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What better way to celebrate these observances than feature a few fab shop canines? A couple months ago we ran a story about a shop in Indiana that launched during the pandemic. So we asked metal fabricators to share pictures of the good boys and girls that bring joy to their shops. Here are few submissions view the photos in the gallery at the end. Dog: Nina. Elisa Lane, founder: "We have a character of a shop dog named Nina, or Moose as she has been nicknamed. She loves to steal tools and items that the guys leave unattended, and she always seems to think she is helping. She also greets all customers and sits on their feet. Jerry McKenna: "Our shop dog Bo, a German Shorthair Pointer, is a great attitude adjustor with his positive, upbeat, and high-energy personality. Shop: Amada Scandinavia , Alingsa, Sweden. Peter Book, sales manager: "I work as sales manager for Amada in Sweden, and we have had our office dog Henke for 12 years. He is a chocolate Labrador and has been in the office since he was a pup. Then he is very active, looking for somebody to drop some food on the floor that he can eat. He sometimes follows me to customer meetings. Sometimes I wonder if the customer is looking forward to meeting Henke more than me. Mark Welle Jr. Shop: Westermans International Ltd. Claire Spillane, finance director: "Two of our four-legged friends that come to work with us each day. Mya is helping to repair some equipment, and Miko found a nice spot to pose underneath a seam welder. Hope you like the dogs! When welders come into the lab to take certification tests, they are understandably nervous and anxious. You could see the stress just melt away. I was sold! Adam Deuling, owner: "Whether at my welding table or the press brake, he's always right behind me, with a ball. Shop: Blue Barn , Gardner, Mass. I think having him and having the shop attached to where my wife and I live makes it very personal" Editor's note: If you feel like sharing your fab shop dog, send me an email. The magazine delivers the news, technical articles, and case histories that enable fabricators to do their jobs more efficiently. While you may be inclined to simply pick the smallest pooch, there are several factors—both obvious and not—worth noting before you make a decision. Gina DiNardo, vice president of the American Kennel Club , lends her expertise on which dog breeds make the best companions for trekking the world. Classified as a breed of working dog, the PWG is smart, eager to please, and sheds only minimally. Their short hair is easy to maintain and their playful disposition makes them great around people and dogs. They're extremely obedient and need frequent exercise. They make great watch dogs and are extremely athletic, perfect for runners, hikers, and bikers. Opt for the short-haired Jack Russel to insure minimal shedding. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Pomeranian Getty Images A little dog is a huge plus when it comes to conveniently hopping on a flight. The compact Pomeranian is fantastic for airplanes, thanks to its travel-size stature, says DiNardo. Your Pom can fit comfortably next to your feet on the plane. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Labrador Retriever Getty Images Labs are the quintessential family dog: They're outgoing, eager to please and play well with others. These attention-loving pups wouldn't do well sitting in the cargo hold of an airplane, but they are perfect for car rides—and you can count on them being friendly with other travelers at rest stops. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Getty Images Security, check-in, and boarding may stress you out, but the whole process will be a breeze for this breed. Laid-back Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle, friendly, and easily trained, and won't be easily overwhelmed by the chaos of travel, according to DiNardo. These pooches are small and very gentle, so you won't have to worry about them getting sassy with the person sitting next to you even if you want to. However, this dog's gentle and loving temperament is perfect for long car rides in a car they can fit in comfortably, of course. The Chihuahua is the perfect breed to take. Their little bodies don't require much exercise, making them an ideal pet if you travel overseas often, says DiNardo. Like Chihuahuas, they are tiny and don't require much exercise. Bichon frises are cheerful and easy-going, so they're optimistic pals for any kind of travel. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Golden Retriever Getty Images Another great family dog, the golden retriever is a wonderful breed for family road trips. Playful and energetic, they need plenty of exercise—but as long as they're with you, they won't mind a longer trip. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Boston Terrier Getty Images Boston terriers are known for being very adaptable, which every traveler knows is a necessary trait for galavanting the world. This breed will do well in new environments, says DiNardo. This dog's long fur and mellow temperament makes it a perfect cuddle buddy for kids or you during long road trips. They're unlikely to be easily irritated by the hustle and bustle of traveling. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below French Bulldog Getty Images The French bulldog's face may look like it's sporting a bit of a frown, but the breed is actually quite friendly and playful. These dogs are known for being simple to train, meaning you can easily prepare them for travel. They're small yet outgoing—and their soft coat makes them perfect for snuggling. If you're scared of flying, cuddling these little pooches can help you along the way. Let's be honest: petting a fluffy mane makes turbulence slightly less stressful.
Sir Dudley Majoribanks originally bred them, later known as Lord Tweedmouth, in Scotland in the late s for retrieving waterfowl. Males can breed by age 6 months, but it is best to wait until full sexual maturity at months. We should not breed females until at least 2 years after their third heat cycle. This means female Golden Retrievers should give birth once they reach maturity and experience their third heat cycle. This breed of dog is popular for its good temperament and affectionate nature. It is also intelligent and trainable. Besides being a great family dog, Golden Retrievers are also great service dogs and make excellent hunting partners. People worldwide are highly sought-after dogs in many countries due to their unique qualities, making them valuable assets in any household. Male golden retrievers can start breeding as early as 6 months, while female golden retrievers are usually ready to breed at around 2 years old. Before breeding a female dog, it is important to research and understand the various stages of the heat cycle. It would be best if you chose only females of the appropriate age for breeding. That first cycle also known as the estrus cycle is a time of heightened sexual activity in female dogs. It is also when female dogs are most likely to conceive and give birth. During this cycle, female dogs will experience changes in body temperature, estrogen levels, blood sugar levels, and other factors that can affect fertility. Veterinarians advise that female golden retrievers should not be bred during their first heat cycle because it can lead to health complications. After the first heat cycle has passed, female golden retrievers should wait until they are at least 2 years old before being selected for breeding. Another factor to consider when breeding a golden retriever is the age of maturity. Only some golden retriever puppies reach full maturity at the same age and height, so you must breed young and young enough. The age of maturity varies depending on the litter size and sex of the dog but generally falls between 3 and 5 years old. If breeding has already begun by this age, veterinarians recommend waiting until a dog is between 4 and 6 years old before breeding again. Before breeding, owners should also ensure, 1. Average Age For Breeding A female Golden Retriever can typically reach sexual maturity between six to fifteen months of age, while a male Golden Retriever can usually reach sexual maturity between five and twelve months of age. Adult Golden Retrievers typically reach maturity at around three years of age and are fully grown in height by nine to twelve months old. Male Golden Retrievers can start breeding as soon as they reach six months old but will typically reach full sexual maturity between one to two years old. On the other hand, female Golden Retrievers may have heat cycles every two months, but some may only have heat cycles once per year. For female Golden Retrievers, this typically occurs around 2 or 3 years old, after their third heat cycle. As with all female animals, female Golden Retrievers should not be bred before they are at least 2 years old after reaching sexual maturity. Additionally, most kennel clubs and breeders would not accept an application to register a litter of puppies if the female was 8 years old or older at the time of breeding. This age limit ensures puppies are born and raised in a healthy environment and prevents the mother from experiencing health complications associated with breeding too early. Generally, healthy male Golden Retrievers can remain fertile well into old age. However, most breeders retire their female Goldens once they are years old, as they are considered too old to continue producing puppies. Fertility Concerns It is essential to ensure female Golden Retrievers limit their litters to no more than 4—6 puppies for optimal fertility. As male Golden Retrievers age, they may have trouble getting females pregnant as they age. Female Golden Retrievers should stop breeding if they have had litters or experienced complications during pregnancy. Generally, Retrievers have a heat cycle twice a year but may only have one yearly. Between 2 and 5 years is the optimal age for breeding female Golden Retrievers, as their reproductive years are nearly done. Health Considerations It is important to consider health issues when breeding golden retrievers. Older female retrievers should stop breeding after litters to avoid complications during pregnancy and potential health problems. Golden Retrievers with primary uveitis or pigmentary cystic glaucoma should not be bred for the sake of future generations. Common health issues in golden retrievers include allergies, heart disease, eye issues, hip dysplasia, cancer, hypothyroidism, and temperament issues. Poor breeding can increase the chances of golden retrievers having medical problems. When selecting a golden retriever breed for your family, check its health record and discuss any potential health concerns with your veterinarian. By taking these steps and considering health issues when breeding golden retrievers, you can ensure the longevity of your beloved dog breed. They make great family companions, manage to be both loyal and fearless, and are often affectionate and playful. However, it is important to consider their health risks when breeding them. This means that you must be careful when deciding to breed your dog. The best time to spay or neuter a Golden Retriever is between 6 and 8 months of age, as this will reduce the number of litters produced and help control the population of dogs in your area. They typically have a lifespan of around 10 to 12 years, with the average dog living for around 10 years. Golden Retrievers typically have an ideal age for breeding between 8 and 10 years. This age range is based on studies that show that female dogs are in their reproductive years from 4 to 6 years of age and can produce puppies up to 8 years of age. This will help ensure a Humane Euthanasia decision is made when appropriate. Age is of the utmost importance in breeding a golden retriever. Female golden retrievers must be old enough to cycle properly, defined as having one litter of puppies. Ideally, female golden retrievers should be two years old after their third heat cycle before breeding. As male golden retrievers age, they reach sexual maturity and can breed. Generally, male golden retrievers around 12 months of age are considered prime for mating. This age is also when male golden retrievers are most likely to have excellent health and vigorous bodies. After this age, male golden retrievers may experience health issues such as hip problems or prostate issues. Once male golden retrievers reach sexual maturity, they must wait until they are at least five months old before breeding them. This age is also when males can best develop their body and dog instincts. Female golden retrievers should be bred once they are at least two years old after their third heat cycle. This age allows female golden retrievers to fully develop their body and dog instincts and reach full sexual maturity without experiencing health complications from multiple heats. Males Male golden retrievers can reproduce as early as 6 months of age but reach sexual maturity at 12 to 15 months. This makes them an ideal breed for people looking to have puppies without waiting until they are fully grown and ready for mating. Ideally, it would be best if you did not breed female golden retriever puppies until they were 18 months old. By taking these steps, you can ensure the health and well-being of both puppies and the breeder. Males can remain fertile and sexually active into their senior years if they maintain good health and a healthy lifestyle. Females A female Golden Retriever can reach sexual maturity as early as six months old, but it is typically recommended to wait until 18 months to 24 months before breeding them. Female Retrievers are still young and not fully developed during this heat cycle, making them vulnerable to health complications during pregnancy and birth. It is best if breeders take their time before bringing a female dog into heat for the first time. They should consult an experienced veterinarian who can help determine the health of the female dog and her puppies. Understanding Female Heat Cycles Golden Retrievers experience heat cycles every 6 months and remain in heat for about weeks. This period is when she is likely to conceive. During this time, limiting the number of litters from one female Golden Retriever to puppies is important. The body of a female Golden Retriever prepares itself for conception during the heat cycle by increasing blood levels of estrogen and progesterone. It is best to avoid overfeeding or exercising a female dog during this time to prevent complications. Such as weight gain or injury. The female Golden Retriever has a heat cycle that varies between one and two years. Well, with an average of two heat cycles per year. This means female Golden Retrievers will have multiple heat cycles throughout their lifespan. In the first heat cycle, known as proestrus, the female is preparing for pregnancy. It will attract intact males to her, but she will not allow mating. The second heat cycle, estrus, occurs when the ovaries release an egg. After that,t the female is fertile and ready to mate. The optimal age for female Golden Retrievers to breed varies depending on various factors, such as health and temperament. However, some experts recommend breeding female puppies between two and five years of age. And it ensures they can breed successfully later in life. This can help ensure she reaches sexual maturity at a young age. And this also helps to have healthy puppies to leave behind for future generations of dog lovers. When breeding, golden retrievers too young can put extra stress on the female Golden Retriever. Because her body is still developing. This can put a burden on the developing joints of the female Golden Retriever. Als,o it could result in painful conditions like arthritis or deteriorating health. This age of breeding also means that female Golden Retrievers need to be older. As a result, they are more likely to be born underweight or with health issues. Such as hip dysplasia or blindness, which can lead to complications down the road. Additionally, breeding female golden retrievers too young deprives them of nutrients and essential vitamins. It can negatively affect their health and development. As litter size increases, so does the likelihood of vitamins depleting and puppies becoming sick. Dealing With An Unwanted Pregnancy Ideally, desexing a female dog before she becomes pregnant is best. However, it is possible to desex a dog up until five weeks after conception to terminate the pregnancy. If you are breeding female dogs under age 5 years old, we recommend consulting with a veterinarian. A vet can evaluate the stage of pregnancy. A vet may use an ultrasound to measure the fetuses and determine their age. While pet owners should not attempt to palpitate the abdomen themselves. Instead, they should seek the help of a professional breeder or veterinarian. This is because it may damage the fetuses. A vet should complete a physical examination of them a month before breeding. Vaccinations for both parent Golden Retrievers should be up to date, and the female should be tested for parasites. A mentally stable female is preferable. She will make a better mother than one who is insecure or has an unstable temperament. Performing health checks and taking care of your Golden Retriever can help ensure a healthy breeding program. Conclusion In the end, breeding golden retriever puppies too young can have disastrous consequences. The puppies may not be able to breed themselves, and the litter size will most likely be smaller than it should be. Also, breeding golden retriever puppies too young may cause complications during pregnancy, such as problems with heat cycles and health complications for the mother or puppies. If you are breeding golden retriever puppies, make sure that they are old enough to breed responsibly. It is important to breed golden retrievers of the age of maturity and well-disposed. While some breeders may breed puppies or golden retrievers at any age, it is better to wait until they are 8 months old. This will ensure they are physically and emotionally ready for breeding. Further, determining when the golden retriever is too old to breed helps reduce health complications that may arise during breeding, such as heat cycle complications and uterine infections. