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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:. One dog trying to avoid the other Tucked tail Ears flat These are all obvious signs that the dogs may not be compatible. This may extend as far as setting aside an entire room for just the new dog. Your Lab should have free run of the home, but with the ability to check up on the new dog when it wishes to. Double Up! Even if your dogs seem to be getting along fine, jealousy can flare up quickly if the new kid on the block makes itself at home on the only dog bed! The same goes for favorite toys. Keep these items in the separation area at first, so that your new dog can make them their own. Supervised Visits When the dogs are allowed to interact openly in your home, supervise them at all times during the early days. Praise both of them for good behavior and reward them with treats. Should either dog become aggressive, verbally admonish the aggressor or both, if they both act up and then separate them for a brief period before allowing them together again. Neither dog should be made to feel as if they are not the favorite. Training sessions can be enhanced by using one dog as a distraction for the other. Trust me when I say, there will be times when it will be useful to have one dog be capable of ignoring the other nail trimming sessions come to mind. But having said that, each dog will enjoy, and benefit from, individual one-on-one training time with you. These are the times that enhance the bond between you and your dog, and let them know they have a special place in your life. Food Fight! Maybe more so! Naturally, meal times are a time of heightened alertness, too, since each dog is anxious to make sure it gets its share. Trying to feed your dogs in the same space can lead to a showdown. Yes, dogs will fight over empty bowls! Eventually, the dogs will come to learn whose is whose when it comes to meal time, but it is always a good idea to keep them apart when they eat to avoid any possible agitation. And maintain separate time-out spaces, including individual crates, if you have the space. A multi-dog home can be a crazy, and patience-trying place at times. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. You should take your puppy outdoors and let him exercise his socialization potential at a young age. Visiting friends and family is one way to go about it. You can also spot a dog park and carry him there. Remember that your pet is still learning to follow directions and walk with you. You cannot expect him to cover long distances. The best way to avoid this is to take them far enough from the house and ensure they have a positive outside experience. It is worth noting that you should do this as often as you can, preferably daily. Start Potty Training It would be best to start potty training your Lab puppy the first day you bring him home. Start by showing your pup where you want him to potty, such as a sectioned-off area of your yard or garden. A good idea is to cordon off a small area and add some bark chippings. Next, you need a potty training schedule such as first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, and hourly for young pups. Many owners use dog crates to help with house training. I have a step-by-step guide on Labrador puppy crate training where you can learn tons more. Discourage Biting If you follow my blog, you know I am against punishment-oriented training. If you train your dog young enough to avoid harsh bites, you will not need punishment-driven discipline strategies. In any case, using physical force or yelling at your pup will only instill fear and distrust and can cause aggression in your dog. You can also check out my article, How to Discipline a Labrador , for greater insight into this topic. Instead, you can wait until your Labrador bites during a positive activity and then discontinue it. It will anchor the consequence better. Follow up using positive reinforcement by rewarding the correct behavior with a treat. Your Labrador will quickly learn that displaying good behavior reaps nice things. Puppies need to learn their bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the excellent work their mother and siblings taught them. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Instill Patience You must use your best judgment when training your dog to be patient. Generally speaking, your Labrador will be mature enough to learn self-control by the tenth week. You can use a clicker or a whistle to teach your puppy to assume the natural heel position. Chances are, at first, your Labrador will try to change his pace to be behind you because of the force of habit. Walking in areas familiar to your dog will eliminate this problem. While you previously trained him to assume a heel position, you can also teach him these techniques. You may notice that your puppy can tell your words apart by the thirteenth week. So by the time he is four months old, you can use the position cues and positive reinforcement to get your dog to follow. These included whistling, clapping, or saying a specific word to indicate that your Labrador is doing a good job, typically followed by a well-deserved treat. Now is the time to see whether the anchors work! Where you previously whistled when your Lab ran towards you, now you must whistle, so he begins his run. This is the start of his Labrador recall training. Teaching good recall is an ongoing process. My dog was around 12 months old before seeing a noticeable improvement in her recall. Please avoid forcing the dog, as that only introduces confusion. Build Comfort With Crowds — Work on Socialization You have trained your Labrador to acknowledge close friends and family in the past few weeks. While this enables the puppy to be more social when you have visitors, a grown dog must learn to walk outdoors without acting out. This transition must be gradual, and try to keep experiences positive. Whether it is a cuddle, a pat, attention, or something tasty, you must teach your pup target training , for example, to touch a target with a specific part of his body. Remember that your Lab may end up biting or clawing to communicate if you do not teach him more acceptable communication methods. Here, I recommend teaching your Labrador to touch your hand with his nose. Ultimately, this is an excellent replacement for bites! Hand targeting is fun to teach, helps your pup build trust, and gets him using his brain! You have laid a strong foundation of discipline and positive reinforcement, making it easier to train your dog to follow more complex commands. In these weeks, you will introduce him to assuming different positions, obeying your commands as he moves away from you, and reacting to more nuanced anchors. Remember, 4-month-old Labrador puppies have a short attention span, so avoid long training sessions. Teach the Sit and Stay Teaching your Lab to sit and stay is a useful command for him to learn. Train Your Dog to Fetch If you have taken your Labrador to public parks and he has seen other dogs play fetch, it will be easier to teach him to retrieve whatever you throw. Your Labrador may not bring the toy back to you for a second round, but he will soon get the idea of retrieving it. You can gradually turn it into a game of fetch over the next few weeks and reward your doggo with high-value training treats. Continue Potty Training In the fourth month of Labrador training, you will continue potty training with a degree of independence. Continue with a good schedule and sync your walks with his natural cycle to align with the times he needs to go. You can use it to control your Labrador and later to test his ability to execute a command off-leash. A harness is also a good idea and is used for outdoor training and walks. Many owners will opt for a rear-attaching harness. Related: Harness vs. Collar for Lab Puppy: Which is Best? How to Train a 5-Month-Old Lab Puppy A five-month-old Labrador puppy is ready to be tested for his general obedience and the ability to deal with distractions, whether other dogs, people, or other animals such as squirrels or birds. Earlier, I mentioned that you could not expect an eight-week-old puppy to delay gratification. Your puppy can deal with distractions at five months old if you introduce them slowly. You must be prepared for your dog to run ahead of you now! However, suppose you have developed a solid relationship with your pup and worked on his training. In that case, he will stay within a reasonable distance, remaining by your side and showing loyalty. Once your Lab puppy has reached his 6-month milestone, it also marks the point where you introduce him to advanced obedience training. The good news is that all the training you have previously given will make it easier for your dog to follow your lead. Conclude Potty Training Your dog has had months to learn how to communicate his need to go potty. He has also likely refined the patience to hold it instead of relieving himself on the floor. Therefore, you can communicate your disappointment with your body language if your dog makes a mess. Avoid physical punishment and even verbal chastising as it impacts your dog negatively. All dogs can still have the odd accident up to 12 months old. Moreover, you must be prepared for your dog to relieve himself indoors if he is excited or frightened, known as either excitement or submissive urination. Increase Exercise Now that your Lab puppy is six months old, you can increase his exercise to thirty minutes twice daily. Energy levels, especially for larger breed dogs, escalate during this time. While the average exercise for a pup before this is generally five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day, a six-month-old Labrador can be out for one hour if you split his walks into thirty minutes a day. To train your 6-month-old Lab puppy, start with two commands with the most practical use. From six months onwards, until your Labrador is a well-trained adult, you can teach the following commands or tricks in any order. How to Train a 7-Month-Old Labrador As your Lab progresses to seven months old, a lot of the previous training needs to be kept consistent as you gradually teach him to comprehend more commands. Maybe there is a trespasser, and you want your dog to scare them away. You will need to continue training your dog to hold things or release them on command, but you can also proceed to add distance and even more background distractions. Ironically, you need to teach him to bark on command before learning to be silent on cue. Over this month, he will learn to associate the respective commands with barking and silence. This is quite tricky, but your Lab will eventually get there if you practice and stay consistent. The eighth month is ideal for training your Lab to go to different places upon hearing the command word. Either way, do not overload him with place commands, and stick to no more than two per month. Or you can use the ninth month to teach a cool party trick! After a week, you can remove the treat and teach your Lab to follow your finger. Of course, you will still need to reward him after he follows the command. By the third week, you can cue your doggo to spin and see if he does so without your finger guiding him in a circular motion. It might take an extra week or two, but I recommend this as an addition in the ninth month because it allows you to continue training your pet to learn previous commands better. You can teach him to go to different places, hold or release objects, and fetch toys. You can now progress this further and teach him to roll over on command. Your 1-year-old Labrador only learns to comprehend more at the same pace as he has since the 6-month mark. You should also audit previously taught commands and see any weak associations you can reinforce. How to Train an Month-Old Labrador You will not have to alter your training regimen dramatically if you have trained your Labrador properly from eight weeks onward. If anything, this is the period where you customize his training to your convenience. Now is when your dog must learn to be compatible with your life. From the month mark onwards, you must train your dog to be harmonious with modern adult life within reason. It is sad to see dog owners having to give away their pets because of behavior issues. Such things are avoidable if you train your dog correctly and sufficiently exercise him. It would be best if you simply established authority by having a positive yet commanding presence. Once your dog acknowledges your authority and sees you as a guide, you can merely treat him as a six-month-old, albeit on an accelerated schedule, and train him accordingly. Your job becomes even easier once you have a workable training schedule and stick to your routine. This month-by-month Labrador puppy training schedule will help you successfully train your doggo and turn him into the beloved companion you always desired. Good luck with your training! Related Posts You May Like:. Check Price on Amazon 6. Make Commands Only Once When it comes to training, what you give is what you get. This is known as command nagging. Teach your pup to heed a command at its first mention. If an order is not executed the first time, show your Lab what you want them to do and make the command again. Repeat that until they learn to obey the first time the command is made. Discipline at the Precise Moment of the Unwanted Behavior Timing is crucial when disciplining your 8-week-old Labrador pup. Dogs will typically forget an experience in 2 minutes. However, they can recall your training commands through associative memory. Once your pup has corrected his unwanted behavior with the desired behavior, reward him with a tasty treat and lots of praise. To learn more about how to discipline your dog, check out my top article, How to Discipline a Labrador: What Not to Do! It can also cause aggression in dogs , as found in this year-long study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania. Using physical punishment such as hitting, kicking, or grabbing the jowls and shaking, is simply animal abuse. Other unacceptable methods are physically forcing the dog down onto its side or back, growling at your dog, withdrawing food, using a shock collar, or tying it for hours. Wean Your Puppy off Training Treats Your Labrador needs to learn that skills and commands are not learned or obeyed for the sole motive of a treat. For this reason, it is important to wean your puppy off treats when he has repeatedly performed the behavior and completely mastered it in different locations and with various distractions. Nonetheless, your Labrador puppy is still a dog in training, and you still need to tell him that he has done the right thing. The rule of thumb is that they are trained young when it comes to dog training. You should train Labrador puppies as soon as you bring them home, typically around 8 weeks of age. The American Kennel Club AKC indicates that the first key milestone when training a Lab pup is 8 weeks, as soon as they have left their mother. It is a crucial time to lay the foundation for your Labrador puppy to integrate into the family. When you bring your Labrador Retriever puppy home at two months, it has most likely interacted with a few situations and is eager enough to learn and follow the rules of a new home. A recent study scientifically proved that 8-week-old puppies are quite capable of learning at this young age as they quickly learned to open a puzzle box baited with food and remembered the skill an hour later. Interestingly, these puppies learned the skill better from a human rather than their mother. Other studies have also proven that it is effective for future behavior to teach puppies socialization and other skills rather than adults. In this study, puppies who attended a command and socialization training class for one hour a day for six months responded better to strangers than adult dogs who attended the same classes. Are Lab Puppies Easy to Train? Lab puppies are easy to train. They are a working breed that enjoys physical and mental stimulation and have many positive traits. They are intelligent, devoted, friendly, highly social, and love to please. They are often used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, or search and rescue due to their easy trainability. Apart from the age factor, other breed-specific reasons make training a Labrador puppy easy. Here are three examples: Labradors are among the most intelligent dog breeds. In his book, The Intelligence of Dogs, canine psychologist Stanley Coren lists Labradors in the top tier of the smartest dogs. So, even at just two months, your puppy has it in his blood to learn and carry out commands. To perform their original working job of retrieving fish that came off the trawl, Labradors had to be watchful and enthusiastic. These are essential learning characteristics. As game and waterfowl retrievers for hunters, Labradors have to be obedient. Another core training requirement makes your Lab puppy easy to train. With these ten principles on exactly how to train an 8-week-old Labrador, you can now apply them to the key areas your young puppy needs to be trained in. Labrador Puppy Training: Key Areas There are five critical areas in which you must appropriately train your 8-week-old Lab puppy. In the next section, I will tell you what the training entails. How to Socialize a Labrador They say humans are social beings, but that is also true about dogs. Socialization begins with the breeder and continues with you. To socialize a Labrador, expose him to many different places and situations. Include sounds, smells, other adults, children, animals, cars, objects, etc. Dogs who are well socialized in the first 12 weeks will be set up for life. Socializing and training your puppy young plays a significant role in the development of adult dogs, as evidenced in this important study. Here are two key findings: Dogs that are well socialized as pups will behave more positively with humans and are less likely to display unwanted behavioral problems such as fear and aggression. Socialized dogs are more likely to engage in positive social behaviors with humans. They also learn better how to play games with humans, helping them establish a true bond with their owners. As a puppy, you can teach your Labrador social skills and confidence through intentional training moments in the family. Once he has completed his vaccinations, take him to public places such as parks or puppy socialization classes. Put him outside hourly and learn to anticipate when he needs to go. Reward and praise him when he does go outside. Usually, puppies will need to relieve themselves early in the morning and after meals. Use their natural rhythm for daily pee or poop walks. Dogs hate messing in the area they sleep in and usually hold it. Nonetheless, very young puppies might be unable to do so. Walk your Labrador after his morning meal and hang around for 15 minutes or so to allow him to do his thing. Repeat the same in the evening. Puppies will need to be allowed to relieve themselves every hour, and for vaccinated dogs, a short walk every hours is an ideal routine to prevent them from peeing around the house. If you crate your puppy because you need to go out, get someone to help you stick to the routine. Repeating this routine for the first few days will give your new furry friend a good idea of his expectations. Check out my guide to Labrador potty training here. To crate train an 8-week-old Labrador puppy, start as soon as you bring him home. Slowly introduce him to the crate by throwing a treat inside and let him explore the crate voluntarily. When you first leave him with the door closed, make sure he is tired as he will sleep and not be afraid. Check out my Best Dog Crates for Labradors and Playpens recommendations, including soft crates, travel crates, and furniture styles. Here are six key things you should practice when crate-training your Labrador: Keep your puppy in the crate at night. Initiate crate training from the very first day you bring your puppy home. It will be harder to succeed in crate training if your puppy gets used to other sleeping arrangements. My puppy cried during the first night, but she was just fine after that. Lab puppies can be left alone in a crate for 1 hour for each month of age for up to 4 hours. Keep your dog in the crate when you are out of the house. This is also for his safety, such as when you are cooking. Do not let your Lab out of the cage when barking or giving you those puppy eyes. Instead, reward good behavior in the crate, i. He will quickly learn that being quiet leads to nice things. He will quickly learn that this special place is just for him. Various toys and bedding will offer some comfort for your Labrador. When purchasing a crate for your puppy, the best ones will give your Lab enough room to stand, sit, turn, and lie down comfortably on his side with paws outstretched. Instead, buy a crate with an adjustable divider that allows him to grow into and choose a standard metal model with either a single or double door. Travel kennels like this Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel , also from Amazon, are also hardy when you are on the move with your dog. This one is even airline adaptable and meets most airline cargo specifications. Older dogs may refrain from biting because they have been trained not to hurt as they have learned their bite inhibition. This simply means that the dog has learned to control the strength of his bite. This sends the message that the bite hurts. Persist by leaving your hand in his mouth until he lets go, then use lots of praise. All puppies need to master this technique that they initially learned from their mother and littermates. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Training your Lab puppy to soft bite must be done in puppyhood as an adolescent dog will not know how to adjust the force of his jaws when he has adult teeth and adult jaw muscles. This can be devastating for you both, should your Labrador go on to bite someone! Have realistic expectations — as it can take your puppy weeks to learn his soft bite. How to Train a Labrador Puppy to Walk on a Leash Walking on a leash is not a natural skill in dogs — they need to learn it! Teach a leash cue, then introduce the pup to very short walks. If the dog pulls, stand fast and wait for him to return to you before continuing. Do this by letting him wear them for short periods inside the house and yard. I find the best no-pull harness to be those that are not rear-attached, such as the Walk Your Dog With Love harness. They give you more control and are ideal for medium-large breeds. Give a treat when the command is obeyed. Introduce your Lab to short walks outside on a leash. When it appears he is about to lunge toward another dog or object, quickly distract him with a treat. Timing is crucial. Reward him every time commands are obeyed and gradually reduce the rewards as the art of leash walking is perfected. You can start steps 1 and 2 when the puppy is young, but you can only commence step 3 once the dog has been vaccinated. Final Thoughts Eight weeks old is the perfect time to train a Labrador puppy in key areas such as socialization, crate training, potty training, not biting, and leash training. To successfully train your Lab puppy in these areas, you must follow good training principles such as using reward-based training, being consistent in your commands, and disciplining at the precise moment of poor behavior. Begin with basic commands before introducing more complex or trick commands. Related Posts You May Like:. But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Alaskan Malamutes are speculated to have descended from wolves and may have accompanied hunters on their travels as far back as 4, years ago. Named after the Mahlemuts Indian tribe, they have long been bred for pulling sleds and assisting in big game hunts. As the official state dog of Alaska, this AKC-recognized breed has gained large fame across much of the northern and central United States. As you might expect, German Shepherds originally hail from Germany. Developed through intensive crossbreeding of native shepherding dogs in the early s, they were bred specifically to herd sheep. Renowned for their responsiveness and naturally well-behaved temperaments, they soon became a popular option for working dogs in every profession — even the German military. Their ancestors may have crossed the Bering Strait. As far back as 4, years ago, it is speculated that Paleo-Indian tribes migrated from Asia to North America via a land bridge that was only passable due to lower ocean levels. Larger dogs of this breed can nearly double the average weight. Uncommon amongst any dog breed, the Alaskan Shepherd has ancient genes that sometimes produce surprising results. Whereas most dogs of this breed weigh between 60 and 80 pounds, the largest examples can weigh in excess of pounds! Puppies of this breed can seem to have boundless energy and require substantial amounts of training to curb their constant enthusiasm and occasional recklessness. Are These Dogs Good for Families? While they would never intentionally harm a child — and often go to great lengths to protect them — their herding instincts can lead them to bully or boss children around without meaning to. As puppies, they may not be as inclined to spend time with other dogs and especially not cats or rabbits. Once they grow older and naturally mellow out, though, they can be very sociable and welcoming dogs. Things to Know When Owning an Alaskan Shepherd Adopting an Alaskan Shepherd will almost certainly be a large investment of your time, money, and attention. Possessed of great stores of energy and endurance, they love being taken outdoors for walks, runs, and hikes. A good baseline to shoot for is an hour per day of moderate activity, though they can easily handle more without complaint. If you like a dog that you can play games with, the Alaskan Shepherd is an excellent choice! This is especially true in the spring and fall when they will lose one coat to prepare for the season ahead. Weekly brushings will suffice for most of the year, but this should be increased to a daily frequency during their shedding seasons. However, they have inherited a tendency from their ancestors towards a few medical conditions, such as the following: Minor Conditions. However, both parents may still carry specific genes, such as those for hip and elbow dysplasia, putting your Alaskan Shepherd puppy at risk. Always seek out a reputable breeder and always ask to see the DNA reports and hip and elbow scores of the parents before purchasing a puppy. This way, you do not encourage irresponsible breeding practices. Some other genetic issues to look out for include cartilaginous exostosis, which involves bony enlargements on any part of the skeleton except the skull, and chondrodysplasia, which sometimes affects Malamutes. It is a type of dwarfism that creates abnormally shaped limbs. Malamutes should also be screened for idiopathic polyneuropathy, day blindness, hypothyroidism, and cataracts before they are bred. In terms of the German Shepherd parent , genetic disorders include degenerative myelopathy, resulting in complete paralysis of the hindlegs, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This problem can lead to digestive issues. German Shepherds are also prone to various cancers, such as renal cystadenocarcinoma and nodular dermatofibrosis. These cause skin nodules and kidney tumors. German Shepherd crosses have been known to inherit these genes. An Alaskan Shepherd is also at risk for Von Willebrand disease, a blood-clotting disorder. While some dogs may never show any symptoms of this disease, others might bleed profusely from orifices like the nose, and cuts and scrapes can turn quite serious. Finally, since this is an active breed with a hearty appetite, its diet should be monitored if it eats a little more than it burns off exercising, as Alaskan Shepherds have been known to struggle with obesity. What is the lifespan of an Alaskan Shepherd? The German Shepherd is often not a long-lived dog, which can influence its offspring. However, the Alaskan Malamute is quite hardy, and so the Alaskan Shepherd can be expected to live between 7 and 14 years. The trainability of a Malamute German Shepherd mix: Temperament and Intelligence Generally, the Alaskan Shepherd inherits a high working drive from both parents, meaning it is at its happiest when it has a job to do. It also usually has the intelligence of the German Shepherd, making it moderately to highly trainable. One trait it will also likely gain from its GSD parent is its guardian instincts. However, this might be affected by the Malamute parent, as Malamutes are incredibly affectionate to all people and are usually not good guard dogs. Many Alaskan Shepherd owners report their dogs making the same hilarious sounds. However, like many ancient breeds, the Malamute is an independent and sometimes domineering dog with little patience for repetition in training and a strong mind of its own. It may well pass this willfulness down to the Alaskan Shepherd. Sociability with Other Pets It should also be noted that while the Malamute typically loves people, it also tends to have a high prey drive, making it a challenge to keep in homes with smaller animals. It has also been known to be dominant and sometimes aggressive with other dogs. So much so that it is recommended never to keep these dogs with others of the same gender. It is hoped that in the Alaskan Shepherd mix, although some of this may be less prevalent, that you socialize the dog from an early age and establish yourself as a pack leader. Preferably it should live in a cooler climate, better suited for its double coat, and should be given access to as much space as possible. Do German Shepherd Malamute mixes make good family dogs? The Alaskan Shepherd is the perfect dog for the right family. They tend to be protective and loving with children, although they should always be supervised because of their size. So long as their need for stimulation, challenges, and exercise are met, they are loyal guardians and devoted companions. Raising a German Shepherd Malamute mix puppy As a large to possibly giant dog, the German Shepherd Malamute cross needs to have its exercise carefully monitored while young to avoid undue stress on its joints. This is no small task since a young Alaskan Shepherd is likely to be rambunctious and rowdy. This means it will need carefully structured exercise and early socialization and training to deal with any potential aggression problems. Training should be kept short and positive to avoid problems with its stubborn streak. It will also need specially formulated food to help it grow. For this, it is best to speak to your veterinarian and make sure he is on a balanced diet. Since it is a mixed breed, the exact price can be hard to pinpoint. While this may not be the breed for a passive home, it can make an excellent companion, hunter, and sledding dog for anybody willing to put in the time. With enough stimulation, exercise, and training, the Alaskan Shepherd is likely to make one of the best dogs a person could own. If you are interested in this breed or have any experience with them, be sure to let us know about it in the comments below. Tamsin De La Harpe Author Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs. This mixed breed is a cross between a German Shepherd and Alaskan Malamute that likely originated in the early s. Bred to carry packages and pull sleds, breeders wanted the best of two already popular, strong purebreds. Over the years, people combined various strains of this purebred to produce the modern-day GSD. Fun fact: The German Shepherd is quite popular in pop culture, too. From wolf to dog: the Alaskan Malamute Alaskan Malamutes , or simply Mals, are descendants of canines from the Paleolithic period. Meet the cheerful Alaskan Malamute Malamutes are directly domesticated from their wolf ancestors, explaining their fierce wolf-like appearance — rock deep chests with powerful shoulders and erect ears. It tells the tale of a scientific expedition in Antarctica. What does an Alaskan Shepherd look like? They have pointy, erect ears, and eyes that can be hazel, brown, or blue. Then their noses can either be black or brown. German Shepherd Malamute mixes have great strength, which is evident in their muscular body and sturdy disposition. How big does a German Shepherd Malamute mix get? Alaskan Shepherds have a height of 21 to 28 inches 53 to 71 cm and weigh 60 to pounds 27 to 59 kg , with females being a tad smaller than males. Medium- to giant-sized dogs are NOT suitable for apartment living. They need a house with a large indoor and outdoor space to be comfortable. Are German Shepherd Malamute mixes hypoallergenic? They have a straight, medium-length double coat made up of a soft, dense undercoat and a thick, rough topcoat. These fluffy beauties can have a red, brown, gold, black, and grey color coat. But other combinations and shades are possible too, like blue, silver, sable, white, cream, and liver. They can be tricolored, too. Temperament: Is a German Shepherd Malamute mix a good family dog? Alaskan Shepherds are affectionate, loyal crossbreeds that are excellent with children. Be cautious and supervise play because this pooch might not be aware of how strong and big they are. Their independence can make them stubborn and would need a pack leader. Early socialization and training are crucial to avoid potential aggressive behaviors, which comes from their GSD parent. Eventually, they can serve as therapy or service dogs. So go ahead and train your pup as early as two and a half weeks. Want to see how smart the German Shepherd-Alaskan Malamute cross is? Watch this video of Zoey instinctively herding goats! After bringing your Alaskan Shepherd home Be aware that these dogs require moderate to intense maintenance. They need some serious upkeep. Are you up for it? This will provide you full access to brush her coat, especially the parts where matting often occur, like the neck area. Get your bristle brush and run it in one direction. Some owners use a deshedding tool twice a week to lessen the amount of shedding. Baths should only be given when your doggo looks and smells dirty to avoid drying her coat and skin. And use a soothing shampoo that has aloe vera and oatmeal. For that weekly ear cleaning, use a cotton ball and a dog-specific ear solution. The frequency of nail trims will depend on activity level since dogs can naturally wear down their nails with exercise. They could get dry and scaly; if this happens, you can use Vaseline as treatment. Exercise: How active are Alaskan Shepherds? The Alaskan Malamute-German Shepherd cross has parents with a working background, so we can expect this pooch to be highly active. But at least an hour of exercise a day will be sufficient. Plan for a range of activities to keep your fur baby engaged. They also need mental stimulation. You can play fetch with her, or give her time to enjoy sniffing and running around. The best food for a German Shepherd Malamute mix The kind of diet and amount of food you should give your dog will depend on her age, weight, metabolism, and health. Choose a brand with high levels of protein and calcium, as well as easy-to-digest ingredients like rice, chicken, and barley. Hypoallergenic dog food may also be a great choice since the German Shepherd breed is prone to various allergies. Resist those puppy-dog eyes! Are these dogs healthy? Still, all dogs can inherit some of the health problems that their purebred parents are predisposed to. Where to buy Alaskan Shepherd puppies? There are many places where you can find a German Shepherd Malamute mix puppy for sale. Do your research and ask questions before deciding who to buy from. Responsible breeders mostly require potential buyers to visit their kennel for a meet-and-greet, as well as to conduct interviews. In fact, we encourage you to get a dog that aligns with your lifestyle. Here are other designer dogs you may want to check out:. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. He is very energetic and well mannered. He is very gentle with children and protective of the whole family. He is very loving and great with our kids as young as 2 years old. He is very calm and we couldn't ask for a better puppy. He is full of energy and very loving. An intelligent dog and very easy to train. He howls like a Malamute and barks like a Shepherd. He loves playing with other pups and dogs as soon as he is familiar with them and his surroundings. He is very well house trained already and has not shed a hair in our home. He is very dependent on us for companionship and does not like being alone at all. He is very big boned and strong. He gets a lot of exercise, loves to play and is friendly with people. Ben is very intelligent and is easily trained. His prey drive is very high but living with a cranky cat is curbing that. An amazing pup who's growing quickly into an excellent well mannered Alaskan Shepherd who tends to howl at night. She is a very intelligent, mostly well-behaved dog who can be stubborn at times when it comes to learning commands, but she is very well housetrained. Naomi adapts well to new environments, proving this when we moved from the country to an apartment nearly miles away. She loves car rides and going places. She is very people-oriented and is good with children and cats, but she likes to establish her rank with other dogs before accepting their presence. She can be a bully, but is not really dog-aggressive. This dog is not very playful with other dogs, but loves to play with people. She displays many Malamute behaviors and some Shepherd behavior. She rarely barks, but instead makes the "woooo" talking sound Malamutes make and she howls when sirens are heard. She has some protective behaviors will growl at suspicious people when being walked at night , but she probably wouldn't keep a burglar out of the house if I was away. Her appearance and size, however, deter many people from coming too close without asking. She can be mischievous, but she is generally laid-back as long as she's walked several times a day. She is very clean and grooms herself like a cat. She sheds A LOT all year long. She is a large dog, around 83 pounds. Naomi was diagnosed with hip dysplasia when she was a year old and it had already caused arthritis. The only bad point is he sheds a huge amount of fur, but that may be due to the heating inside our home. Their eyes will be almond-shaped and usually brown, although they can have hazel or blue eyes depending on their parents. The colour of their coat can vary greatly between the two dogs with some appearing greyer like an Alaskan Malamute and having browns and reds like the German Shepherd. Regardless of the colouring, their coat will be very dense. Their fur is usually quite thick and straight, taking after their parent breeds, and will be medium to long in length. Alaskan Shepherd Grooming Much like both parent breeds, Alaskan Shepherds need regular grooming to keep their coats looking healthy and in good condition. They have a very dense double coat that sheds heavily, especially when they are blowing their coat which usually happens once or twice a year. As a result, Alaskan Shepherds will need a grooming session at least once a week to remove loose hairs and keep their coat looking shiny and healthy. Daily or twice-daily grooming will be necessary during coat-blowing season. We recommend prospective owners invest in a good deshedder tool, along with a slicker brush and a pin brush in order to be well equipped for grooming. Alaskan Shepherds only need bathing with shampoo occasionally, for example once a month, as their double coat is designed to stay naturally clean. In between baths, their undercoats should be checked for any debris that may have gathered whilst outside. Alaskan Shepherds are not a hypoallergenic breed and therefore, they are not suitable for owners with allergies. As with all dogs, their nails will need to be trimmed regularly and their teeth should be kept clean with dental chews or otherwise. They are very intelligent dogs and benefit from being trained to learn commands and tricks. Their intelligence does mean that they can become restless and bored if they are not given stimulation, which can sometimes lead to anxiety and destructive behaviours such as chewing. Much like the Alaskan Malamute, the Alaskan Shepherd is a stubborn breed and they enjoy their independence just as much as they enjoy company. They will happily walk all over their owners if they are allowed to and owners need to be as strong-willed as their dogs to prevent any destructive or dominant behaviours from developing. For that reason, we do not recommend the Alaskan Shepherd to first-time dog owners. Whilst Alaskan Shepherds are very friendly towards humans, they can be aggressive to other dogs and pets within the home. They should be socialised with other dogs at a young age to prevent aggression in later life. The breed is suitable to live with children, but they should always be supervised when around young children due to their large size and build. Alaskan Shepherd Health Note: If you have any health concerns about your dog, please speak to a registered vet. The expected lifespan of an Alaskan Shepherd is 10 to 13 years. As with all dog breeds, the Alaskan Shepherd is prone to certain health problems in their lives. The main health concerns to look out for are: Obesity — Both the Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd are prone to obesity caused by overeating. Chondrodysplasia — an abnormal growth of cartilage that results in disproportionate dwarfism, sometimes seen in the Alaskan malamute. Degenerative Myelopathy — a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs that can eventually result in the inability to move the hind legs, more commonly seen in the German Shepherd. These are all typical concerns of large dog breeds. As the owner of an Alaskan Shepherd, there are several health tests you can ask for at the vet to ensure their health is on the right track. Booking them in for these tests on regular occasions once yearly for example can help to identify any of the above-mentioned health problems early. The recommended health tests for an Alaskan Shepherd are: Elbow and hip evaluation DNA test for von Willebrand disease Ophthalmologist evaluation If you are adopting an Alaskan Shepherd puppy, make sure you have them vaccinated against preventable diseases and regularly worm and flea them. Alaskan Shepherd Exercise Needs Both the Alaskan Malamute and the German Shepherd were bred to be working dogs and as a result, require a lot of daily exercise to keep them occupied. It should be no surprise, therefore, that the Alaskan Shepherd is also a high-energy and high-endurance breed. The average Alaskan Shepherd will need around 60 minutes of activity a day but this will typically decrease with age. Alaskan Shepherds love the outdoors so having a large yard for them to run around is essential. They should also ideally live somewhere close by to parks or long walking trails to help fulfil their daily exercise needs. As previously mentioned, Alaskan Shepherds are highly intelligent breeds and they need plenty of ways to keep their mind stimulated throughout the day to prevent them from getting bored. The height of these crossbreeds varies from 21 to 24 inches. Males and females have little height difference. You can expect this crossbreed to have a medium-length, double coat. The colors of their coat can be a combination of black, gray, red, gold, and brown. This type of coat helps them cope with the extremely cold environment. The Malamute German Shepherds are diligent working dogs. On top of that, they are alert and aware of their surroundings. They make excellent watchdogs. They bark appropriately without being annoying and disturbing. They have keen senses to discern suspicious acts and people. Another trait it possesses is its affectionate nature. The gentle and loving German Shepherd Malamutes can come off as intimidating at first sight. In reality, they are fluffy and lovable dogs that enjoy the company of people. You must apply good researching techniques to locate professional breeders when it comes to crossbreeds. Professional breeders allow you to access the documents of the puppy, including health records and DNA testing. They also provide a suitable environment for the upbringing of the dogs. They will help you become reassured that the dogs will grow to have minimal problems regarding their health. Visit the breeders in their location is highly recommended. Another way to verify a breeder is through this visitation. You might think that another good place to acquire this crossbreed is through purchasing in pet stores. I advise against this method. As a breeding ground, the puppy mill has thousands of stories supporting the terrible conditions for breeding. The puppy mill does not provide the most suitable environment for rearing puppies. In this place, the puppies are forced to mate with one another and give birth. This mixed breed is relatively rare. There are some breed-specific and non-profit rescue centers all over the country. You can check out these rescue shelters to obtain a new fluffy companion. Their shedding process usually involves a lot of mess and hair, especially during periods with warm weather and when placed in a blistering environment. Brushing the coat needs to be done for three to five times per week. If your dog has a collar, remove it when brushing the coat, and do not leave out the neck area unkempt. You should pay attention to spots where tangles occur often, like the base of the ears. You can prevent loose hair from the brushing process by dousing the coat with water. Another tip for maintaining the shine of the coat is using a slicker brush instead of a pin brush. You can also get rid of loose hair and some debris by using the brush. If you notice that your dog is uncomfortable each time you brush or comb its coat, you should consider starting a desensitization training. The process starts with using your hands to familiarize the dog with the brushing activity. After some time, you may alternate between using a real brush or comb and using your hands. You can finally change to a full-time brushing with a slicker brush after a few weeks. The little parts of the Malamute German Shepherd Mix, such as its eyes, nose, nails, ears, and paws, must be cared for as well. You should check for ear infection signs like the accumulation of earwax. A cotton ball and an ear solution formulated for dogs are must-haves for sanitary ears. For dried and scaly paws, you may utilize Vaseline as treatment. The popular opinion of daily bathing for dogs is not advisable to follow. The indication for bathing the dog is its appearance or smell. You may use formulations with ingredients that are soothing to its skin, like aloe vera. It is important to determine some early signs of skin lesions. If you are unable to do the necessary steps for grooming, you should opt to bring your pup to a professional groomer in your locale. There are many innate and environmental factors affecting the health status of the crossbreed. Some of these factors are genetic make-up, the environment where it grew up, nutrition, and level of activity. There are some health problems with a predilection to one of the parent breeds. As a reliable owner, you must be cognizant of the health risks of this crossbreed. Obesity: This mixed breed tends to eat more than its requirement. This should be controlled because it makes the dog vulnerable to many diseases, such as back pains, cancer, and joint problems. Chondrodysplasia: This condition may lead to hip dysplasia. Degenerative myelopathy: This is an untreatable and progressive disorder that results to the inability to move the hind legs. Von Willebrand disease: It is a blood disorder that causes a lot of blood loss. One of the things you can do is to acquire vaccines. The recommended vaccines for puppies are rabies, measles, and a combination vaccine called DHPP. I strongly advise seeking the help of a trustworthy veterinarian to become knowledgeable on the signs and symptoms to watch out for. Malamute Crossed with German Shepherd Food Requirements There is no fixed quantity of food for a dog, even among those with the same breeds. You need the most appropriate diet that will result in the optimal condition of your dog. The general amount of food suitable for an adult German Shepherd Malamute mix dog may vary from 2 cups to 3 cups of high-quality food items. Two to three meals per day are advised for these crossbreeds. Your dog requires healthy bones and joints for its activity. It needs a healthy amount of calcium for that. Calcium will also aid in giving the best status of immunity. Another vital mineral for the development of bones and joints is phosphorus. Below is an inventory of the recommended dry food for the Malamute crossed with German Shepherd dogs. It includes nine simple key ingredients. It has a meat component that ensures a tasty and adequate amount of animal protein. It does not have any unhealthy additives. This brand has a 4, 12, or pound bags available. Purina HA Hypoallergenic: This hypoallergenic formulation is perfect for some dogs which may be predisposed to developing food intolerance and allergies. The optimal effect of this product is achieved by giving this alone for eight to 12 weeks. You can combine this food with other kinds of high-quality kibbles after the said period. It does not have allergenic materials like soy, whey, and gluten. It does not have artificial flavors. It contains Omega-6 fatty acids that help in moisturizing the coat and adding the healthy glow for the skin. It has easy-to-digest and organic components such as rice, chicken, and barley. It has reported on nutritional breakthroughs. It possesses prime chicken and customized fiber system for easy digestion. The German Shepherd Malamute mix may be at risk for overfeeding and obesity. An easy way to determine this is by doing the hands-on test and eye test. These two tests will require you to examine the dog beside you and looking at its waist from above. You will feel the ribs of the dog when you press down if the dog is not overweight. A positive result of this test should alert you as a responsible owner. A veterinarian can help immensely in managing the diet and other health concerns of your dog. You should consider involving one while planning for acquiring a new family member. Whether you adopt a big or small doggo, feed them only with premium-quality food to keep them happy and healthy all the time. Steer clear of the worst dry dog food , and get only the best dry dog food for your furry companion. If your furry buddy is still but a munchkin, consult our list of the best puppy food brands for nutrition ideas. In case your pooch is well past their prime, make sure to serve them only the best senior dry dog food to keep those frail bones, well, not so frail! Do remember that your adorable mixed pup carries the genes of their vastly different parents. They may inherit the palate of either, so you can offer them both the best dry dog food for small dogs and best large breed dry dog food and stick with the one they choose as their favorite! The period of physical activity engagement should be at least one hour. An appropriate blend of physical and mental stimulus for this mixed breed is necessary to avoid boredom and destructive behaviors. Some examples of possible physical activities for the Malamute German Shepherd mix are hiking, fetching, and running. Another consideration for the exercise period is the venue for the activities. I recommend a big area in a well-ventilated place for this crossbreed. The Kong Ball is a widely known toy for mental motivation. The use of this toy will aid in the digestion and mental health of the dog. It comes in different sizes, so you can get a suitable one for your dog. The German Shepherd Malamutes have a notable strength in biting. It is an under-stuffed toy that has a squeaker. It is made of a tough material, perfect for hours of rough play. They could become hardheaded as well. Your contribution to the morale boost will help the process. Below are some guidelines on training this mixed breed: Limit the Duration of the Training Sessions: A way to prevent misbehaviors during the training sessions is keeping the sessions short. A great crate has a comfortable bed and optimum ventilation. The period for crate training varies from 30 minutes for younger puppies to eight hours for adult Malamute German Shepherds. This training will benefit the mental health of the dog as well. It will help in having a calm disposition, particularly during travels, and it will also ward of possible separation anxiety. Positive Rewards-based System: This training method avoids the classical penalty techniques when dogs misbehave. You can have a box of treats ready for the training sessions. You should also provide cuddles and words of encouragement and approval when the dog abides by the rules. Every dog has a unique way of following the commands. If you want to learn more about the proper techniques, you may opt to ask for some advice from professional trainers. It is essential to provide positive words and gestures to make the dog feel at home. One phase of the training a dog called early socialization is necessary for developing healthy coping mechanisms to a new environment and people. Early socialization will hone the puppy and help in becoming mature. This will contribute to their potential in becoming therapy dogs, service dogs, or herders. The owners will hold the puppy each day until four weeks. The next phase continues until 16 weeks of age. This phase involves exposing the puppy to various kinds of animals, people, textures, fragrances, and sceneries. The above-mentioned tips on training may be applied during early socialization. The Malamute German Shepherd dogs are generally good with children. They will give affection and friendliness to the little ones. You still need to be careful with the child-dog interactions, especially when the dog is still young. You must also teach your children how to respect and play with the dog within respectable bounds. This is a sled dog at its core, having great endurance and strength, which was a dog trait needed by ancestral owners in order to pull and carry heavy objects. He is sweet and family loving, loyal, and a highly capable watchdog. Read on to find out more. The German Shepherd Malamute mix is a hybrid dog. That is, a cross between the German Shepherd and the Alaskan Malamute. The Alaskan Malamute breed is believed to be descended from the dogs of hunters in the Paleolithic period. Roughly years ago, they crossed into North America from the land bridges of the Bering Strait. The dogs belonging to these people were domesticated from the wolf. Traditionally speaking, the Alaskan Malamute is part of the oldest sled dog breeds of the arctic. The German Shepherd breed was originally created for the purpose of herding sheep. These people combined various dog strains from the central and northern parts of Germany. This was in order to produce what would be known as the ancestors of the modern-day German Shepherd dog. The German Shepherd Malamute Mix vs. Purebred Debate Fans of mixed breed dogs argue that diversity makes them healthier than purebreds, with resulting fewer health problems. Those who are in favor of purebred dogs argue that they are healthier than mixes. They claim this due to better control over breeding, and therefore on the selection of genetic traits. This is a debate that is surely not going to be resolved anytime soon. They played the roles of two of the sled dogs, Buck and Shadow. The German Shepherd is quite the popular dog! Both parents have such similar features so you may see the input of both! Dogs of this mix have muscular bodies, possessing great strength and a sturdy frame. These dogs are well-suited for carrying significant weight and pulling sleds. They are 21 to 28 inches high, with a large weight range of 64 to pounds on average, corresponding to a medium and large size dog, respectively. They have a straight and medium-length double-coat consisting of a soft and dense undercoat and a thick, rough outer coat. Their coat colors are a combination of red, brown, gold, black, and grey. Their eyes are brown, hazel, or blue, and their nose is black or brown. German Shepherd Malamute Mix Temperament This is an affectionate and loyal dog, known for being very attached to their families. They inherit this quality from both parents. These dogs are wonderful around children, however, adult supervision around smaller children is recommended because of the large size of this dog. They make good guard dogs due to their ability to keep a vigilant eye on strangers. German Shepherds in particular tend to be cautious of strangers and sound the alarm when unfamiliar people arrive. This is a strong-willed dog with an independent streak. German Shepherds and Alaskan Malamutes are both loyal and loving dogs towards their families, and naturally the mix has this tendency as well. The exceptional intelligence and courage of the German Shepherd is a characteristic that may be passed on to the mix. So it is important to keep this dog active and mentally stimulated. Training Your German Shepherd Malamute mix Early socialization is important to curb any aggressive tendencies this dog may have towards strangers or other animals. The natural tendency of this dog towards independent and even stubborn behavior requires consistent and firm training from the puppy stage. Positive training methods are best. Due to the large size and physical attributes of this dog, he needs regular exercise, such as walking, hiking, or jogging to satisfy its high energy and endurance levels. At least an hour of physical activity a day is ideal. German Shepherd Malamute mix Health Both parent breeds have health issues. While the German Shepherd is an above average healthy dog with few health concerns, it does have a few health issues to watch for, such as degenerative myelopathy and elbow and hip dysplasia. These are common to the mix as well. Additional common health problems which the German Shepherd Malamute mix has are:. They were bred as working dogs, and their original purpose was to herd sheep. Alaskan Malamutes are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. They were originally bred by the Mahlemut tribe of Alaska as sled dogs. While they are known today as one of the more popular designer breeds, these two breeds were not mixed until the early s, when people began to cross them for their working abilities. They are strong and athletic, with a muscular build. German Shepherds are inches tall at the shoulder. Alaskan Malamutes are one of the largest dog breeds, weighing in at pounds. Their typical height is inches at the shoulder. Malamutes are thickly built, with a broad chest and strong legs. They have a dense coat of fur that can be either short or long. The German Shepherd Malamute mix will usually take after its Alaskan Malamute parent in terms of size, but there is some variation. These dogs typically weigh between 50 and 85 pounds and stand inches tall at the shoulder. They may have the short coat and sleek build of the German Shepherd or the thick fur and broad chest of the Alaskan Malamute. Their coat colors are typically black, brown, or gray; however, they can also inherit the white markings of the German Shepherd. Like both of their parents, this mix has a strong and muscular build. They are a medium to large breed of dog that is very athletic. They will typically have almond-shaped eyes, and their ears may be pointed or floppy. Their tail is usually bushy and thick. These dogs are typically loyal, loving, and affectionate. They are also very protective of their family and may be suspicious of strangers. German Shepherds were originally bred as working dogs, so they are very intelligent and trainable. They are also known for being loyal and protective of their family. Alaskan Malamutes were originally bred as sled dogs, so they are very strong and athletic. However, they are also very affectionate with their family. This results in a mix that is very intelligent and trainable yet an independent thinker who can be stubborn at times. These dogs are also very affectionate with their family and make excellent protectors. However, they may be suspicious of strangers, so socialization is important from an early age. While this mix is an intelligent breed, poor breeding practices can result in your dog having behavioral issues as they age. They are also quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement. As with all dogs, early socialization is important for this mix. This will help them to be less suspicious of strangers and reduce the likelihood of aggressive or destructive behavior. This mix can be stubborn at times, so patience and consistency are important. They respond well to positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise. Puppy obedience training is a great way to socialize your puppy and start them on the path to good behavior. Exercise Needs This mix is a very active breed of dog that needs plenty of exercise. They are also very strong and have a lot of energy. These dogs need at least an hour of daily exercise and prefer to be outdoors. Daily walking or running is a great way to meet their exercise needs. German Shepherd Alaskan Malamute mixes also enjoy playing fetch, swimming, and hiking. They are also very intelligent and need mental stimulation, so interactive dog toys or puzzle games are a great way to keep them entertained. Overall, this mix is a great breed of dog for first-time owners or active people or families. They are a loving and affectionate breed, yet also make excellent protectors. They can be a great addition to any home with proper training and exercise. They also have an outer coat that is coarse and thick. A slicker brush or another shedding brush can help to remove loose hair and reduce shedding. Bathing These dogs also benefit from a soothing shampoo that is designed for dogs with sensitive skin. Additional grooming may be necessary if your dog has any mats or tangles in their coat. Ears This mix has erect ears that should be checked regularly for dirt or wax build-up. Cleaning with a cotton ball and dog-safe ear cleaner can help to prevent infections. Nails The nails of the German Shepherd Malamute mix grow quickly and should be trimmed regularly. Dental chews or bones can also help to keep their teeth clean and healthy. Overall, this mix is a high-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. However, regular brushing and occasional baths will help to keep their coat looking their best. However, like all breeds of dogs, they are susceptible to certain health conditions. Degenerative myelopathy is a degenerative disease of the spinal cord that can cause paralysis in the hind legs. Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint and can cause pain and lameness. Elbow dysplasia is a condition that affects the elbow joint and can also cause pain and lameness. All of these conditions can be debilitating and cause a decrease in quality of life. Fortunately, there are treatments available for all of the above-mentioned health problems. Overall, this mix is a generally healthy breed of dog. However, they are susceptible to certain health conditions that can be debilitating. Nutrition Requirements The German Shepherd Malamute mix is a high-energy breed of dog that requires a high-protein diet and is rich in fat. Dry dog food that is designed for large breeds is a great option for this breed. They should be fed between two to three times per day. A regular feeding schedule is important for this breed to help prevent bloat while maintaining suitable weight levels. Typical dog food brands to consider for this breed include Blue Buffalo, Wellness, and Taste of the Wild. Table scraps should be avoided as they can cause weight gain and digestive issues. Doggie treats, on the other hand, can be given in moderation. However, certain dogs may view this breed as a threat due to their size and energy level. This can be done by taking them to the dog park, doggie daycare, or dog walking. Due to their size, they are naturally more comfortable around larger dogs. With early training and socialization, however, this mix can integrate and socialize with most other dogs. However, their energy levels can be a bit much for smaller children. This breed is best suited for families with older children who can handle their high energy levels. Families with small children should consider another breed of dog that is more suitable for their lifestyle. Some examples of breeds that may be more suitable for families with small children include the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Drooling Levels This breed of dog is known to drool moderately. While they are not considered to be a slobbering breed, they may drool more when they are excited or hungry. They also require some maintenance when it comes to cleaning up drool, but it is not excessive. A damp cloth or baby wipes are generally all that is required to help to keep the area around their mouth clean. Barking Levels This breed of dog is known to bark moderately. They may bark when they are excited or when someone is at the door. However, with proper training, this behavior can be controlled. Barking collars are also an option but should only be used as a last resort. Positive reinforcement training is the best way to help control moderate barking in this breed of dog. Adaptability to Weather The German Shepherd Malamute mix is a breed of dog that is very adaptable to different weather conditions. They are comfortable in both hot and cold weather. They can typically handle temperatures as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can typically handle temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Overall, this mix is a very versatile breed that can adapt to most weather conditions. This is a relatively long lifespan for a large breed dog. While this breed is growing in popularity, it has not yet been officially recognized by the AKC. The AKC does not currently recognize any mixed breeds. However, they are working on a new pilot program that may eventually lead to AKC recognition for some mixed breeds, including this mixed breed. This price can vary depending on the breeder, the location, and the overall demand for the breed. Avoid buying a puppy from a pet store, as these puppies often come from puppy mills and may have health problems. This fee goes towards supporting the rescue organization and helps to cover the costs of caring for the dog. They are loyal, protective, and loving dogs that thrive on being close to their family. This breed requires a lot of exercise and training, but they are very intelligent dogs that are eager to please.

