the recessive B locus gene blocks eumelanin pigmentation, the standard black color turns into a liver except for the eyes. Any German Shepherd with the recessive liver gene cannot have a black coat. In some cases, one or both parent dogs may not be liver in appearance, but they may be carriers of the recessive liver gene. When a puppy inherits two copies of the gene, the GSD is expected to be homozygous for the mutation from its parents. Its coat will then take on a reddish-brown hue. Are Liver German Shepherds Rare? If you want to have a better chance at finding a liver GSD, consider browsing special or designer breeding programs instead. While some other German Shepherd colors change over time, a liver German Shepherd stays the same throughout their life. The puppies will usually have a white toenail and a pink footpad, but they will eventually turn liver-colored as they grow. They do not change color either, but the tan color only starts to appear when the puppy reaches 6 to 12 months old. Meanwhile, the acknowledged patterns include black and cream, black and tan, black and red, bi-color, and black and silver. While the AKC standard prefers dogs with strong, rich colors, liver GSDs can be considered serious faults but not enough to disqualify them from shows. Keep in mind that the AKC is specific to the accepted pattern. Your dog must have solid liver coloring. Other variations, such as black and liver or liver and tan, will not be recognized. The liver is regarded as an off-color, as far as breed standard goes. Every other aspect, including their behavior and physical attributes, will be similar to traditional German Shepherds. They adore toddlers in the household and often become protective of them. The breed is generally known to do well with children of all ages, as they are calm and patient. Given proper socialization, these dogs can be civil and even friendly with other pets like cats. However, they may also be friendly to strangers especially if they are taught to be. They often need physical and mental stimulation, which may be a deal-breaker if you are looking for a low-maintenance pet. Also, they need positive training methods for them to be more affectionate and obedient. Liver German Shepherds have an average life expectancy of 9 to 13 years. Generally, the breed is known to be healthy if adequately cared for. Bringing them to the vet regularly is vital to ensure that they will live a long, disease-free life. However, like other GSDs, there are a few health-related problems that this dog is predisposed to. Here are some of their most common health problems for your reference: Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopedic condition in liver German Shepherds, resulting from a malformed hip joint. Diabetes: Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in dogs, and GSDs have an above-average incidence of this health condition. If your liver shepherd is diagnosed with diabetes, they will be unable to regulate sugar metabolism and require daily insulin injections. Corneal Dystrophy: If your liver shepherd is diagnosed with corneal dystrophy , there will be a white or gray cloud in their eyes. Degenerative Myelopathy: Degenerative myelopathy is commonly observed in several large dog breeds, including the liver German Shepherd. It refers to a late-onset, slowly progressive degeneration of the spinal cord. Hemophilia: This refers to an inherited disorder involving a deficiency of blood clotting activity. Hemophiliac liver German Shepherds suffer from prolonged or spontaneous bleeding in various areas of the body. Epilepsy: This chronic condition causes repeated seizures in your liver GSD. It is the most common long-term neurological disorder in dogs, and in most cases, a lifelong disease. An initial sign to look out for is the gradual onset of a dry and dull hair coat. To ensure the optimal health of your new liver shepherd, feed them with a nutrition-filled diet and give them supplements to improve their immunity. Make sure to keep them up-to-date with all vaccinations as well. Lifespan Sociability Liver German Shepherd puppies look a little bit different than their adult counterparts. While adult Liver German Shepherds entire bodies are brown — including nose and feet — puppies will usually have pink paws and sometimes even a pink nose. Liver German Shepherds are an incredibly rare color variation , so you may have a difficult time finding one. The chances of finding one of these pups at a shelter are slim; you will most likely need to go to a reputable breeder an excellent place to look is on the American Kennel Club site. Liver German Shepherds color variant is caused by a recessive gene. These dogs get their coloring from a recessive gene called the B Locus. This gene dilutes the black coloring and only the black typical of German Shepherds, which in turn makes their coats much lighter. For a German Shepherd to end up as a Liver German Shepherd, both parent dogs must have the B Locus gene, and at least one gene must be passed onto their offspring. Image Credit: Eudyptula, Shutterstock 2. The American Kennel Club has certain standards when it comes to show dogs. When it comes to the Liver German Shepherd, they consider its color to be a fault i. Strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out colors and blues or livers are serious faults. A white dog must be disqualified. They are not, however, the same. Isabella German Shepherds are even rarer than Liver German Shepherds and are often referred to as double dilutes or dilute livers because they carry two of the B Locus genes. However, they also have two of a blue recessive gene that changes their coloring further. Liver German Shepherds are escape artists. Because these dogs can both burrow underground up to a few feet and jump at least 5 feet! Image Credit: Eudyptula, Shutterstock 5. Liver German Shepherds are some of the most energetic dogs around. Take them for multiple long walks or give them lots of time to run around in the backyard with you. While they are incredibly rare and can be challenging to find, if you manage to locate one, it will make a great addition to the family. As with all animals, be sure you have the time and energy to devote to a new pet before you get them! He is the total package of beauty, brains and health! Bo has the typical old fashioned straight-backed structure that we strive for. He has great bone and a beautiful classic GSD head. Bo is always happy to go places with us. He frequents local stores with us all the time and is a perfect gentleman. He is always looking forward to accompanying us for daily ranch chores too. He is great with all the animals. He especially loves puppies and is so gentle with them, he is a great helper in socializing our litters with big dogs. He has great food drive, loves learning new things and always does his best to please you. He also loves doing scent work and I hope to get him entered into some trials soon. He is naturally protective of our home but as soon as I give him the okay he will be the first to greet you for pets and is known to try and sneak in your lap if you sit down! He is an easy-going, gentle, super sweet boy who is always steady and fearless. Like our other boys he can also have a goofy streak at times and he can always put a smile on your face! We just love Bo and are really looking forward to incorporating his lines into our breeding program. Many are also familiar with the sable working line GSDs as well as solid-colored black or white ones. This article will tell you all about liver German Shepherds, how they differ from other German Shepherds, and how their unique coat coloring is created. Liver German Shepherds are exactly the same as the GSDs you know and love, the only difference being a unique coat color. Typically, the noses of liver-colored GSDs are also different. They are often pink or brown rather than black. Additionally, their eyes are lighter in color. Many describe their eyes as amber rather than brown. Dogs have thousands of different genes, but only 8 affect the color of their coats. The brown color is associated with the B locus, which comes in two forms: the dominant brown B and the recessive brown b. B produces the color black while b is responsible for the liver color. When a dog has the combination Bb, it would take the color of the dominant allele the capital letter. In that case, the dog would still be black but would pass down the recessive b to its offspring. To produce the liver color, the dog should have the combination bb. The only way to guarantee a liver-colored litter is to mate two liver-colored GSDs. However, having one liver parent or two parents with the b allele will also produce some liver-colored puppies. The only way to determine the latter is through DNA testing before mating. Liver German Shepherds are rare for two reasons. First, there are only a few genetic combinations that produce them. Since it takes at least 1 liver-colored parent or two parents carrying the allele to produce liver offspring, they are understandably uncommon. For reputation and prestige, kennels prefer to breed dogs that have the potential to become excellent show dogs or at