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Ans: The age at which a dog should retire from breeding can vary depending on the breed, club, or organization of the breed. Ans: No, a 7-year-old dog cannot get pregnant. However, an older female dog can give birth if we mount her with a fertile male during her heat cycle. Ans: A female Golden Retriever can typically reproduce between 2 and 5 years old. A male Golden Retriever can mate at any point after 6 months of age and gain full sexual maturity at 12 to 15 months old. Generally, we recommend limiting the number of litters for a single female to .Pyometra, a potentially fatal uterus infection, is also more common in older female dogs. However, general guidelines suggest that female dogs should be retired at years of age. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. As your dog grows and develops its own personality, you may begin to think about breeding them. It is well known that breeding a female dog before they are mature can cause health issues, but what about a male. What is the right breeding age for male and female Golden Retrievers? A male Golden Retriever can mate after just 12 months. Female Goldens are more complicated; you should wait until after their third heat cycle before breeding, which usually occurs around 18 to 24 months of age. It's best to wait two years before breeding a female to ensure they are fully developed. Before breeding a Golden Retriever, it is essential to understand what heat cycles are, the importance of the third cycle, and physical development. If your female Golden Retriever is bred too young, you should know how to make sure she is healthy and ready to conceive. Males A male Golden Retriever can reproduce after six months of age and gains full sexual maturity at 12 to 15 months. Males can mate at any point in time since they don't follow hormonal cycles. If the male maintains his health, he may stay fertile and sexually active into old age. Breeding males is a pretty simple concept. But, unfortunately, several other factors need to be considered when breeding a female. Females Like males, female Golden Retrievers become fertile around six months of age during their first heat cycle. This cycle repeats every six months but we'll get to that later! Female Golden Retrievers should never be bred during their first heat cycle. Dogs are not fully developed at this point in their lives. If a female becomes pregnant this early in her life, it can cause stress during pregnancy and pose more health risks as her body develops. Even though she may be fertile, she isn't physically or mentally mature. Young females that are bred during their first heat cycle are at an increased risk of becoming pregnant and developing health complications. Since Golden Retrievers are classified as a large breed, they physically mature around 18 to 24 months. Since we don't want to breed a female before they reach maturity, you should not breed a female Golden Retriever until after her third heat cycle and she reaches two years of age. Understanding Female Heat Cycles No one wants a surprise puppy litter or a bunch of failed breeding attempts. So, understanding the heat cycle of your female Golden Retriever is essential to create your desired outcome. A female's heat is her body's way of preparing for potential conception. In other words: your dog's reproductive cycle. There is not a definite number but Golden Retrievers usually stay in heat for around three to four weeks. However, your dog is fertile for about nine days. A Golden Retriever's most fertile period is days into the heat cycle. However, the highest fertility period lasts about five days, so you should try to breed two Retrievers between the 10th and 14th day of the female's heat cycle. Stages of the Female Heat Cycle Proestrus: the female is preparing for pregnancy. Intact males will become attracted to her, but she will not allow breeding. This stage typically lasts nine days. You'll see signs such as a swollen vulva and bloody vaginal discharge. Estrus: The ovaries release an egg at the beginning of this stage. As the estrogen levels in your dog's body decrease, her progesterone levels will increase. This means your female is fertile. She is ready and willing to mate. This stage also lasts about nine days. Diestrus: This stage will last about two to three months or until the female Golden Retriever gives birth provided she's pregnant. She will no longer allow males to mate. A bloody discharge may continue but will gradually stop. By the end of this stage, the hormone will level out. Anestrus: This is the final stage of your dog's cycle. She is not fertile and will not allow breeding during this stage. Most female Golden Retrievers go into heat twice a year, though some larger dogs may only menstruate once a year. The ovarian activity of a female starts to decline in the sixth year of her life. Most females stop conceiving after they're seven, so the female Golden Retriever breeding age is from two to five years of age. We know that we should wait until the end of the third heat cycle of a female Golden Retriever before breeding. But what happens if a Golden Retriever gets pregnant too early? You need to allow your Golden Retriever to fully mature physically. If your Golden Retriever gets pregnant before reaching maturity, it will put extra stress on her. The physical strain of carrying a belly full of puppies puts a burden on her growing joints. Pregnancy will also suck nutrients from your dog. Since the female Golden Retriever is young, her immune system isn't fully developed. This makes her more vulnerable to diseases and infections than a mature dog would be. Bacteria can infect her vaginal tract and cause stillbirths, miscarriages, and the death of newborn puppies. Your dog may even die while giving birth to the puppies. Since her pelvic canal may not be large enough for puppies to fit through, if this happens, it will endanger both the puppies' life and her own. In addition, if this happens, she will need surgery, which increases the chance of health complications. Since she is not mentally mature, she is more likely to reject the puppies than a mature mother. Motherhood is mentally and physically taxing on both dogs and humans! You can consult your veterinarian about terminating the pregnancy. Your veterinarian will perform a full risk and side effect evaluation on your Golden Retriever. During this evaluation, your vet will try to determine when the dog was bred so they can evaluate how far along she is. If you are not sure of the date of conception, they will most likely perform an ultrasound to measure the fetuses and determine their age. Once you have determined the stage of pregnancy there are two options in terminating the pregnancy. Desexing a pregnant female can be done up to five weeks after conception. Desexing is the process of removing the ovaries from your dog. She will not be able to have puppies after this procedure. Your dog will require significant aftercare following the procedure. Crate rest is crucial for the 10 days following the procedure. The incision wound will also need to be kept clean and dry to prevent infection. The second option of terminating a pregnancy is abortion. Pregnant dogs can have an abortion up to 45 days after conception. Your veterinarian will most likely use Alizin , which is injected in two doses, 24 hours apart. Before deciding to terminate a pregnancy you should consult with your veterinarian, you should never attempt to terminate a pregnancy at home. If you decide to allow the pregnancy, your dog will need extensive observation and monitoring as the pregnancy continues. It is important they are both physically and mentally healthy. They should have decent muscle tone and a balanced weight before breeding. Physical health isn't everything; good mental condition is also essential when breeding two Golden Retrievers. A mentally stable female will make a better mother than one that's insecure or has an unstable temperament. A month before breeding, the female should go through a pre-breeding physical examination by a vet. You want to get her checked for common health problems, like joint dysplasia and eye disorders. If she has these issues, pregnancy will be more difficult and she may pass the issues onto the puppies. Vaccinations for both parent Golden Retrievers should be current, and the female should be tested for parasites. DNA Post-Partum Care Caring for your dog after they give birth is just as important as caring for them while they were pregnant. You should keep your dog on a high-calorie diet, not only is she providing nutrients to her puppies, but she is also chasing them around and caring for them. Making sure your dog has a private space for her and her puppies is crucial in making sure she is able to care for them properly. Provide a clean, dry, peaceful area of the house for your dog. With too much traffic around her, your dog may become distracted and neglect her puppies in favor of you. If you are worried about your dog neglecting her puppies, a good way to monitor them is by weighing them. Should the puppies not gain weight appropriately, contact your veterinarian. You may want to constantly love on the new puppies, but you need to be cautious of how you do this. Give your dog time to adjust to the new responsibility she has, and allow her to come to you with the puppies. Around weeks, you should begin weaning the puppies from the mother. Weaning is done by slowly incorporating dog food into their diet and separating them from their mother for increasing periods of time. If you are considering having more liters of puppies from your dog, you should consult your veterinarian to make sure your dog can carry another litter safely. I recommend waiting at least one heat cycle after weaning before attempting to breed again. This will allow your dog to recover from the last pregnancy. Main Takeaways Male Golden Retrievers reach reproductive age after 12 to 15 months of age Female Golden Retrievers have their first heat cycle after six months of age. Females should not be bred until after their third heat cycle, which happens after 18 to 24 months of age. Mating will be most successful between the 10th and 14th day of the female Golden Retriever's heat cycle, as she is most fertile during this period If your Golden Retriever develops an unwanted pregnancy, there are options to terminating the pregnancy Conception before physical maturity can cause health problems Performing a pre-breeding health check ensures that the female Golden Retriever is healthy and ready to conceive Post-partum care is extremely important when trying to raise a successful litter. You should give your dog space to bond with her puppies Waiting at least one heat cycle before breeding again will help your dog recover from the previous pregnancy. However, there are some signs to look out for to determine when it is time to stop mating them. So, when is a Golden Retriever too old to breed? Female Golden Retrievers are too old to breed at eight years of age. After eight, they are more likely to experience health issues, and kennel clubs will typically not register puppies born to mothers older than this. Males can keep breeding until their sperm is not viable, or they have health problems. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! In general, males become sexually mature earlier than females. Male goldens can reach sexual maturity anytime after they are 5 months old. Typically, their first heat will occur when they are 6 to 15 months old. A female Golden Retriever should be ready to breed when she is two years old. By this time, a female Golden has gone through two or three heat cycles, and she has reached prime breeding age. Responsible breeders do not breed female goldens during their first heat. Females at this young age are still growing, so pregnancy is hard on their developing bodies. Plus, females need to be mature enough to feed and take care of their puppies. However, owners should always consult with their vet to make sure their goldens are old enough and healthy enough for breeding. Additionally, female goldens should not be bred during consecutive heats. Constantly mating them will wear down their bodies and not give them the time they need to heal between pregnancies. Male goldens, on the other hand, can start breeding much earlier. Males do not have to feed or take care of the puppies, so their maturity level is not as important. However, male dogs sometimes have problems producing enough semen if they are too young. They may also lack the experience they need to impregnate or not even be interested in having sexual relations. Typically males become more fertile around months of age, so it may be better to wait till then. Owners should contact a vet when their male goldens are sexually mature to determine if they are ready to breed. Most kennel clubs would not accept an application to register a litter of puppies if the female was 8 years old or older at the time of breeding. For registering purposes, female goldens should not be bred after they turn eight years old. Most breeders retire their female goldens when they are years old. Female dogs do not have menopause, so they can technically keep reproducing into old age. However, more health complications arise in older dogs, so it is unwise to keep breeding females over 8. The guidelines for male goldens are less stringent. If studs are healthy, they can keep breeding for a long time. Healthy Golden Retriever males often remain fertile well into old age. However, as males age, their sperm count goes down. It makes it harder for them to get females pregnant. Similarly, males can develop arthritis and other age-related conditions which makes it harder for them to mount females and impregnate them. They experience complications during pregnancy or start displaying health problems that harm them or that could be inherited by their puppies. Had More than Four Litters It is generally recommended that female goldens stop reproducing after they have four to six litters. Most vets recommend that females stop breeding after they have four litters, but some dogs may be able to have six safely. Pet owners should consult their vet and look at their kennel club rules before deciding how many litters their goldens should have. Pregnancy Complications Some health conditions can become worse when dogs get pregnant. If females have any of these health issues, they should stop breeding: Diabetes Pyometra Hip dysplasia Additionally, female dogs can have health problems during pregnancy. If female goldens experience any of these problems, it may be wise to stop breeding them. Sometimes the problem that occurs during one pregnancy can happen again in future pregnancies. These include: Having multiple miscarriages Having an unplanned c-section Prolonged labor and birth If Goldens develop any of these problems or any other health issues, owners should stop breeding them immediately. They Have Inheritable Health Issues If golden retrievers display any inheritable health problems, they should not be allowed to mate since these conditions can be passed on to their puppies. Some of the most common inheritable conditions experienced by golden retrievers are blindness, hip dysplasia, and heart problems, such as aortic stenosis and dilated cardiomyopathy. Blindness is caused by many inheritable diseases, such as hereditary cataracts, glaucoma, and uveitis. All of these conditions are experienced regularly by Golden Retrievers. Hip dysplasia is another inheritable condition in which the hip joint does not form properly. This condition is often passed on from mothers to their puppies. If female dogs with hip dysplasia get pregnant, they may experience increased pain and problems in their hips due to the added weight from the puppies and the increased stress on their hips. Aortic stenosis is an inherited condition that makes it so the blood leaving the heart is partially obstructed. It makes the heart have to work harder to pump enough blood throughout the body. Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM is a disease that makes the heart so weak that it cannot pump blood through the body. The cause of DCM is still undetermined, but it is ideal to be partially genetic. Male Golden Retrievers Male golden retrievers can reproduce into old age. However, as they get older, they are more likely to have trouble getting females pregnant. Here are some signs male golden owners can look out to determine if it is time to stop breeding. Health Issues Arise As with female goldens, if any health issues arise, male goldens should not allow mating. These include conditions that are harmful to the studs themselves or conditions that can pass from the males onto their offspring. Goldens should always be checked at the vet before mating to ensure they are in tip-top shape. Smaller Litter Size Than Before If male dogs have stud multiple times, their owners should have a rough estimate of the number of puppies typically produced. While the female determines litter size, if studs have become less fertile, that can influence how many eggs get fertilized, thereby making the litter size smaller. If the litter size goes down significantly, then male goldens may have a high amount of abnormal sperm or a low count of healthy sperm. While there are some potential treatment options for this, in some cases, it may be a sign that it is time for them to stop mating. If this occurs, they may not want to do the deed with female dogs. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! After eight, health complications are more likely to arise. Additionally, most kennel clubs will not register puppies that were born to mothers who are eight years old or older. Male Golden Retrievers can start breeding earlier and can continue to breed throughout their life. Males should stop breeding when they experience health problems, cannot get females pregnant, or are no longer interested in mating. This is something you can do on your own. For instance, you can touch their mouth, feet, ears, nose, or genitals. Please note that you can do this with your female Goldies as well. As a result, they can injure themselves in the process. And if the female retriever is not ready, she can be quite aggressive and may attack the male Goldie in response. Male Goldies that are full of excitement and energy may also hurt the female while mating. In the heat of the moment, male Goldies might not be able to control their emotions and may injure female Goldies. Another instance where a male Goldie may end up hurting a female Goldie is when they are inexperienced. As a result, it may get frustrated and take out its frustration on its mating partner. Hence, breeders need to keep a close eye on the mood and behavior of both the male and female Golden Retrievers. A male Goldie, when kept around a female Goldie for too long, can develop feelings for her and may go to great lengths to fulfill his desires. He may even stop eating , pace uncontrollably, and whine or bark to no end. Plus, not every pet owner can be successful at breeding their dogs. Keep in mind that mating pups is considered highly inappropriate. Both your male and female Goldies should be at least two years old or older to ensure successful mating! She's my baby and I definitely spoil her. She deserves it! With "I Heart Goldens", I want to bring my knowledge and expertise of the breed to you and your new dog. Read these too.Read the full disclosure here. So what is correct? What is the best age to bring a Golden Retriever puppy home? I think the most important things to consider are any long-lasting negative effects on the puppy by taking it away too early. Lessons that are vital to the early development of a normal puppy. There are many things a puppy learns from its mother and litter-mates that are vitally important to their early development and could take you an extreme amount of time and effort to make up for if they miss out: Bite Inhibition When a puppy bites and hurts their mother or litter-mates they get growled and snapped at. Combined with being the victim of biting from their litter-mates in return, this gives continuous feedback and an education in how painful biting can sometimes be. And so they very quickly learn to inhibit their bite, to not go full force and to hold back when play biting. If a puppy is taken from the nest too soon they miss out on this learning process and the responsibility passes to their new owners who will at first have a puppy who bites hard. And sometimes extremely hard. Acceptance Of Discipline When a puppy does wrong in the nest, their mother regularly disciplines them to keep them in line. And a puppy will often throw a little hissy fit but the mother will be unmoving. They learn that bad behavior gets you disciplined and they have to accept it. They learn their actions have consequences and they cannot have things their own way. The puppy then becomes a dog that is so much harder to train and is less controllable for their owners. In the nest, a puppy will be constantly pawed, clawed, rubbed against and climbed all over, all day every day by their litter-mates. This results in your puppy getting used to being touched and becoming highly tolerant of it. They learn about appropriate play and how to interact with others of their species safely, considerately and happily. This can mean less time…or no time…interacting with his own species, having to be on the leash in dog parks and woods when other dogs are around and ultimately living a less fulfilling life than they could otherwise have had. And this is the important thing when it comes to leaving a puppy in the nest for too long. A puppy must be introduced to as many sights, sounds, environments, people and other dogs and animals as possible before they reach 14 weeks of age. This 14 week window of opportunity is a time where a puppy has little fear and instead has heightened curiosity that compels it to explore and test things out. The first 14 weeks is also the time when a puppy will form its strongest bonds with people and other animals. And so for the best possible relationship and strongest bond between your puppy and you, this is a time when you want your puppy living with you, seeing your entire family and social network so your puppy truly integrates and feels a part of the pack of humans around it. So think to yourself, if you get a puppy at 8 weeks of age, you have 6 weeks to take them to the shopping mall, the park, the pet shop, to meet as many people as possible, get them in the car, on the beach, in a swimming pool etc. I did this for a reason! Yes, 8 weeks old is the recommended perfect time to take a puppy away from its mother and litter-mates and home with you to live. But you would be doing far from the best for your new puppy and could be stunting their development, leading them toward behavioral issues and affecting their entire future lives. On the other end of the spectrum, leaving it later than 8 weeks to take your puppy home they could be missing out on essential socialization opportunities. Conclusion Take your puppy home at 8 weeks of age. A breeder telling you to take them any earlier is trying to avoid investing further time and effort into caring for them and possibly trying to save a little money by moving them on faster. And this early time spent with their mother ensures the best development of a puppy that will result in a dog far better suited to spending an entire life with you. May 10, Jun 22, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Having a pregnant dog welcome a new litter into the world is one of the greatest things a dog owner can experience. If you are ready to experience all the joys of doggy pregnancy, you may be wondering: can dogs be too old to get pregnant, and how old can dogs still have puppies? I was very surprised to discover that dogs are never too old to have puppies! Yup, you read that right—in fact, there is no such thing as doggy menopause, and female dogs go into heat during their whole lives. Pregnancy can be tough even for young dogs that are in their prime, but older dogs are at a much higher risk of health problems and stillborn puppies. Whether you want a new puppy or you are a breeder thinking about retiring your dogs, it is important to consider the ages of your male and female dogs before breeding them! Our 1 puppy product we recommend you send home with all new puppy owners is the Calmeroos Puppy Heartbeat Toy. In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about responsible breeding and dog fertility. Knowing that your pooch is an elderly citizen will help you determine whether it is safe and appropriate for your dog to get pregnant in the first place. Most dogs enter their senior years when they are around seven years old; however, the aging process is slightly different for small and large breed dogs. A tiny Chihuahua , for example, is considered a senior when they reach 11 years of age. On the other hand, a giant breed such as a Great Dane is considered a senior by the time they are five years old. The aging difference between smaller and larger breeds is mainly due to their size. Several studies have confirmed that larger breeds tend to age much faster than their smaller counterparts. Therefore, how old is too old for a dog to have puppies is directly related to the size of that particular dog. Unlike people, female and male dogs technically remain fertile their whole lives. However, their fertility and ability to whelp healthy puppies decrease as they get older. A healthy male dog can still sire puppies until very old age. In fact, most professional breeders will retire male dogs much later than their females. According to AKC rules, you can register a litter of puppies sired by a male dog that was no more than 12 years old at the time of mating. In practice, most reputable breeders will retire their male dogs when they are between 10 and 12 years old. Age is just one of several factors that affect the ability of a male dog to sire puppies. The age at which a male dog can have puppies also depends on the quality and quantity of its sperm. So, many professional breeders will check the sperm count of their male dogs regularly, at least once a month, to see if they are still capable of siring litters. Additionally, breeders will check many other things to determine whether their male dogs are too old for breeding and ready to be retired. Low conception rate is another sign that a dog is getting too old to sire puppies regularly. This means that a male dog fails to get a female dog pregnant during ideal conditions: one mating per day and a completely healthy female. Furthermore, a breeder may decide that the male dog is too old to sire puppies if their partner continually produces smaller litters, or if the puppies are weak and sick. Our 1 pick is the Basic Whelping Kit for puppies. Check out our Whelping Supplies Checklist for more of our favorites. According to the AKC rules, a dam must not be more than 12 years of age at the time of mating, if you want to register the litter. However, a lot of breed clubs, including the UK Kennel Club, set eight years as a maximum limit for breeding female dogs. However, at this grand age most female dogs have birthing difficulties and serious complications are often seen during labor. When they become pregnant, older female dogs may have trouble giving birth, and seeing stillborn puppies in a litter is unfortunately quite common. Additionally, older dogs may have trouble producing enough milk to nurse their puppies, who often die if not bottle-fed by their human caregivers. Due to all these risks and complications, most reputable breeders decide to retire their dams when they are around five or six years old. To determine whether or not to retire a female dog from a breeding program, the breeders consider the same factors as for male dogs. Taking all of these criteria into account can give you a good idea of whether it is safe to continue breeding your female dog or not. Our Golden Retriever , Raven was a breeding dog. She was retired by her breeder when she was 6 years old at which time we officially adopted her. If you own a female dog, the most important thing to remember is that she can get pregnant at any time during her life. Although older dogs are less fertile than their younger counterparts, there is still a risk of unwanted pregnancy. Now that you know that dogs can become pregnant their entire lives, talk with your vet about the best ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies. We use these tools to help keep our dogs separate. You read that right: Your cute, fluffy puppy can have puppies of its own! Once they reach sexual maturity, male dogs can mate at any time, even every day! Females, on the other hand, can mate only when they are in heat, which usually happens twice a year. However, some dogs can go into heat up to four times a year, while others will be ready to mate once a year, depending on their size and breed. Male dogs generally become fertile earlier than their female counterparts, usually when they are around five or six months old. Toy and small breeds such as Chihuahuas become sexually mature earlier than large breeds. In most cases, you should wait until your dog is at least one year old to mate him with a female. Keep in mind that large and giant breeds need more time to fully grow, so you should wait until your pooch is 18 to 24 months old to breed him for the first time. If you decide to use your male dog for siring litters, you will first have to ensure that he is completely healthy and fertile. Your vet can help with that and provide health clearances that your dog is a qualified stud dog ready for breeding. Once a male dog reaches sexual maturity, he remains fertile his entire life. However, their sperm count tends to be low during the beginning and the end of their reproductive cycle. Unlike male dogs, who can mate literally every single day once they reach puberty, female dogs can breed only when they are in heat. Female dogs usually reach sexual maturity when they are six months old, but smaller breeds can go into heat as early as four months of age. As with male dogs, you should wait until your female is fully grown before attempting to mate her for the first time. The size and breed of your dog will determine when the best time is to mate your female for the first time. Smaller breeds reach adulthood earlier than their larger counterparts and can consequently become pregnant safely much earlier. After having their first estrus, also known as heat or season, female dogs usually go into heat every six months until they get old. However, this time frame can vary from one dog to another and can depend on the size of the dog. Generally, smaller dogs go into heat more regularly than larger breeds and can produce more litters during their lifetime. The heat cycle is divided into four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. The estrus phase also lasts around nine days, at which time the female is fertile and will allow being mounted by a male dog. In most cases, ovulation happens within the first 48 hours of the estrus phase, but this can vary greatly. This phase happens whether or not the dog has gotten pregnant, and some dogs may develop signs of false pregnancy during this stage. Lastly, the anestrus phase is the time when a female dog can no longer become pregnant and is a period without sexual activity. In most cases, this stage lasts between three to four months. Technically, both female and male dogs can have puppies their whole lives. The actual labor is also more difficult and risky for older dogs and is commonly accompanied by complications. Older dogs also may have problems producing the milk and nursing their puppies. What is the age limit for breeding a dog? Can a 9-year-old dog have puppies? A 9-year-old dog can technically get pregnant and give birth to a litter of puppies. However, an older female dog can absolutely get pregnant if mounted by a fertile male during her heat cycle. To prevent any health problems and unwanted pregnancies, keep a close eye on your dog while in heat and consider spaying her. Is it bad for a 1-year-old dog to have puppies? Small breeds reach adulthood when they are one year old and can safely have puppies if they are done growing. A one-year-old Great Dane is still a puppy, and it would be bad for a growing pup to get pregnant and have to take care of a litter of newborn puppies. Conclusion Knowing how old dogs can be to have puppies is an important piece of information if you plan to breed your dog at some point in their life. While technically dogs are fertile and can have puppies their whole lives, older female dogs are at risk of premature labor, stillborn puppies, and birthing complications. Before breeding your pooch, talk with your vet and have your dog throughout examined. Are you a breeder? Have you worked with our bought a dog from a breeder? If so, do you know how old their breeding dogs are? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. 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.