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Download an adoption application here Please email the completed application to adoptionteam1. PRESTON is eager for any adventure you have in store, but also knows when to settle down and curl up next to you while you catch up on your favorite shows. His engaging personality and friendly disposition will make for a smooth introduction to any of your current family members. PRESTON is well on his way to mastering his house breaking etiquette and does well in his crate when his foster family is away from the house. No need to stress if you need to slip away from the house for a few hours-he will be there wagging his tail happily upon your return. We will reach out to you as soon as your application is processed. Thank you in advance for your patience. All of our dogs start their journey in Memphis, Tennessee where they remain in loving foster families until they are adopted. Once adopted, some pups stay local in Memphis. Many others travel via one of our transport partners to their new forever homes. For our Midwest adopters, we have our own private transport. Breed selection is done in conjunction with two local vets and is not to be considered a guarantee but rather a well-educated decision from well qualified staff. Due to the extremely high volume of inquiries we receive, we ask that you request, complete, and submit an application before asking additional questions. We try very hard to include all pertinent information in our bios. We are excited to help you find your new family member. We want to spend our time saving dogs and assisting those adopters who have taken the time to complete an application. Thank you for understanding. Thank you for choosing rescue!!

Parent Breeds The parent breeds of the German shepherd pitbull mix include the German shepherd and the American pitbull terrier. As these breeds are both large dogs, the resulting mix is a large dog with unique physical and personality traits from both parent breeds. German Shepherd The German shepherd was originally selectively bred from shepherd dogs in 19th century Germany, where it was used as a herding dog. The breed was developed to be intelligent, strong, agile, and protective of flocks, all qualities that made it successful in its line of work. Horand von Grafath was recognized as the first German shepherd dog in .Today, the breed is still regarded as one of the best working dogs in the world because of its loyalty and eagerness to please. The German shepherd is used in police work, detection, service work, and search and rescue. German shepherd pitbull mixes often inherit the protective, hardworking temperament, strength, and wolf-like features of the German shepherd. The dogs were bred from terriers and bulldogs and used in blood sports like bullbaiting and dogfighting. American pitbull terriers were later selectively bred in the United States to have the muscular builds, sizes, and affectionate temperaments seen today. With proper socialization, American pitbull terriers make loyal, well-behaved companions. Lifespan A German shepherd pitbull mix has an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years if the dog follows a nutritious diet and exercises daily. Regular vet checkups help reduce the risk of health complications in German shepherd pitbull mixes. This mixed breed comes in shades of tan, white, gray, or black. Height and Weight German shepherd pitbull mixes are considered large dogs, with a height at the withers of 18—26 inches, and a weight of 30—90 pounds. Males are typically larger than females. Most German sheppits are lean, muscular, and slightly taller than their pitbull parents. Colors German shepherd pitbull mixes are typically tan, white, or black with bicolor markings. The coat color depends on the genes they inherit from their parents: German shepherd colors: Most common color combination is black and tan. Other colors include solid black, gray, red, and white. American pitbull terrier colors: Common colors are brown, black, and tan with various markings. Rare colors include solid white and brindle. German sheppits shed minimally to moderately throughout the year, depending on coat type. Double-coated dogs blow their coats twice a year. Personality and Temperament Photo by spcaofnorthernnevada German shepherd pitbull mixes are smart, affectionate, and protective dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They get along well with kids, and their intelligence and athletic stature make them well-suited to agility classes and fieldwork. Socializing and training this mixed breed from a young age will help it grow into an outgoing, obedient, and even-tempered adult. These dogs can be trained with positive reinforcement from an early age to not bark excessively. Left alone, German sheppits often experience anxiety and engage in destructive behavior, like barking and scratching, to cope. While smart and not fussy over food, these dogs need plenty of exercise, training, and mental stimulation to stay happy. Food Needs A German sheppit adult should be fed 2 to 3. Grooming Needs The German shepherd pitbull mix should be brushed weekly, or a few times per week if it has inherited a double coat, to distribute natural oils and keep its fur tangle-free. Bathe the dog once every few months and ensure its nails are well-trimmed. Exercise Needs An adult German shepherd pitbull mix requires at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, split into two separate walks, to remain physically fit. A two-month-old puppy needs 10 minutes of exercise per day, while a four-month-old puppy requires 20 minutes. German sheppits do best in homes with large, secure backyards where they can run freely. Certain states, cities, and territories have laws in place that restrict or ban pitbulls and pitbull mixes. Check local laws before exercising this mixed breed in new areas. Mental Needs German shepherd pitbull mixes need 60 minutes of mental stimulation per day to prevent aggression, boredom, and anxiety. Suitable mentally-stimulating activities include obedience training, scent work, herding, puzzle toys, agility classes, and interactive games like fetch. Depending on the severity, the condition can be managed with medication and surgery. Bloat : When the stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid, and then twists, causing severe abdominal pain. Bloat is often fatal if not treated immediately. Hip dysplasia : Abnormal formation of the hip joint that causes pain and mobility issues. Treatable with surgery and lifestyle changes. Degenerative myelopathy : Degeneration of the spinal cord that causes leg weakness, incontinence, and eventually paralysis. The condition is managed and treated with lifestyle changes, anti-inflammatory medication, and in some cases surgery. Symptoms include lethargy, weight gain, exercise intolerance, and coat changes. Hypothyroidism is treatable with medication. Cataracts : Cloudiness of the eye lens that causes vision issues. The German sheppit is particularly prone to food and skin allergies. Take these dogs to regular vet checkups to reduce their risks of health complications. Use positive reinforcement and be firm and consistent when training this mixed breed. Never use punishment-based training methods because these can cause anxiety in dogs and exacerbate their aggressive behaviors. These dogs need plenty of training and socialization throughout their lives to keep their dog aggression in check. German shepherd pitbull mixes are often available for adoption from rescue shelters. This price includes expenses such as food, treats, vet checkups, toys, and training. First-year costs are higher than subsequent years because of the costs of first-year puppy vaccinations and neutering or spaying, and initial supplies like bedding. The German shepherd pitbull mix is an affectionate and loyal dog that loves pleasing its owners. The mixed breed is playful, energetic, and well-suited to people that lead active lifestyles. German shepherd pitbull mixes are suitable for people that are active, have a large backyard, and can dedicate lots of time to socializing and training the dog. The best owners for these dogs are people that use positive reinforcement measures and stick to set boundaries. First-time dog owners should also avoid these dogs because the breed is difficult to manage without proper socialization and training. Check out these other hybrid dog breeds: German Shepherd Mixes. Conclusion 1. What does a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix look like? It is impossible to tell with certainty what the dog will look like when it is a mixed breed. What we do know is that this breed is more likely to have the face of the Pitbull, with a broad head and a short muzzle. As for coloring, this breed comes in a variety of colors: black, white, brown, tan, gray and fawn. Given that both the Pitbull and German Shepherd have strong physiques, it is not surprising that this mixed breed does too. Fully grown, these dogs are large , as mentioned in the first paragraph their average weight between lbs 29 — 38 kgs , so it is important that you have her under control. You can do this by properly training and socializing her. What characteristics can I expect? As with all crossbreeds, it is not easy to say precisely what temperament this dog will have, as it will always be a different combination. In my experience, however, they tend to have the following traits: High energy All dogs need regular exercise to stay fit, and this large breed usually needs a whole lot. I recommend at least a one-hour walk a day, providing you have an outdoor space where she can release excess energy for the rest of the day. By giving her the exercise she needs, you will avoid undesired behaviors such as slipper-chewing, hole-digging or nuisance barking. As long as she gets her exercise needs met, she will be happy to settle down and relax with you. Loyal and loving Pitbull German Shepherd mixes are very affectionate dogs when raised right. While they are good at entertaining themselves, they still love to be around you and make a good family dog. This dog can have a very protective nature. This is due to its German Shepherd relatives , who were bred to herd and guard livestock. To prevent this from the outset, you should socialize her with people as much as possible from an early age. Intelligence Both the Pitbull and the German Shepherd are incredibly intelligent breeds. It is no surprise, then, that this mix is no exception. These dogs learn quickly and respond incredibly well to training and commands. Just as you exercise her body, it is important to keep her mind stimulated, too. You should start training at the earliest possible stage. It is important to keep a close eye on this type of behavior because, if it gets out of control, it can turn into aggression. What are the common health problems? Providing that she has a healthy lifestyle, as we mentioned above this breed can live for up to 12 years. Every dog breed is susceptible to certain health difficulties, however, and it is good to be aware of these so that you can treat your dog accordingly. In the meantime, it is worth knowing that this breed can suffer from the following diseases: Skin irritation The Pitbull German Shepherd mix can be prone to skin irritation, which they inherit from the Pitbull side of its family. They tend to have more sensitive skin, which can react strongly to insect bites as well as to fleas and ticks. To prevent this reaction, make sure you use a high-quality tick and flea treatment. Diet also plays an important part in maintaining the health of the skin. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a condition that can begin in dogs as they grow and results in an unstable or loose hip joint. While weight management is essential for any dog breed, it is highly important that this breed maintains a healthy weight to avoid stressing the hip joint. How much will I need to groom her? This mix has a coat that can range from short to medium in length. I recommend starting your grooming regime when she is a puppy so that she can get used to the routine. I do not advise over-bathing these dogs no more than once a month due to their tendency to skin irritation. It may also be worth buying a shampoo specifically designed for dogs with sensitive skin. German Pits are usually floppy-eared, which means they get less air circulation and are therefore more prone to earwax build-up and ear infections. I advise that you get her ears checked at least monthly, either at the vet or with a reputable groomer. So is the German Pit the right fit for me? After all the information you have read, it is now important to put this question to yourself. As you can see, these dogs have the potential to be lovely, loyal dogs that are ideal for a family. Yet they require a lot of attention, walking and training, so they need a dedicated, and preferably experienced, dog owner. Conclusion Here are the main points to consider before committing to owning one of these dogs: Are you an experienced dog owner? Are you dedicated to walking your dog at least an hour a day? Do you have a spacious house with a yard, or can you walk her twice daily? Are you able to provide a rigorous and dedicated training routine? If not, it might be time to reconsider getting a different breed of dog. Do you own a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix? Leave a comment below and tell me all about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. I have worked with various large breeds all my life. The German Shepherd is my favorite. I recently brought home a mixed breed. .Our Puppy is high energy at 8 weeks old. Highly intelligent and very affectionate. I have a large family with lots of boys and 1 girl. So our family is definitely the right fit! In my opinion every family member should have an caring active role in raising the family dog. German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Video Temperament They have a calm nature and somewhat affectionate nature that can be enhanced with proper training. The German Pit is loyal to its family, enjoying spending time with them. Though they may not need your attention always, contented enough to spent some time on their own, leaving them alone for prolonged periods might make them destructive. Since they take on the genes of the German Shepherd and Pitbull, the Pit-German Shepherd mix may inherit their guarding instincts to a certain extent, being protective towards its family and exhibiting wariness towards strangers. It could even be territorial with other dogs and get into a chasing mode on encountering smaller pets. While allowing them to interact with children ensure there is proper parental supervision and the dog has been well socialized. Care Exercise It has a high exercise need, requiring two brisk walks a day, along with sufficient playtime. Keeping its excessive energy levels in mind it is not recommended to keep it in an apartment or enclosed space as it might get restless. Remember to leash it while taking it out. Grooming Though it does not need excessive grooming, brushing your Shepherd Pit with a brush having hard bristles on a weekly basis would be sufficient enough. It might resent grooming in the beginning, so you need to handle it gently and use positive reinforcements if needed, to help it get accustomed. Bathe it when it gets dirty and also check its ears and eyes once a week to keep any infections at bay. Brushing its teeth and trimming its nails are also essential. Health Problems Though healthy, the German Pit might inherit some of the conditions suffered by its parents like bloating, hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, hypothyroidism and heart problems. Training Training the German Shepherd mixed with Pitbull since its puppy days is mandatory, though an experienced master is preferred over a novice trainer. Socialization: Having the genes of German Shepherd and Pitbull, it might exhibit aggression and biting instinct, for which early socialization is a must. Teach it to differentiate between a threat and a pleasant situation so that your pet understands that a crying baby or playful kids playing in the yard is not bad. Feeding Feeding it cups good quality dry dog food in combination with a nutritious homemade diet would be sufficient. You can expect moderate shedding from this crossbreed. Be prepared to use a vacuum cleaner often. Most German Sheppits will come in a variety of colors like tan, black, white, fawn, and gray. Some have beautiful multi-colored coats like the GSD, while others inherit the brindle coats of their Pittie parents. Because of its moderate shedding, the German Pit is not the ideal dog for people who suffer from allergies to dander. Is a Shepherd-Pitbull mix dangerous? As we mentioned before, this breed is often negatively associated with being aggressive. A Shepherd Pit Bull mix is a loyal, intelligent, protective, and bold dog that likes spending time with his family. This canine has a calm and loving personality toward its owner, but it can be an attention-grabber, too. She loves nothing more than to run, play Frisbee, and roll around all day. Just make sure that your German Pitbull mix puppy is introduced correctly to small kids. Proper socialization and training are crucial because these dogs tend to chase down smaller animals. They may also have a dominant personality and may try to be the alpha to other dogs. Being raised with other pets will help this crossbreed co-exist with them. With early training and socialization, this naturally friendly and affectionate dog is an excellent choice for a family pet and the perfect companion for children. How much activity does this crossbreed need? A Pitbull German Shepherd hybrid has a strong and robust physique and he requires plenty of physical activity. You can take your dog on a one-hour jog or run in the morning and a minute walk in the evening to keep him in the excellent physical condition and as release excess energy. Without a proper exercise regimen, he may exhibit unruly and destructive behaviors like excessive barking, hole-digging, or chewing on slippers. Remember to keep it slow with a German Pit puppy because his legs are shorter. After that age, you can increase your speed as long as he can keep up. He can also have some playtime, like romping in the dog park. Or maybe play some fetch and let him catch a frisbee so his brain gets a workout, too. These crossbreeds require a high level of physical and mental activity to be in their best form. How to train Pitbull German Shepherd mix puppies The unfortunate truth is that this hybrid is not easy to train and is not suited for first-time dog owners. You need to be a firm and confident alpha , or he will try to control you. Be patient and try not to give in. Socializing him at an early age helps him interact better with other animals and encourages a better sense of adaptability in the dog. Socialization also fixes anxious and timid behavior and will help your pet get along with your family members. This breed may be intelligent, but he has a certain level of stubbornness when it comes to training. This hybrid tends to bark quite frequently, too, so you may want to include a routine that will help you control excessive barking. Try including crate training and leash training in your sessions. Starting it young is the best way to train a German Sheppit. The best age to start would be at seven weeks old. An adult dog can still receive training, although it will be more difficult. These are the most common health concerns to watch out for in your German Sheppit:. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepherd Pit Bulls are prone to weight gain. They also have high energy levels. About three hours a day of activity is recommended. Agility training, hiking, walking, running, or playing around a yard will keep them happy. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. One of the toughest jobs when caring for a German Shepherd Pit Bull is maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, as many breeds are prone to dental issues. Vets or groomers are good at performing this messy task. You should consult your veterinarian or professional pet nutritionist for advice on what to feed your German Shepherd Pit Bull and the correct portion sizes. Their dietary needs will change as they grow from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years. Stay on top of these nutritional requirements. Their German Shepherd parents grow very rapidly between the ages of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. Overfeeding your German Shepherd Pit Bull and letting them pack on the pounds can cause joint problems, as well as other health conditions. Limit treats, keep them active, and serve them regular meals rather than leaving food available at all times. The main colors of German Shepherd Pit Bulls coats are brown, black, white, grey, tan, and fawn. Almost never solid, their coats are generally a mixture of two or more colors. They usually have short thick coats, and this mixed breed is not recommended for people with allergies. They tend to shed quite a bit and you may need to pick up a RoboVac. These pups will require at least three good brushes per week. Brushing will also help to spread the oils throughout the coat. German Shepherd Pit Bulls may be able to handle some extreme weather conditions for short periods of time. These dogs must live indoors with their families. However their size could put them at a disadvantage around smaller children. They could easily accidentally knock over a toddler. No matter how friendly, no dog should ever be left unsupervised with a small child. German Shepherd Pit Bulls can get along well other dogs, especially if raised with them. Socialization early on is a must for this mixed breed. For a better understanding of this breed read more about their parent breeds, the German Shepherd and American Pit Bull Terrier. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or American Pit Bull Terrier breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Temperament: It depends. A German Pit dog can be gentle, loving and protective of its family. It will like to be top dog and may challenge authority but with proper training it will learn who the master is. It gets bored easily. They cannot be left alone for long periods of time, or they can become noisy and naughty. Feelings and signals: Dogs communicate in many ways from playing to barking. Never approach a dog with its tail way down! How should you train a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix? With patience! There are several types of training required: obedience, discipline, agility and socialization. Each is important to help this type of puppy learn to socialize and behave. This looks like a dangerous dog so it is important to train it to challenge perceptions and show people the best of this breed instead. How do you begin puppy training? It will take time, patience, with positive reinforcement, using praise and small treats as a reward for success. So, if you are not going to use a professional dog trainer — Here are some tips to begin: 1 Develop your basic command words: Find the keywords you think you will use most like Sit, Stop, and Fetch etc. It will become its nest and it will feel safe and sleep there. Any mix from purebred dogs, could have congenital health problems. A German Shepherd and an American Pitbull Terrier cross breed could develop: Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a mal-formation of the hip joint, where the ball at the top of the leg does not fit properly into the socket and the ligaments attaching it are weak. This allows excess movement of the fitting which can eventually lead to stiffness and pain for the dog. This active dog could have hip problems, causing pain when moving. Early warning signs are — stiffness when getting up or walking, reluctance to get up when prompted and its usual walking style can change. It can occur early or later in life. The only way to check is to trace the health history of the birth parents. There is no cure but a Vet will help with medication to manage the pain. Skin problems Atopic dermatitis They can develop allergies causing skin conditions and itching — from grass, mold, pollen etc. Bloat Gastric Dilatation-volvulus Affects many deep-chested, larger dog breeds that like to eat large volumes quickly, drink too much water after eating or even eat too close to exercising. Early signs are: restlessness after eating, a bloated stomach and an inability to reject excess air or food through ineffective retching. In each case it is important to seek medical help! Exercise: This will be a very active dog, with lots of energy and need lots of exercise. They like to play chase and fetch. A puppy needs hours of exercise every day and more when older otherwise it will get bored. It will love running around and adventures but not adapt to small spaces. Therefore not suited to apartment living. Remember: Puppies should not be exercised too much on hard ground as their paws are still delicate so a mix of hard and softer ground is recommended until they are at least 2 years of age. Leash training is strongly recommended for discipline, safety and control in the early years. Feeding: Feed as an active large-sized dog with a recommended type of specially-formulated dry food. A Vet will advise the food type, exact amount, how often and if they need extra mineral and vitamins. Puppies should have their daily amount split into 3 daily feeds. Be careful not to over-feed them as weight gain can put pressure on their hips. Grooming: This dog has a short to medium length coat of hair that does shed but not too much so it only needs to be brushed times a week. A good brush is recommended. Bathing: This dog has short hair like the Pitbull so bathing is only recommended when needed, but not too often as their coats contain natural oil; which can be stripped with over-bathing. Certain shampoos have the double effect of cleaning the coat and protecting it against fleas and insect bites. Chewing helps, so use doggie chew toys, bare bones, soft tooth brushes and toothpaste. Nails grow quickly and need to be trimmed regularly, say once a month, and checked for infection. Their floppy ears need to be regularly checked for dirt build-up or infection. Anything unusual should be checked by a Vet. What is life like for a GSPM? Otherwise, with their high energy levels they may show their boredom through destroying or chewing things and barking. They can make a great family dog. Remember just how active this dog is before choosing one. How much does it cost? Always best to adopt rather than buy if you can. Adopting a German Shepherd Pitbull mix from an adoption center is the best thing you can do. It can be life changing — not only for the dog but to you as well. He requires a low-to-medium maintenance level due to its short coat and a moderate amount of shedding. Brushing his coat can be done weekly, or three times a week if you are the type of person who is greatly bothered by scattered dog hair. Make sure to clean his ears often since this area is common to accumulate dirt, moisture, and bacteria. Nail trimming should be accomplished every few weeks to keep his paws clean and healthy. Pitbull mixed with German Shepherd Health Problems Provided that he is given the proper care and is living a healthy lifestyle, this crossbreed can live up to 12 years. Every breed is susceptible to specific health issues, and so it is essential that as a dog owner, you are aware of these things so that you know how to take care well of your dog accordingly. It is worth remembering that the Pitbull crossed with German Shepherd may suffer from the following diseases. Hip Dysplasia: The German Shepherd breed is genetically susceptible to this condition, and the possibility of passing it to its offspring is highly possible. The disease is characterized by malformation of the hip joints which may cause lameness and ongoing pain. Atopic Dermatitis: It is an inflammatory skin condition which may be triggered by exposure to certain environmental factors such as grass sprayed with pesticides and mold spores. To avoid this condition from affecting your pup, make sure to keep your house clean. Also, keep an eye for increased use of pesticides at dog parks. Skin Irritation: The Pitbull German Shepherd is prone to skin irritation, which it inherits from the Pitbull side of the family. They have a more sensitive skin, which can react strongly to insect bites, such as fleas and ticks. Generally, feeding him cups of good quality dry food daily in combination with nutritious homemade diet would be sufficient. A well-balanced diet covering all the essential nutrients, including an appropriate protein and calorie intake, is vital in an active breed like the German Sheppit. On average, the German Shepherd Pitbull needs calories for males, while calories for females. Its core ingredients include ground brown and white rice, lamb meal and chicken meal. It has all-natural ingredients infused with additional minerals and vitamins. Its main components include chicken, real beef and salmon meat products. Blue Buffalo Wilderness: If your Pitbull German Shepherd has food allergies, this dog food is the right choice for you. It is a grain-free turkey and potato recipe dog food supplemented with antioxidant-rich kibble. This dog food is formulated to minimize food sensitivities while maximizing the nutritional value dogs receive. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient: This dog food is formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs. If your pooch is still a munchkin, you should go through best puppy food brands. Senior, gray-coated dogs require different diets. Your pooch takes genes from two parents. This means you could also take into account buying the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Pitbull Crossed with German Shepherd Exercise Requirements The Pitbull German Shepherd mix is an active and high-energy dog, so it might get destructive if he gets bored. This breed love to move around and therefore enjoys doing exercise activities. It is recommended to exercise him at least 90 minutes daily. Their exercise requirement is not just a guideline, but it is crucial that they are met. Without enough exercise, this breed may fall into a pattern of aggressive and destructive behaviors, such as excessive barking, unwanted chewing, and digging. Mental stimulation exercises should also be part of your routine to keep them from getting bored and further improve its social interactions. You can provide your pet with interactive dog toys. While it is true that they come from parent breeds with remarkable high intelligence, you should be warned that training them can be a bit overwhelming. Patience, attention, more time and positive reinforcement are the key components that owners should abide by in training this crossbreed. This is for your dog to learn the proper etiquette at a young age and avoid developing unwanted behaviors when it grows up. Remember to keep the pace of the training slow as your pup is still young and its body might still be fragile. After a year or two, however, you can increase the pace. Moreover, take note that an experienced trainer is better than a novice trainer. You need to be strong and authoritative. Otherwise, this dog will try to dominate you. Gentle yet firm treatment is the way to go with the German Sheppit puppy. Use Positive ReinforcementEven if this mixed breed has a tendency to become stubborn, avoid taking extreme measures. Using negative punishment-based training will not do any help, he might just end up not respecting you as a leader. Make it a regular routine to reward him whenever he does something right. Implement simple rules that they can follow and in return, give them praises and treats for obeying the rules. Training your German Sheppit consistently in a positive method will provide you with pet companions that are obedient and good-natured. Puppy socialization has been proven to reduce developing aggressive behaviors, anxiety, and fearfulness later on in their adulthood. You just have to introduce and desensitize your dog to different people and environments. You can try doing the following: Puppy classes Playing at dog-friendly parks Make him attend doggy daycares The above activities ensure that your dog interacts with a range of fellow dogs and people as well on different environments, which may include on and off leash interactions. Include Mental Exercises on Their TrainingThe Pitbull mixed with German Shepherd is an intelligent dog, and they need stimulating mental activities to avoid developing aggressive and other unwanted behaviors. Mental stimulation activities can be in the form of games or puzzles. German Shepherd Pitbull and Families With consistent proper training, exercise and correct socialization, the German Shepherd Pitbulls are incredibly loyal, friendly and affectionate towards family members, making them an excellent choice as a family pet. This crossbreed can even be the perfect breed for children, especially that its parent breed Pitbull was previously known as a nanny dog. Young kids, especially those under 8 years old, may play rough with dogs and they may tire them out or provoke them unknowingly causing the dogs to react in aggressive behaviors. Children should be taught to love and respect all members of the family including your four-legged family companions. This dog loves to spend time with you and other family members. So give love lots of affection to your German Shepherd crossed with Pitbull and expect an unconditional love in return. They are still prized working dogs on ranches or farms, but can fit well into active families with older kids. German Shepherd Pitbull mix puppies need lots of socialization, training and exercise. They require regular grooming despite their short coat, and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone. However, when you give them everything they need, this mix can be an amazing companion for experience dog owners and working dog trainers too. A member of the herding group, the German Shepherd was developed with the hopes of creating the perfect herding and service dog. Because of the cold and wet European climate, the German Shepherd had to be very hardy to handle long days in often brutal conditions. At that time, it became popular with military, police, and service work. Early Bulldogs and Terriers were crossed to create an athletic, bold dog primarily used for hunting. This is a practice where the dog would grasp a bull, bear, or other large animal around the head. Today, Pitbulls are still very agile dogs that make excellent contestants in agility, weight pulling, and tracking tests. This mix will be tall with a medium build and a coat that will range in length from short to long, depending on their parents. They will have a relatively long muzzle, dark eyes, a long tail and pointed ears. The German Shepherd Pitbull mix is probably going to be a large dog. You can expect a German Shepherd-Pitbull hybrid to grow up to 17—24 inches tall at the shoulder. If a hybrid puppy takes after its German Shepherd parent, then they may mature to between 80 and 90 pounds. When they more closely resemble their Pitbull parent, then they may reach anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds. Additionally, hybrids may look more like one parent than the other, or they may appear to be a lovely mix of both parents. Both breeds are commonly associated with territorial aggression and biting, both of humans and other dogs. Of course, with mixed breeds, you cannot say with much certainty how much the offspring of two purebred dogs will take after their parents. This goes for looks, health, and temperament. German Shepherd Pitbull mix puppies are no different. The Pitbull was first bred to fearlessly attack large animals and later to work, hunt and protect. This means that they are strong and agile enough to chase after such animals as cattle and hogs. Also, if needed, they can grasp and hold a moving animal with their powerful jaws. They can also be territorial. Furthermore, fewer Pitbulls in the study had attempted to bite their owner or a strange human than those who had attempted to or had attacked a strange dog in the past. Socialization As we mentioned earlier, proper training and socialization with other dogs and humans from an early age can help to prevent a puppy with German Shepherd lineage from developing aggressive behavior later in life. This is especially important if your dog has hypothyroidism in its genes. Additionally, both Pitbulls and German Shepherds are working breeds that are high energy. German Shepherd and Pitbull Health Your puppy has the potential to inherit the following conditions from one or both of their parents: Allergies — Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and dust cause itchy skin on the feet, belly, folds of skin, and ears. Hip dysplasia Patellar luxation — When the knee cap pops out of place while the dog is in motion. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis — Progressive nerve damage that results in weakness of the legs and sometimes blindness. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — An inherited disorder in which deterioration of the retina leads to eventual blindness. Bladder stones —Pitbulls can inherit Hyperuricosuria. The urine is too acidic, which causes precipitation of solid masses called bladder stones or kidney stones depending on where they form. Lifespan The average life expectancy of a German Shepherd is about 11 years. Similarly, the Pitbull typically lives between 11 and 13 years. This means that you can expect a German Shepherd Pitbull mix to live to be approximately 11 or 12 years of age. A Shepherd Pitt may mature to be a large dog with lots of energy. In addition to the energy outlet, exercise is also important for this hybrid due to the high probability of it developing hip dysplasia. As a family dog, this hybrid may not be ideal for homes with young children or other dogs. Make sure that you meet both parents. They should be relaxed and confident around strangers, if not overly friendly. Make sure the breeder also shows you evidence of clear health test certificates.