least conform to the best traits as described by the breed standards. Are Liver German Shepherds Purebred? Yes, liver German Shepherds are purebred. However, they are definitely pure as long as they are the offspring of two purebred German Shepherds. No GSD can be considered a mixed breed unless at least one of its parents is actually a mix. However, the GSD breed standard notes that having a liver coat color is actually a serious fault. According to the AKC, German Shepherds with strong, rich colors are more desirable than those with pale, washed-out ones. Although a dog would not be automatically disqualified for this characteristic, they are not likely to win conformation events. The liver coloring might cover their entire coat or just the saddle. Their nose, paw pads, lips, and eye rims might also have a light brown or even pink color. Additionally, their eyes are noticeably lighter and typically have an amber-hue. They have the same build, intelligence , and general temperament. Their requirements for everyday care, grooming, and training are also no different. Liver-colored GSDs are actually quite expensive because they are so rare. If you find reputable breeders that specifically endeavor to produce this color, you can expect their puppies to be even more expensive because of their more responsible breeding practices. Nevertheless, GSDs are among the most common breeds in animal shelters. Once in a while, you might encounter a liver German Shepherd available to rescue. Opting to adopt rather than buy from a breeder will enable you to have the uniquely colored dog you want at minimal costs. Final Thoughts Owning a liver German Shepherds is special because they look incredibly unique. They will require firm leadership, plenty of physical exercise , and regular mental stimulation.

Knowing what to do to help your dog with misbehavior is half the battle. Are you making any of these disciplining mistakes? Do not use negative reinforcement Negative reinforcement is causing discomfort or worse, pain, to your dog to get them to perform a behavior. Other common negative reinforcers include a choke chain and prong collar. Negative reinforcement is about turning off something negative, or uncomfortable, at the least, and painful at the worst. But take note… Negative reinforcement has been scientifically shown to lead to an increased risk of aggression of 2. Instead, use lure and reward GSD puppy training Do not use physical correction Just as when using negative reinforcement, physical corrections cause your dog anxiety and fear and lead to aggression. When you got your dog you wanted him for life as your best friend and companion. If you find yourself about to engage in physical force for punishment with your German Shepherd, step away from your dog immediately. Ask someone for help. Call a friend or family member and tell them you need help with your dog. Even withholding food, water, or shelter is cruel and must be avoided. And demeaning them by calling them names and speaking to them in a critical tone can cause fear and aggression in German Shepherds. Not to mention, your continued shouting could stress your dog to the point they shut down and withdraw from you. They will no longer be the sweet, lively dog you dreamed about. Instead, learn how to use your voice to communicate effectively with your German Shepherd. Keep your voice calm, clear, and confident. Unfortunately, this type of training only makes his house training take longer since he begins to fear going potty anywhere. So, instead, he begins to sneak off and hide to potty indoors to avoid punishment. Preferably, always have your puppy tethered to you when potty training, never letting them out of your sight. When not tethered to you, place them in a puppy-proof area to prevent potty accidents. Reward your German Shepherd when they potty outdoors in the area you want with praise and treats. Learn more about how to quickly potty train a German Shepherd to start off on the right steps to house training. Or, what about when your tiny puppy sinks his little teeth into your hand in play and you laugh out loud? Why does your German Shepherd misbehave? Take a look. There are a few common factors in dogs that cause them to misbehave. Even if you think your dog is trained and should know better, these are the top reasons they might have bad behaviors. Separation anxiety If you spend a lot of time with your puppy, then begin to leave him alone for long hours he may start to misbehave. This is especially true if you are busy and tend to leave him in a crate for far too many hours. This could mean chewing inappropriate things, digging, or even excessive barking and howling. Under exercised An under-exercised dog is not getting his basic needs met. German Shepherds must have at least 2 hours of physical exercise per day. See — Fun Jobs for German Shepherds at Home for more ideas Before you leave the house give your dog a long walk with plenty of time to sniff. Inconsistent Discipline Another leading cause of needing to discipline a German Shepherd is a lack of consistent training and discipline techniques. Do you make sure your puppy always has 4 paws on the floor to greet guests? While many owners remember to obedience train their dog they overlook the importance of mentally stimulating games to reduce boredom. Decreasing boredom is shown to give your dog a more enjoyable day, which lessens their desire to participate in unwanted behaviors, such as chewing and digging. Start with a few minutes a day using mind games to help keep their mental health in check. Need more help disciplining your German Shepherd the right way? Do you wish there was a German Shepherd monthly guidebook? There is! Disciplining your German Shepherd puppy is most effective when you focus on teaching your German Shepherd what to do, rather than punishing him for unwanted behaviors. The wrong type of punishment can cause irreparable harm to your companion, but discipline when used properly actually reinforces positive behavior. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Your puppy can experience unruly behavior all of a sudden when they enter a new maturity stage. I know how angry and frustrated you get at your dog when they seem out of control. That was me, too! Instead, realize your GSD might not be out-of-control, but they might just be in a new phase. At the same time, your GSD begins to take more interest in the great world around them and ventures into new activities… Which winds them up in trouble as they explore. They also develop more independence and rely on your presence less and less. At some point, you believe your puppy is possessed and feel that all the things he learned are forgotten. Around 12 to 18 months old the out-of-control behavior will pass and all your hard work will start to pay off. Either way, puppy or adult, you need to prepare yourself. So, it all adds up to this: you learn how to control a German Shepherd using the following behavior plan to make it through this difficult time. But… Deep down you know you want to enjoy your GSD again and realize you must follow a training plan to help your rebellious dog become the calm, well-mannered German Shepherd you know he can be. Let me explain how to train an out-of-control German Shepherd using a scientifically-based behavior plan. German Shepherds are most active at dawn and dusk in scientific terms this is called crespuscular. The best times to exercise your GSD are: early morning early evening The rest of the day your dog is generally less active and sleeping. Shepherds wake up with energy and excitement after a long sleep time. This is why your pup is so excited in the mornings and when you come home from work. German Shepherds are used to walking and running miles and miles, so use an exercise tool called a long line or long leash to let your puppy enjoy running at their own pace. Do NOT force a puppy to run with you or you can damage their bones and joints. Puppies need gentle exercise, the type found here is most appropriate: The 5 Best Exercises for German Shepherd Puppies A German Shepherd over 18 months of age can run with you in short sprints, building up to longer distances. They have a need to do what they were designed for, which means they: generally enjoy chasing toys outdoors exploring different terrain using their noses to find things Most of all, an exercised dog is a calmer dog! And calm dogs are simply less likely to get unruly. Did you know that the German Shepherd Dog is bred with natural instinctive intelligence to solve complex problems apa. Yet many owners have never thought to give their dog mental stimulation. How do you mentally stimulate a German Shepherd? German Shepherds like both physical and mental challenges that are game-oriented. Dogs that have not had the chance to use up their energy are more likely to become difficult to handle, over-excitable, and out of control. A simple brain game to promote mental stimulation in your German Shepherd is to use a food-filled Kong Extreme. This keeps your dog occupied and also lets them use their energy by working for their food. You might say… I train my dog every day and he still acts out of