Temperament: Playful, loving and independent. Chihuahua Poodle Mix Appearance A Chihuahua Poodle mix is a small, lightweight dog that you can carry around with you. Those who inherit more Chihuahua will be long and slender. Whereas those with more Poodle in them with be shorter and chunkier. Their eyes can be light or dark and their noses are usually brown or black. They walk and run with a real spring in their step. Height and Weight Males stand between inches tall and weigh between pounds. Females stand between inches and weigh between pounds. So as you can guess this mix is no different. Black, white, grey, and many shades of brown are all possible fur colors. They may be all one color, or a mix of two or three different ones. Their fur is medium length and can be styled to your fancy. While letting your pup hitch a ride in your bag can be fun, it is important that even the tiniest dogs get time on their feet to walk. The Chihuahua originated in Mexico, while the Poodle is a European breed. The mix is thought to have begun in the United States. Chihuahua Poodle mixes are safer for owners with dog allergies due to their minimal shedding. The Poodle is one of the smartest dogs there is and all Poodle mixes are renowned for this intelligence. They makes cute and cuddly lap dogs and love to be carried or held. As it is very easy to spoil them rotten they can develop a bossy streak. They will spend their day following you around right at your heels. Even as they grow up they never lose the curiosity and playful behavior of puppyhood. Every day is a big adventure for this lovable little pooch. They are surprisingly independent for a toy breed and do not mind spending time alone. These playful pups will keep themselves and their owners amused with all kinds of tricks. Just about anything will keep them entertained. Their energy comes in quick bursts and they enjoy short play sessions throughout the day. Both parent breeds are known for being very chatty dogs so you will likely hear a lot of yapping from your mix. Reducing excessive barking whilst they are a puppy should be a priority. These dogs will eagerly socialize with their family but can be shy and anxious around strangers. This anxiety will lead to much more barking and yapping. Keeping your pup close by your side while you take them out to socialize will help them feel much more comfortable. They tend to be very suspicious of other pets but will get along with other toy dogs with similar personalities. Never keep one with a large dog or an especially pushy breed. Young children are often too noisy and rambunctious for these delicate dogs to handle. These delicate pooches can snap or bite if handled roughly. Owners should be able to keep up with its bursts of wild energy throughout the day. These dogs are not at all difficult to care for and are in fact easier than other toy breeds. Housetraining and finding the right diet are the biggest challenges of the breed. Exercise Requirements A Chihuahua mixed with Poodle will keep its youthful energy throughout their life. When they want to walk or play they will bark and tear around the house until you take them out. They will need short walks a day — each walk should be about 10 minutes each. Your dog should be on leash while walking. When they are tired they will wait patiently for you to pick them up. For the rest of the day you should let them burn their energy as necessary. You can teach them how to jump small hurdles and catch a ball. Your dog will be happy playing indoors or out, so long as they have enough space. Giving them their own play room in your house is a good idea. Number of Walks Per Day: .Total Exercise Needed Per Day: 45 minutes. Feeding and Diet Finding a nutritious diet to a small dog can be very difficult. It is easy to give them too much or too little dog food. These formulas are packed with all of the nutrients your little pup needs to fuel their day. Split one cup of kibble a day into two half cup meals. A good small breed formula will be packed with protein and have very little carbs and fats. It should have a high vitamin content and no extra fillers or additives. This leads to weepy or crusty eyes, redness and irritation. Dogs that suffer from this chronically will need their tear ducts flushed every few months. With little planning ahead you could get reimbursed for every vet bill from now on! It loves to be on the move and play all day. Chipoos are social butterflies and thrive for attention. They are kind, loyal, loving, friendly and outgoing, so trips to the dog park will do him wonders. He does also love his family and will enjoy sitting on your lap and snuggling. Keeping them busy will prevent mischievous behavior caused by boredom! Who is the Choodle Best Suited For? A Chipoo is an indoor dog, so consider this before bringing one into your home. They do well in apartments, small homes, and condos. They get along with other dogs and are good with children. The Poodle Chihuahua mix is a great companion dog and loves to be part of a family environment. Does the Chipoo Require Exercise? Yes, the Poochi thrives on physical activity, but a lot of exercises is NOT required. Just be careful not to let the little guy overexert himself. Also, provide him with plenty of water to keep him hydrated. Potty Training the Choodle Small dogs have smaller bladders. House training them can be a challenge. The number one rule is to start early! Brushing at least one to three times a week will remove dander and loose hair. It also keeps the coat smooth and tangle-free. This breed can also inherit overactive tear glands, which may cause tears to dry under its eyes and turns the fur a dark color. So use a wet cloth or a very fine and blunt comb, as needed, to keep this issue under control. Dental health is also important, so brush their teeth times a week. Keep a close eye on the nails. Training and Socialization Tips Intelligent dogs like the Chipoo are usually easy to train. Keep things positive and offer lots of praise. For their safety, be sure to leash train them and socialize them early! A properly trained Poochi can go anywhere with its family. Once they develop their strong personality and independence, they can become stubborn. Handle this right away in a firm way and with patience. Your Chi-poo will likely alert you of intruders by barking. Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, can occur in this breed. To prevent this, feed several small meals throughout the day. Chihuahuas have soft teeth, which can lead to dental diseases. Keep an eye out for: Cardiovascular disease. Chi-Poo Highlights Chi-Poos are mixed-breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Chihuahua or Poodle parents. The main colors of Chi-Poos are; cream, brown, blue, brindle, silver, grey, fawn, white, and black. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a blend of of colors. There are longer-coated Chi-Poos, as well as shorter coated Chi-Poos. Chi-Poos can adapt to any living situation. Apartment or large home, single person or big family, they will fit in anywhere. They handle heat better than cold, but you may need to apply doggy sunscreen in summer. Because the Chi-Poo is a small dog, they can be easily injured by overly excited children. Chi-Poos prefer to be mostly around adults or older kids who know how to play gently. Chi-Poo History The Chi-Poo dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Chihuahuas and Poodles in the US in the s—right around they same time they started developing Cockapoos. Mixing breeds can often minimize health issues, as well. They continued to create Chi-Poos as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the Chi-Poo breed got its start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up Chi-Poo rescues, or check with breed-specific Poodle or Chihuahua rescues, as they sometimes try to re-home mixes. Chi-Poo Size As the Chi-Poo is a relatively new breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Chihuahua and Toy Poodle parents, you can expect Chi-Poos to be on the small side. Most weigh in at five to 20 pounds and range in height from five to 15 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. While both parent dogs, the Poodle and Chihuahua do not like being left alone, the Chi-poo is an anomaly. Most of them do just fine with working parents who have to leave the house for long periods. These pup are energetic and definitely would need to be with a person who is on-the-go or busy around the house. They enjoy watching you and would even enjoy participating in lots of activities, including walks and play sessions. A few short walks per day should suffice with lots of potty breaks for their small bladders. Make sure to have an assortment of toys, as they will happily entertain themselves. They do well in single person families and large households with kids. They will adapt to just about any environment. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Different breed organizations have recognized it by various names. A significant trait that the Chi-Poo may have partially inherited from the Chihuahua is their habit of bonding intimately with a particular person of the house, following him wherever he goes. These amicable dogs are not a good option for children below ten years of age as the latter may harm or rashly handle them. They can thrive well indoors or even in apartments if they have sufficient space to run around freely. This Chihuahua-Poodle mix gets along well with other dogs and pets when brought up with then since their puppy days. They are however not too comfortable with strangers. Care Exercise These active, playful dogs require a lot of physical activities to be healthy and happy. Taking them out for a walk daily under moderate temperature is a good option. In fact when outdoors if the temperature falls below 50 degrees, it is safe to take a coat or sweater for them. They get bored and destructive when left alone for too long. Therefore, give them adequate mental exercise by introducing a lot of interesting toys to them. Grooming Though they shed less, their coats should be groomed at frequent intervals in a week on the basis of the length by using a brush with soft bristles. Bathe them once or twice when needed. It is best to brush your dog before bathing it as this will help in removing loose hairs, also preventing it from getting matted after being wet. In fact, if your pet Chi-Poo has a coat similar to Poodle then brushing at regular intervals as well as clipping is essential. Make sure to brush their teeth two to three times in a week to prevent any dental infections. Because of their overactive tear glands similar to Poodles, it is required to remove the dried tears by cleaning the region around their eyes using a fine tooth comb devoid of any sharp edges. Health Problems They may suffer from diseases like luxating patella, tracheal collapse, hydrocephalus building up of fluid in the cavities of the brain , dilated cardiomyopathy, glaucoma, and chronic valvular heart disease. They also have the problem of dry skin, being incapable of absorbing anything through their skin. Some of them may possess an inverted eyelid that may heal on its own or in the extreme case require surgery. This breed is also prone to hypoglycemia that can turn fatal if not treated properly. Training Being intelligent just like the Poodle they will respond well to training when handled by a tactful trainer who will not be harsh on them but handle their stubbornness in a firm and patient way. Loving to amuse their owners with impressive tricks, they will be adept at it when groomed with an efficient hand. The techniques of rewarding and praising will encourage them to respond in a positive way. Proper socialization training is also required to be given to the puppies to help them get over certain behavioral problems like barking, showing possessiveness regarding their toys or belongings or getting destructive. Moreover, they should be trained to get over their habit of being attached to a particular individual of the family as his absence may trigger intense separation anxiety in them. They are to be leash trained for their safety. Feeding They should be given the diet of small or toy dogs probably wet food as most of them may face difficulties in digesting the contents of the commonly used dog foods. This breed may be picky while eating, thus it can take time to feed them. Give your pet about three fourth to one and a half cup dry dog food. Feeding your chipoo healthy food many times in a day will reduce the risk of hyperglycemia. Interesting Facts They act as perfect alarm dogs, warning their family at the very sight of an unfamiliar person or any uncommon sound by barking. The earliest evidence of the Chihuahua is found in paintings and pottery from around AD. It is thought that the breed originated in China and was then brought to Mexico by Spanish traders. The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world, and it is known for its large eyes and long ears. The average lifespan of a Chihuahua is about 15 years. The Poodle Poodle dogs are a popular breed of dog that is known for their intelligence and loyalty. Though Poodles come in many different sizes, they all share the same general characteristics, including curly hair and a highly trainable nature. Poodles are believed to have originated in Germany, where they were originally bred as hunting dogs. Though they were originally bred as hunting dogs, poodles quickly became popular as companion animals due to their loving nature and easy-going temperament. Today, poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. The Chi-Poo The Chi-Poo is a relatively new breed of dog, so there isn't a lot of information available about its history. However, we do know that they were first bred in the United States in the s. The AKC only recognizes purebred dogs, therefore the Chi-Poo cannot be registered with the organization. While this may seem like a minor distinction, it does prevent the Chihuahua Poodle Mix from competing in AKC-sanctioned events. For those looking to