A golden retriever growling may show aggressive signs due to a number of reasons. If your dog too is showing such signs, the first thing for you to do is to take him for a complete checkup. There may be some physical problem behind his growling habits. Before reaching out for any solution, consider the age of your dog. Your dog might just be entering canine adolescence. This is the age when dog starts showing his dominant behavior. Female dogs, at this age start noticing that adult dogs have started reacting differently towards her. These are visible but subtle signs that many people miss upon. Your dog may start wagging his tail when growling. You need to know that wagging tail shows nervousness apart from happiness; so you have to be careful enough. For dogs, everyone around them; be it people or other dogs, are part of a pack. According to them, everyone in the pack has a rank. If you are able to outrank the other dogs, your Golden retriever dog will consider you superior. You can learn to be on that top position by reading books and getting more knowledge about dog behavior. You can also join an obedience class to know more about your dog and his instincts. Golden retrievers have a lot of energy and they like to be lively. If you have children at home, you will find these dogs to be friendly and fun to play with. The cute behavior of these dogs remains till the time they are puppies. After they grow up, the need to be trained well so that they do not turn aggressive and learn to obey their masters. The habits you allow them to develop will make a change in their overall behavior. It will be hard for a dog to change its habits but if you start training him early, his behavior can be changed to good. Golden retriever puppies tend to chew things. As they grow up, they tend to chew on to other things as well. If you try to get things out of their mouth, they may start growling. The golden retriever growling nature can even become more aggressive if you force him more. You can teach him not to growl and chew onto things. Praise him when he chews the right thing and remove the things from his mouth carefully when he is chewing something he should not. Your dogs should also understand that you can take his food bowl or toys. He will thus not growl on you when you touch either of them. Golden retriever growling training should also be given to dogs as they play and bark. You might understand that the dog growls playfully but a visitor can easily get frightened by it. It will be wise if you give them proper training to not make such noises. Tom Thorpe Blog Does your golden retriever snarling or growling? Golden retrievers are considered affectionate and slow to anger but if your golden retriever is snarling or growling, there may be reasons that something made your furry friend do that. That said, why does your golden retriever snarling or growling? These are just some of the few, but we will further look into this behavior further as we move along. This is the main reason why they are an excellent fit for being the best family dogs on the planet. These dogs are active dogs. So they enjoy more with a lot of physical and mental activities, not to mention strenuous activities. Also, they are adaptable to almost all lifestyles. However, if they are not properly trained and not properly socialized while they were puppies, their behavior might not be what the majority of the people think. Instead, like any other canine breeds who were not trained properly, they might become aggressive and will not be as cheerful, happy, affectionate, as they seem to be. On the other hand, below are the common characteristics that golden retrievers possess. With full of vim and vigor, they can even outmatch the energy level of their pet owners. Their energy is obvious especially when they are starting to explore and try something out of their mouth be it food or your pieces of furniture. If you have raised a golden retriever puppy before, you very well know what it feels like to raise those pooches. However, when adulthood strike in their life, their behavior will change over time, although they will are still an active dog not compares to when they were still young. Adult golden retrievers have usually a calm demeanor, slow to anger, and really act mature. Their temperament changes and will prefer more nap time than outdoor activities every now and then. Prioritize Outdoor Exercise and Mental Stimulation Because they are highly energetic dogs, they needed some release of their excess energy by way of exercising and providing them mental stimulation. Golden retrievers originally bred and raised as hunters of waterfowls and known to retrieve the birds shot by the hunters. They also have a large amount of energy. That said, they are fourth on the list according to Dr. Golden puppies are easy to train from basic obedience training to complex training such as tricks, fetching, and even for service dogs. Because of their nature being bred as hunting dogs back in the old days. Especially, for persons with disabilities. Moreover, they are also perfect as service dogs be it search and rescue and even sniffing dogs. They are Friendly Towards Other Animals Goldens really get along with other pets and animals, be it rabbits, cats, and other dogs. As long as they have been properly trained or at least trained with proper socialization, they are going to treat their fellow creatures with love and affection. In fact, they can be a perfect companion with other breeds. But sometimes they will be dominant to other animals will somehow hurt them due to their medium-sized stature. Although generally golden retrievers are kind to both humans and other pets in your household. This is the reason why your golden retriever is very slow to anger. With that said, golden retriever breeds have a reliable temperament and they will only act inappropriately if something bad happened. Because you are among the examples of being a responsible pet owner. Cuddling is what they want from their master Given that the Golden Retrievers are generally affectionate, they want to cuddle from their master or other family members as if it gives them a reason to live. This kind of character is what makes them the best pillow other than your pillow. They will not be angry if you want to sleep beside them. But are there any behavioral problems that Golden Retrievers have like snarling or growling? So far, we have laid out some of the good characteristics that golden retrievers possess. What makes golden retriever snarling? What makes them act inappropriately? These are just some of the questions that need answers. In order to prevent any harsh treatment that your golden retriever snarling, you can just give them just subtle hints of dismay instead of raging towards your golden retriever. So, this might be the factor that causes your golden retriever snarling. Fear Aggression Golden Retrievers are gentle giants and rarely they will turn into aggressive behavior. If, for some instance, they begin to snarl or growl for unknown reasons, there could be an underlying root cause as to why they act differently. One factor to look at is the fear of aggression. Although when golden retrievers feel they are in grave danger or feels threatened by human or other dogs, they likely become unusually quiet. But in the long run, this unusual quietness can turn into violent reactions like snarling or growling. Fear aggression or simply instilling fear in your golden retriever is not a good idea. Why would anyone plant fear in their pet dogs in the first place? But if you do, you are doing harm than good here. They might even bite you instead of snarling at you. Feels Alone The last thing you want to do with your golden retriever is to be left alone. Golden retrievers are better off having proper socialization with other family members and even yourself. Leaving them alone is not in their nature. Hence they are meant to be as companion dogs as their original roots. That said when your golden retriever is being left alone. They might develop an unusual and bad behavior which is anxiety, or worse, they might become aggressive when left alone for too long. Also, being left alone for too long is one of the reasons why your golden retriever is snarling at you. The fact that their mental health has affected turning into something agitated and irritated. To prevent any mental health issue or snarling at you, let a family babysit your golden retriever if ever you are going out for long hours. It Could be From Pain Some simple explanation why your golden retriever is snarling is because of the pain induced by injury. If the snarling is due to physical pain such as limping, your golden retriever is badly hurt. Much better to bring your golden retriever to your vet to diagnose the problem and strategize the solution and treatment. Sometimes dogs have defense mechanisms and that includes growling and snarling especially when potential danger arises. Some of these aspects are caused by moving on into a new location where your pet is unfamiliar with the place. So, if ever your dog is feeling anxious and something irregular is going n with his behavior, be sure to attend to his needs. Dominating nature Some of the reasons why your golden retriever is snarling is due to their dominant behavior. That said, they may snarl or growl at the trainer. Always give your golden retriever positive reinforcement just to ease the training progress. Dog treats are the best companion in order for your golden retriever to train easily. That said, this will make him comfortable and his attitude will gradually change from being aggressive to calm. But it will take time for them to become a responsible pooch. Fix any pain As previously mentioned above, one of the causes why your golden retriever is snarling is because of the pain she is suffering. The best thing you can do is to immediately take your pooch to the vet just to rule out any possibility of being injured. The point being is, most golden retrievers will only act inappropriately if something bad happens to them. Given the fact that golden retrievers act appropriately and also because they are known for being gentle creatures. Like a sentence in a language, each growl carries a message, and your role as a pet owner is to learn this unique language. Remember, context is key. The situation, body language, and even the pitch of the growl can provide hints about what your pet is trying to say. Fear or Anxiety Golden Retrievers, despite their generally affable nature, can feel threatened or anxious. In such instances, you might hear a low, intense growl. Discomfort or Pain Just as humans might groan when in discomfort, dogs often express physical pain or discomfort through growling. If your pup growls when touched in a specific area, it might be a sign of physical distress. Always pay close attention to such growls; they might warrant a vet visit. Playfulness Ever heard a playful, rumbly growl during a game of tug-of-war? These growls are usually less intense and are accompanied by relaxed body language and wagging tails. Protectiveness Golden Retrievers are loyal dogs, often protective of their territory and their humans. If a stranger or another animal encroaches on what your Golden considers their domain, you might hear a growl of warning. Possessiveness This is common when your pet has a favorite toy or a delicious treat. Playful Growl Sound: Low, rumbly, and full of good vibes. When It Might Occur: Often heard during games, like fetch or tug-of-war. Body Language: Expect an enthusiastic wagging tail and overall relaxed posture. When It Might Occur: Could arise if your Golden feels threatened or anxious, or if someone unknown encroaches on their space. Body Language: Look out for rigid body language, a tense facial expression, or hair standing up on their back. Please back off. When It Might Occur: You might hear this when you touch a sensitive spot or if your pet moves in a way that causes discomfort. Body Language: Unusual stiffness, limping, or avoiding touch could accompany a pain growl. I need help. Possessive Growl Sound: Can range from a low, grumbly growl to a surprisingly fierce one. When It Might Occur: If someone or another pet gets too close to a treasured toy, food, or even their favorite human. Body Language: The ears might prick up, the body may stiffen, and they may stand over the item or person protectively. Please respect my space. Each Golden Retriever is an individual with their own personality and way of expressing themselves. Spending quality time with your pet, observing, and learning from their unique communication style is key. Here are some strategies that can help you navigate these growling moments, promoting good behavior and strengthening your bond with your furry friend. What to Do: Give them some space and allow them to calm down. Never punish a dog for growling in fear or discomfort, as this can lead to more aggressive behavior. Check for Discomfort When: If your pet growls when touched in a specific area or during certain movements. Pain-induced growling should never be ignored. What to Do: This is generally fine, as long as the play remains friendly and non-aggressive. What to Do: Training can help mitigate possessive behavior. Always reward good behavior. If the behavior persists, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer. Consult a Professional When: If your Golden Retriever exhibits consistent aggressive growling or if their behavior changes suddenly. Remember, patience and understanding are key when dealing with growling. Instead, focus on understanding the root cause and addressing it appropriately to foster a strong, loving relationship with your Golden Retriever. Biological Basis of Growling Growling, like other vocalizations in animals, arises from a combination of physical and neurological processes. The larynx, often referred to as the voice box, is the key player in producing the sounds we hear as growls. When a dog growls, the muscles of the larynx contract in specific ways, modulating the flow of air from the lungs and producing different types and pitches of growls. The brain plays a crucial role in coordinating these actions and interpreting situations that warrant a growl. Different parts of the brain are responsible for the perception of threat, fear, pain, and joy, triggering the appropriate vocal response. Psychological Aspects and Research Findings Psychologically, growling serves as an essential tool for social communication among dogs. It helps maintain social hierarchies, express emotions, and convey intentions. Dogs are highly social creatures, and their communication skills have been honed over thousands of years of evolution. Recent research has shed light on the intricate nature of dog growls. This finding indicates a high degree of sophistication in canine vocal communication. Furthermore, research has found that humans, too, can often interpret the emotional content of dog growls. The exploration of the science behind Golden Retriever growls underscores the complexity of their communication skills. As we continue to study and understand this fascinating field, we enhance our ability to communicate with and understand our loyal companions better. Determining whether a growl is a playful jest or a serious warning can sometimes be tricky, but understanding the context and watching for accompanying body language can provide valuable clues. Evaluate the Context: Context plays a massive role in decoding a growl. Our dogs, Gunner and Daisy, play biting, and growling. However, if the growling happens when a stranger approaches, it might be a warning sign. Understanding the circumstances can help determine the meaning of the growl. Conversely, if their body is stiff, ears are pinned back, or teeth are showing, the growl may be a warning sign. Listen to the Sound: The sound of the growl itself can give clues. High-pitched, light growls are often playful, while deep, low growls can indicate a warning or threat. However, always consider this in conjunction with context and body language for accurate interpretation. Note the Duration and Intensity: A long, drawn-out growl might indicate fear or discomfort, whereas short, intermittent growls could be playful. Similarly, the intensity can vary; a fierce, loud growl might be a warning, while a softer, less intense one might indicate playfulness or slight discomfort. Remember, these are general guidelines, and individual dogs may vary. Remember, each Golden Retriever is unique, so observation and patience are key. Apply these learnings in your interactions and take your understanding of your Golden Retriever to a new level. More Posts You Will Like:. Print Retrievers, for the most part, make great family dogs. They are also smart, so they learn quickly and their strong willingness to please often makes retrievers a great addition to the family. But some retriever puppies are a high-energy ball of fire, one that is difficult to train or even handle in daily life. And sometimes there will be signs of aggressive behavior that are concerning. However, there is a fine line between puppy play behavior and hyper and aggressive behavior. Some owners are reluctant to stop such behavior thinking that it is just puppy behavior and therefore the dog will outgrow it. If you have a retriever puppy that is hyper or aggressive you might wonder what can be done and why they are acting that way. Here is some guidance on this topic. What are normal puppy behaviors? It is normal for very young puppies to nip at your hands and your feet. It is also normal for them to chew on things, jump on you and walk all over you. An 8-week-old puppy nipping at your hand might at first seem cute and sweet. But one bite from those exceedingly sharp puppy teeth and you might decide its not so cute. Those teeth can puncture your skin in a second and draw blood just as quickly. So, while it may be normal for a puppy to nip at your hand or foot, it is not a behavior that you want to ignore. Puppy play is naturally aggressive When puppies playing with their litter mates, the play can be very aggressive. This is natural, as dogs, they are always figuring out their pack and where they fit into the pack. Recognizing puppy play You can recognize when a retriever puppy is playing by the stance they take. They also may run around in circles, growling, or barking in high pitched barks, but when they do this their ears will be up, their tail wagging and they do not look threatening. It is uncommon for puppies under 12 weeks of age to exhibit true aggression. True aggression involves a dog exhibiting prolonged growling with a stiff posture and baring of teeth. Their hackles the hair on their back will be raised and they will be poised in a threatening position with ears back. If you were to approach a dog in this position which I do not recommend they will often move toward you and try to bite or snap at you. This type of aggression is something to be fearful about and is not healthy. Isolate the dog as much as possible and consult a veterinary or other professional for help or advice. What are signs of aggression in puppies All puppies can act aggressively, but if you take steps to address the aggressive behaviors while your dog is a young puppy, you can make a huge difference on how or whether that aggression progresses. These are all forms of aggression and none of them should be tolerated, not as a puppy and certainly not as a dog. There are also dominance behaviors that puppies exhibit that are often mistaken as aggression. They include things like jumping on people, stepping on people, pushing you around, forcing you to pet them and others. While these behaviors can be done aggressively, and should still be corrected immediately, they are not the same as aggression. Definition of puppy Because we often get clients that bring out their dogs that are close to a year old and refer to them as puppies, I want to define what I consider a puppy. A puppy is a dog under six months of age. Most retrievers are a good size by around six months. They will often continue to grow up until about a year and a half, but they have the bulk of their size by the time they are six months. And by six months, you need to have a handle on any aggressive behaviors, or you are going to struggle with eliminating them. Is it normal for a puppy to be very aggressive? It is normal for a puppy to test you with aggressive behaviors. And to be clear, that place should be at the bottom of the pack, under all your family members. I understand that your dog is a part of your family but allowing your dog to be in a position above any or all your family members is just asking for trouble. Treating your dog as a human and attributing your dog with human thoughts and reasoning is not fair to your dog or to your family. Love your dog, but make sure your dog is the lowest member of your pack and you will have a much easier time with obedience and basic good behavior. How to stop puppy growling Growling is often the first step for dog aggression. Or, if you try and take a toy away from your dog. No matter how or when you see the aggression start, it is important to nip it in the bud right away. A sharp NO command sometimes is all that is needed, especially if it is well-timed with the first sign of the growl or nip. Other times you may need to grab your dogs muzzle and squeeze. If these corrections do not seem to be helping, I would immediately crate my dog if it growled at me. Be sure you do not let your dog out of the crate while he is exhibiting a growling behavior. Only let him out if he is behaving appropriately. How to stop puppy nipping or biting A dog that nips or bites you often started as a very young puppy. We teach our puppies at 8-weeks-old that biting and nipping people is not allowed. And at this very young age, they learn it very quickly. Your pup may cry out or squirm, but that is fine. In fact, you need to be quite stern to make an impression. If it continues, you are not being firm or consistent enough. How to stop puppy growling while tugging During play, it is not uncommon for retriever puppies to growl and tug at toys, blankets, even your pant leg. This behavior is usually just playful and natural. However, I would still try to end this behavior as soon as possible. While almost harmless at first, this behavior can escalate quickly as your dog grows bigger and stronger. You can end this behavior first by not participating in it. If you start tugging with a toy with your puppy, you are going to encourage the behavior. The second step is to discourage the behavior with a sharp NO command. It can help if you say GIVE when you take the item. This will start to teach him the GIVE command that will be helpful later if you are a hunter. How to stop puppy baring his teeth A puppy or dog that bares his teeth to you is threatening to bite you. Even if the puppy goes no further than to bare the teeth and growl, you need to end this behavior. This behavior is far more dangerous than the puppy that nips at your hand. The nips may be done in play, since that is how puppies play with one another, but baring of teeth and growling is different. And you must handle it differently. I am not talking about lifting your dog off the floor with the shake, but if your puppy is very young, that may indeed be a great correction. Have you ever witnessed a mama dog correct her puppies? This is not a violent thing, just a natural correction for a puppy. The puppies rarely cry out or whimper when given this correction, they just walk away and understand that the behavior they were exhibiting is not acceptable. If your dog continues to bare his teeth even after this correction, you may have a bigger problem on your hands, and I would proceed carefully. True dog aggression is no joking matter. Dogs with aggression problems can snap at any time and go from baring their teeth to full out attacks. Hyper behavior is different from aggression. A hyper dog has a lot of energy and may not know how to control or channel that energy. Often hyper behavior is a genetic trait. In this sense, it is not something that you can eliminate. But you can take steps to make it more manageable. Exercise more Dogs that are hyper need more exercise than dogs that are more docile in nature. If your dog is hyper and is not getting enough exercise, the hype behavior is going to drive the dog to other behaviors that you may not enjoy such as chewing up your dining room table leg or your favorite pair of shoes. For instance, if your dog is hyper and is jumping up and down all the time, and you not only allow the jumping but pet him or her and give praise while your dog is jumping, then you are unknowingly rewarding the jumping behavior. Give your puppy time to mature Retrievers are often full of energy while they are young, well some a bit longer, but tend to slow down as they mature. But as they mature they do usually slow down and become a bit less energetic. Training Highly energetic dogs can benefit greatly from structured training programs. Programs such as the ones we offer here at Otter Tail Kennels, can teach an energetic dog control and channel their energy into hunting or retrieving which can make home life more manageable. There are even some things you can do at home to get more control of your energetic dog. Practice sitting I know this sounds boring, and for you it is. But for an energetic dog that does not like sitting at all, having them sit for 30 seconds, or a minute or two can be very challenging. They will need many reminders at first, but over time they will learn to settle and sit calmly. You can slowly increase the amount of time. This simple obedience drill will help your dog learn control. Teach your dog the kennel command so that when you say Kennel, they run into their crate and stay there until you release them. This basically sends your dog on a time out and forces them to practice control and settle. Final thoughts on why my puppy is so hyper and aggressive For dogs under 6 months of age, much hyper and aggressive behavior is simply puppy play. You must teach your puppy boundaries and the earlier you teach them the better. Be consistent in your corrections and persistent, and over time you will reap the benefits. You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving.