control! And, I totally believe you! But, have you trained calmness? Instead, stay proactive by teaching your pet to perform the behavior you want! The most effective way to stop unwanted and out-of-control behavior is to ignore it. Avoid the battle! Out-of-control German Shepherds love to get you excited! Many times, their greatest pleasure is getting you wound up over some small matter. Remember, what fuels the misbehavior is often the conflict itself. Stay calm and refuse to get engaged physically or verbally. Fold your arms, look away from him, and walk out of the room if possible. Being ignored is a major consequence for most German Shepherds. Hand-feed your dog their meals. Taking food gently from human hands is a valuable life lesson and your dog loves to practice getting food! Hand-feeding your dog is also a perfect way to raise the value of interaction with all people. This simple training builds trust in your dog while showing him that only calm behaviors not nipping or pawing for the food get the reward. Quietly give him a small piece of tasty treat and a very gentle stroke on his side. You also should try these German Shepherd bonding exercises to help calm down your dog and increase their trust in you. Teaching Right is Easier than Correcting Wrong Learning how to train an out-of-control puppy will go more smoothly if you focus on teaching him what is right, instead of punishment. How many times do you correct your dog for a certain behavior, only to be too tired or stressed later to stop the same behavior again? You might think you taught your dog the right way to act, but his out-of-control behavior is telling you another story. This is the point where you brush up on disciplining a German Shepherd the right way. Before we go any further… Let me tell you that discipline does NOT involve physical corrections or punishment. Successful positive German Shepherd obedience training , especially for dogs lacking control, relies on the appropriate use of management tools to prevent your GSD from practicing and being reinforced for unruly behaviors. Some leashes are designed to be hooked to waist belts or clipped to belt-loop with a carabineer. With your puppy near or attached to you, you can provide the constant supervision they need to prevent them from getting into trouble. Click and reward for a calm behavior you like. Like anything else you must remain consistent to learn how to control a German Shepherd. Emphasize Structure and Consistency A German Shepherd puppy acting wild needs structure and consistency in their daily activities. A good behavior training program emphasizes structure and consistency. And why should you care about emphasizing structure and consistency with a German Shepherd that is out of control? Because predictability and structure equal less stress; and less stress is what you came here for in the first place. The more consistent you are with your training and expectations, the less chance your dog will misbehave. Think about this… You can spend the time now training your out-of-control German Shepherd the right way, or you could potentially live in stress and frustration for years to come. Which sounds like the better outcome for you and your dog? There are thousands of owners out there, just like you, who are in the same boat, too. But you must start! You can even create a German Shepherd entertainment plan to keep them busy! Give them the attention they deserve so you can both enjoy each other again. Manage the situation by using either a baby gate to keep your dog away from the front door, teach him to sit for his greetings where he gets the appropriate reward — petting, eye contact, and praise. Learn to train your dog to go to their mat and give them small bits of reward when they are lying calmly. Write out a similar chart of your own and place it where everyone can see it. This helps everyone to know the steps to train your out-of-control German Shepherd. Want more help learning how to control a German Shepherd? Using a combination of exercise, training, management, with a sprinkling of useful tools, and dedication to consistent training, you can help your German Shepherd learn to chill out and become a calm, happy companion who is a joy to be around. So, take the next step… If you want more help training an out-of-control German Shepherd puppy, read Your German Shepherd Month-by-Month to stay one step ahead of your intelligent companion. Stop thinking you have to live with a wild child and get busy training. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Use Positive Reinforcement Techniques Positive reinforcement, also known as rewards-based training, implies giving a reward to increase the frequency of the response. Rewards can be: Treats. Choose healthy treats, pieces of kibble, or tiny pieces of meat. Physical attention. You can pet behind the ears or give a hug. Verbal praise. Give your GSD his favorite toy that you save for rewards. Rewarding your German Shepherd for good behavior is an underrated tool in your dog-training arsenal. It is simple yet incredibly powerful. Unfortunately, it is also often ignored. If you scold him, he might feel content for having received your attention. This speaks to the importance of patience; the more patient you are, the more your German Shepherd values positive attention. When you bestow it upon him during his calmer episodes, he starts recreating the setting. You will notice him sitting in the same place where you patted him or held a similar position. It might be tempting to pet him then, but you have to be patient, or you will confuse the dog. Wait until he mimics the actual calmness you want to reward, then use reinforcement by giving him attention, affection, and treats. Increase Socialization If you have previously delayed socializing your German Shepherd, the chances are that the lack of socialization is a key contributor to his disobedience. You should socialize a German Shepherd at 8 weeks old, which is usually when you bring your puppy home. Your breeder would have already begun early socialization from 3 weeks, so you should now continue the process of exposing your pup to a range of sights, smells, sounds, and interactions with people and other dogs. No matter whether your doggo is a pup or an adult, increasing socialization will set your German Shepherd on the right path to becoming a confident, friendly and obedient dog. I have a great article on how to socialize a German Shepherd from pup to adult. This details easy ways to go about this and includes how to socialize an older dog or even an aggressive German Shepherd. When your German Shepherd has pent-up energy, he might not be in the state to receive commands. By sufficiently draining this excess energy safely and productively, you can make your German Shepherd more receptive and less stubborn. In this state, you can reinforce restraint-centric anchors. That said, you must not wait until the dog is in his most agitated state before you take him out, as that would associate acting up with freedom, and he will almost always act out to be taken for walks or playtimes. Instead, prevent it in the first place. If you have a young pup and need some ideas, you can check out this article, 7 Fun Ways to Exercise a German Shepherd Puppy. German Shepherds are high-energy dogs, and adults need at least hours of daily exercise. In addition to essential exercise for your German Shepherds to stay obedient, he also needs to be mentally stimulated, which brings me to the next solution. Provide Varied Mentally Stimulating and Fun Games We have to remember the original purpose of the German Shepherd, which was to herd and protect livestock. Although rarely used in this capacity nowadays, the genetic working trait remains with the breed. They need a job to do and thrive off pleasing their owner, which is why they are used in law enforcement, search and rescue, and as service dogs today. Every evening around 8 pm, my German Shepherd will sit in front of me and give me the stare! I love this toy, and dogs enjoy finding the treats in the puzzle toy, which keeps them busy for ages. This best-seller gets a crazy amount of good reviews and is widely recommended by almost 60, dog lovers, so it must have something about it. Increase Training Sessions Similar to socialization, if you have previously delayed training your German Shepherd or if training is incomplete, the chances are that the lack of training is a pivotal contributor to his disobedience. Not only does your German Shepherd need to learn that he should listen to you, but he must also find out what listening to you entails. While the best time to start training your GSD is at 8 weeks old , the next best time is now. This will keep your dog continually focused and interested. Your German Shepherd must also learn his position. This entails going back to training in a distraction-free setting. He might not intend to ignore you deliberately, so this is where you need to get him to focus his attention on you. Manage the environment when progressing outside. Start off with not too many distractions. Use high level treats when outside. Check out this excellent video on how to train a German