purchase a dog that can compete in agility or obedience trials, the Poodle Chihuahua mix may not be the best choice. Poodle Chihuahua Mix Appearance Poodle Chihuahua mixes typically have a medium-sized build, with a long, slender snout and large ears. They come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, white, and cream. They usually have a curly or wavy coat, which may require regular grooming. The height of a Poodle Chihuahua Mix can range from 6 to 9 inches, and the weight can range from 4 to 8 pounds. As a designer breed, the exact height and weight of the Poodle Chihuahua mix can vary depending on which parent breed they take after more. Chi-Poo Temperament Chihuahuas and Poodles have very different temperaments, so the temperament of a Chihuahua Poodle Mix can vary depending on which traits he inherits from his parents. However, both the Chihuahua and the Poodle are intelligent, loyal, and loving dogs, so it is likely that the Chihuahua Poodle Mix will inherit these qualities. He may also inherit the high energy level of the Chihuahua and the need for regular exercise. Chi-Poos are small dogs that are intelligent and eager to please. They are also known for being loyal and protective of their owners. Chihuahua Poodle Mix dogs are generally good with children and other pets. However, they can be distrustful of strangers and may bark excessively. They should be socialized at an early age to help prevent these behaviors. Chihuahua Poodle Mix dogs are active and playful, but they can also be calm and quiet when they are in a comfortable environment. They are typically easy to train and make good house pets. It's important to introduce them to different types of animals early on so that they can learn to get along. With that said, some Chi-Poos may be more comfortable around other dogs than other types of animals. They may also become territorial and try to assert themselves as the alpha dog in the home. Proper socialization and training can help to reduce these tendencies. Poodle x Corgi — Corgipoo Poodle x Yorkshire Terrier — Yorkipoo The Chihuahua Poodle mix is not as popular as some of the other Doodle-dogs, but it will still make a fun-loving family pet. What are the main characteristics of the Chipoo? Crossbreed dogs, like The Chi-poo or Wapoo are no more likely to inherit health problems than purebred dogs; in fact, it is believed they may actually be stronger as they are adding more variety into the gene pool. It can be heavily weighted towards the characteristics of one parent. The characteristics of the Chipoo are a combination of nature and nurture: genetics of each parent, the environment, and the quality, type, and amount of training and socialization. The Chipoo dog coat: A short-haired Chihuahua is the usual dog in the Chipoo mix, with its moderate shedding, smooth, straight-haired coat, while the Poodle has a wiry and stiff, wavy coat that sheds less. Poodle—mix dogs, such as the Chipoo were initially crossbred, in the United States, to be hypoallergenic and be suitable for people with dog hair allergies; it had mixed results. Loyalty and companionship The Chihuahua Poodle mix breed will become very attached to its family and especially the master. Reputation: The Chihuahua and the Poodle are both intelligent and sociable dogs that are not known to be aggressive. However, they are known to bark at strangers and other dogs they see as a threat to them or their families. Their size and non-aggressive temperament make them an ideal house pet for any experience of a dog owner, in any type of living accommodation. The Poodle mix is quieter and more reserved than the Chihuahua parent, but both are known to bark when startled or challenged. The Chipoo will be playful and full of energy so be prepared, if you get one, it will expect you to play with it and to have sufficient exercise. Popularity: This Chihuahua and Poodle mix, the Chipoodle, is not the most popular of the designer poodle mix dogs; yet their parents rank as No 6 the Poodle and the No 35 the Chihuahua , in the AKC list of most popular dogs. Perhaps this mix is not as well-known as the other Doodle-dogs and in time could rise in popularity as its parent breeds have. Trainability: When both parent breeds are intelligent and easy to train the Chihuahua Poodle mix should be too. A Chipoo puppy may be tiny but it will be full of energy and high spirits. It will get excited and just want to play and run around, so it should be obedience trained and socialized early. The size of this small dog makes it delicate and vulnerable in play and handling, especially with young children. Therefore, it needs to learn control and understand voice commands, and know when to avoid a situation that might endanger its safety; especially when outdoors in public places or dog parks while playing with other dogs, or boisterous children. This Poochi is very active and needs to be kept occupied to stop boredom and from getting up to mischief; chewing, barking or destroying things. Positive reinforcement and small treats work best for this little pooch, as it likes to please and be praised. It will enjoy and need working challenges incorporating mental and physical stimulation. Socialization: A Chipoo puppy needs exposure to different situations and people early, and practice leaving it alone to help it manage its feelings of separation anxiety, but with you close by. This puppy does not like being left alone for long periods of time and will yap, and may annoy the neighbors! Early socialization and discipline are needed for any active mixed breed dog that likes to be protective of its loved ones. Despite its small size it will be fiercely protective and bark and try to guard its family in the company of other dogs or strangers. Purpose: It will just want to play and hang out with you. It does not have a prey or hunting instinct but it will get bored easily and want to be kept stimulated. In return, it will offer you its love, devotion, and companionship. Behavior: A Chipoo is smart and energetic despite its small size. Obedience training needs to begin early in the puppy years. It will need early leash training as it needs to learn to control its excitement outdoors. It will be naughty if it feels it is not getting enough attention. Physical Characteristics of the Chi-poo This small pooch is friendly, full of energy, and is very sociable. For Females up to lb 1. Temperament: A Chipoo is not known to be aggressive, but it can be mouthy with other dogs and strangers. How should you train a Chi Poo? A Chipoo is intelligent and active and needs to be trained early. You will need patience as the Chipoo can be quite a handful and at times stubborn or moody. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training work best, but never aggressive treatment. Types of training required: obedience, discipline, agility, and socialization. So, if you are not going to use a professional dog trainer: 1 Develop your basic command words: Find keywords such as Stop, Sit, Down, etc. You will have to lock the cage in the early days so it knows it can sleep there and be transported in it. There are products available to help, such as mats and odor sprays to attract puppy go to the same spot each time 4 Walking on a leash — this Poochi is playful and full of energy so early leash training is recommended. Also, practice voice commands and road safety awareness firmly but not harshly. Health problems and health issues Although mixing breeds can often minimize health issues, the Chihuahua Poodle mix could still suffer from certain hereditary health problems from both parent breeds, such as: Luxating Patella — dislocated kneecap — A congenital condition that affects the kneecaps often causes dislocation or loosening of the kneecaps and extreme pain and affected mobility. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — this is a genetic condition where the retina in the eye degenerates and it can lead to vision loss if not diagnosed and treated early. Other eye problems include: Glaucoma, Cataracts, Dry Cornea or Overactive tear glands — watering eyes from blocked or narrow tear ducts; as a result of swelling, or inflammation and the tears are unable to drain away and will build up in the tear sac. Its eyes need to be wiped often. Other health issues include Cardiovascular Heart problems , Dental problems due to their very small jaws , Obesity as they like to eat a lot , and Allergies — dry ears and dry skin conditions and low blood sugar levels. Life Span Did You Know? Chi-Poos are compact and energetic little dogs that love their families. They tend to be energetic and playful, and love nothing more than being around their favorite humans. Although the Chi-Poo is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable canine organizations. A Chi-Poo tends to be sweet, loving, and affectionate with their families. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They can be initially wary of strangers and strange dogs. But, as long as they have been well-socialized, they tend to warm up quickly. Chi-Poos are fantastic watchdogs because they will alert you to things, people, noises, etc. Because of this, they can be prone to barking a lot. If you start to train your dog to stop barking early on, you can keep this from becoming a nuisance behavior. Chi-Poos are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes with or without yards. These little dogs do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their small size, they may also need to bundle up with some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks when the temperatures drop. Because these little dogs bond closely with their families and crave attention from them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. This also means they can be prone to developing separation anxiety. So, you will want to make sure you socialize your dog and spend some time making sure they can be comfortable when you are not around. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chi-Poo include glaucoma , luxating patella , hypoglycemia, and overactive tear glands. As a small dog breed, the Chi-Poo is more prone to developing painful dental diseases later in life. Gum disease in dogs is one of the most common health issues and has serious consequences. Chi-Poos are highly intelligent dogs that are eager to please and pick up on things quickly. Inconsistent training can make them stubborn. But, as long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, they are a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes are still an option. Aside from the training, there are several other benefits of puppy training classes. If they take more after their Chihuahua parent, they will shed a little year-round, require weekly brushing, and need the occasional bath. If they inherit the Poodle coat, they may not shed, but they will need a lot more grooming. Daily brushing is required to remove tangles and prevent mats from forming. In addition, professionally grooming and clipping are needed every weeks. If you are visiting a dog groomer regularly, they may be able to help out with some things, but you will still need to do maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep them from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Dental diseases can be prevented later in life with consistent dental care. Daily brushing or use of an enzyme toothpaste in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed are ideal. Although a Chi-Poo will be energetic when they play, they are small dogs and will tire themselves out quickly. Usually, daily walks plus some playtime are enough to keep this little dog happy and healthy. Because they thrive being around you, they may be up for more activity if you are. Just make sure you keep an eye on them to make sure they are not overexerting themselves trying to keep up and be prepared to potentially have to rest or carry them. A fully-grown Chi-Poo usually averages inches tall and pounds in weight. Chi-Poos generally live for years on average. This mix is usually called a Chi-Poo. Other nicknames include Choodle, Poochi, Chipoodle, and Poohuahua. Featured Chi-Poo Article. The resulting dog is smart and confident and is gaining popularity thanks to its high trainability and low-shedding coat. In this guide, we will study everything you need to know about this gorgeous designer dog breed. What is a Chi-Poo? As the name indicates, these cute small dogs with soft wavy hair are obtained by mixing a Miniature or Toy Poodle with a Chihuahua. A Chipoo or Chidoodle may be a small dog but it is cute, smart, loyal, and highly protective of the people it loves. Origins Every breed of dog, even the ChiPoo, has wolves as its ancestors. Humans started domesticating and training wolves nearly 14, years ago. Mostly, people wanted animals to do various jobs and, over the years, they bred different species of wolves which created different dog breeds. The Chihuahua breed originated in Mexico and is one of the ancient dog breeds known to exist since the time of the Toltec tribes. Aztec paintings depict the Chihuahuas as much larger and heavier. Soon the Aztecs started breeding smaller and smaller Chihuahuas and even considered them as their treasure. Today, the smart Poodle is ranked second in the list of most intelligent dog breeds and is also extremely popular due to its hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat. In the s, the demand for cross-breed or designer dogs increased when the first hybrid dog- a Labradoodle — was created by crossing a Poodle with a Labrador Retriever. People loved the Labradoodle for its high intelligence and low-shedding coat. Soon dog lovers were demanding smaller cross-breed dogs. The exact origin of the Chi-Poo is unclear but it might have been existing for nearly 3 decades. Chi-Poo Physical Attributes Chipoo owners are curious to find out how big a Chipoo will get when they first bring home this sweet pup. Chidoodles are not purebred dogs so there are no standards as far as their physical attributes are concerned. Most ChiPoos weigh between 5 and 20 lb. They measure between 5 and 15 inches .Chidoodles have medium coats which can be straight, soft, long, short, or curly. The coat colours seen in the designer breed are cream, white, brown, black, brindle, silver, grey, blue, merle and fawn. Chi-Poos will need different frequencies of grooming based on the kind of coat they inherit. In general, you might want to brush your dog every days and wash or bathe it once a month. Is the Chipoo hypoallergenic? Like most Poodle mixes, the Chipoo sheds a lot less than the average dog breed. Therefore, if an individual is highly allergic to pets, then even the supposedly hypoallergenic Chi-Poo or any Poodle mix for that matter could still trigger an allergic reaction in them. Chi-Poo Temperament and Personality Chidoodles are known to be very smart like their Poodle parent although the Chihuahua is also quite bright. They are confident, highly trainable, and assertive dogs; sometimes overly so. This can hinder training so they need a consistent and experienced dog owner who will show them how to behave appropriately by rewarding their good behaviour. ChiPoos are sure to make excellent pets for families with slightly older children. It is important to understand that these small dogs are quite fragile so it is best not to have very boisterous kids playing roughly around them. Chidoodles make excellent lapdogs. This makes them ideal pets for elderly people but they still need a walk or two every day. This is important to prevent obesity in these small dogs. Are Chipoos yappy? Since Poodles and Chihuahuas are both very reactive and tend to bark at everything in their surroundings, the Chidoodles are also quite the barkers. You might find your little dog barking at every sight or sound. To curb this barking habit, you must train your dog to only bark on cue. You also need to desensitize and socialize your little pet to various experiences from an early age. This is very important to prevent separation anxiety , fear, and other behavioural issues in your Chipoo. Are Chi-Poos aggressive? Like their Chihuahua parent, Chi-Poos can have a wide range of personalities. Like terrier breeds, some Chipoos are in-your-face aggressive but others could be shy or timid. In general, aggression is not an inherent trait in the Chidoodle breed and, as such, must be nipped