Use baby steps and go slowly letting your GSD pup get used to their crate. Offer them meals Provide them a few meals either very near or inside their crate for a positive association with their new crate. When you leave As they spend more time inside their crate, work on leaving them alone for very short periods. Step 1: Introduce Your German Shepherd to Their New Crate Spend about 5 minutes, two to four times a day, introducing your dog to their special kennel. Familiarize your dog with the kennel by tossing a high-value food reward near the crate to entice them. Let them explore the kennel and go in and out freely on their own. A fun, squeaky toy tossed inside can sometimes help them explore their crate. Step 2: Feed Your German Shepherd Inside Their Crate When your dog has sniffed the crate and wandered in and out multiple times, offer them a meal inside with the door propped open. Offer several meals, in the same way, to show your dog a kennel is a safe place. After a few meals inside and when they are comfortable eating, begin to quietly and softly close the door. But let them out once their meal is over. Next time, leave them in the crate for a shorter period. This way you reward them for staying quiet, instead of whining. When they enter, toss them a treat as a reward. Close the door quietly and sit in the same room as them for 5 to 10 minutes. You can even sit calmly next to the crate while dropping food into it occasionally. Now, go to another room for a few minutes to leave them alone. Instead, sit in the same room again for a few minutes before releasing them. Increase the time you leave them alone in the room and repeat the previous step upon your return to them. Once you work your way to leaving them in their crate for about 30 minutes, begin leaving them in their crate while you leave your house. Step 4: Crating Your German Shepherd When You Leave the House Leave the house for a short time with them in the crate using the same process above to call them to the crate. Call your dog to their crate anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes before you want to go so they have time to settle in their crate and relax. Tell them to go into their crate, give them a reward, and offer them praise. Leave the house without a big commotion. When you return, quietly let them out of their crate. Their collar could get hung up on one of the bars and cause serious injury or worse! When you take the time to introduce the crate properly, they see it is a comfortable place that has their favorite toys and tasty foods! You must keep this slow. If at any time your dog whines, you have gone on too long! Praise puppy for relieving themselves. Offer fresh water and take them back outside again. Take your pup back outside to eliminate before crating. Let them outside to relieve themselves and stretch. Offer fresh water, cuddles, and another meal. They need to go outside after eating and drinking. Place your pup back in the crate. Play with them and take them for a walk. Supervise them by leashing them to you and watching them closely. Let them outside. Praise them for using the bathroom outside. Throw a ball or work on basic obedience. Return inside and leash them to you to supervise while playing, petting, or letting them rest next to you. Bring them in and let them explore while you watch them. Keep them leashed to you when indoors to avoid any accidents. Offer fresh water. Take up the water a couple of hours before bed. This is to prevent accidents in the crate overnight. Let them stretch their legs in the yard. This gets him too excited before bed. You want bedtime to be a calming ritual. You can make your own schedule based on the typical times a GSD puppy needs to go out. Be sure to watch for these times and set an alarm if you need a reminder. Pay attention to these times and let your dog out: When they first wake up. After their first meal of the day. Before you go to work. Image used with permission by copyright holder How long does it take to crate-train a German shepherd? With that being said, crate-training a dog usually takes longer than teaching him how to sit or stay. Recommended Videos As a general rule, puppies should be left in a crate for one hour per month of age, but they should never be kept in a crate for longer than four hours at a time. By the time your pup is six months old, he should be able to sleep in his crate overnight without having any accidents. Crate-training tips Whether you have a young puppy or an older dog, crate training requires time and patience. You may want to purchase a crate large enough to accommodate his adult size. Leave the crate open in a room where you spend plenty of time. Your pup may wander into the crate without being told to do so. Now you can try closing the door and leaving your pup in his crate. Image used with permission by copyright holder Are German shepherds hard to crate train? While crate training a German shepherd puppy may seem easier than training an adult dog, studies show that sometimes the reverse is true. In fact, many GSD owners will find that this is one of the easiest breeds to housetrain, as long as constant supervision and consistency are required. However, remember that all dogs learn at their own pace. Where should your German shepherd puppy sleep? According to the professionals, your German shepherd puppy should sleep indoors in a crate. Not only does crating your dog at night make housebreaking easier, but it also keeps your dog safe. Puppies, especially German shepherd puppies, explore the world with their noses, which can lead them to mischief. Image used with permission by copyright holder Crate training is one of the most controversial topics amongst dog owners, but research shows that crating your dog can help her feel safe and secure. With time and patience, your German shepherd will come to view her crate as her den , and she might even choose to spend time there on her own. Editors' Recommendations. But goodness, German Shepherd puppies can get into a lot of trouble! Crate training a German Shepherd puppy can help ease the stresses of puppyhood. Believe me, crate training is your best friend! Well, after your German Shepherd, of course. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about crate training a German Shepherd puppy. What is Crate Training? There are a lot of people who feel this way, and the truth is — it can be cruel if the crate is misused. To make this happen, your pup must think of its crate as a place where the good times roll! In other words, a puppy should associate its crate with only pleasant experiences. Now be prepared — this is a process with a lot of training involved, and it can be long and frustrating at times. What are the Benefits of Crate Training? There are so many great benefits to crate training a German Shepherd puppy. Let us count the ways… A way to feel secure: A crate makes your puppy feel safe and secure. Remember, dogs evolved from den animals so they like having a small, protected place of their own. A way to potty train: One of the toughest things about raising a puppy is potty training , and a crate is a great tool to help take the headache out of housetraining. When Allie was a puppy, she would wake me up with a whine in the middle of the night to let me know she needed to potty. With a little time and a lot of patience! A way to transport: Crates make travel much easier for both you and your German Shepherd! Riding in cars can be very stressful for your pup, but if your dog is comfortable being crated, it makes for a much easier ride. A way to protect your puppy: As a puppy, Allie would get into everything! She would eat or chew anything she could get her mouth on, and I worried about her eating something dangerous while I was out. Many dogs are injured or worse from chewing electrical wires or eating toxic substances so crate training is essential to keep your active German Shepherd puppy safe from harm. A way to protect your stuff: Did I mention that German Shepherd puppies love to chew!? This includes your furniture, shoes, and anything else you leave where your puppy can find it. If left loose in your house, your puppy will most likely search and destroy! A way to keep your sanity: Overall, crates offer you something priceless — peace of mind! Crate training saved me a lot of stress and energy while potty training Allie. Crate training means a happier you and a better relationship with your furry friend so you can have fun being a puppy parent! How Do I Choose a Crate? Dog crates come in different materials and sizes and can be purchased online or at your local pet store. There are a lot of options available! This section will help you make the best buying decision for you and your four-legged family member. Wire Crates Pros: Wire crates are well-ventilated, and the pan slides out so they are easy to clean. They are also collapsible for storing or moving, and you can purchase a divider for this type of crate. Larger sizes can also be heavy. Plastic Crates Pros: Plastic crates are good for travel. Because the sides are mostly solid, your puppy may feel more secure. Cons: Plastic crates are harder to get clean and less ventilated. Fabric Crates Pros: Fabric crates are very lightweight and great for travel. Cons: Fabric crates are not very durable and are easily destroyed by a mouthy puppy. If the crate is too big, your puppy will potty on one end and sleep on the other, defeating the purpose of using the crate for potty training. So what is the best size crate for a German Shepherd puppy? Go with a or inch metal crate with a divider — the divider is key! Use it to partition the crate, giving your GSD pup just enough room to stand up, lie down, and turn around. GSD puppies grow fast! So just move the divider back to give your pup more room as it grows. Check out my full guide to the best crates for German Shepherds if you want to learn more, but here are three of my top recommendations. There are several sizes available, and you can choose either a single or double door. I went with the inch size, and 8-year-old Chyna still fits inside perfectly. Very durable and sturdy but still folds easily. Plus, the price makes it a great value! Includes a fleece bed, which is removable and washable for easy cleaning. Very easy to set-up and fold-down, making it a great option for dogs on the go! Allie uses this one for long traveling long distances in the truck. Petmate offers several variations on this hard-sided plastic kennel, including several sizes to choose from. Easy to assemble and very sturdy, making it the safest crate for airline travel. If your dog gets overly anxious or nervous in new situations, this crate might be the best choice. Ok, new crate for your puppy — check! But what else do you need? Bedding When I first started crate training Allie, I bought a nice, fluffy bed for her to sleep on while in her crate — bad idea! For a puppy, I recommend buying something a bit more durable and a bit less fluffy. Toys Toys are great for a puppy learning to love its crate. It gives your pup something to do other than chew up the bedding and teaches it that crate time is fun! Just remember, eventually, your puppy will be left unsupervised in its crate for extended periods of time. So any toys you choose for its crate must be safe! Allie loved gnawing on her Kong while in her crate. Treats Speaking of treats, make sure to keep plenty of treats on hand to use as rewards. A crate cover will help your dog feel safe and keep it from being disturbed by its humans walking by. You can purchase a crate cover or even use a towel or bedsheet. Keep in mind, never cover all sides of the crate — your dog needs plenty of ventilation. As I mentioned before, the most important part of crate training is teaching your puppy to LOVE its crate! How do you do this? Use lots of treats, patience, and praise to show your dog that learning is fun. Put the crate in a room where your puppy spends a lot of time and prop the door open or remove the door altogether. You can add a crate mat and toy, but then back off and let the puppy investigate the crate casually — no pressure! Your puppy may explore immediately, going in and out of the crate to sniff around. But if not, you can encourage it with a few treats or toys near the front of the crate. Be patient until your puppy is bold enough to go all the way inside its crate without any nervousness. Use during mealtime Once your pup is comfortable with wandering in and out of its crate, pair mealtime with crate time. Adding a food reward reinforces those positive associations you want to build between your puppy and its crate. Start by regularly feeding your puppy next to the crate, then slowly work the food dish into the crate at the front, then further back. Close the crate Once your pup is happily chowing down while standing all the way inside the crate, start closing the door during mealtime — but just until dinner is over! Open the door again as soon as your pup is finished eating. Then, close the door. Stay near the crate for several minutes, then go into another room for a few minutes. When you return, sit near the crate again for a few more minutes before opening the door. Repeat this step until your puppy is comfortable in its crate for at least 30 minutes without you in sight. This may take several days or even weeks so be patient! Crating when you leave Now your puppy is ready to try crating while home alone for short periods of time at first. Make sure to give your puppy a potty break before crating for an extended period of time. Stick to your normal routine for crating — use a command to get your dog to enter the crate, praise your dog briefly, give them a treat, and then leave quietly. Keep it low-key when you return as well. Wait a few minutes before letting your puppy out of its crate and try to ignore any excited behavior. Crating overnight Before attempting an overnight stay in the crate, make sure your puppy is tired and ready for sleep. Lots of exercise and playtime before bed will help. Give your puppy a chance to potty immediately before bedtime. Again, use your normal routine for crating command, praise, treat. Once your puppy is happily snoozing through the night, you can move the crate wherever you prefer. Only keep puppy-safe items in the crate at night. A regular daily routine is important in training your puppy, and consistency is key! Puppies learn best through repetition so create a puppy crate training schedule and stick to it. Here is a super simple German Shepherd crate training schedule that you can easily modify to fit your needs.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Labradoodle Health Issues: Introduction If you know a little bit about Labradoodles , you know that this Doodle breed is pretty much the perfect dog anyone could ever wish for. Playful, affectionate, and intelligent, combined with the low-shedding coat from the Poodle parent — literally, the dream! Even though it may seem like the Labradoodle has it all, there are still certain Labradoodle health issues that this hybrid breed can develop. We truly believe that knowledge is power. Do Labradoodles Have Health Issues? When it comes to Labradoodles, health issues can be inherited from either of the parent pups. For instance, some health issues are more common in Poodles, others are more common in Labrador Retrievers, and some health problems overlap in both breeds. Nevertheless, Labradoodles do benefit from hybrid vigor, which gives them a great advantage in terms of health. Hybrid vigor means that a cross-breed has a smaller chance of inheriting the health problems most common in the parental breeds. To put it simply, cross-breeds often inherit the best qualities from both parents. However, hybrid vigor is most prevalent in first-generation Doodles and it may start to diminish with each consecutive generation. These are typically hip and elbow dysplasia, knee problems like patellar luxation, and cruciate ligament damage. All sizes of Labradoodles are at a risk of developing joint problems, but patellar luxation is one of the most common Toy and Mini Labradoodle health issues. To prevent joint problems, you should look for dog food formulas that contain ingredients like glucosamine or chondroitin. Additionally, for Toy and Miniature Labradoodles, you might want to look into dog foods that are specially formulated for small breeds. Both options take into account the specific needs of smaller and larger breeds, and help avoid improper development and skeletal disorders. Additionally, it can result in arthritis. Hip dysplasia is caused by various factors, such as genetic disorders, obesity, or unethical breeding. Luckily, ethical breeders always conduct extensive health testing on their parent dogs to minimize the risk of puppies developing hip dysplasia. The most common symptoms of hip and elbow dysplasia include: Pain, stiffness, or limping Decreased activity and range of motion Difficulty standing up, climbing stairs, jumping, or running Lameness Loss of muscle mass Labradoodle Cruciate Ligament Damage Cruciate ligament damage a. CCL is a very painful condition, where one or both cruciate ligaments tear or completely rupture. Cruciate ligaments hold the knee together and they typically become damaged over time due to excess bodyweight, injury, or inherited weakness of the ligaments. In severe cases of CCL, surgical intervention might be the only treatment option. Symptoms of cruciate ligament damage are: Limping. Fatigue Behavior changes loss of appetite, reluctance to engage, etc. If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet so they can perform screenings such as chest x-rays, blood tests, and an echocardiogram an ultrasound of the heart and nearby blood vessels to assess the issue. The condition can be serious if left untreated, but thankfully there are many treatment options available, such as diet therapy and medication. What To Feed a Labradoodle To live a long and happy life, Labradoodles must consume the proper amount of high-quality dog food and have access to fresh water. A balanced diet will help your pup maintain a healthy weight and avoid health conditions such as heart disease and hip dysplasia. If a pet parent is willing and able to cook for their dog, Whittenburg suggests a fresh, homemade diet that has been formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Boutique brand and grain-free foods should be avoided. That includes servings of food in the right amount that provides more than 40 nutrients that pets require in their respective life stages, including proteins, fats, carbs, and vitamins, minerals, and independent amino acids, according to the Pet Food Institute. While there is no one-size-fits-all way to feed a Labradoodle and a consultation with your vet is recommended, Whittenburg says Labradoodle puppies under 6 months old should generally be fed a minimum of three times a day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day. Unless recommended by a veterinarian, dogs fed a complete and balanced commercial food diet should not need any nutritional supplements. However, Labradoodles that are fed a homemade diet may require supplements to ensure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals necessary to thrive, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and a variety of antioxidants. Behavior and Training Tips for Labradoodles Labradoodle Personality and Temperament The high-energy, attention-seeking, intelligent Labradoodle requires frequent exercise, interaction, and play. While every Labradoodle is different, proper socialization is a must for helping your dog become a well-behaved companion. These dogs are not known to be excessive barkers, but the right amount of training and exercise is required to ensure they learn to behave appropriately. Labradoodle Training Because Labradoodles are a hybrid of two highly intelligent breeds, they are eager to please and highly trainable, according to Philippou. They can be taught to excel at everything from basic tricks like sit, stay, and roll over to running agility courses. Always use positive-reinforcement techniques, like using treats to reward good behaviors, during training. Due to their gentle and sharp-witted nature, Labradoodles can even be trained to become service dogs. Fun Activities for Labradoodles. Labradoodle health issues are important for both current owners to be aware of as well as those considering adding a new puppy to their family. It helps to be aware of common Labradoodle health problems for two reasons. Secondly, there are some preventative steps we can take to reduce the risk for some of these concerns! Yes, Labradoodle health issues do exist. Unfortunately, while mixed breeds do tend to be healthier than purebreds, they still run the risk of inheriting health conditions from either parent. In some cases, they may get the worst from both parents, rather than the best. The Labradoodle is no exception. We have no definitive way of knowing if and when Labradoodle health problems will happen to your dog. Responsible dog parents should be prepared to deal with an unexpected accident or injury, which is why I recommend every Labradoodle owner should purchase pet insurance. There are a handful of reputable pet insurance companies out there, but I personally use and recommend Healthy Paws. Not only are they affordable, but they offer top-notch coverage without sneaky loopholes and tons of fine print. You can feel confident knowing that no matter the cost, your Labradoodle will get excellent medical care throughout their lives. This is a condition in which either the upper or lower eyelid rolls inward. Entropion is generally an inherited condition. Unfortunately, when left untreated, this can cause significant pain and swelling of the eyes. Treatment options for entropion can vary depending on severity, but more often than not it will require surgical intervention. Cardiomyopathy in Labradoodles Cardiomyopathy is a broad term that covers any disease that causes a weakened heart muscle. Most cases of cardiomyopathy are asymptomatic and are only diagnosed because the veterinarian notices a heart murmur. Treatment revolves around managing the symptoms of congestive heart failure and cardiac enlargement while increasing the ability of the heart to contract properly. On top of that, your Labradoodle will likely require medications for the rest of their life. While these medications are fairly reasonably priced, they can add up quickly. This causes them to rub together which can result in pain and mobility issues. Treatment depends on two things—the form the disease has taken and the stage of its presentation. When caught early enough, surgical repair is the optimal treatment method. Unfortunately, Laborador Retrievers rank first in the highest percentage of cancer cases at .There is no one treatment for cancer. Treatment depends on the type of cancer, stage of cancer, pre-existing health issues, and much more. Treatment can range from surgery, to immunotherapy, to chemotherapy, to radiation, or to simply providing pain relief. It may just affect one little hormone, but the symptoms can be profound. This disease is common in both the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever, making it among the common Labradoodle health issues. Sebaceous Adenitis in Labradoodles There is a gland on the skin that produces oil to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. Sebaceous adenitis is a condition where those glands become inflamed and eventually are destroyed. Specific shampoos and recurrent antimicrobial administration is needed. Luxating Patella in Labradoodles Luxating patella is another term for a dislocated knee. Toy and Mini Labradoodles are more commonly affected, however this can affect any Labradoodle size. If caught early enough, surgical manipulation may be possible to make a full recovery, but if left too long it may be impossible to correct and cause chronic pain. One of the main causes of luxating patella is genetics, however, nutrition, excess stress on the joints, or other pre-existing medical conditions may play a role as well. Hip Dysplasia in Labradoodles Hip dysplasia is common in a lot of large dog breeds, including the Standard Labradoodle. This can lead to pain, loss of function, or deterioration of the joint. Are Labradoodle Health Issues Common? Labradoodles are generally thought to be a healthy breed. Each Labradoodle has its own DNA which may make it more or less likely to develop certain conditions. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, some dogs will still go on to develop serious health issues. Luckily, there are some precautions you can take to help reduce the risk of Labradoodle health issues in your dog. Reputable Labradoodle breeders will use their knowledge of the breed and genetic testing to ethically improve the healthline of the breed. In addition to getting a healthy Labradoodle, they truly care about their puppies. These are serious signs of a bad breeder. Invest in Pet Insurance In my opinion, pet insurance should be considered a necessity for new Labradoodle owners. For example, Labradoodles are prone to cancer. Click here to get an instant, online pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws! Excess weight or obesity can contribute to the development of many health issues. A healthy diet and daily exercise are easy ways to prevent Labradoodle health issues later on in life. Check Price on TryFi. Poor oral health can lead to heart infections like endocarditis, systemic inflammation, and jaw issues. All of these are serious issues that can easily be prevented. More About Labradoodles…. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. The first fact we have to remember is that any dog breed or hybrid can develop health issues. So, the Labradoodle is also equally capable of developing physical complications just like any other breed. On the contrary, some of these complications are common across various breeds and varieties. The important thing here is to stay informed of these risks and conditions. That way, even if your Labradoodle develops any signs or symptoms, you can quickly take it to the vet. Reliable breeders will usually have a health guarantee on their puppies. Reputable breeders will normally be forthright about any health complications the parents may have too. The best breeders will even offer you certifications from Orthopedic Foundation for Animals , Canine Eye Registry, or other similar authorities. Some may even offer DNA tests for potential conditions. Getting your puppy from the right source is like preventing many of these health conditions before they even appear. Also, we must remember that Labradoodles can develop health issues faced by both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. Hybrids can sometimes fail to reconcile the physical traits of both parent breeds. But it happens because the different physiology of the parents may not form healthily in the puppy. Finally, remember that most Labradoodle health issues are curable. Also, being prompt with medication and nurturing is essential. So, we now know that Labradoodles can develop health issues of different kinds. Labradoodle Cancer The first item on our list of possible Labradoodle health issues is cancer. Cancer in dogs is more common in old age above ten. On the off chance that your Labradoodle does develop cancer, the approach should be the same as with any other pet — a lot of care and medical help. Cancer in your dog may be one of many types. It commonly occurs in body organs, bones, or skin. Just like in humans, some cancers grow faster and others slower. Sometimes, you may detect them too late. So, that can serve as a small consolation. Possible Treatment The general approach to cancer in dogs is not to cure it. The main aim here is to treat it to remission. But the good news here is that cancer survival in dogs is common too. Make sure you consult with your vet before making any decisions. The treatment may range from chemo, radiation, surgery, or merely supplementing medication. Also, veterinary medicine has developed new treatments such as immunotherapy and antibody therapy. Although these are expensive, they give you more options for treatment. Finally, the mental health of you and your dog is a crucial part of the treatment. Make sure you keep a normal routine in terms of walks, playtime, etc. It would be great if you also learned about the treatments, terminology, symptoms, etc. Labradoodle Joint Problems Unlike cancer, Labradoodles and joint problems can often come together. These joint issues can include knee problems, pain in the joints, hip dysplasia, or elbow dysplasia. But other joint problems can still appear in your Labradoodle puppy. Questionable breeding methods are often to blame for these problems. However, Labradoodles can also develop these conditions because of their hybrid nature. Common symptoms include irritability, excessive lying down, limping, lagging on walks, reluctance to climb stairs , lack of enthusiasm for play or walks, etc. And most of these symptoms can pass right under your nose as you go about your day. If you see some of these behaviors, it may be time to take your doodle to the vet. Potential Treatment The good news here is that canine rehabilitation is one of the fastest-growing methods of veterinary science. Even at the very least, there are ways and means to help your dog live a full life even with the condition. Various anti-inflammatory medicines can help relieve joint pains. Of course, you should only use the meds recommended by your vet. If your vet allows, you can also use joint supplements as alternatives. Obesity in your dog can cause or aggravate any existing joint problems. But if you do need it, work with your vet to design a weight loss plan that involves the right diet and exercise. This way, your Labradoodle gets the best of medical and homely help. Labradoodle Glaucoma Labradoodles can inherit eye conditions from their parents. And Glaucoma can undoubtedly be one of these problems. Glaucoma is generally more present in purebreds. They can certainly inherit cataracts from their genes. Glaucoma in Labradoodles Labradoodles can develop Glaucoma when there is increased pressure on the eyes. Glaucoma has the potential to become severe enough to cause permanent blindness. Either way, there are ways to prevent or partially rectify the issue. But other causes include lens slipping, tissue inflammation, or eye injuries. All the other reasons here are called secondary Glaucoma. Glaucoma symptoms in Labradoodles can vary depending on severity. But common signs include eye pressure, excessive blinking, cloudy appearance, dilated pupil, the recession of eyeballs, etc. Like any other Labradoodle health issue, you may notice a lack of interest in an activity or play. The general approach is to try lowering the pressure to save their vision. But if there is damage in the optical nerve, it may be permanent or require surgery at the least. Methods can include draining of eye fluid or, in severe cases, removal of the eye. In the first case, surgery can restore some vision. However, in the second instance, your dog will have an orb instead of an eye. Although this sounds tragic, dogs can adapt to vision loss without as much trouble as humans. But you can certainly help by making the transition as comfortable as possible. You may have to watch over your dog more when outdoors. But small responsibilities like these are easy for anyone who loves their pets. Labradoodle Vision Problems Although Glaucoma can be a dangerous condition, there are other vision problems that Labradoodles can develop. Symptoms usually look similar. Keeping an eye no pun intended on your dog can help you detect problems