Shepherd with distractions. This gorgeous pup is only 5 months old and is learning to focus on the trainer in a controlled outside environment. Chewing has several functions, including providing pain relief for teething pups, keeping teeth clean and jaws strong in older dogs, and relieving boredom. Dogs just enjoy chewing. But what if the chewing becomes destructive? Providing your dog with a chewing outlet, such as various interesting chew toys, will stop many German Shepherd behavior problems. The happier your doggo is, the less stubborn he will be when it comes to obeying you. Choose something like the KONG variety of chew toys. Follow a Training and Feeding Schedule Having a schedule provides structure and discipline and teaches your pup that you are the leader. Your German Shepherd will soon pick things up and catch up. You should also stick to a feeding schedule. Dogs are creatures of habit, and providing meals at expected times means listening and obeying you when you call them to eat. German Shepherds are prone to sensitive stomachs, and many are not food motivated, unlike the Labrador. Having a feeding schedule also prevents your German Shepherd from becoming a fussy eater. It might be that he wants that extra treat or wants to climb on the couch. So now the tide is turned. Instead of your dog ignoring you, you now ignore your dog. Never bow down pardon the pun to any form of demanding behavior, especially demand barking. This will only teach your best friend that he gets what he wants when he barks for something. Instead, ignore the demand barking, and at the precise moment he becomes quiet, quickly reward him with a treat. That way, he will soon learn that when he stops barking at you, nice things will happen. The trick here is in the timing. Use Brief and Effective Time-Outs When training a stubborn German Shepherd, one of the most crucial steps is teaching your dog to accept time-outs. Rewarding your doggo with treats is easy; it is in discipline or punishment where most people mess up. You need to teach your German Shepherd to follow your commands — or ground himself. So, what do I mean by a time-out? A time-out is a type of negative punishment in which we deprive the dog of what they enjoy, in this case, social engagement. Use an area of the house, a room with a dog gate, or an exercise pen for young pups. Time-outs should be around 60 seconds for young puppies to minutes for older dogs. Use the time-out at the moment of the stubborn behavior, not after. But not only does regular brushing help to control and reduce shedding , but it also helps to increase bonding between you and your pet. Most dogs enjoy being the center of attention. Brushing is relaxing and beneficial to the skin and hair. Your German Shepherd will also learn that it is acceptable to handle his body and feet, and you will develop trust with your canine buddy as a result. This has the everlasting effect of reducing his stubbornness when you need to clip his nails or he needs to be handled by the vet. Go here to find out the best grooming tools for German Shepherds and the ones I use. This will give you peace of mind that he will respond to you positively and help curb any bad habits. Often, inexperienced owners just need to be taught what to do. Attending obedience classes solves this knowledge gap and creates an opportunity to increase socialization, so you kill two birds with one stone. You can also enlist the help of a professional trainer as they will be experienced in training stubborn dogs and improving obedience. Key Takeaways German Shepherds are socially intelligent dogs. However, with delayed or insufficient training and a lack of guidance, they can become asocial and disobedient. Fortunately, with enough patience, firmness, and positive reinforcement training alongside increased exercise time and stimulation, any German Shepherd can be brought back into the socially acceptable circle of obedient dogs. Related Posts You May Like:. Different causes make your furry friend chew destructively on couches, surfaces, and shoes. These include: Poor obedience training from when your dog was a puppy Loneliness from being left alone for too long Lack of exercise and mental stimulation Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior Excessive stress in the home environment How to Stop Destructive Chewing in Adult German Shepherds As with the causes, the remedies for excessive-destructive chewing in an adult GSD can be diverse. These will include: Retrain your dog if you think basic training was poorly done during puppyhood. You may want to consider the services of a professional trainer. Find ways of keeping your dog busy when you are not around. You can consider giving your dog a bone to chew on. If you do, go for natural or synthetic ones that will not break into pieces and risk choking your dog while he is alone. Ensure your GSD has the recommended 2-hour exercise daily, which could be distributed into walks and runs in the morning and evening and play and games at other times. That means he finds a replacement for his wild mates in his human family. Besides, the GSD is also a friendly and affectionate dog that loves cuddling time and spending time with family. As such, leaving your German Shepherd alone can cause excessive loneliness, otherwise referred to as separation anxiety , when it gets to the levels of an undesired psychological condition. The German Shepherd is among the top 10 breeds most predisposed to separation anxiety. This suggests that it could also be a breed thing, and you must take extra precautions. Dogs with this behavior problem find something to relieve their nervousness and stress, so most will turn to destructive behavior. Typical forms of destructive behavior include excessive chewing, house soiling, getting into the trash can, digging, destroying furniture and other items, and increased aggression toward family, strangers, and other pets. I would never leave her in her crate for more than hours. However, I got delayed in traffic for another 30 minutes on this occasion, and she clearly got bored! I only wanted one cushion! Remember that destructive behavior can be caused by factors like lack of exercise or a stressful home environment. Three solutions can be highly effective in stopping separation anxiety in your German Shepherd. Suggestions include finding someone to keep them busy and staying connected with them while you are away. Find a way of keeping your dog occupied while you are away Keeping your dog mentally and physically engaged can be achieved by employing a professional trainer or a dog walker. There are also doggy daycare facilities where you can take your GSD. Find a way of staying connected with your dog while you are away In an ever-changing technology era, staying connected with your GSD using dog cameras is easy. Take, for example, the Furbo Dog Camera from Amazon. Its main features can offer many ways to stay connected with your German Shepherd. You can toss a treat to your dog to reward him for good behavior. You can talk to your GSD to calm him down, especially when the barking alerts come in. Urine-Marking in German Shepherds Urine marking is an instinctive dog behavior that usually starts during sexual maturity. They will urinate on objects to leave a message for other dogs. For example, male German Shepherds will spray on the walls of a building where there is a female GSD in heat to tell fellow males to stay away. Generally, females only spray when they are in heat to attract any male dogs that happen to be in the area. However, urine marking becomes inappropriate inside the house, making it a behavior problem. The original herding and protective roles of German Shepherds make them quite territorial. As pack dogs, GSDs can also be highly dominant. Territory marking you welcome your partner at home, and your dog urinates on their backpack to claim ownership of you. Your dog has noticed a new dog in the neighborhood and wants to mark the house as his territory. How to Stop Urine Marking in German Shepherds To prevent or stop urine marking , consider one of these remedies — depending on the cause. Keep new and unfamiliar items in the house out of reach. Clean places where your GSD has urine marked to remove the smell and prevent your dog from remarking them. I like this one as you can use it on any surface. Help your German Shepherd become friends with new persons or dogs in the house. Eliminate anxiety-causing situations in the home. Confine your dog in his crate for a couple of hours. Consult a canine behaviorist if the behavior is out of hand. German Shepherds with ADHD will portray behavior problems such as hyperactivity, inability to pay attention, being easily distracted, impulsiveness, poor social skills, aggressive responses, fear, and sensitivity to noise. The consensus seems to reign about the interaction between genetic and environmental factors in ADHD. Hyperactive German Shepherds may be uncontrollable during walks, manifest excessive leash-pulling, become overly excited when removing the leash or returning home, and be challenging to engage in obedience training. Experts have used human ADHD questionnaires to detect