in the bud. No dog owner must tolerate aggression and must use training, socializing, and desensitization to ensure that their ChiPoo puppy turns out to be a friendly, loving adult dog with a sound temperament. The rates are not standardized or regulated so you will find a lot of variation. In addition to considering your Chi-Poo puppy price, you must also consider the lifetime costs that come with dog ownership. What is the Best Food for a Chipoo? Like all dogs, your Chipoo needs a balanced diet consisting of proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. You can choose between high-quality kibble or go in for canned or wet food. In general, kibble may be a better choice since, like all small dogs, the Chi-Poo is prone to dental issues. Kibble with the proper texture can help eliminate plaque and tartar to some extent although your pet will also need daily oral care. You can divide this into 2 or 3 smaller meals although puppies will need at least 4 meals. This is important to prevent digestive issues in your young pet while it is still adjusting to the new surroundings. As your dog passes through different life stages, discuss with your vet the right diet to feed it. Some Chi-Poos are known to have food sensitivities so you may have to choose hypoallergenic dog food or special prescription diets to prevent symptoms. How Long Does a Chipoo Live? What are the Common Health Issues in the Breed? ChiPoos are known to have a lifespan of nearly years. The breed is quite healthy but, like all designer dogs, there is a chance that it inherits afflictions commonly seen in the parent breeds. From time to time, the following health issues are seen in Chidoodles: Idiopathic epilepsy — Since Poodles are known to suffer from idiopathic epilepsy, your Chipoo could inherit this disease. It is characterized by seizures, often without a cause. Luxating patella — Both Chihuahuas and Poodles are known to have this issue. It causes the knee cap to pop out of its normal position causing lameness. Legg-Calve Perthes disease — This results in the degeneration of the femoral head. Hypoglycemia — this condition is seen in Chihuahuas. It causes low blood sugar which can lead to lethargy or dizziness in the affected dogs. Tracheal collapse — this condition is also seen in Chihuahuas and it causes shortness of breath and a permanent honking cough. To minimize the chances of your having to deal with these health issues, only buy your ChiPoo from a reputable breeder. Good breeders conduct appropriate health checks on their parent dogs and only breed ones that have received the appropriate health clearances. Subscribe for free poodle mix breed information and exclusive offers on the best products for your pup! Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this.
Things to do with your English Bulldog South Dakota is a great place to live with an English bulldog. With its beautiful scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, South Dakota is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. Visit the Badlands The Badlands are a beautiful national park located in the southwestern part of South Dakota. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including canyons, buttes, and prairies. It is a great place to take your English bulldog for a hike, bike ride, or horseback ride. Go for a Swim South Dakota has a number of lakes and rivers that are perfect for swimming. Your English bulldog will love cooling off on a hot day and splashing around in the water. Visit a Campground There are a number of dog-friendly campgrounds in South Dakota. Your English bulldog will love spending time outdoors and making new friends. Visit the Cities South Dakota is home to a number of charming cities that are perfect for exploring with your dog. Your English bulldog will love walking down the cobblestone streets, exploring the shops, and people-watching. The zoo has a variety of exhibits that are sure to interest your dog, including a petting zoo where your dog can touch goats, sheep, and llamas. Your English bulldog will love learning about animals from all over the world. Your English bulldog will love getting some fresh air and seeing the sights from a different perspective. South Dakota is a great place to live with an English bulldog. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in South Dakota? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. 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. English Bulldog Puppies For Sale Near Me 12 week English Bulldog Puppy hi we are needing tx rehxme xur xx week male english bulldxg puppy his name is sherman and he cxmes with everything yxu need fxr him. They are raised in our home, with young children and a lot of noise. Vet-checked and up to date with their shots and dewormer. Come with Health Guarantees and Health Records. These will make excellent family pets! They are about 13 weeks and neutered and spayed , and loves being outdoors. They will come with their kennel, food bowl, collar and leash, and his blanket. They are very good dog, and will do great with a yard that they can go out and play in. All we ask is a re-homing fee just little amount to make sure they going to someone who will love them and give them his forever home. They will make very good home xxxxxxxxxx. Text or Call xxxx For More Info. View Detail adorable English bull pups I have a litter of gorgeous bulldog pups. They are cute and lovely puppies View Detail Male Akc Registered English Bulldog Puppies Male bulldog pup for sale, 10 weeks old and ready to leave , he is KC registered and will be microchipped and had his first jag before going to his new home. I own both mother and father and are both great examples of the breed. He will also leave with 4 weeks free insurance and a puppy pack View Detail English Bulldog Puppies Ready Text xxx xxx-xxxx Adorable outstanding English Bulldog puppies ready for their new and forever lovely home. Good with kids and other pets been wormed and deflected vet checked 1 female 1 male. He is the grandson of champions with many, many more in his pedigree. He is a rolly polly at its finest. He will arrive healthy with a full nose-to-tail vet check, deworming and vaccination schedule. Don't miss out. Text xxx xxx-xxxx View Detail English Bulldog puppies! English Bulldog puppies! I have 3 males and 2 females. I worked with my breeder and hand selected her Sire for the litter and they are super cute. View Detail Great English Bulldog Puppies Text xxx xxxxxxx Stunning litter of 6 English bulldog puppies,big boned chunky and wrinkly,these pups have received the best round the clock care in a family home so are used to all the usual noises,mum has 5 generation pedigree and can be seen when viewing the puppies. I'm moving and can't take them with me. Potty trained and knows simple commands; sit, stay, lay down. This puppies are fun-loving and will make a great family friend contact us more information Age: 13weeks Contact: xxx xxx-xxx2 View Detail English Bulldog Puppies Text xxx xxx-xxx2 Thes are magnificent babies left in this litre. AKC registered, home trained and a perfect mate for both kids and adults not leaving out other home pets. Must go. Please text if possible for more info. They are socialized with parents on site. The dad is a sable and mother is black. They have great temperaments. Come with first round of shots. Adorable English bulldogs puppies to give them out for adoption. Many of our dogs end up around the world, including the great state of South Dakota. With affordable shipping, we can get you happy, healthy, and socialized Olde English Bulldog puppies in South Dakota. A premier breeder with unbeatable guarantees, customer service 2nd to none and of course our amazing quality bulldogges makes us the best spot for your South Dakota Olde English Bulldogge puppies. If you are looking for a perfect bulldogge, give us a call .For avid facebookers you will also be able to interact with siblings of your pup and watch how they grow! Look no further! Happy, Healthy and Socialized Bulldogge puppies come from One of a Kind Bulldogs Truth is, we have an epidemic of puppy mills and backyard breeders. Our customers have done the hard work and inspected our facility for you out of state clients. I love to follow all of our friends and the adventures they have with their dawgs. Anyone else interested please do the same. Hes mellow, smart a huge :. We couldnt be happier with him and with Ary. Ary is always available to help answer questions of give advise and loves to keep up with his pups as they grow and beyond. In researching, we found Ary and the Olde English breed and could not be happier with the decision to get Bruce. Ary was incredible throughout the process, explaining everything we needed to know about the breed and the process of importing him into Hong Kong. He checked in with us several times before the flight and was in constant contact via text when we went to the airport to pick up Bruce, who arrived a little skeptical of his new surroundings but perfectly healthy and happy. The extent to which Ary cares about every one of the amazing dogs he sells is clear through his attention to detail and willingness to put in any extra effort to make sure his puppies get to, and stay in, good homes. He took to his kennel training and potty training so fast! In searching for our puppy, we did our due diligence researching online and then visiting your property in person. I was impressed with how happy and healthy all of your dogs are. I also enjoyed getting the opportunity to meet the parents of our puppy; they both seemed to have great termperments. Thanks for a wonderful puppy! Lauren W. I recently adopted her from Ary, and it was great! Ary is so devoted to all of his dogs, he even knows them by their bark! His property is a dog haven, dog runs, kiddie pools, and toys for days! He truly loves what he does. When I heard that Ary had rescued a litter of puppies i had to take a look! I fell in love with them all, as i do with all of his litters! He knows the background of each and every one of his dogs, he is so knowledgeable about the breed and is always there to answer any questions i have about Pepper. I will definitely be getting another bulldogge from Ary in the years to come. Thanks Ary! Jenna S. Iowa Hey Ary We just want to say thank for are boy Kane. He one of the best we gotten. He is are first bulldogge and wont be the last. Im just glad you made my day by letting take Kane home to live with use. S im looking forward to the day we get are girl from you. He is pounds and a real joy to have around! Ary is so helpful and we are grateful for him introducing us to this wonderful breed. There really is no better breed of dog! If you are looking for a bulldog and you should be! Shane S. Cares deeply about the health and well being of his dogs. A quality breeder with amazing dogs!! Cinda G. Brea, CA Just want to start off by saying: Ari, isnt just a Breeder hes a good guy and now a friend of mine!!!! I bought a puppy from him last feb !!! Since that time he taught me a lot about the breed to the point where i want to start breeding oldies!!!! So if you looking for a quality olde you have came to the right spot…. One of a Kind is now actively helping save shelter Bulldogges in high risk of euthanization, this is our way of giving back! Check our rescue site www. We are helping the olde English Bulldogges that were relinquished to shelters and ironically clening up a lot of the mess irresponsible backyard breeders are making. We always have olde English Bulldogges needing a home, if you dont wanna buy a puppy, help save a shelter dog. Follow Us on Social Media! Paypal Secured Payments.
Articles Sit. Heal German Shepherd Hip Dysplasia Signs and Treatments Muscular, intelligent, and loyal, German shepherds are steadfast guardians and all-purpose workers. Highly trainable and obedient, German shepherds provide a range of services—excelling as show dogs and household companions, as well as military and search and rescue animals. Exuding confidence, this breed is royalty of the dog family. They are susceptible, however, to challenging hip and joint issues like hip dysplasia any time from puppyhood all the way through maturation. As with many large breed dogs, German shepherds are prone to canine hip dysplasia CHD , a dog skeletal condition that can be inherited or caused by a traumatic fracture or other environmental factors. CHD occurs from malformation of the ball and joint socket of one or both hips the hip joint is called the coxofemoral joint. If so, it maybe be because of breeding. The exaggerated hind leg angulation is often bred into the dog because of standards that dictate rear legs upper and lower thighs should come as close to a degree angle as possible. Along these same lines, a sloping back causes hindquarters to become more angulate and, thus, prone to lower back pain. These bent legs could point toward one of many health problems, one of which is hip dysplasia. Although irreversible, canine hip dysplasia can be monitored and treated to reduce chronic pain. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals , .The progression of it and the treatment options available depend on a number of factors, including the degree of misalignment and age of the dog. CHD has a range of signs, depending on the severity of the disease and degree of looseness in the joint. The severity also ranges from mild to extreme pain—some German shepherds even have to use a wheelchair. CHD Treatment Options Dog hip dysplasia surgery for severe cases in medium to large dogs can be expensive. If invasive surgery is not the best choice for your dog, look into non-surgical, conservative management options, such as dog leg braces, physical therapy, weight control, acupuncture, anti-inflammatories, and massage therapy. Ortho Dog specializes in flexible, adjustable, and affordable dog leg braces. Additionally, leg braces for hip dysplasia may slow the progression of this chronic issue. Is a Hip Hound Brace right for your pup? Designed for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mild to moderate hip dysplasia. Below are four common disorders of the hip and joint commonly seen in this breed: Degenerative Myelopathy As a German shepherd owner, you have likely heard of the fatal, chronic, and progressive disease called degenerative myelopathy that is most prevalent in this breed. Typically apparent between the ages of , degenerative myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord and muscle coordination, ultimately leading to paralysis of the back legs within months. CHD shares several symptoms with early stages of degenerative myelopathy, including difficulty rising and jumping, and progressive weakness of hind limbs. As with any signs that something may be off with your dog, contact your veterinarian for a full exam. Canine Myasthenia Gravis A rare neuromuscular disease, canine myasthenia gravis is a disorder of the signal transmission between nerves and muscles, resulting in progressive muscle weakness, and fatigue with mild exercise. This disease is not typically confused with CHD because the signs tend to show up on the face more than the hindquarters. This incorrect movement can put a strain on their hips, which causes them to walk with an irregular gait. Our Hock Holder brace offers stabilization and support to the hock to help relieve stress. Osteoarthritis Most often seen in senior dogs, osteoarthritis is the inflammation of the hip joints due to cartilage deterioration. You may notice your dog moving a bit more slowly and having trouble with stairs. With less cartilage, bones can grind against each other and cause inflammation. Much like a human wearing a wrist or hand brace for arthritis, the Ortho Dog Hip Hound brace limits the movement of the joint, which helps with the pain. Hip dysplasia On top of all this, you have to understand that a dog with these problems, and especially the constant pain, has a poor quality of life. The German Shepherd is an active and affectionate dog that can turn aggressive , destructive, or completely opposite — depressed, if faced with pain every day. The dog might not feel a lot of pain at the very beginning, but as the months go by, and the condition progresses, the pain will grow, too. You will also notice your dog getting tired easily. As we already mentioned, German Shepherds are not low-energy dogs