early. This way, you can start timely treatments. Labradoodles and Vision Problems Labradoodles can experience vision problems because of eye diseases, injury, or old age. Labs and poodles can sometimes have genetic eye disorders, which they pass on to offspring. So, correct diagnosis is crucial before beginning treatment. The wrong diagnosis can take your dog through a lot of pain and trouble for nothing. Worse yet, it can even cause permanent loss of vision. For an accurate diagnosis, your vet has to detect the symptoms correctly. Common symptoms include redness, excessive fluids, cloudiness, low vision, squinting, eye color changes, etc. There may also be behavioral changes that imply vision problems. These include bumping into things, aversion to light, confusion, pawing the face, etc. Potential Treatment Depending on what the symptoms are, your Labradoodle may have one of many vision problems. Other times, vision problems can also come from Diabetes or high blood pressure. The precise treatment will depend on the source and cause of the eye problem. Corneal ulcers may require medication such as Topical antibiotics or surgery for severe cases. But your vet can suggest supplements that might help your Labradoodle. But these vision issues are not painful problems for your dog. Your Labradoodle can easily adapt to its changing eyesight. As mentioned earlier, our dogs have a keen sense of smell and hearing. Of course, their motor skills may not be as efficient as before. But they can still live full and wholesome lives as long as they get the proper care. On our part, all we have to do is make their day better by continuing to nurture them and care for them. But this does not mean that only Labradoodles develop Hip Dysplasia. Furthermore, the effect on a loving owner can also be disheartening. But the important thing here is to know your Labradoodle well and learn more about the disease. Hip Dysplasia is a common condition that need not be life-threatening if you know what to do. Hyp Dysplasia in Labradoodles Hip Dysplasia is, essentially, a bone and joint problem. So, instead of sliding together well, they start to grind and rub against each other. This means their mobility, movement, or posture may become abnormal. Over time, the condition can also lead to the joint becoming fully dysfunctional. Hip Dysplasia can have a number of causes. In Labradoodles, Hip Dysplasia usually comes from poor breeding processes. The symptoms usually include a decrease in physical activity and a limited range of motion. It can also mean your Labradoodle hesitates to jump , climb, or rise. The thigh can also lose muscle mass because of this condition. You can see the shoulders enlarged as the body tries to compensate for the hind legs in some cases. Potential Treatment for Hip Dysplasia Your vet may perform an examination, mobility inspections, radiographs, x-rays, etc. He will then recommend changes in lifestyle or surgery, or both, depending on the severity and condition. Your vet may also advise limited exercises on harder surfaces. Medication can include joint supplements, pain relief, fluid modifiers, or anti-inflammatory prescriptions. Surgery can consist of osteotomy, osteotomy, or total hip replacement. You may see it in bigger breeds who struggle with physiology or obesity. Also, it can come from genetic or unethical breeding practices. But there are working treatments available. Although no method has guaranteed success, your dogs can still live a wholesome life if you take the right measures. Elbow Dysplasia in Labradoodles is mostly because by some abnormal skeletal growth in the elbow. The condition can become worse with age. And the older it gets, the more painful for your Labradoodle. The main symptom of Elbow Dysplasia is an evident decrease in the range of motion. Also, you may notice that your Labradoodle shows discomfort or pain when you flex its elbow. You may also see episodes of lameness that appear once in a while. Some Elbow Dysplasia cases also have fluid retention in the joints. Potential Treatments for Elbow Dysplasia If your Labradoodle has Elbow Dysplasia, your vet can confirm the diagnosis through radiography or x-ray. Many times, vets can also detect it through inspection and evaluation. If the Elbow Dysplasia is a mild case, the vet may prescribe more moderate medical options. Medication can include joint supplements or anti-inflammatory drugs. Your vet may also suggest fatty-acid supplements to decrease inflammation or lubrication of the joint. However, severe cases may need a combination of surgery, medication, and therapy. Common approaches for surgery include arthroscopy and the open-joint procedure. You can also get rehabilitation treatments carried out by professionals. These can include underwater treadmills, swimming, and other relevant exercises. The great news is that Elbow Dysplasia has a higher recovery rate than other illnesses. On your part, just ensure that your Labradoodle stays in a healthy frame of mind. And with it, give it your best in nurturing and caring for your dog. Labradoodle Infections Labradoodles, like any other breed of dog, can be prone to certain infections. Some examples include: Ear infections: Due to the shape and position of their ears, Labradoodles are prone to developing ear infections. Symptoms include head shaking, scratching at the ears, and a foul odor coming from the ears. Skin infections: Bacterial and fungal skin infections can develop due to a weakened immune system or a break in the skin. Symptoms include redness, itching, and hair loss. Urinary tract infections: These can cause discomfort, frequent urination, and sometimes blood in the urine. Gastrointestinal infections: Gastrointestinal infections can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Early treatment can prevent more serious health problems from developing. In Labradoodles, this can result in symptoms such as: Weakness and fatigue. Over the years, unsurprisingly, this breed has gained immense popularity in the United States for its excellent temperament. Labradoodles are a relatively new breed of dog and are not a recognized breed as they are hybrids. Owning a Labradoodle is not all fun and games. If not trained properly and in time, they can develop quite a few bad habits that can make you miserable. Labradoodles Have Excessive Energy That Must Be Given Room to Express While some dogs are quite content with the occasional walk or a short game of fetch, you need to do a lot more to tire out a Labradoodle. Being an energetic dog is great, but too much of anything can get quite dangerous. Labradoodles need lots of exercises or else they can be extremely boisterous and neurotic, eventually developing some destructive behavior. You will need to ensure your new dog gets lots of opportunities to blow off steam. Even young Labradoodle pups need daily evening walks and regular exercise. As the Labradoodle is a hybrid breed, they tend to grow larger than both of their parents unless it is a toy labradoodle. This simply means you will have to make sure they spend their energy every day. Fully-grown Labradoodles can walk and run for over a mile only as a casual warm-up exercise. While you can leave your dog loose in your yard, you have to make sure it is fenced-in, or else your Labradoodle without a leash will break out and take off to explore on its own. No matter how occupied you may be with work or the kids, you need to take time out from your busy schedule to exercise your dog. They require a good amount of exercise every day, about minutes should be just fine. This helps them to be physically fit and is also incredibly good for their mental health and well-being. You can even count on your Labradoodle as your workout partner. You can get creative with your exercises and take your dog out for a jog, an obstacle course, or even some splash time in the swimming pool to cool off. Labradoodles are very loving and affectionate towards humans. So while they may bark at someone incessantly at the door, they are not much of a threat to a stranger. So treating them with love in return is absolutely the right thing, but if you smother your doodle puppy with love, it will grow increasingly attached to you. Now, nothing wrong with being attached to your pet; after all, they are family to us. But this attachment does often lead to separation anxiety. It can cause dogs to freak out and panic when they are left alone at home. In extreme cases, the idea of being alone will be too overwhelming for your dog and it can aggravate them so much that your dog may bark continuously, pace around constantly, or become destructive and rip at things in sight, be it shoes or the couch. Popular Science Your doodle puppy has an innate fear that you will leave it alone and never come back. Labradoodles often feel helpless when they are left alone , especially when they are young pups. That is why you will have observed dogs tend to jump on you and show affection when you return to them after a few hours. If you have a Labradoodle, you must have experienced your dog waiting patiently to greet you with loads of tail wagging, kisses, and licking, maybe even with a ball in its mouth wanting to play with you. They are overly devoted to the family, which makes them very protective. And if you try to cross them, you will be at the receiving end of some aggressive behavior, so beware. This quality makes them exceptional watchdogs. But, if you think your Labradoodle will also be great at guarding your property, think again. This is a breed that is friendly to humans. There is a high chance your pup will just end up befriending a stranger and try to encourage a game of fetch or chase. The stranger will be greeted with loads of tail wagging and thumping of the tail instead of barking to make you aware of an outsider. This makes them a terrible choice for a guard dog. You will observe your doodle making demands to have a share of your food. Be ready for high-pitched verbal confrontations, resistance to commands, and a lot of barking to get you to give up your spot on the couch or chair, especially during the initial phases of getting your dog home. Older Labradoodles, in particular, can be very demanding and stubborn to suit their needs. They will ensure they get what they want, even if it means taking it from you. This is why it is very important to train them when they are younger, or you will have puppies who grow up to constantly nag you to get their way. Start training your Labradoodle pup at an early age to avoid having a reluctant puppy dictating its terms and conditions that you will have to deal with throughout your life. Comparing a Labradoodle vs Labrador to see which breed is best for your family 5. Jumping up and down in excitement and licking are common in most breeds. But, in the case of Labradoodles, this can become a problem. Your dog may be a jumper either due to over-excitement or pent-up energy. So training them is essential. One way to end the jumping spree is to bend down and come face to face with your pup so that it can discourage this habit. Another reason is that Labradoodles want to grab your attention or to say a friendly hello. Sometimes they do it because they want a pat or a boop. But not everyone is okay with unknown dogs jumping on them. This is why it is crucial to teach your pup to be a polite greeter. You will need a friend or neighbor for this demonstration. Politely ask your pup to stay. Ask your friend to ring the doorbell. When your friend approaches, let your dog know it can now greet him. Repeat this process until your doodle becomes a pro. And when you want them to bark and warn you about strangers, you will find them in their happy element begging to play with them. But they will bark at you for not giving in to their needs. If they want you to get off their spot on the couch, or if they want to be let out, or if you leave them alone all day and go out, they will bark incessantly and loudly at the highest volume. My Labradoodle Max wearing his party hat. But you may want to pause and think about some other factors before purchasing your Labradoodle pup. Labradoodles are exorbitantly priced. And if you plan on buying an AKC-certified doodle, the prices will be much higher. If you happen to be allergic to dog fur or have family members who are allergic, this hybrid breed may not be the right fit for you. Labradoodles Are More Susceptible to Illnesses Labradoodles suffer from a list of ailments such as infections, ear and hip dysplasia, and epilepsy. Labradoodles are also highly prone to developing allergies, including seasonal allergies and food allergies. It affects the pituitary gland and may result in a whole host of issues. Make sure you are aware of all these illnesses before you decide to get home a Labradoodle. Can Labradoodles smile? A Labradoodle has high levels of energy and enthusiasm, as it is a combination of a Labrador Retriever and poodle, both of which also have a great work ethic. So with regular training, you can teach your puppy proper etiquette, especially in front of strangers. The Labradoodle as a breed can be easily overwhelmed, and this may result in them tackling anything that comes in their way. Be careful if you have young kids as their sheer excitement may come across as boisterous and may lead to a kid being knocked over. Cross-check with the breeder if your to-be doodle pup is of the highest quality, or you are bound to have shedding issues that you wanted to avoid in the first place. So, ensure you spend time with this hybrid breed before you bring home one. Since you know that this breed can become aggressive and destructive if not trained properly, make sure you provide your Labradoodle with adequate stimulation, both physically and mentally. Getting a Labradoodle puppy is like winning the lottery. There is a one-in-a-million chance of getting a doodle dog that suits your needs. Will it be more of a Poodle? Will it be more of a Labrador Retriever? You never know. You will have to simply wait and watch and hope for the best. When choosing a doodle puppy, ensure you go to a responsible and ethical breeder who is interested in improving the breed. And if the Labradoodle ticks off all points on your checklist, you can be assured that this delightful breed will be your perfect partner to have at home. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Labradoodles Labradoodles The Labradoodle is a hybrid, also known as a cross-breed, mixed breed or just plain mutt. Opening your heart and home to a hybrid dog is like opening a beautifully wrapped package on your birthday: you never know what's going to be inside. It's often assumed that a hybrid will combine the best of two or more breeds, but genetics doesn't always work that way. The way genes combine and express themselves is not always subject to a breeder's control, even less so when two different breeds are crossed. Here's what you need to know if you're considering adopting a Labradoodle. At their best, they are intelligent, friendly and affectionate. They come in three sizes: miniature, weighing 15 to 30 pounds; medium, 30 to 45 pounds; and standard, 45 to more than pounds. Because they are a cross breed, their traits are not fixed, so there is no guarantee that the Labradoodle puppy you purchase will fall into the desired weight range. Labradoodles have a moderate activity level. Larger Labradoodles may be more active than their smaller kin. They need a good walk or active playtime each day, and if you're interested, they are athletic enough to participate in such dog sports as agility, flyball, obedience and rally. They can also be excellent therapy dogs. Both of the breeds used to create Labradoodles are smart and learn quickly. If you begin socialization and training early and use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play and food rewards, you will be rewarded with a wonderful companion. Poodles have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, meaning that they can be tolerated by people who have allergies to dogs. Because they have the Poodle in their heritage, Labradoodles are sometimes promoted as being hypoallergenic. But allergies are caused not by a particular dog coat type but by dander, the dead skin cells that are shed by all dogs and people, for that matter. Some people with mild allergies react less severely to particular dogs, but no reputable breeder will guarantee that her dogs are hypoallergenic. Ear infections can be a problem in Labradoodles. Be sure to keep the ears dry and clean, especially after the dog has had a bath or gone swimming. In addition, trim his nails at least monthly--more frequently if necessary--and brush his teeth as often as possible, especially if he's on the small side. Small dogs are especially prone to periodontal disease. Labradoodles are companion dogs. They love being with people and need to live in the house, never outdoors. Labradoodle puppies are adorable, and it's one of the reasons they are so popular. Cute puppies sell, and that makes the Labradoodle a favorite of puppy mills and greedy, irresponsible breeders. But there's no need to pay big bucks for a Labradoodle. You can often find a wonderful example of this hybrid dog at your local shelter or through adoption organizations. If you do choose to buy one, however, select a breeder who has done the health testing to ensure that her puppies won't carry the genetic diseases common to both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. And while there are no guarantees in life, it's also a good way to minimize the possibility of big veterinary bills in the future. Variations of the Labradoodle Labradoodles can have different types of fur. Some look like shaggy retrievers, others resemble a Poodle with loose curls and some fall somewhere in between. They are not low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. Plan to brush the Labradoodle at least every other day, using a slicker brush, and have him clipped every eight to 12 weeks. Health Issues Common to Labradoodles All hybrid dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as purebred dogs can and just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Run, don't walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on puppies, who tells you that the Labradoodle is percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her puppies are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the Labradoodle and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. Labradoodles may develop health conditions common to both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, especially if you aren't cautious about whom you buy from. They include hip and elbow dysplasia, an eye disease called progressive retinal atrophy, and von Willebrand's disease, a bleeding disorder. At a minimum, ask the breeder to show evidence that both of a puppy's parents have hip and elbow certifications from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, a DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy, and certification from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation that the eyes are healthy. A plus would be a DNA test for von Willebrand's disease. If you are purchasing a small or medium-size Labradoodle, the parents should have OFA patella knee clearances. Do not purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed. Having the dogs "vet checked" is not a substitute for genetic health testing. To protect yourself from the expensive vet bills associated with these conditions, you'll want to purchase pet insurance for your Labradoodle before they show symptoms or are diagnosed. Post by: Emily W. Described as spunky, friendly, and smart, Labradoodles can be a great choice for first-time dog parents and families with children. As with any dog, it is important to do your research before adopting and to become familiar with the breed you will be bringing into your home. Labradoodle History Although some people suggest that Labradoodles made an appearance in America in the s, the original creation date for these dogs is marked as .Wally Conron, who led the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, was tasked with creating a service dog for people with a dog allergy. After several attempts, Conron came across a mix that seemed more than ideal. As with many of the other Doodle types, the Labradoodle was slow to gain attention. But, by the early s, Americans began realizing how wonderful these dogs are, and their popularity skyrocketed in just a few years. What to Know About the Labradoodle Quickly becoming one of the most popular types of dogs in America, you may now be considering adopting your own Doodle. While trying to decide on whether a Labradoodle will be a good fit for your lifestyle, you may discover that you have many questions about the breed. Among other pet parents who are considering adopting a new fuzzy family member, the most common questions include: 1. Do Labradoodles Shed? Most Labradoodles shed very little to none at all. However, not every Labradoodle is created the same, so their coat type will vary—as will the amount that they shed. Labradoodles can have a variety of textures in their hair, including wavy, curly, smooth, and wiry. They can also be found in a wide range of colors, which include gold, apricot, caramel, black, red, brown, cream, and silver. Doodles can even have multi-colored coats in a brindle, phantom, or sable pattern. How Big Do Labradoodles Get? Poodles come in three sizes, which means that Doodles also come in three sizes—Standard, Medium, and Miniature. Standard Doodles are inches in height and pounds in weight. Medium Doodles are inches in height and weigh pounds. Miniature Doodles are inches in height and in weight. How Long Do Labradoodles Live? Labradoodles live on average years. What Are Labradoodles Like? Personality-wise, Labradoodles are outgoing and friendly, so they are always looking at ways to make new pals. Because of this natural instinct to meet new people and animals, it is important to always have your Doodle on a leash when outside, or to have your pup in a fenced-in area. Are Labradoodles Good Family Dogs? Because of their demeanor, Labradoodles are a great choice if you are a multi-pet family or if you have children. It is important to note that if your children are younger, they should be supervised when interacting with your Labradoodle. Younger kids have a tendency to lie or climb on dogs or accidentally pull their ears or tail, which could result in unwanted behavior from your dog. Not to mention, Labradoodles have a tendency to get overly excited when playing, which can lead to them knocking over your young child—Doodles just have a lot of love to give. While this breed is an excellent choice for many families, it is essential to do your research on various dog breeds when looking to adopt. Grooming a Labradoodle The grooming needs of Labradoodles will vary from dog to dog, based on their coat type and length. On average, most Doodles require a weekly or biweekly brushing. If you are familiar with Labrador Retrievers, then you know all too well how their hair tends to shed on every surface and piece of clothing in sight. Because so much hair is then just sitting on the dog, Doodles can quite easily develop mats. Consistent brushings will take out the loose hair and help keep pesky clumps from developing. It is equally as important to dry and clean their ears after they go swimming. All other grooming needs for the Labradoodle follows suit with the majority of other breeds —Labradoodles are relatively low maintenance in the grooming department. Ever wonder which type of pet is an ideal match with your lifestyle? Take our quiz and find out! Care Needs for Your Labradoodle A good rule of thumb when it comes to puppies and dogs of any age is that a bored puppy will be a destructive puppy, and Labradoodles are no exception. Many Doodle owners are not aware ahead of time on just how much energy a Doodle has and how much exercise they require. Typically a minute walk in the morning and at night is a sufficient amount for these pooches. If you have a fenced-in yard, you can just as easily let your Doodle loose to run at their desire. Although they are a medium to high energy dog, Labradoodles can quickly become acclimated to city living as they can to rural living. Training Due to their eagerness to learn, Labradoodles thrive with beginning training and socialization when they are just a puppy. By starting training at a young age, you will be able to nip bad behaviors in the bud, and you and your pup can begin building a trusting relationship. Even if you adopt an older dog, it is never too late to begin training. No matter what some people may say, you can teach an old dog new tricks! Some useful commands to begin with include sit, stay, down, drop it, heel and off. Of course, one of the most important items to work on with your new puppy is house training. Along with house training your puppy, crate training may be the next most beneficial item to work on. Having a pet that is crate trained can be beneficial for both you and your dog. For instance, when you leave the house for an extended amount of time and your pup is left unattended, an unknown number of incidents can occur—anything from shoes being chewed on to potty accidents in the house. By training your dog to be comfortable with being crated, you can have ease of mind when you are away that your dog will be safe and your home will remain in one piece. Not to mention, after becoming crate trained, dogs will oftentimes view their crate as a safe place where they can retreat to when they want a nap, are scared from a storm, or need a break from their fellow canine brother or sister. When it comes to socialization, exposing your dog to various social settings is extremely beneficial. Not only will your dog become better acclimated to being around other dogs, but they will become more relaxed with meeting new people and being around new experiences. Sebaceous Adenitis: A less common, but still worth noting condition that affects the skin and hair follicles. You will save you time, money, and loads of frustration…take my word for it! Get Your Copy Today! Ear Infections One of the most common types of infections we see in any dog, but especially in Labradoodles, is an ear infection. They tend to be prone to these due to their ear conformation. Floppy ears have the tendency to trap in moisture and debris, setting your dog up for an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria. They often have curly hair in their ears as well, which holds in moisture and debris, too. If you look into the ears, you might see dark brown debris or smell a stinky odor. Take your dog to the veterinarian, and they will look into the ears with an otoscope and check it out for you. Many veterinarians will also perform a test called ear cytology, where they take a sample of the debris from the ear canals and smear it on a slide. This slide is stained and viewed under the microscope to determine if yeast or bacteria are causing the infection. Once they have confirmed infection and what is causing it, your veterinarian will make recommendations for treatment. They will usually prescribe medicine and a cleaner which is used within the ear canals. In severe cases, they may also send you home with oral medications for your Labradoodle, such as a steroid to decrease inflammation. Preventing Ear Infections Veterinarians get this question all the time. More commonly, a situation occurred where moisture built up in the ear canal. It works great! Not a single ear infection yet. They can cause itchy, watery eyes or make us prone to issues like skin infections. An allergy is basically an abnormal reaction when our body is exposed to a foreign substance. This can include medication, food, or even dust. For some people and animals, the signs of an allergy are seasonal, while in others, they last year-round. Food allergies are common in younger Labradoodles, often those less than two years of age. They can occur in older pets exposed to new foods though. The two primary places that a dog will react are within the skin layers or within the gut. This can mean that a food allergy to chicken causes your dog to chew his paws and have soft stool. Environmental allergies can occur in any aged dog, but especially in older Labradoodles. Their body produces an immunoglobulin when exposed to the allergen. Like with food allergies, it can cause a range of signs, from ear infections to breaking out in hives. Your veterinarian may make a presumptive diagnosis of allergies based on how your Labradoodle looks during the same, such as if he has his third ear infection within the same summer. They may also perform a food trial, where your pet is put on a hypoallergenic diet and fed nothing else for several weeks. If the issues clear up, they might be related to the food. Veterinarians can also perform allergy testing; this involves either intradermal skin testing or taking a blood sample and submitting it to a laboratory. There are a wide variety of treatments for allergies. Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, are often used to combat the histamine release that occurs when an animal is exposed to an allergen. These can include an injection called Cytopoint or oral medications like Apoquel or cyclosporine. Your veterinarian will work with you to find the best medication option for you and your Labradoodle. The only real prevention for allergies is avoidance. Joint Issues Like their originating breeds, Labradoodles can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as knee issues in smaller-sized Labradoodles. Over time, these issues can lead to the development of lameness, pain, and arthritis. In some cases, your veterinarian can diagnose a joint problem just based on palpation of the joints, such as hip dysplasia so severe that the hip luxates out of position. More commonly, X-rays are needed to diagnose the issues. Treatment for joint diseases depends on the severity and the joint involved. If a knee luxates or moves out of position, surgery is often all that is needed to correct it. Surgery is not always an option and medication may be required. Your veterinarian is likely to put your dog on a joint supplement to help protect the joint. These are the most popular joint supplements on Amazon. If your dog is in pain, they may utilize medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. These medications are a staple of arthritis management and are often used with other treatments, including gabapentin. There is very little that can be done to prevent joint issues in our Labradoodles. It largely goes back to the breeder. These are usually images taken of the hips and elbows to ensure that dysplasia is not present. If it is, the adult should not be bred, as she can pass the issue to her offspring. Epilepsy Labradoodles are prone to epilepsy. This is a neurologic condition involving seizures, generally repeated episodes of seizure activity. These seizures may occur as a single event or as clusters of seizures. They are a disruption of normal brain activity and result in loss of consciousness and often convulsions or fits. Your veterinarian will often diagnose seizures based on the history that you provide. This includes a description of the event, what your dog did, and how long it lasted. Your veterinarian will likely perform blood work to rule out metabolic causes of the seizures, such as liver disease. It tends to be an inherited health problem, although in some pets, trauma to the head can cause seizures to occur. Other causes of seizures include exposure to toxins, kidney failure, and tumors. Treatment for epilepsy depends on the severity of the seizures. In cases where they rarely occur, your veterinarian may discuss not putting your pet on anti-seizure, or anti-convulsant, medications. This is usually when the risk outweighs the benefit. In cases where your Labradoodle keeps having seizures or they last for an extended period, your veterinarian will likely put them on medication. There are many different types of anticonvulsant medications, with some of the more common being phenobarbital and levetiracetam. In most cases, there is nothing that can be done to prevent seizures other than not breeding pets that have epilepsy. This is because some cases are genetic. In many cases, your veterinarian will have you keep a log of the seizures. This is to see if some are preventable, such as your puppy having a seizure when he plays too hard outside Source VCA. This is a disease in which the retina, a portion of the eye, degenerates. It generally occurs bilaterally, or in both eyes, and leads to blindness over time. It is often called retinal dysplasia when the disease occurs in puppies, while adult dogs are affected by progressive retinal atrophy. The first sign of a dog developing PRA is often difficulty seeing at night. They might become more skittish or have trouble getting around in the dark or in low light. If she notices an issue such as dilated pupils or a change in the optic nerve, she might suspect PRA. A particular test, called an electroretinogram, is performed at the ophthalmologist to actually diagnose the disease source. If your pup is diagnosed with PRA, there is no known treatment. These supplements tend to be very safe so they might provide some benefit to your dog. They can help minimize the build-up of by-products that are toxic to the lenses of the eyes, which can lead to cataract formation source. PRA tends to be an inherited disease. It can be prevented by testing breeding Labradoodles with a DNA test. For most dogs, including Labradoodles, the disease is inherited as a recessive disorder, meaning they have to inherit a copy of the gene from both of their parents. In addition to not breeding pets that have the disease, their relatives should not be bred as they might also carry the gene. It is a disorder where normal blood clotting does not occur. It is also a protein that signals for the clotting cascade to occur regularly. It can also spontaneously occur from places such as the nasal passages. It can also manifest as blood in the urine or stool. Your veterinarian may want to test for this disease before they perform surgery on your Labradoodle since it can occur in them. Another test simply checks to see if your pet can clot normally by making a nick on their gingiva, called the buccal mucosal bleeding time test. Medications that may increase the risk for bleeding, such as aspirin, should also be avoided. In addition, carriers of the disease should not be bred as they can pass the recessive gene on to offspring, which further propagates the disease. You should always check to see if your breeder has screened for this genetic health issue Source petMD. It is an inflammatory and autoimmune disease. In affected dogs, the sebaceous glands in the skin are targets by the body and attacked. These are glands that are found within the hair follicles. As such, this disease affects the skin. Symptoms of sebaceous adenitis vary in Labradoodles. For many, they have hair loss that is the same on both sides of their body. They often also have brittle hair that mats easily. They might even have white flakes on their skin. Your veterinarian may presumptively diagnose sebaceous adenitis on the physical exam based upon her findings. The only real way to diagnose it is to biopsy the skin and have it evaluated by a pathologist. They are looking for signs such as inflammation of the sebaceous glands. Treatments for sebaceous adenitis are varied. Many pets need antibiotics because this skin disease has caused a secondary bacterial infection. Other procedures are designed to decrease the inflammation that is occurring. Some topical therapies are also beneficial to help soothe the skin, as well as get rid of the dry skin flakes that your pet may have. Unfortunately, treatments have to be continued life-long. Preventing sebaceous adenitis is most effective by not breeding affected dogs, as it may have a genetic predisposition. Standard poodles tend to be one of the most common breeds affected, which is why Labradoodles have also been changed. As such, affected dogs should be removed from the breeding pool Source VCA. Wrapping it up! Labradoodles as a whole tend to be a very healthy breed of dogs! They do get several diseases and disorders that their ancestors, the Labrador, and poodle, have inherited. Screening tests, such as hip X-rays checking for hip dysplasia, help us predict what diseases might happen in our puppies. Getting your puppy tested will also help your veterinarian determine other diseases that they might develop, such as the uncommon degenerative myelopathy. Even if your Labradoodle has one of these diseases — or another one, there are plenty of treatment options to help keep them healthy and comfortable. Keeping your pet supplements to help keep them healthy may also be beneficial. Many veterinarians recommend joint supplements, which help protect the joints, and fish oils, which can help with joint and coat health. Always remember though to discuss any supplements you are giving with your veterinarian so they can make proper recommendations. Related Posts:. Oh Wait, you have met the Labradoodle? This lovable hybrid is one of the best things to come out of Australia since vegemite. The appeal of the breed is obvious — intelligent, friendly, hardy, willing to please and one hell of a looker. However, as with all dogs it pays to do some research into the breed. So, in this article we look beyond the ever wagging tail and that oh, so soft coat into some potential health concerns that can come as part of your Labradoodle. Ear Infections Labrador owners and Poodle owners can attest to their pets ears potential to cause problems. The floppy ears of the breed trap moisture in and will need to be regularly checked. As an owner keep your eyes open for a waxy discoloured, discharge and a bad smell. Regular cleaning is a must, Ear cleaning solutions can be found at your local pet store and should be part of your regular cleaning routine. If the problem persists veterinary intervention will be required. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is quite a common health concern across a number of breeds and also found in Labradoodles. The dog may exhibit lameness or symptoms of pain with arthritis in the joint often being the long-term prognosis. Often this results in a weakened or malformed joint. The resulting seizures are alarming but the long-term prognosis is usually quite good for dogs suffering epilepsy — if you suspect that your Labradoodle may have epilepsy you will need your vet to diagnose the condition. Signs may include staggering, hiding, falling down, rigid limbs, losing consciousness. Allergies Most dogs have allergies but Labradoodles can be particularly prone. Allergies fall into three categories; Topical, contact, and food. Food allergies can be problematic for the labradoodle and depending on the severity of the allergy may require veterinary intervention and diet restrictions. Contact and topical allergies present different problems and are absorbed through the skin. If your Labradoodle is prone to allergies remember to regularly use Dig-In at meal times to help with recovery and even build some resilience — Shop Here 5. This disease is found in both Poodles and Labs across Australia and has been inherited by the Labradoodle. As a simple explanation, the pituitary gland fails to produce a hormone called ACTH. The resulting cortisol irregularity results in; improper food digestion, increases bouts of weakness, an abnormally high heart rate, excessive thirst and urination and also diarrhea. So, if you notice the above symptoms occurring you should consult your vet. The poodle and the Labrador are both fantastic breeds of dogs that are renown for the intelligence, loyalty, appeal, and capability. The Labradoodle is a surprisingly hardy breed under normal circumstances with the above traits not usually inherent but certainly worth keeping an eye out for. Remember to ask lots of questions when buying your pup and insist on meeting both parents. The Labradoodle is an endearing companion with loads of energy, great for families and suited to new and old dog owners alike. Update: Under new legislation that each state government is either enacting or considering, all breeders will be strictly controlled. However, it is best to talk to the Labradoodle Association of Australia to find out who are the best breeders. For more information, the below are certainly worth checking in with. If you think your pet may be suffering from a medical condition, seek immediate medical attention.

Temperament: Rambunctious, devoted and sociable. Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Appearance There is no official standard for this hard to find hybrid, but its accepted that the breed should embody the positive traits of both parents. These dogs can come out looking like either one of the parent breeds, or a perfect mix of both. Their appearance is variable and will depend on gene expression. They should be large and well-built dogs that stand up to 24 inches tall. You will find they can be thin and lean or have a wider, more muscular build. Lab Pitbull mixes can come out with any possible combination of these appearances, but careful selective breeding can create a more predictable appearance. Height and Weight Males stand anywhere between inches tall with females standing inches tall. You can expect them to weigh anywhere between pounds. Coat and Colors This is certainly a dog of many colors. They can be the solid gold colors of a Golden Retriever, or a mix of darker colors against a white base. Your mix may be a solid, bi colored or even tri colored. This breed can be single or double coated, with fur of just about any length. A short coat is typically thin and fine furred, while a long coat may be shaggy or wavy. Some may even have an attractive curl to them. Short to medium coated dogs will shed mildly and only need brushing once or twice a week. Long coated dogs are frequent shedders with daily brushing and grooming requirements. The breed is not currently recognized by any organization, and there are no breed clubs or rescues. The Golden Retriever has history as a hunting partner used to retrieve waterfowl. This breed has no true name, but they are sometimes referred to as Retriever Pits. This name also applies to the more common Labrador Pitbull mix. Their unpredictability can make them difficult to train and to manage. One thing you can be certain about is their fun loving and active nature. A mix of a sporting dog and a terrier is a recipe for boundless energy. Their energy must be let out in bursts through the day. Your dog will certainly let you know when they need something to do. Pitbull Lab mixes social butterflies have an inborn desire to make new friends. They cannot tolerate boredom and hate to be by themselves. If you expect them to keep themselves entertained, they will do so by trashing your house. A high prey drive means that it will take some time for them to get along with your other pets. It is nearly impossible to pinpoint which specific behaviors your pup will inherit. But no matter what, you can expect them to be a loyal devoted friend to you and your family. This breed comes from two excellent family dogs, making it one of the best dogs for a family. They are known for extreme loyalty to their families, who they will view as their pack. Caring for a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Exercise Requirements Any dog in the sporting group needs more exercise than your average pooch. Taking your dog for long walks and runs will help both you and your dog stay fit. Golden Retriever Pitbull mixes need at least an hour of exercise every day. The best way to do this is to take them out for a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood and dedicate the rest of the time to play. They also love to jump, and will catch a Frisbee or a ball right out of the air. You can tune in to their wild sides by giving them toys to hunt. This is the perfect pooch for taking along with you on your own daily activities. They make excellent hiking partners and will enjoy a trip out into nature just as much as you will. Number of Walks Per Day: 1. Grooming and Shedding If you have a short coated dog, grooming will be much less intensive than it would be for a mix with a longer coat. Short and medium coated dogs need brushing once or twice a week. Long coated dogs will need brushing every day, and may need special brushes and combs for shed control. Do not be tempted to run to the bathtub every time your pooch gets a little dirty. You can give your dog a full bath every 3 months, but daily dirt and grime should be wiped away. Feeding and Diet These large active dogs need plenty of healthy food to fuel their daily work and play. This breed benefits from including raw foods in their diet. Even if you feed them kibble, you should find ways to add raw meat to the menu. You can replace one of their cups of kibble with some cuts of raw pork or poultry. Muscular breeds like this will need more protein than others. Fruits and vegetables make a great healthy treat for your dog. These are packed full of vitamins and minerals, but should only be given every once in a while. Hip dysplasia is very common for all large dog breeds. This is a malformation of the hip joints that causes pain and eventual arthritis. Having pet insurance could save you from potential headaches of going to the vets with reimbursement for every vet bill from now on! You should expect your Golden Retriever Pitbull mix to live for 10 to 15 years. This is a very little known breed with no official organization, so finding a breeder will be very difficult. However you will still need to focus on the four key areas: obedience, housebreaking, socialization and behavior. You will need to start tackling each one of these as soon as you bring your pup home. One of the first steps is to create a safe space for your dog to relax in while you are away. This is done through crate training. The crate will become your dogs den in the house, where they can feel safe and secure while they wait for you to come back home. When dealing with a bully breed, many assume that physical punishment should be used when training them. They could not be any more wrong. In reality the use of harsh correction and physical discipline will create aggression rather than eliminate it. Instead take advantage of your Golden Retriever Pitbull mixes loyalty. They will do anything to make you happy, so let them know how proud of them you are. If they misbehave just ignore it and they will catch on very fast. That means they can have an unpredictable mix of traits from each parent — and even two puppies in a litter might be different from one another. The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog first bred in Scotland in the s. They were bred to work alongside their humans as a water retriever. It has a beautiful, long golden coat, which is where it gets its name. Males are about 24 inches at the shoulder, while females are a bit smaller at 22 inches. Males are proportionally heavier than females, weighing about pounds. Females weigh pounds. They have soft, drop ears, dark eyes, and a well-balanced body with a deep chest. Goldens are trustworthy, smart, friendly, and eager-to-please their people. Pitbull terriers, technically known as American Staffordshire Terriers according to the AKC, is a smaller dog than the golden. They reach inches at the shoulder for males and inches for females. Males weigh anywhere from pounds, and females weigh anywhere from pounds. A smiling Pitbull dog These dogs were bred in England out of bulldogs in Great Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries. They were popularized in the U. Pitbulls have short hair that comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, fawn, bronze, liver, red, seal, white, brindle or a mix of these colors. They have naturally floppy ears, though many breeders crop them in the U. They have a characteristically wide head and mouth A well-bred pittie lovable, highly-trainable, courageous, alert, agile, and graceful. The puppies from these two dogs can have a range of these characteristics. Wondering what this unique pup looks like? They can be any color that a Golden or Pitbull comes in, or any combination — including a mix of three colors! The coat can be long, medium or short, wavy, straight and can even have curls. It can help to head to Instagram and look for pictures of Golden Retriever Pitbull mixes to see what you could be in for if you decide to bring one home. Full-grown, these dogs are about 18 to 24 inches 46 to 61 cm at the shoulder and 30 to 75 pounds 14 to 34 kg. It can help to look at the parents of the puppy to get an idea about size and potential color, but even then, you can never be sure. Get the know the personality of this friendly mix Just as these dogs can vary in appearance, a Golden Retriever Pitbull mix can have a varied personality, as well. In general, this is a loyal, devoted, and family friendly dog who is happy watching and playing with the kids. Some are wary of strangers, but most are super friendly and social. Imagine how a Golden approaches the world ready to meet and mingle. Golden Retriever Pitbull mixes are usually similar. This can lead to digging, chewing, barking. The best way to do this is to leave calmly and give them a treat before you head out. This teaches them that leaving is a good thing. Be careful not to establish bad habits like begging unintentionally. Golden Retriever Pitbull mix have high energy and love to go hiking, walking, running, and swimming. This video shows a 5 month old having some playtime with their human. While they love their people, they can be independent. They may decide to ignore you and do what they want — so long as they can keep an eye on you. You need to keep them mentally stimulated, or watch out! They are aware of their surroundings at all times and will keep an eye out for intruders. That said, their personalities can be unpredictable and may have aggression issues. Especially if you get one from an irresponsible breeder who is just looking to make a buck. They have a high prey drive, so be careful if you plan to have them around cats, gerbils, or birds. That said, they do make good hunters and the squirrels in your neighborhood will need to keep an eye out. How to care for your Golden retriever pitbull mix Grooming will largely depend on the type of coat that your dog inherits. Long haired and double-coated dogs require more grooming than short or medium, or single coated dogs. The first should be brushed daily, while you can wait every days for shorter or medium, or single-coated dogs. That is, unless they get dirty. Use a dog-specific shampoo to prevent irritating their skin. Trim their nails every few weeks using a clipper or grinder. Be careful not to cut the quick. Brush their teeth every few days using a doggie-specific toothpaste and either a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger or a dog toothbrush. Clean their ears whenever you bathe them using an ear cleaning solution. This is especially true if your dog has Golden-like drop ears. TGolden Retriever Pitbull mixes need about 1, calories a day divided between two meals. Look for a high-quality kibble with meat as the first ingredient. Puppies should eat a large breed puppy food four times a day. The trick with making sure your dog has all the best traits and not the bad ones is training. This includes early socialization when your pup is young. Just keep it all positive. This means introducing them to new people and animals, and giving them treats or praise when they behave well. Repeat this with different noises, smells, and situations, like walking over a metal grate or being around an umbrella opening. You need to teach them to respect your space, your furniture, and your authority. Praise them when they behave well. You should also teach them to accept it when you leave to avoid separation anxiety, as we discussed above. Positive reinforcement starting right when they come to your home for the first time is key. This can include playing fetch, running, hiking, swimming, or anything else that they like to do. You can also mix in some mental stimulation in the form of puzzle games or treat toys like Kong stuffing treats. Is a pitbull golden retriever mix healthy? They have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Watch out for: Hip dysplasia. The video was shared on TikTok earlier in March by the dog's owner, under the username Kopperkinodaily. In it, the fluffy dog, named Kopper, can be seen enjoying his owner's cuddles and giving her his paw as he winks at her. The viral post came with a caption that read: "What a half pitbull half golden retriever looks like. A crossbreed dog who is half a golden retriever and half a pit bull has melted hearts all over the internet. Veronica Garibey According to Alpha Paw, golden retriever-pit bull mix-breeds make great family dogs, and are undoubtedly friendly. The website states: "If you want a dog who can be your forever companion, this is for you. Golden retrievers are known for being one of the gentlest and softest dogs around, especially around children. They get along with anyone and are very patient. Pit bulls also share the same personality trait as retrievers, and they are very gentle and sweet dogs especially if you give them [the] right training. Christine Barton, veterinarian at The Vets, told Newsweek that mixing dog breeds can have potential complications in many ways, especially anatomy e. She said: "This can also include congenital, as well as genetic, disorders. These two breeds in particular are known for having sensitive skin and joint issues. Pit bulls are more likely to have cancers such as mast cell tumors than retrievers, who are more likely to have lymphoma. She said: "My neighbor had a blue female pit bull and a neighborhood stray that resembled a reddish-golden retriever got her pregnant. I got him entirely for free! All the pups were mutts but he was the only one that came out fluffy. His absolute favorite game ever is fetch with the tennis ball. He is all retriever when it comes to the tennis ball," she said. The video quickly went viral, attracting animal lovers from across the platform. It has so far received over 4. As a result of their size, they need to be on an excellent regular diet and fitness activities. The retriever and Pit Retriever has the potential of gaining weight without you noticing, and it can produce health complications. Keeping your Golden Retriever Pitbull at its ideal weight is easy, and you need to remember the following: Dedicate an active exercise regimen for them Give them plenty of walks Give them playtime to keep them engaged and fit There are many possibilities with what your Golden Retriever Pitbull might end up looking like, but you can expect that the build of your pup will take on the retriever, and the head from the Pit Bull. The Pitbull Retriever has a beautiful and unique coat, especially if the Pit Bull has a darker shade like black. There may be some instance when your pup can have a long black shaggy coat. If your Retriever and Pitbull takes on a long shaggy coat, then you need to be ready with giving them regular brushing and expect excessive shedding. You have nothing to worry about the temperament of Pitbull and Retriever Mix because they are generally well natured and friendly creatures. There may be several instances when the breed exhibits a rather odd trait, but this can all be corrected at a young age through the following: Train them at a young age; Give them exposure with other people and animals; Reward them for their excellent behavior. Do a bit of research to find out where your pups came from and whether they were successfully bred. You want to make sure that both the parents of the puppy are healthy. Doing your homework can help you avoid the following complications: Health complications. Development of negative personality traits. Shorter than average lifespan. Ask for documents to know the fitness of your puppies. A good and reliable breeder always have documents to show you the competence of the parents of the pups, as well as their health records. You can check whether they are updated with their vaccines and health records, and know what pre-existing conditions they might have. Most importantly, you want a breeder who already gave your pups some preventive vaccines. Crossbreeds can get very expensive, depending on the situation and where you get them. In most cases, the price is an excellent factor in determining the history of your pups. Here are some possible implications: Being charged a higher rate is average for the circumstance where the puppy shows a particular or rare trait. This can include different colors for the coat or eyes. Low charges can sometimes mean that the puppies were overbred, and overbreeding can often cause unhealthy litters. If your puppy takes after the coat of the Pitbull, a short, manageable coat, your job is relatively easy. Get their nails regularly trimmed, mainly because they are hyper dogs. Brush them regularly to eliminate loose furs. If your pup takes on the coat of golden retrievers, longer shaggy goats, then you need to give their grooming more attention. At times their grooming can be challenging especially because of their long shaggy coats. Be mindful, however, not to over bathe them since it might cause their skin to be dry. Your dog looks beautiful at all times. Regular brushing is an excellent place to start. All dogs have the propensity of developing genetic health problems, and some breeds are more prone than others. The Golden Retriever-Pitbull mix has an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, depending on their health. The combination is also likely to the following health problems: bloat, hip dysplasia, heart diseases, and cancer. Bloat is a medical emergency which is life-threatening to dogs. Bloat is among the leading cause of deaths for many large and giant dogs, which is why you need to watch out for the following symptoms: Swollen hard belly; Drooling; Signs of distress, pain and restless. Some of the symptoms of hip dysplasia include: Reduce activity and inability to jump and run properly. Having a hard time walking and exhibiting signs of pain. Although the Pitbull Golden Retriever mix is a large breed, you need to regulate their diet. Unlike the worst dry dog food, the best dry dog food contains all the nutrients dogs need. Avoid processed foods and choose ingredients rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, such as Wellness Core Dog Food or Dog For Dog Food. Adding food boosters such as Nutra Thrive dog food supplement can also be convenient. Unlike humans, dogs are better off with eating raw meat than cooked ones. Mind their size. Petite pooches have different dietary needs when compared to their larger cousins. Choose wisely between the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food according to the size of the pooch. Keep in mind their age. Age dictates the amount of needed nutrients, and best puppy food brands are not appropriate for older dogs, just as whelps will not make the most of the best senior dry dog food. Golden Retriever Pitbull Exercise Requirements Retriever Pitbull are highly energetic dogs, and they need a lot of exercises and to be with a playmate. A dog such as this retriever mix is excellent for someone who lives an active lifestyle, and who enjoys long walks, hikes, and the like. Take them on runs or when you want to exercise. Since Golden Pitbull is independent, training them can be hard because they can become stubborn. Let them know that you are in control and that they should respect your authority. A definite and firm hand lets them know of their place. Give your dogs some positive reinforcement especially when they do your commands right. Praising them for their excellent behavior helps encourage them to do your commandments. Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix and Families There are a lot of reasons to fall in love with Pit Bull retriever, and they are perfect for every family. The breed may not be so familiar, but keeping one as a family dog is worth it. They are sweeter, friendlier than most dogs, considering how both parent dogs exhibit great personality traits. The breed is perfect for families who can give the right time and attention in training and caring. Taking care of the kind requires a lot of love and attention from the family. Being a large and active breed, your doggo will need around 1, calories per day divided into two meals. Keep in mind that this is just a general estimate! Your dog may need more or less food depending on their age, activity levels, and any health problems. Golden retriever pit bull puppies should have four small, evenly spaced meals a day and eat high-quality puppy food designed for large breed dogs. After the first month or so, you can slowly transition your puppy to the formula of your choice. Long-haired golden pits, on the other hand, shed profusely and have to be brushed every day. The frequency of bathing will depend on how dirty and active your dog is. For most pups, once every three months will do the trick and help keep your mix looking and smelling great. However, you can always bathe your dog more often if they get extremely dirty or smelly from playing in the backyard or on outings. This grooming regimen should involve regular nail trimming, teeth brushing , and ear cleaning. To get your mix on board with their new grooming routine , start doing everything while they are still a puppy. The golden retriever pit bull mix is a wonderful dog that is deeply devoted to its owners and is fond of children. Friendly and loyal by nature, these dogs get along with other pets and people and tend to greet everyone with a wagging tail. While some golden pits may be wary of strangers, early socialization can help these pups to become friendlier and more accepting of new people. How much is a golden retriever pit bull mix? How big do pit bull retrievers get? The golden retriever pit bull mix is generally a large breed, but since there are no set breed standards, some dogs may be smaller. Male dogs are usually between 18 and 24 inches tall at the withers, while females are typically around 17 to 22 inches tall. Golden pit bulls usually weigh from 50 to 75 pounds, with males often being heavier than female dogs. Are pit bull golden retriever mix dogs aggressive? When properly socialized and trained from a young age, these dogs are no more dangerous than any other properly raised dog. Although pit bull mixes and bully breeds are often deemed as aggressive, golden retriever pit bulls are friendly, loyal, mild-mannered, and intelligent. Do pit bull golden retriever mixes shed? If you have a long-haired golden pit, invest in a de-shedding brush and a sturdy slicker brush that can go deep in the coat and remove as much loose hair as possible. Conclusion The golden retriever pit bull mix is still not as popular as other retriever mixes, but it is bound to attract the attention of dog lovers thanks to its loyal and friendly nature. Besides being extremely gentle with children and an ideal family dog, this mix is very easy to train and a great option for first-time owners. Do you own a pit bull golden retriever mix? What do you like most about your dog? Share your experience owning this mixed-breed with us and our readers in the comment section below! You May Also Like. The Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is a family-oriented, intelligent and loyal pup. They can have a personality that combines any or all aspects of the parent breeds. Golden Retrievers are known for being social happy-go-lucky dogs and this trait is definitely passed onto their pups. These mixes are extroverts and love to socialize, but at the end of the day they are most loyal to their family. Their loyal and protective nature can make them good candidates for family dogs as they are also patient and tolerant of small children. They are curious dogs who form strong bonds. This means that they can also struggle with separation anxiety if they are not properly trained to being left alone. Crate training from an early age can help with this problem. They do not like being left alone for long periods of time and would be best suited with an owner who wants a furry side-kick for their many adventures in life. If these dogs are left alone too long or not given enough exercise, they can resort to destructive behavior. Chewing, digging or barking can become problems with this mix. Puzzle toys and games can keep your pups mind busy so they do not get bored throughout the day. Exercise This hybrid is most known for being a friendly family dog, but they also have the characteristics of a focused sporting dog. Sporting characteristics from the Golden Retriever and terrier-like qualities from the Pitbull means this mix has a strong prey drive and the need for a job. They are intelligent and fast learners who are quick to pick-up commands and eager to please their owners. Ideally, they should have at least one hour of exercise per day. They enjoy going to the dog park, long walks and short training sessions to keep their brains busy. Like most dogs, this mix likes routine and creating an exercise routine will help keep them out of trouble. They are best suited for families who have a fenced-in-yard which allows them to stretch their legs and get the zoomies out. Both Golden Retrievers and Pitbulls have lots of energy. Therefore it is no surprise that the mix between the two of them is just as energetic. Are They Healthy? The typical lifespan of a Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is between 10 to 15 years. This is similar to both of their purebred parents. Mixes are generally healthy dogs , but they are prone to some of the same health problems as their parents. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are common in large breed dogs and could affect this mix. Obesity is common in both Pitbulls and Golden Retrievers and should be monitored in your pup. Obesity can lead to many other health issues such as hyperthyroidism and heart disease. Both parents can also be affected by a congenital heart disease called Aortic Stenosis. Tumors are common for Golden Retrievers to develop. Many times these tumors are cosmetic, but they can also be cancerous. Pitbulls are relatively healthy, but they often suffer from skin allergies and irritation. These problems can be chronic and hard to manage. Many of the health problems of this mix are genetic. Therefore, buying from a breeder who has screened their dogs for these health problems before breeding is important to ensure your pup will be healthy. The parents should be tested for hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and eye conditions prior to breeding. Keeping a close eye on your pup and making sure they are as healthy as can be can reduce the risk for many of these health problems. Pitbull and Golden Retriever Mix Puppies If you want to buy this dog you will have to find a specialty breeder which can be difficult and expensive. All puppies are adorable, especially Golden Retriever Pitbull puppies. Their oversized paws and smushy faces will make you want to squeeze them. These happy, smiley dogs will brighten your day and keep you entertained for hours with puppy shenanigans. As a pup your dog will require lots of time and attention. Training should start at an early age to prevent unwanted behaviors such as chewing, destruction, and separation anxiety. Some owners may want to take their new companion to a puppy class for structured training. Providing structured training as well as socialization at a young age is a must for this breed. Most puppies begin to show their personality traits in adolescence, beginning around six months of age. It can be hard to predict what their personality will be like. Some pups are loyal, others are a social butterfly. The personality is unique to each pup, which means it may take some time to understand them as they grow into their big personalities. Price Golden Retriever Pitbull puppies are difficult to find from reputable breeders. Even when you do find a breeder, they are very expensive. They are on the upper end of the price range when compared to Golden Retrievers and a lot more than a Pitbull. There are only a few breeders who specialize in this mix and potential owners should be aware of the risks of buying from puppy mills and unethical breeders. Unfortunately this mix can sometimes end up in shelters due to behavioral problems. Adoption is always an option for potential owners as long as they are willing to find the right match. Shelter dogs are a great way to provide a home for pets in need. It is important for potential owners to be aware of the time and attention they will need to dedicate to their furry friend. This mix requires lots of exercise and attention from their owners. If you want a couch potato, the Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is definitely not for you! A Pocket Bully , English Bulldog or Pug might be better suited for owners who just want a cute cuddle-buddy. The Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is an athletic and enthusiastic pup who will demand physical activity. These dogs have strong and athletic bodies which are well-suited for long walks, hikes or runs with their owners. High prey-drive is often inherited from their parents. American Pitbull Terriers are known for their terrier-like qualities of chasing small prey. This dog might not be the best pet for a household with small pets which could become injured if chased or caught. Their wariness of strangers also comes from the Pitbull. This wariness can result in unnecessary barking, especially in the presence of new people. Proper socialization from a young age can help with this behavior. Due to their high energy and enjoyment of barking, these dogs are not well suited for apartment living. The amount of grooming will vary depending on the type of coat your Golden Retriever Pitbull mix gets. Short-haired mixes will require comparatively little grooming, although they do shed. Medium to long coated dogs need a lot more attention and grooming. Training A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix It is important to begin training at an early age to keep these active dogs out of trouble. As a puppy, their attention spans are short. Quick and upbeat sessions are the best way to approach training. Puppy classes and beginner obedience training can be a great way to teach your puppy manners as well as work on socialization. Early socialization is extremely important for a Golden Retriever Pitbull mix to help them reduce their prey-drive and wariness of strangers. Introducing your new pup to lots of new people and dogs from an early age will help them be more confident as an adult. Crate training is often recommended to help with potty training. It will also help with creating a safe space for your pup to be in when left alone. The crate can be a great tool to help a Golden Retriever Pitbull deal with separation anxiety. Providing lots of toys and puzzles can be a good way to keep your mix happy and mentally stimulated. If they are bored or restless training will be difficult. They are more likely to find something to entertain themselves such as your favorite pair of shoes. Many pups also inherit the beautiful golden cream color of the Golden Retriever. Their coat can be short, medium or long and they often have markings on their chest, head and paws. These big babies are sure to steal your heart with their lovable personalities. Their personality should be the best of their parents. The Golden Retriever and Pitbull are both social and friendly dogs who love their family. These mixes are best suited for families and owners who live an active lifestyle. They need an owner willing to dedicate a significant amount of time to exercising and training their dog. If you give a Golden Retriever Pitbull mix the chance to be your pal, you are sure to have a life-long friend. He has spent decades training working dogs and spends most of his spare time studying, reading and learning about their behavior and welfare. Outside of Marvelous Dogs, he enjoys trail running and agility work with his working Labrador Retriever. You May Also Like. Cons The Golden Retriever is known for its friendly and outgoing personality and love for people and children. They are highly trainable and make great family pets. On the other hand, Pitbulls have a reputation for being aggressive and potentially dangerous. However, with proper training and socialization, Pitbulls can make loyal and loving pets. A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix will likely have a friendly and outgoing personality and be good with children and other pets. However, it is important to remember that every dog is unique and may not necessarily exhibit the exact traits of its parent breeds. Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Appearance and Personality Traits A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can have a wide range of physical characteristics, as they are a crossbreed and can inherit traits from either parent breed. They typically have a medium to large build with a strong, muscular body. The coat can vary in color and texture, depending on which parent breed they take after more. In terms of personality, a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix will likely have a friendly and outgoing personality, as both parent breeds are known for being friendly and affectionate with people. They may be highly trainable and eager to please, making them a great option for first-time dog owners. They may also be good with children and other pets, as both parent breeds are known for being good with families. It is crucial to provide proper training and socialization for any breed of dog to ensure they have the best chance of becoming well-behaved, confident, and well-adjusted companions. Additionally, it is important to research and educate oneself on the breed and its characteristics before bringing a dog home. A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix is a medium to large-sized dog, depending on which parent breed they take after more. Golden Retriever mixed pitbulls are a larger breed, typically weighing between pounds and standing between inches tall at the shoulder. Pitbulls are medium-sized, typically weighing between 30 and 60 pounds and standing between 17 and 21 inches tall at the shoulder. A Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix can inherit a wide range of size characteristics from its parent breeds. Some may be closer to the size of a Golden Retriever, weigh between pounds, and stand inches tall at the shoulder. Others may be closer to the size of a Pitbull, weigh between pounds, and stand between inches tall at the shoulder. In general, both the Pitbull and Golden Retriever mix are known for being friendly and outgoing, so a Golden Retriever Mixed Pitbull will likely have a friendly and sociable temperament. They may be affectionate with their family and enjoy spending time with their owners. Golden Retrievers are known for being highly trainable and eager to please, so a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix may also be easy to train and responsive to positive reinforcement training methods. They may be a good option for first-time dog owners or families with children. Pitbulls have a reputation for being aggressive and potentially dangerous, but with proper training and socialization, Pitbulls can make loyal and loving pets. It is important to provide proper training and socialization for a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix to ensure they have the best chance of becoming well-behaved, confident, and well-adjusted companions. Supervising them with children or other animals is also essential, especially if they need to be socialized properly. Advertisements Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix Health Issues Like any crossbreed dog, a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix can have various health issues depending on which traits they inherit from their parent breeds. Golden Retrievers are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain types of cancer. Pitbulls are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and skin allergies. A Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix may be at risk for these health issues, but they will not be guaranteed to develop them. Additionally, providing your dog with a healthy diet and regular exercise is important to help prevent or mitigate health issues. Life Expectancy The life expectancy of a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can vary depending on which traits they inherit from their parent breeds. Golden Retrievers have a life expectancy of years, while Pitbulls have a life expectancy of years. A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can have a life expectancy that falls within this range, depending on which parent breed they take after more. Proper care and regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help ensure that your Golden Pitbull Retriever Mix lives a long and healthy life. A healthy diet and regular exercise can also help promote a long and healthy life. Food and Diet Requirements The food and diet requirements for a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can vary depending on their size, activity level, and any specific health issues they may have. In general, a Golden Retriever Mixed Pitbull will need a diet high in protein that provides all the necessary nutrients for its growth and development. Puppies need a diet high in protein and fat to support their growth and development. Adult dogs need a diet formulated to maintain their weight and provide them with the necessary energy to sustain their daily activities. You should monitor their weight and adjust their diet to maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity. As they are active dogs, they will require high-quality protein to help build and maintain muscle mass. Considering any health problems your Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix might encounter is significant; therefore, talking with a vet to determine the top nutrition plan for your pet. They may require a diet low in nutrients or specially formulated for specific health conditions. Maintaining a constant availability of clean water and attentively monitoring their food intake are necessary conditions for keeping your canine healthy. Overfeeding, underfeeding, and irregular feeding schedules can lead to health problems such as obesity and digestive issues. Exercise Requirements A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix is an active and energetic breed that will require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Both Golden Retrievers and Pitbulls are known for being active and energetic, so a Retriever Golden Pitbull Mix will likely have a similar exercise requirement. They will enjoy going for walks , runs, or hikes and playing fetch and other interactive games. They will also enjoy agility training, obedience training, and other mental and physical stimulation forms. These activities can help to improve their physical fitness, mental well-being, and overall behavior. Some may be more active and require more exercise, while others may be more laid-back and require less exercise. Remember that exercise should be provided in a safe and controlled environment, and always supervise your dog during their sessions. Additionally, you should provide them with a good quality diet to support their energy needs. Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Grooming and Shedding The grooming requirements for a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can vary depending on which traits they inherit from their parent breeds. The Golden Retriever has a thick, wavy coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They shed moderately throughout the year and more heavily during shedding season. They will require weekly brushing and occasional bathing. Pitbulls have a short, smooth coat that is relatively low maintenance. They shed minimally throughout the year. They will require occasional brushing and occasional bathing. A Golden Retriever Mixed Pitbull can inherit a wide range of coat characteristics from its parent breeds. Some may have a thicker, wavier coat that will require regular grooming, while others may have a shorter, smoother coat that will require less grooming. Additionally, regular grooming and brushing can help to reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny. In addition, regular grooming will help reduce shedding and keep your home clean. Advertisements Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix Training Training a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix can be a rewarding experience, as both parent breeds are known for being highly trainable and eager to please. Positive reinforcement is the most effective and humane way to train a dog. This method involves rewarding your dog with treats , praise, or other forms of positive reinforcement for good behavior. Puppies are more receptive to training and are more likely to learn new behaviors quickly. Basic obedience training such as sit, stay, come, and heel should be taught as early as possible. Socialization is also an essential aspect of training. Exposing your dog to different people, places, and animals from a young age is vital to help them become well-adjusted and confident. Keeping training sessions short, fun, and consistent with your commands. Be patient and to understand that training takes time and patience. Consultation with a professional trainer and behaviorist may be necessary to achieve the best outcome. A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can make a great family dog, as both parent breeds are known for being friendly and sociable with people. Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them good with children and other pets, as both parent breeds are known for being good with families. Golden Retriever Pit is known for being highly trainable and eager to please, so a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix may also be easy to train and responsive to positive reinforcement training methods. A Golden Retriever pit Mix can make a great family dog with proper training, socialization, and care. Expose them to different people, places, and animals to help them become well-adjusted and confident. Training: Start training your puppy from a young age using positive reinforcement training methods. Diet: Provide your Pitbull Golden Retriever mix puppy with a high-quality, age-appropriate diet formulated for their size and activity level. Monitor their weight and adjust their diet accordingly to maintain a healthy weight. However, never overdo it, as puppies are still growing and need rest to develop properly. Grooming: Regular grooming is important for a puppy, as it helps to keep Finding a Breeder: Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Price Finding a reputable breeder for a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix is challenging, as they are less common than some other breeds. These breeders may have different standards of care and may not provide health clearances or genetic testing. They may also charge less, but the puppies may not be healthy or well-socialized. Regarding cost, Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix puppies can vary in price depending on the breeder, location, and the specific puppy. Adoption fees are generally lower than buying from a breeder, and adoption costs include spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping. Pros Friendly and outgoing personality: Both Golden Retrievers and Pitbull mix puppies are known for being friendly and sociable with people, making a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix puppy a great companion for families. Highly trainable: Golden Retrievers are known for being highly trainable and eager to please, making a Golden Retriever Mixed Pitbull easy to train and responsive to positive reinforcement training methods. Good with children and other pets: Both parent breeds are known for being good with families, making a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix a great choice for families with children or other pets. Active and energetic: Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix is an active and energetic breed that will enjoy going for walks, runs, or hikes and playing interactive games. Cons Size: Golden Retriever Mixed Pitbull can be a medium to large-sized dog, challenging for people with small living spaces or limited mobility. Exercise requirements: Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix is an active and energetic breed that will require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy, which can be challenging for people with busy lifestyles or limited mobility. Potential health issues: Both parent breeds are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain types of cancer, which can be a concern for people who want a healthy and long-lived companion. Our website is all about Pitbull dogs. Please navigate to Mixed Breeds on the menu to find them all. Mandy Connelly Mandy has lived with pitbulls her whole life, and she has amassed a wealth of experience and knowledge about these magnificent animals. Having had the pleasure of owning and caring for numerous pitbulls over the years, she has come to understand their unique characteristics, behaviors, and needs. Read more.

My Doodle dog and I get your joy and excitement. How to choose a great name for your Labradoodle First, you may be wondering how in the world to choose a great name for your Labradoodle. Here are some tips on how to choose a name for your pupper. Consider a two-syllable name for your Labradoodle. From my research on the science behind naming a dog, I found several experts who recommend giving dogs two-syllable names. Two syllable names allow for more inflection when spoken. Next, you should only include names on your list that you positively connect to on emotional level. Having a name that you love just adds another layer of connection between you and your pupper. Avoid names that sound like training commands. Labradoodles are smart and will respond to their name over time, but why not give them every advantage by avoiding names that sound similar to common training commands? It will be easier for your puppy to pick up on his or her name if you avoid those that also sound like basic training commands. Check out some or all the sections: boy names, girl names, cute names, names based on physical traits, and names based on common Labradoodle personality traits. Like many human names, Ellie has become a popular name for dogs. This could be the perfect name for your friendly, funny Labradoodle. Maybe Bunny is the best name. How about Maple as a name? Fan of word play? This may be the ideal name. Try Garnet. This could be the perfect dog name. A fitting name for a gem of a red dog. For that bouncy, pouncy puppy who is fun, fun, fun, fun, fun! Could be a fitting name for a black Labradoodle. Plus, fitting for dogs with lots of floof. Scout may be a fitting name. Maybe Baby? Like both its parent breeds, the Labradoodle is intelligent, friendly, loyal, and loving. Such a fantastic animal deserves the very best dog name possible. Picking the right one can seem overwhelming at first. To start, find lots of inspiration. Then, when you see a name you like, write it down and keep searching. Then, when you narrow it down to a handful of ideas, say the names out loud and get feedback from others in your household, if applicable. For example, you can pick cute names. Or sporty. Or both! It also lets you select names inspired by your interests, like movies, literature, sports, comics, religion, history, and more. Why not give it a whirl and see what you think? It was developed as a hypoallergenic guide dog The first official breeding of a Poodle and Labrador Retriever was arranged by the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia in .This cross created a dog called Sultan, who proved that a Labradoodle had the intelligence and personality to be a guide dog along with a low-maintenance, hypoallergenic coat. The rest is history! That makes this designer breed an excellent pet for those with allergies and anyone who wants to minimize dog hair in their home. The size varies The size of the Labradoodle varies greatly and depends on what type of Poodle is used in the breeding. Depending on the size of the Poodle parent, the Labradoodle comes in three sizes: Standard, Medium, and Miniature. Get ready for lots of love! The Labradoodle is an incredibly affectionate animal and lives to love you. They love humans of all kinds, especially their family members. The Best Name for Your New Best Friend How to Choose a Great Name for Your Labradoodle If you are fully prepared to bring your Labradoodle home, or have already brought it home and are starting to search for names, there are a couple of considerations to take into account. Think about syllable counts, personal preferences, pronunciation, and more. Australian Labradoodles are a different breed the Labradoodles although similar! Pick a Two-Syllable Name Choosing a two-syllable name for your Labradoodle is important because dogs respond best to two-syllable words. If you plan on training your Labradoodle puppy, which is highly recommended for all dog owners to do, limiting your options to a two-syllable or even three-syllable name is a good idea. A dog that is not trained, while unlikely to get a one-syllable name mixed up with a similar sounding one-syllable command, will become rowdy and difficult to control. This makes dogs, especially Labradoodles, get into trouble and even become antisocial in some cases. Choose a Name You Can Easily Pronounce An easily pronounceable dog name is the best option for Labradoodle so that you can properly pronounce it every time. Furthermore, those around you can easily understand the name of your dog. If you do not fluently speak a second language, it is best to avoid foreign language names, including those with accents, unique inflections, or double meanings in English. We tend to yell commands to our dogs when we are out in public in a large and spacious place such as a grassy park, beach, dog park , or even in a big backyard or on a sprawling farm property. If you and your family are an English-speaking family with English as your first language, it is recommended to speak English to your Labradoodle. Labradoodles are a highly sensitive, astute breed and can pick up changes in your voice, tone, volume, and even how you pronounce command and name accents. Naming a Labradoodle who understands American English commands and vocabulary with a French, Russian, Japanese, or other names might end up being confusing for the dog, causing them to misunderstand your calls and requests. While some names are simply cute or charming, meaningful names will offer your dog a sense of love and respect with a name that has true emotional value and that they can grow into as you get to know their unique habits and special personality. Avoid names of family members who have passed away, humans that you know, or names of past pets. This might give you an unfair expectation of your new Labradoodle living up to your old pet, rather than accepting them for who they are. Some of the best and most popular names for female Labradoodles include: Luna. If you have your heart set on adding one to your fur family, make sure you have an extra special Labradoodle name picked out! By Maddie Topliff Maddie Topliff is a Daily Paws intern and a senior at Drake University studying public relations, Spanish and advertising, but perhaps most importantly, she is sister to her human brother Ben and her two fur baby brothers Chip the cockapoo and Doug the pug. Maddie also works as an intern at Principal Financial Corporation and has a year of ad agency experience under her belt, too. Writing for Daily Paws has been absolutely paw-some, and Maddie feels lucky to be a contributor! Labradoodles have mastered how to be dogs. They're gentle with children, families, and seniors; love to be active; and are great for pet parents who suffer from allergies. With a dog so perfect, it can be hard to settle on good name for your Labradoodle. How do you encapsulate such a sweetheart in just one word? Luckily, we've done the hard part so that you can give all your attention to working on adopting one! Here are some of our favorite Labradoodle names that capture the sugar, spice, and everything nice about this pup's Lab and poodle parentage. Boy Labradoodle Names They're just your adorable boy next door! Considerations When Choosing a Name for a Labradoodle Unlike humans, there are no limitations to what you can call your new fur baby. In saying this, keep in mind that you may be repeating this name multiple times a day and in public areas as well. Choosing a simple and short name for your Labradoodle can pay off in the long run; especially if they tend to be mischievous. Just like deciding on a name for a newborn, you should stick to the name you choose once your dog has become familiar with it. Some owners choose cute names, others choose funny names. The name choice is really up to you and your family. Labradoodles are dogs that are sociable, active, playful and affectionate so many owners choose a name that fits well with their attributes. The less syllables in the name, the easier it will be to pronounce especially if you end up having children down the road. Many owners decide on a name that reflects the attributes or personality of the dog. If you wish to name your dog based upon his personality observe him for a few days before deciding on a name. Remember that the name you choose for your puppy you will be repeating for the next 10 to 20 years. Short and sweet names are easy for family and friends to remember along with your dog. Choosing a long and complicated name that includes more than one word will confuse your dog. Once you have decided on a name for your Labradoodle puppy, call to them using it so that they become familiar with their name from a young age. After a couple of days of being familiarized with their name, you may notice your Labradoodle responding to it. Labradoodle Names to Avoid When choosing a name for your Labradoodle it is best to avoid names that sound like a command. Always choose a name that can be easily pronounced by all family members and that is appropriate to pronounce in public places. Even calling each name out to your puppy and seeing which is most fitting can help you decide on the perfect name. Furthermore, asking for the opinion of friends and family members can help you decide between a couple of your short listed names. Labradoodle Names Based on Color Black Labradoodle Names If your Labradoodle puppy is all black in coloring you may find one the following names suit him or her best.