the condition in dogs since; it seems hyperactivity has similar body chemical markers in dogs as in humans. This explains why testing ADHD in dogs entails observing changes in respiratory and heart rate and behavior. Consequently, solving hyperactivity in German Shepherds entails countering self-stimulation with external stimulation. As often repeated, the test for ADHD is to give your German Shepherd a prescribed stimulant in a controlled clinical situation and then observe the change in its respiratory rate, heart rate, and behavior. The levels for these markers will reduce in dogs with ADHD. Avoid self-diagnosing your dog, especially with self-made remedies. Excessive Barking in German Shepherds Barking is a typical communication behavior in dogs, and German Shepherds are known to be naturally vocal. Nonetheless, when barking becomes excessive, it can become a nuisance for both the owner and the neighborhood. Excessive barking means your dog will start to bark for any little stimulant and go on and on and on. It could be a doorbell, a passing stranger, or even the rustling of leaves in the backyard. If your GSD barks excessively, this may be the first sign of underlying issues and that he is sensitive to specific triggers. Triggers of excessive barking include: Boredom — your German Shepherd is home alone most of the time. Insufficient exercise — both physical and mental. Territorial behavior — your dog is overly protective of you, your home, or your possessions. Attention seeking — your dog has been reinforced to receive your attention when he barks incessantly. Medical issues — your German Shepherd has a medical condition that causes them pain and discomfort. How to Stop Excessive Barking in German Shepherds Sadly, people re-home their dogs every day due to excessive barking. If you have this German Shepherd behavior problem, below are the methods that are incredibly efficient in stopping excessive barking in dogs: Using positive reinforcement. To do this effectively, you must understand your German Shepherd and what makes him bark in the first place. Desensitization and counter-conditionin g : desensitization means exposing your GSD to the stimulus that causes excessive barking at a level lower or similar to the actual trigger. Eliminating the triggers: this might be a bit difficult, especially if they are beyond your control. For example, you cannot stop strangers from using a path near your house or leaves from rustling. Avoid gimmicks such as bark collars and sprays designed to teach your German Shepherd not to bark, as these only address the symptom and not the cause of the behavior problem. You have to lure them to the bathtub and put up with their crazy shaking and splashing unless you have managed to train them out of it! But bathing your dog becomes an extra hassle if covered with awful-smelling dirt! So, why do German Shepherds roll in the mud? Many speculative theories are used to explain why dogs roll in the dirt. Here are some of them: In the wild, wolves disguise their smell with dirt History has it that wolves disguise their scent by rolling in the dirt. Since dogs have their ancestry from wolves, it is speculated that they will roll in the dirt for the same reasons. Dogs love to leave their smell around Dogs have the instinct to leave their smell around to claim dominance or mark their territory. The pungent smell of dirt pushes them to want to claim their dominance with their odor, even when strong smells would overpower it. It gives them a sensational feeling As animals that predominantly use their sense of smell to interact with the environment, dogs enjoy extra sensory stimulation and may look for it excessively, such as lying in a pile of dirt. German Shepherds have innate behavior dispositions unique to the breed, like all other dogs. This can include behaviors like mouthing or destructive chewing. Think of their instinctual protectiveness towards their loved ones and how that can cause them to be aggressive toward strangers via nipping or jumping at strangers. But German Shepherds grow to be the dog you train them to be. And if that is not done correctly, behavior problems like howling will occur. However, that is not the only reason why your GSD may be misbehaving. German Shepherds have behavior problems such as howling, mouthing, jumping, and nipping due to poor or incomplete socialization and training, letting your dog have his way, insufficient exercise, hormones, health reasons, and using aversive training methods. Genetics can also cause poor behavior, which is easily solved by training. Genetic Disposition to Bad Behavior It has been scientifically proven that behavior, including howling and jumping, has both genetic and environmental determinants. This fact is recorded in a study on the genetics of behavior traits in German Shepherds, which confirmed that multiple genetic and non-genetic factors influence canine behavior, such as mouthing and nipping. In simple terms, your German Shepherd may inherit genes predisposing them to aggression from their parents, which does not mean you cannot tame the behavior through training. Poor Puppy Socialization Poorly socialized puppies grow into badly behaved adult German Shepherds exhibiting undesirable behaviors like jumping up and biting. If a German Shepherd is not socialized well at this age, he will become an unapproachable and untrainable adult. Proper socialization training for your German Shepherd means exposing them to different environments where they learn how to interact with other people and pets positively. This makes them more confident and calm than anxiety and aggression in unsocialized and badly trained dogs. Incomplete Obedience Training Obedience training is crucial in helping your German Shepherd understand your expectations. This includes managing behaviors such as play biting and improving the overall trainability of your pet. Many new dog owners think a week of training after bringing their dog home is enough. Not so! This is also key to ensuring your dog feels confident when interacting with visitors. Miscommunication can result in undesired behaviors like play biting, especially when your pet meets visitors. I have two helpful guides to help you with obedience training using positive reinforcement techniques. These guides incorporate strategies to improve trainability and build confidence in your dog. It has been confirmed that positive reinforcement training produces the best behavior in dogs because it boosts their confidence. Alao, you encourage your pet to repeat it by constantly rewarding him. Instead, research suggests that aversive training methods may be less effective in teaching good behavior to your dog. This can also negatively affect their interactions with visitors. Hormonal Effects and Gonadectomy Testosterone is often associated with aggression in male dogs. This research study discovered that other hormones could be the underlying causes of play biting and aggression in dogs. Oxytocin OT , a hormone associated with social bonding and sexual reproduction, and Vasopressin AVP , which regulates the volume of extracellular fluid volume and renal handling of water, can negatively impact dog behavior. Gonadectomy is the generic term for the surgical removal of the male testes or female ovaries. However, research results from a large sample of over 13, dogs show this is not entirely true. Scientists still do not know the reason for this. Would you call that a well-behaved dog? This is especially notable when visitors come to the house and the dog exhibits poor behavior. Not setting boundaries with your dog can be another reason your German Shepherd has behavior issues. Such a dog will show aggression when someone tries to set boundaries, such as at the vet or the dog park. The German Shepherd is a high-energy dog requiring at least two hours of daily exercise. This means more than leash walks! In addition to this, he will need lots of interactive play and mental stimulation to manage his health and build confidence. If you try to make your GSD a couch potato, he will have behavior issues, manifesting primarily in destructive behavior, negatively affecting his play-biting habits and behavior around visitors. Zak George , the well-known dog breeder and trainer, often emphasizes this point in his teachings. For example, a study revealed that dogs involved in physical activity and those who practice agility shows are less likely to show aggressive tendencies than those living a more sedentary life. Medical Conditions A final reason your German Shepherd will show behavior problems is if he has medical issues. These could be both physical and psychological. For example, dogs with Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior are often linked with self-directed aggression and self-mutilation, primarily through biting. A study on clinical features in dogs and cats with OCB indicated self-mutilation as the most recurrent of these features. Such practices are often seen as a sign of distress in dogs. Other medical conditions that may cause behavior issues in dogs include injury and post-operative pain, which can trigger aggressive behavior. In this case, having a breeder or vet advise on handling the dog can be beneficial. The causes of German Shepherd behavior problems are lack of socialization and exercise. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and social dogs and must be exposed to various people, animals, and environments to develop correctly. They are also active and energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. What other resources can help me deal with German Shepherd behavior problems? Many resources are available to help you deal with German Shepherd behavior problems. The most important is a qualified and experienced dog trainer. A good trainer can help you identify the source of the problem and develop an effective plan to address it. Another great resource is books and online articles written by experts on the subject. Final Thoughts Owning a German Shepherd is both exciting and rewarding for most owners. However, behavior problems associated with the breed can sometimes make owning a GSD a challenge altogether. What is most important is knowing that you can manage these behavior problems. Exercise, training, eliminating cues to behavior problems, and seeking a canine behaviorist are all possible ways to make your German Shepherd overcome his behavior shortcomings. Remember, though, that the job of a dog behaviorist or trainer is to train the dog and the human too! Related Posts You May Like:. Possible reasons that your German Shepherd is out of control Insufficient exercise German Shepherds were bred to do energy-intensive tasks for hours on a daily basis. This means that they require a lot of exercise to be properly stimulated. If they do not get it then it can cause them to lose their focus and to be much more difficult to control. This is why it is important to make sure that your German Shepherd is getting a lot of exercise. You might be surprised at just how much exercise your German Shepherd actually needs so it would be worthwhile to give it a lot more exercise one day and see how it responds to it. Related post: Ways to exercise your German Shepherd. Attention seeking The reason that your German Shepherd is out of control could be that it is its way of getting your attention. If you do not give it a lot of attention or exercise on a daily basis then it can cause it to look for ways to get it. One of those ways is to act in a way that gets a reaction out of you. To stop this you should try ignoring it when it is behaving badly, if you can, and then to reward it when it acts in a way that you want it to. Punishment If you typically punish your German Shepherd when it misbehaves then it could be the reason that it is hard to control. One of the reasons for that is that if you punish it then it might think that you are punishing it for something different. For example, if your German Shepherd bolts out the door and you punish it when it comes back then it will likely think that you are punishing it for the last thing that it did which was to come back to you. It can also cause other problems such as fear, aggression, anxiety, distrust, and destruction. An alternative strategy would be to do lots of positive reinforcement training instead. This is why you train your German Shepherd by rewarding it for doing the things that you want it to do or at least for making steps in the right direction. If your German Shepherd thinks that it will be punished by you then it will make it less likely to listen to you. Training The reason that your German Shepherd is out of control could be due to a lack of training. German Shepherds and other dogs do not understand language like we do. This is why it is important to take the time to teach your German Shepherd to do the things that you want it to do. You should start with the basics in an easy environment and then work your way up to harder tasks and environments from there. When you bring your German Shepherd into a new environment it will cause it to get distracted by the things going on around it and it will not be as mindful of your command. It would be better to save rewards for good behavior and signs of good behavior. When this happens, take a step back and train it to do what you want again starting at an earlier step or even the beginning. Training To get your German Shepherd to listen to you more it will be necessary to give it lots of training. Training your German Shepherd will have a number of benefits. It will make it more responsive to your command so you will be able to get it to stop misbehaving more easily. It will make things easier for you in social situations where you need your German Shepherd to behave. It will also help you to have a more rewarding relationship with your German Shepherd. You should start by teaching it the basics such as to sit and stay in an environment where there are not many distractions. Then you can build up to teaching it harder things such as to come to you on command. If your German Shepherd is quite energetic then giving it some exercise before you start training it should help to make it more focused on you when you try to train it. You can watch the video below to see how to get started on teaching your dog the basics.

Conclusion What is the procedure for transitioning puppies from the litter box to the outside? Many people use a litter box or a potty pad to keep their new puppies safe. Many owners choose to move their puppies from the litter box to the outside once they have received their immunizations and are a little older. When done too quickly, it can cause your dog to become confused and really have a mess. Use grass litter box or place a fake glass sheet on it. This is more useful for owners with grassy porches and for others too. When training our puppy, contact with grass will be an added advantage for taking him outside for peeing and pooping more easily. So consider Replacing the ordinary litter box with a grass litter box or place a fake glass sheet on it. As well as, if the puppy refuses contact with grass, we can also foresee any allergy or something else. Make sure your dog is aware of the change in the location of his pad. This stage requires you to keep an eye out for your dog approaching the door, so you can open it and offer them a pee break outside. Take your puppy outside frequently. We can pick up our dog and take him outdoors as soon as he goes to the litter box to eliminate. Sometimes, he may become nervous as the place is new. If so, we can continue taking him outside with us when he is ready to pee or poop and make him familiar with the outside for this purpose. Allow him to take a potty break outside. Get him a chance to go outside instead of using a litter box. Do the same thing again and again. Reward for using the bathroom outside Make sure to lavish praise and treats on your puppy. Reward your dog lavishly every time he or she goes to the bathroom outside! Teach the dog to alert you. Please remember to keep an eye on your dog during the early stages of training so you can catch the puppy in the act and swiftly take him outside. So, while training him to go outside, it is okay to teach the puppy to alert you when you are unable to watch him closely. A buzzer would be a great way to do this. How to tell if puppies are ready to stay outside? It is necessary to consider if the puppy is ready or not to go out for his elimination. Actually, how to tell if puppies are ready to stay outside? This is a question that every puppy owner comes up with, and it does not have a fixed answer. When puppies start wandering outside on their own, This is when the puppies are fully responding to the changes in their environment. When they are taken outside, they will be adapted to eliminate them in the area as soon as they are grown enough to identify the place. Suggested Reading: Why does your dog poop on the couch? When the puppy is fully grown in size to some extent, When the puppy is taken outside for peeing or pooing, he will definitely try to run, jump, and do so many other things, as they are at an exploratory age. But what if they are not strong enough to face the obstacles he encountered in the yard when taking them out? He will get injured due to tiny obstacles, as the dog is also small. So it is essential to socialize our puppy before training him to go outside the litterbox. After getting vaccines This is also an essential point before transitioning our puppy from the litter box to the outside. He should be properly vaccinated before being exposed to the outside. If not different germs, viruses can affect his health. So, if you have taken him with enough vaccines, he is ready to use the spot on the porch as his litter box. When the puppy is old enough to start wearing a collar and leash, If we start taking him outside, it would be best if he could wear a collar or a leash. Training him to poo and pee in the spots in the yard, he will soon find places for himself alone. So, if we can put a collar or leash on our puppy, there is no need to take him out for his eliminations. Do you know why do some dogs pee before going outside? When to transition puppies from the litter box to the outside? No way! That is not correct. Different dogs may choose to go outside instead of