that are born to lounge on the sofa. These are active dogs that were bred to endure long working hours. If you notice any odd movement in your German Shepherd puppy, take him to the vet. A vet can do an X-ray of the hips and hind legs, as well as do a clinical examination of the dog to get a clear picture of what is happening. The treatment includes: Exercise to build up muscles of the hind legs Knee braces Orthopedic beds Joint supplements You can also help your dog if you give him well-balanced GSD food. German Shepherds are large dogs that need lots of protein to support the rapid growth and development of their muscular and joint systems. Some people have tried swimming as an exercise for their German Shepherd puppies that have back legs close together. Swimming is an activity that perfectly puts all of the back leg muscles into use, which ultimately leads to muscle build-up. Stronger muscles help the dog move easier, support the joints, and make the cow hock look less obvious. The Controversy Dog shows and dog breed standards have been a topic of interest for many years. People realized that the way purebred dogs should look according to the standards is not the right way or the healthy way any dog should look. The controversy does not just surround German Shepherds, but other dog breeds as well. For example, Goldendoodle Tail docking , Bulldog ear cropping , French Bulldog breathing problems, etc. There is a movie called Pedigree dogs exposed, which was done by BBC one, that shows the dark side of Dog Shows, Pedigrees, and desired dog conformation. There is also research done on this subject specifically focusing on the German Shepherds and their conformation breed standards. There is also a blog from the creators of the mentioned movie that continues to tell the truth about these shows. All of them have the same conclusion: breeding programs to fit the needs of Dog Shows must stop. The sad truth is that the German Shepherd we talked about at the beginning won the Crufts that year. There are 7 types of GSDs , but the show-line dogs are the problem. If you think butchered is too strong of a word, take a look at the video one more time. The Conclusion If you have a German Shepherd with back legs close together, all of this might be too much for you. Dogs are made to be our best friends, and to fully enjoy life without restrictions we made for them by manipulating their genes through various breeding programs. This must stop today. Why does a German Shepherd drag his back legs? The condition is quote common among this breed of dog. One of the first warning signs is a German Shepherd that stands with his back paws together. This explains exactly why the German Shepherd I recently witnessed was struggling to get up. Although his paws were not dragging, he was dragging and still probably in the very early stages of DM. Dogs with DM may exhibit symptoms such as limping, dragging, and a loss of control in their back legs. Understanding these challenges can help owners provide appropriate care and support for their beloved German Shepherds. Challenges 1. Limping and Dragging Back Leg: One of the primary challenges seen in German Shepherds with degenerative myelopathy is a noticeable limp in the back leg. As the disease progresses, the affected leg may drag while walking, causing difficulty in maintaining a normal gait. Loss of Mobility and Coordination: German Shepherds with degenerative myelopathy may experience a gradual loss of mobility and coordination in their back legs. This can make it challenging for them to stand, walk, or perform daily activities that were once effortless. Crossed Paws and Inability to Unlock Limbs: An observable behavior in German Shepherds with degenerative myelopathy is crossing their paws in the back when attempting to stand up. This occurs because they are unable to unlock their limbs properly, adding to the overall challenges they face. Development of Secondary Conditions: While degenerative myelopathy itself may not cause pain, it can lead to the development of secondary conditions such as arthritis. Arthritis can further contribute to discomfort, pain, and reduced mobility in the affected back leg of a German Shepherd. German Shepherds, being predisposed to degenerative myelopathy, are prone to experiencing various challenges related to their back legs. Owners may notice their German Shepherds limping or dragging one or both hind legs. This limping can be a clear indication of a problem in the affected leg, requiring attention and care. As degenerative myelopathy progresses, German Shepherds may suffer a loss of mobility and coordination in their back legs. Activities like walking, running, and climbing stairs may become increasingly difficult for them. In severe cases, complete paralysis of the back legs can occur. A distinctive behavior seen in German Shepherds with degenerative myelopathy is crossing their paws in the back when attempting to stand up. This is due to the impaired ability to unlock their limbs properly. The crossed paws further contribute to the challenges faced by these dogs, affecting their stability and balance. Additionally, the progression of degenerative myelopathy can lead to the development of secondary conditions, such as arthritis, in the affected back leg of a German Shepherd. Arthritis can cause pain, discomfort, and stiffness, exacerbating the challenges already posed by the degenerative myelopathy. Understanding and recognizing these challenges is crucial for owners of German Shepherds with back leg problems. Seeking veterinary care and guidance, providing appropriate pain management, and considering supportive devices like harnesses or carts can help alleviate some of the difficulties faced by these dogs. Ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling life for German Shepherds with back leg problems requires attentive care and a proactive approach to their overall well-being. Knuckling in German Shepherds can be caused due to a variety of different factors, such as genetics, injury, or a neurological disorder. This condition can occur in both puppies and adult German Shepherds, however it is more commonly seen in puppies. If a German Shepherd puppy is born with their back legs close together and their feet turning out, this can be an indication of a genetic predisposition to knuckling. Injuries can also cause knuckling, such as a trauma to the spinal cord or a severe strain on the leg muscles. Lastly, neurological disorders can also be the cause of knuckling in German Shepherds. The symptoms of German Shepherds that drag their hind legs include the dragging of the hind legs behind the body and difficulty walking or running. The feet of the German Shepherd may also turn outwards, and the back legs may be held close together. Additionally, the German Shepherd may show signs of discomfort and pain when walking. If the knuckling is due to an injury, then rest and rehabilitation can help to reduce the symptoms. For neurological disorders, medication and physical therapy may be needed in order to reduce the discomfort associated with knuckling. If the knuckling is due to genetics, then surgery may be an option to correct the physical deformity. In conclusion, German Shepherds that drag their hind legs can be caused by a variety of different factors. If you notice your German Shepherd dragging their hind legs, it is important to seek veterinary advice in order to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. With the correct diagnosis and treatment plan, knuckling can often be managed effectively. What is degenerative myelopathy? A disease found in dogs, especially German Shepherds, that is very similar to ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Basically, there is a breakdown of Myelin a protective coat around the spinal cord. The prognosis for progression of degenerative myelopathy is approximately 6 months to 3 years, with no cure at this time. I have no doubt, being the owner of a dog who gets this diagnosis is undoubtedly heart-breaking. The disease will slowly or quickly progress. What causes degenerative myelopathy? At this time, the exact cause of degenerative myelopathy is not known. A gene mutation seems to be consistent in most cases, and tends to be specific to German Shepherds. Other breeds are effected too, including the Cardigan Welsh corgi and the Chesapeake Bay retriever. According to Dr. There are several stages of degenerative myelopathy. Signs and symptoms can cross over each other through the different stages, but this table can be used as a general guide. This is because German Shepherds are intentionally bred to have a steeper angulation to the hind legs. The AKC breed standards for the breed, require German Shepherds to have as close to a degree bend as possible in their hind legs. Unfortunately, this steep angle in the back leg makes German Shepherds more susceptible to back pain and hind leg problems. After years of wear and tear, this makes them prone to serious leg problems as they age. For instance, studies have shown that German Shepherds are five times more likely to develop dysplasia as compared to Labradors, Rottweilers, and Golden Retrievers. A brief overview of these medical conditions: Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy DM is a neurological disease that makes German Shepherds slowly lose control of their hind legs. In the end, the dog may lose control of the urinary and bowel functions, and paralysis is a serious possibility. DM typically occurs in older dogs of about eight years or older, although it may also occur at a younger age. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. However, there are ways to reduce the suffering of your GSD because the condition progresses gradually. Therefore, treatment options for DM are geared towards ensuring a better quality of life rather than curing it. Most dogs with degenerative myelopathy will lose the function of their hind legs within six months to two years of diagnosis. Although there is no cure, regular exercise has been shown to improve the quality of life for dogs with DM. As a result, the ball of the hip joint causes pain as it glides roughly against the socket. Signs of hip dysplasia include a wobbly gait, lameness, limping, a decreased range of motion, and pain while walking. The most common causes of hip dysplasia include genetics, leg trauma, and environmental factors. In extreme cases of hip dysplasia, the dog may lose the function of their back legs and require a wheelchair. Arthritis may also occur due to the pressure exerted on the hip joint by hip dysplasia. Since GSDs are prone to hind leg weakness, they are at an increased risk for severe arthritis. Dogs with bad hips and arthritic joints may change their gait and walk lower to the ground, causing German Shepherd legs to appear even more bent. Signs of arthritis in German Shepherds include lethargy, loss of muscle mass in the hind limbs, reluctance to run, jump, or go up a flight of stairs, and stiffness in the hind legs. Prevention of osteoarthritis through proper dieting, exercising, and joint supplements helps to reduce the onset of osteoarthritis. Once osteoarthritis begins, the treatment is geared towards pain reduction, reducing inflammation, and improving the quality of life. Since osteoarthritis is difficult to detect in symptoms until the affected joints are badly affected, it is crucial to keep up with regular wellness visits with your vet. The best way to prevent these diseases is through genetic testing and following good breeding standards. This is possible by checking with your breeder for the hip score regarding hip dysplasia and proper parent matching to avoid degenerative myelopathy. Diet It works wonders for humans, and it will work for your best friend too. Since this breed is already a large-sized breed and the effects of breeding may be unpredictable, maintaining an optimal weight and observing a healthy, balanced diet is a wise precautionary measure. Some of the important dietary options to provide include ample proteins, vitamin D, vitamin K and magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin E. You should also ensure that the dog food you buy for your German Shepherd is well-suited, with enough calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone development. Your vet may also prescribe bone and joint supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussels, and collagen if they are required. An obese or overweight will experience increased mobility challenges. Second, regular exercise, especially walking and swimming, is important. Lastly, consult your vet on supplements or medications that may slow down the progression of DM. In any case, for these medical conditions , keep an eye out for changes in movement and contact your vet if there are any concerns. Some common symptoms that your German Shepherd may show include a wobbly walk, slipping on the floor, sitting crooked, hips giving way, swelling, lesser muscle mass in the back legs, and having a shorter stride on the hind legs. Remember that most dogs will not express pain or discomfort at first, so it is up to you to spot the symptoms if they do appear — This is especially important for degenerative conditions because when it comes to treatment, the earlier, the better! Regular exercise Regular exercising does two important things for your German Shepherd. One, it strengthens the hind and front leg muscles, and two, it helps you spot changes in the performance of the hind legs. This is the sit-to-stand routine. In this routine, you start with your dog sitting in front of you. Then, you move back a bit and call the dog to you. When he follows, give a treat to keep his interest and, once again, sit him down. Repeat as many times as needed. Taking your dog on daily walks up and down a hill especially or having swimming sessions will also strengthen the leg muscles and help in managing the weight. Hydrotherapy is especially beneficial for dogs dealing with mobility issues. Canine massage relieves fatigue and tension in the hind leg muscles and helps to spot any unrelated pain that may be a sign of something to watch out for. How to massage your dog: Compress the muscle against the bone with your flat hand using both your palms and fingers. Glide your hand along his spine, following the lay of the fur. Apply semi-circular strokes on the muscular areas of the back legs. Using a support harness Sometimes, it is crucial to moderate the pressure that your shepherd applies to the back legs when he moves about. This is where the support harness comes in. A harness helps to remove some of the stress that the dog may be feeling when taking walks, for instance, until the muscles of the back legs are strong enough to take it. The use of the harness reduces the pressure placed on the bad back legs and makes it easier for your dog to walk. Keep them at a healthy weight and ensure they get plenty of exercise. Even if your GSD is battling a degenerative illness affecting his mobility, you can explore treatment and supportive methods that will enable a good quality of life. German shepherds are known as a very resilient and strong breed. Your dog will match and appreciate any effort you put into ensuring his good quality of life. Related Articles:. If you notice that your German shepherd has any mobility issues, take him to the vet. You want to find out if it is due to hip dysplasia or another related issue. One of the first things your vet will do is watch the way your dog moves. The vet will watch him walk and run, and also examine how the dog copes with stairs. This will help the vet to see which leg is most painful and how badly affected it is. One of the things your vet may need is a health history. The vet will perform a physical examination. The exam includes testing your dog's nerve reflexes by turning the paw upside down and pinching the toes. This helps to ascertain that the problem is physical with the joints rather than neurological with the nerves. This also helps to confirm which areas are tender or sore. Your vet may also draw blood and take a urine sample. Based on the exam, the vet may suggest taking radiographs of the dog's hip joints. This is best done under anesthetic because to take meaningful x-rays means putting the dog's legs in positions which would be too painful for the conscious dog. A joint which moves out of joint a significant amount is going to be more painful, because the bones are constantly banging against each other. One problem with diagnosing hip dysplasia is that the radiographs need to be interpreted in light of the clinical signs, such as lameness, and the amount of the discomfort the dog is in. Hip dysplasia is a painful condition, so your vet will prescribe pain relief for long term use. If the problem is severe, there are a number of surgical procedures which can be done. These range from a femoral head excisions, where the femoral head is removed so it no longer bangs against the acetabulum, to a total hip replacement.