using a litter box during different time periods. It could be as short as weeks or as long as a year. You can observe your puppy. Then you can decide when is the best time to transition our puppy from the litter box to the outside by considering the factors mentioned above as well. However, keep the following in mind: The training process must be scheduled. We can not do it, although we are in a hurry. So patiently, we want to train our tiny dog to go outside instead of using an indoor litter box. Sometimes, the puppy gives you signs that he wants to pee or poop. Some gestures show that he wants something. That is the time for you to take him outside. Just after an energetic play or a training session, or about a half-hour after he takes his meals, you can take him outside for this task. Then definitely may be trained to go outside without using an indoor litter box. What problems can arise when transitioning puppies from the litter box to the outside? It is true that it is somewhat difficult to transition a puppy completely from the litter box he has used for a long time to the outside. Many problems can arise when doing this. Risk of attack by other animals When we take our puppy outside for his elimination process, he may be attacked by the outside dogs. If there is no fence, stray dogs may enter. As well, small insects can also attack our tiny dogs. So he may experience painful things and swelling too. If the puppy is not fully vaccinated, the possibility of exposure to germs is high. When exposed to germs, younger dogs can easily catch diseases. It may be much harder to cure him. May show allergic reactions. Allergies, like germs, cause allergic reactions. As new puppies are exposed to the outer area, sometimes several things can cause allergic reactions in them. Negative surface preference Our puppy will show some disliked behaviors when we take him out. As he was peeing and pooping in the litter box, he may have felt uncomfortable outside. Sometimes, external factors like wind, temperature, and climate also affect this behavior. How to overcome the above-mentioned issues? The process of transitioning the dog from the litter box to the outside is also the same. We have discussed some issues that can arise here. But we also want to talk about the solutions as well as the problems. We can have a covered yard, a fence, or a wall built. Then we can minimize attacks from other animals as well as reduce the attention of others to our puppy. Be sure to take him out for training after the right vaccination process. The vaccines need a few days to build immunity inside the body too. Test for allergy situations if you can before taking him outside of the house. Things to be aware of. So, I think now you know exactly how to take your puppy to train him to pee and poop in outside spots rather than using the litter box inside. However, there may be some issues that we should be more concerned about, and aware of. Introduce a few spots for your puppy to use. It may be an unpleasant experience for you and for others too. If not, you will face the danger of introducing parasite illnesses into your home, which can be detrimental to both your dogs and yourself. Puppies lack the ability to control their body temperature in the same way that adult dogs do. So consider the climate when taking them outside. Puppies are also more vulnerable to disease, parasites, and illness than adult dogs. So take him to the vet immediately, if there are any unusual symptoms. Conclusion It is tough to clean a litter box day by day inside the house. So, as the dog grows, we can transport him to an outside spot rather than use the litter box. You now know how to take your adorable puppy to the outside litter box instead of the inside litter box. So, many of the recommendations above can be utilized in the same way when it comes to transitioning your puppy from the litter box to the outdoors. So take care of your puppy and, at the same time, yourself also. I hope to see you on another important matter like this. Post navigation. And oh how we love puppies! Check out these tips for teaching a puppy how to graduate from puppy pads to the great outdoors. How to Use Puppy Pads Some people start housetraining with indoor puppy pads or newspapers. When a new dog owner lives in an apartment or does not have a private yard, this is often the best option for keeping their new puppy safe. Once a puppy has his shots and is a little older, many owners decide to transition from pads to the outdoors. These owners have already taught their dog housebreaking , that he cannot go wherever he pleases, so that is a good first step. The key to a successful potty training experience is that you must be consistent and patient. This will just frustrate the both of you. Start by moving the pad next to the door that you will use to take your dog outside. Make sure that your dog sees where his pad has been moved. If this is too drastic, you can start by slowly moving the pad progressively closer to the door. When your dog goes to the pad to eliminate, quickly pick him up and bring him outside. For some dogs, it is helpful if you bring the pad outside as well so that they can better understand what you are trying to communicate. That way, you can simultaneously train your dog to go on command which comes in handy when you are in a hurry or on rainy days! Make sure to give plenty of praise and treats. In the initial stages of training, it is important to constantly monitor your dog so that you can catch him in the act and quickly bring him outside. By correcting behavior as it is occurring, your dog will learn what you want from him. Correcting a dog for an accident that occurred after the fact will not teach him anything, since dogs are not able to connect what you are trying to communicate. Yelling or rubbing his nose in the mess will simply make him fearful and will damage your relationship. Although it can be difficult not to get upset when you notice a mess, the best way to handle it is to just accept it and clean it up. When cleaning, make sure you use an enzymatic cleaner that will remove the scent. A spot that smells like urine to a dog will only cause him to continue eliminating in that same spot. Other Important Tips It is important to constantly supervise your dog when you first start this process. If you have to leave for a bit, try putting him in a crate or confining him to small room, like a kitchen, with a baby gate. Generally, dogs will not eliminate in close quarters unless they cannot hold it any longer. When you get home, take your dog outside immediately before he has the chance to have an accident and give him plenty of praise when he goes. When you are home, supervise your dog constantly. If this is difficult, keep your dog on a leash so that he is always near you. Always take your dog out within 30 minutes of eating, as all dogs need to go soon after they eat. Look for the tell-tale signs that your dog may have to go such as intense sniffing, whining or pacing. Remember, if you are consistent and patient, it will pay off. Focus on praising your pup when he does what you want and try to catch him in the act and correct him instead of scolding after the fact. Use this as an opportunity to bond with your new family member and set the stage for a lifetime of trust and respect. This will significantly decrease, if not eliminate, your puppy from having accidents in the house. This is where you come in! The earlier you start, the better. Say goodbye to that! Make the transition outside so that they can start associating this with being the appropriate potty spot. Your puppy will begin to associate their new backyard as a safe space to both play and do their business, and you can help facilitate this. Playing outside can help initiate this bond. You can get them at most pet supply stores or online , and it will help them get used to going to the bathroom in grassy areas. The grass pads are made of artificial grass; however, they look and feel very much like the real thing. You will want to give your dog some time to become familiar with it and offer treats and praise each time he steps onto the pad. After they eat, drink, play, or have just woken up are the most common times in which your puppy will need to go to the bathroom, so keep this in mind when supervising. Move the Dog Pad Slowly move the doggy pad or litter box closer to the door. This will allow for a slower transition to the outdoors while getting the puppy closer to his destination. Then, allow your puppy to use the litter box outside if they are curious. Again, offer treats and praise if your puppy makes the connection and goes potty outside. This is a necessary step in the transition and will give the puppy the reassurance needed to encourage this behavior in the future. Frequent Potty Breaks Let your puppy out at least every two hours during these beginning training stages. This is crucial to familiarizing them with being outside and setting up a consistent potty schedule that you can rely on. You may even want to crate them next to your bed at night so they are contained in the space next to you. Establish a timeline and stick to it. You can do this by setting multiple alarms on your phone as a reminder to take the puppy out every couple of hours. This will pay off in the long run. Consistency is key. Ditch the grass pad and watch all of your hard work pay off! Your puppy will be happy, and you should be too. In addition, continue offering him treats and rewards for going to the bathroom outside. A little bit of positive reinforcement goes a long way. Just be sure to stay consistent. Alert Teach your puppy to alert you when he needs to go to the bathroom. This is a way for your puppy to communicate his needs to you so that accidents do not continue to happen in the house. Try a buzzer or hang a bell on the door that the dog can jingle. In order to get him used to do this, take his paw and ring the bell with it each time you go outside. He will eventually associate the sound with going out to go potty. Be sure to encourage him with praise and treats each time he rings the bell to go outside. You can start potty training between 12 and 16 weeks old. This is the best way to create consistency for you and your puppy. Set an Alarm Set the alarm on your phone every 2 hours so they can establish a routine with you. This will hold you accountable and establish a routine with your puppy. Confine Puppy Many experts recommend confining the puppy to a defined area or a crate until they learn to do their business outside. Just be sure to make the crate a safe space for them by making it comfortable and maybe filling it with a few of their favorite toys and some water. Accidents Your puppy will likely have accidents in the house throughout this process. Rather, take the puppy outside immediately to associate the yard with being the primary bathroom spot. Tether your dog This involves tying your dog to a table or other piece of furniture near you. This will allow you to see any sudden movements that can indicate they need to go outside. Puppies will often get restless or start pacing or sniffing around when they need to go to the bathroom. This is your cue to quickly get him outside. Hire a trainer Are you still struggling with potty training? Hire a trainer. They can help get you on the right track and offer professional advice. They can give you tangible tools and things to work on at home to help your puppy with the transition. Consistent Schedule Take your dog out at the same time each day. Offer a potty break immediately after naps and mealtimes. Visit a Vet It may be a good idea to visit a vet to rule out any stressors or health issues with your puppy that may be impacting his ability to control his bowels. They may also be able to offer some tips on the transition process. While transitioning your puppy from the litter box to the outdoors may feel like a daunting process at first, following these 6 steps will have you on your way in no time. Post navigation. Ensure that you have a designated potty area outside already before doing this to prevent any confusion for your dog. Day by day, you can close the gap between the pee pad and the designated spot until the point where you can remove it totally. Increase the frequency of going outside Another effective way to transition your puppy from using a litter box to going potty outside is to increase the frequency of outdoor potty breaks. This can help your puppy learn to associate the outdoors with going potty and reinforce the behavior. What you can do is increase the frequency of outdoor potty breaks by creating a schedule, giving your puppy plenty of opportunities to go, and watching for signs that they need to go such as sniffing, circling, or whining. Doggy says, you might wanna read this too: How to help a dog with broken leg poop? Use rewards and positive reinforcement Make use of a reward that your puppy loves, like a treat or toy, and use it consistently to reinforce good behavior. While doing so, be sure to praise your puppy verbally and use a happy and excited tone of voice immediately after they go potty outside. Remember, timing is key, so make sure you reward your puppy right after they go potty outside. Get them to alert you To get your puppy to alert you when they need to go potty outside, there are a few things you can do. First, keep an eye out for signs like sniffing or circling that may indicate that your puppy needs to go. Make sure to say the cue each time you take your puppy out. Third, hang a bell or chime on the door you use to take your puppy out and ring it every time you go out. Encourage your puppy to ring it with their nose or paw when they need to go. And finally, when your puppy alerts you that they need to go potty outside, be sure to praise and reward them. Learn this: When do puppies start drinking water and eating food? As an alternative, you can create a tiny playpen or gated room in a quiet corner of your house. Do you know if you should put two dog crates side by side? If your dog can still detect the scent of their own waste in an area, it may be more likely to go potty there again in the future. To clean up effectively, use an enzyme cleaner designed specifically for pet messes to thoroughly clean any soiled areas. Before your puppy sets out and explores the world on its own, you want to make sure that your furry friend is safe and comfortable at all times. Here are a few things to check off before doing so. It explores the outside on its own Your puppy might not be ready to remain outside without your close supervision if they are reluctant or afraid to go outside on its own. On the other hand, if your puppy is eager to explore and seems comfortable being outside on their own, it may be ready for more independent outdoor time. Older age Although some puppies are more adventurous than others, others may need more time to develop and mature before they are ready for this transition. In general, puppies under six months of age should not be left outside unsupervised, as they are still developing their physical and behavioral capabilities. This includes their ability to regulate body temperature, as well as their ability to recognize and respond appropriately to potential threats in their environment. As your puppy gets older, it may become better equipped to handle longer periods of time outside on its own. To help your puppy gain confidence and learn how to behave appropriately in their environment, socialization involves exposing them to a variety of different people, animals, and places. If your puppy has not yet had enough socialization, they run the risk of developing anxiety or fear when left outside alone. This can cause behavioral problems like destructive chewing, digging, or barking, and it might even put your puppy in danger if they try to flee or act in an unsafe way. Vaccinated Vaccines protect puppies from a range of potentially serious and even life-threatening diseases, including distemper, parvovirus, and rabies. Therefore, you have to make sure your puppy has had all the vaccinations before letting them spend extended periods of time outside alone. Puppy immunizations usually take place within the first few months of life, and depending on the vaccine, booster shots may be needed annually or every few years. You should also not allow them to interact with other animals before they are fully vaccinated. Keeping an eye out for behavioral cues like exploring the outdoors on their own and sniffing or circling before going potty can also indicate readiness. As with any transition, patience and positive reinforcement are key to ensuring a smooth and successful experience for both you and your furry companion. Potential Problems When Transitioning Puppies From the Litter Box to the Outside Animal attacks Depending on where you live, there may be wild animals such as coyotes, foxes, or even larger predators like bears or mountain lions. In this case, you really need to consider if letting your dog out on its own is a good idea or not, especially during dawn and dusk when many predators are most active. One potential solution might be to consider installing a fence around your property to prevent other animals from entering. Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: How high should a dog fence be for a lab? Nasty germs and bacteria that can infect or sicken your dog can be found in large quantities in outdoor surroundings. Before letting your puppy go outside to explore, ensure sure they have received all of their recommended immunizations to reduce the danger. Allergic reactions Dogs are susceptible to developing allergies to a variety of environmental elements, including pollen, mold, and dust, which are more common outside. Skin irritation, itching, sneezing, and respiratory discomfort are just a few of the different ways that allergic responses in dogs can present themselves. How to prevent all that? Maintaining a clean, allergen-free yard and surrounds is your best defense. Negative surface preference As you transition your dog outside for potty, they could find it difficult to get used to new surfaces like grass. This may cause them to hold in their bowel or urine movements, which may result in house accidents or discomfort for your puppy. Now, thanks to technology, you can speak to one without leaving your home.