When our journey was just beginning, we knew we wanted to serve others. Over the years, we have developed a love for helping public servants and members of our military add quality canines to their homes and careers. Many of our friends and family members wanted to be involved in our mission, but we were unable to accept donations. We constantly research the best foods and treats. They exercise daily, both mind and body. We feed a quality dog food that has never had a recall due to salmonella, high vitamin D, low taurine levels or any other canine health risk. Erin Chu, Senior Veterinary Geneticist, is always at the ready when we call her with questions. We are blessed to have a close relationship with our veterinarians, Dt. Denise Easterling and Dr. Tanner Self. We carefully help new moms navigate the whelping process inside our home. We have three rooms dedicated to raising puppies. The whelping room allows enough space for the dog mom and the human mom. The nursery is in close proximity to the laundry and kitchen. Mom and puppies move there during week 2 so that mom can gain nourishment and puppy linens can be kept clean. The puppy room is open during week 4 as the pups begin to wean and mush begin eating puppy food. Each day, we exercise a specific task with every puppy. From tickling their paw pads to holding them upside down and playing firework sounds using Alexa, we go above and beyond the traditional Puppy Culture protocol. From the moment we are contacted by a potential family, we start asking questions. Using the online puppy application as our guide, we learn about wants and needs that are specific to family members. While the puppies are growing, we send pupdates and pictures and we are constantly assessing the puppies. During week 6, we temperament test each puppy, performing a battery of assessments that complete the profile. We are able to use these cumulative results to suggest the best matches for each family. Like you, we have been to kennels and facilities where dogs are held in cages and used strictly for breeding, some of them over and over. Each member of our DogSquad has a higher purpose. While they are training, and once we know they have what it takes to be a working dog, we breed them. When not in season or on puppy duty, the DogSquad is training or volunteering in some capacity. Our parent dogs are placed permanently between the ages of .Some become service or therapy dogs while others become emotional support or companion animals. Boy, do they ever! We live in the country - deer, squirrels, snakes…you name it. Several acres of the property are protected by a game fence. The dogs have access to this area via the dog run. They dig holes, play with the Jollyballs, run, play, swim, bark, run some more, and sometimes they argue. But when they don their vests, they are all business. They love playing and relaxing, but they live for being with people. Scu tt le? Draw yo ur best do od le of Scut tle here: What is yo ur fa vo ri te th in g to do w ith Scut tle? Find more of Katie and Scuttle on Instagram at mermaidhairxo, scuttlefromthesealon and themermaidsealon! Hum ans can grab hats and shirts to m atch their pup as well. Dog M om? If you love to m atch your furry friend, this is the shop for you. These paracord collars are sturdy enough for your favorite adventure dog, but jazzy enough for all of your downtown walks. These bow tim es are for dogs who have a big personality with a dash of class. Based in Houston, Ellie Dog Wear features everything from collars to raincoats. Shop their sophisticated raincoats and jackets for the cooler Texas m onths. Ellie Dog Wear ships worldwide. Products include bandanas, bows and hum an scrunchies to m atch your pupper. Running B. Snuggles and a good movie C, Both, duh! A house with a yard B. An apartment C. It depends on the year. Super athletic B. The cutest little thing ever C. Both, duh! A homebody B. Someone who travels often C. A mix of both 5. Guard dog B. A cute like floof that distracts an intruder while you whack them. A loud enough bark to make intruders think twice 6. You stand your ground B. You think on your feet C. Hakuna matata, it? A small child B. Yourself C. Like a large dog, you? Your big buddy will be able to keep up with your active lifestyle and guard the homestead. A small breed dog will not only fill your life with joy and comedic relief, but makes the perfect little pal to snuggle up in your lap. Because of their size, they? Like you, small dogs are easily adaptable and just capable of making the best out of any situation. Medium breeds offer the best of both worlds, still small enough to cuddle up with you on the couch, but big enough to sound intimidating to the solicitors who knock on your door. These breeds are often small enough to not need a lot of exercise but still large enough to go for a jog with you if you wanted. If you? Furever weddings are increasing in popularity, with some celebrities and organizations having their pets? For example, the Humane Society in New York has held dog? According to the SPCA of Texas, each year more than 10 million pets are lost and more than half are not wearing collars or ID tags by the time they reach a shelter. This makes getting pets back to their home vastly more difficult if not impossible depending on how far they? Additionally, in John Legend recorded his dogs? Even just this year Whoopi Goldberg? But don? In fact, they? Furever Weddings by PetCo. The service was said to include pet-i-cures to ensure perfect paws; edible decor; formal wear fittings; custom wedding invitation design; petiquette training for the walk down the aisle; as well as fur facials and makeup sessions. Were you hoping this little prank was a reality? Well, if nothing else the website can give some ideas and inspiration for your own furry ceremony? Also, don? What more could you need? However, if you? Wedding Pet Attendants? See PetCo? Ultimately, the family he was with turned him over to their organization, at which time as a part of their admissions process he was scanned for a potential microchip. We at TXDM would like to ask our readers to consider microchipping their pets to make sure that if they ever get out, they get back to you safe and sound. Microchipping is a fast, non-surgical process where a microchip about the size of a grain of rice is injected between your pet? Each chip has a unique ID and can be scanned by animal shelters if a pet is turned in. The ID number is then relayed to a national database which can provide the shelter with the name, address and more information on the pet in question. This information can help lost pets be reunited with their families, just like Jasper the year-old Australian The Hendry family is celebrating after the Houston SPCA reunited them with their dog, Jasper, after eight long years! The Houston Shepherd mix was this January. You see, Jasper went missing from his home in Monroe, Louisiana, eight years ago before ultimately ending up miles away at an SPCA in Houston, and thanks to his microchip he has finally been reunited with his family. Scratch Financial, Inc. But through the Green Dot Bank partnership the companies are launching a savings bank account called Scratchpay Savings. Every dollar you save for your pet earns interest? Earn cash back at Scratchpay partner locations? Pay your pet? No minimum balance required? No monthly fee or usage restrictions? Customized debit card allows you to easily access your funds, even in an emergencyCurrently there is a waitlist for the accounts as the companies work to finalize the program. Well, that movie was based on a book of the same title by Bruce Cameron. Cameron is a New York Times bestselling author and is well-known for his book, and film of the same title, A Dog? Another of Cameron? A Dog? The story is a sequel to A Dog? Bernard and Australian shepherd mix Bailey as he according to IMDB finds meaning in his life through the lives of the humans he meets. If you enjoy stories like these be sure to check out Cameron? Other Puppy Tales include:? Photo courtesy of Amazon. All Puppy Tale novels are recommended for readers age though any dog lover would enjoy and come with free kid-friendly activity kits courtesy of Cameron? Zarah is super social with all doggos, nothing like a good zoomie. She has three other fur-siblings but she? Zarah can out nap us all. She might be the laziest doggo ever. Check out her Instagram zarahthepigbully to see her daily adventures. When you? Toews said. Sarah Toews climbed some as a child, but really picked up bouldering about three years ago. Two years ago, she and her husband, Christian, decided they wanted a dog and fell in love with their golden retriever. His dad was a champion dog, his mom a house dog, and now he? A crag is a mass of rock that may be suitable to climb, and? So, you? Not any dog is crag dog material. Photo courtesy of Sarah Toews. After his road trip back home to Texas, Teddy went on his first camping trip to Palo Duro Canyon Sate Park when he was about six months old. He took several hikes and went bouldering with Sarah and Christian. He easily maneuvered over and around rocks on the hike and when they were boulder hunting. But one night, back at the campsite, it was so windy that the gusts were caving in the sides of the tent and Teddy was terrified. So they all made their way to the car to seek sturdier, quieter cover from the wind to get some rest. Despite his experience with the wind, and being absolutely exhausted when they got home, Teddy did really well on that adventure, and they knew they adopted a great dog and climbing buddy. Whenever they go climbing or on any outdoor voyage, they pack all of Teddy? They carry a dog bed for the car ride and depending on whether it? Teddy also has his own vest that holds his bowl and poop bags because? He knows the basic sit, stay and lay commands, but they? When he hears that, Teddy knows to go lay on whatever bedding they? Teddy, 6 months, on his first camping and climbing trip at Palo Duro Canyon. Teddy has been on all but one trip the pair have taken, from climbing to mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding and even just running errands. Sarah laughed. She says he? For a list of Texas parks that allow dogs in the park and on hikes visit hikewithyourdog. It was just really fun to be working on a boulder and then, when you? Sarah said. Teddy goes to watch her play in a soccer league and in April they went back to Palo Duro Canyon on a mountain biking trip. Teddy and Sarah sit with his favorite Kong bone between them. Photo by Christian Toews. She suggests for any climbers considering adopting a dog to journey with them to the crags, to look into which breeds are best for such adventures, do research on which parks allow dogs, and to just do it. Time was a factor that made her think twice about getting a dog. She had thought having a dog would slow her and her husband down because they are so busy? I come home every day and I? I would also like to thank my team for collaborating on this initiative and ultimately putting the dogs at the forefront of our media company. Though we prefer the lighter colors, color is not the focus of our program. This page is about Summer Brook, our family, and our breeding program. In this page, we discuss our goals, how we got started, why we breed, how we breed, who our employees are, and what kinds of dogs we have. Most importantly, this page also provides links proving the quality of our dogs and the life our puppies and dogs have here at Summer Brook. Scroll below to read more about us and the details of our breeding program. Go to the Our Dogs page for links to each of our dogs. You can see a dozen or more pictures of each dog as well as temperament descriptions. Before a young English Golden Retriever is added to our very selective breeding program, he or she must meet several criteria. It is very important to us that we maintain our reputation for being quality English Cream Golden Retriever breeders. All of our breeding dogs must pass all health clearances and not just barely. Health is 1. Solid Temperaments The second important distinction about Summer Brook is that all of our breeding dogs have proof of solid temperaments. All of them have at a minimum a CGC title. This is the first step toward becoming certified as a therapy dog or a competitive obedience dog. Over half of our dogs have advanced obedience titles. You must come to our home to totally appreciate this. However, pictures and conformation titles can give you a good idea. These titles can be earned at one weekend of shows with even a mediocre dog. Our dogs have titles that mean so much more in both obedience and conformation. See our Dog Titles page to learn what the most common titles are and how they are earned. In Europe they are simply referred to as Golden Retrievers. I have heard many people refer to the imported Goldens as White Golden Retrievers. Though they are often a very light cream, they are never truly white. They range in color from the palest cream to a rich gold. As breeders of English Golden Retriever puppies, one of our goals is to improve this beautiful breed in the United States. It has taken many years to get to where we are today. The picture above is our family in with some of our first dogs. Two were retired before ever breeding a litter. One of them had only one litter. Our main goal as English Golden Retriever breeders is to produce English Golden Retriever puppies who are structurally sound, healthy, and with biddable trainable temperaments. Though we prefer the lighter cream color, color is only secondary. Our Family Pictured above is our family almost 10 years ago in front of our pond and home. The two older folks in the middle are Karen and Darrell. We have been married for almost 30 years. All of our kids are either in college or have graduated from college. The English Golden Retrievers in the picture have now all been retired and we now have seven dogs which you can see on the Our Dogs page. While we loved our first four English Goldens, we have been able to improve our lines over time. It has been a hard journey to get to where we are today. We strive to improve our program with each new puppy or dog that we raise. With time, we have been able to greatly improve our program. We are English Cream Golden Retriever breeders who do not settle for mediocrity. Where We and Our Goldens Live Our Home Our family lives on a private road in a community filled with gated areas, beautiful ponds and lakes, pastures, and woods. All of our neighbors have acres of land. Our English Golden Retrievers live and sleep in our home. We have 5 doggy doors going out of our home into five different fenced areas. Our front door gives access to a sixth. Someone is home with them nearly all the time. We are fortunate enough to have a home large enough for the dogs to have plenty of room. Our house has an open floor plan that enables us to see all of our dogs from one place. At the same time, we are still able to separate them individually or in groups when necessary. We have several baby gates that we open and close as needed. See the Our Home page for pictures and more information. How We Care for Our Dogs Unless it is rainy, our dogs have free access in and out of our home through doggy doors. We brush each dog regularly and bathe them about once a month. Because they have access to large outdoor areas, we rinse them off often. We do daily competitive obedience training with most of them and they all do short training sessions at meal times. The dogs rotate between the various areas in our home so that they all have quality time with us. We use primarily natural methods to prevent fleas and tics, and we feed our dogs high quality food. See the Our Home page and the Raising Puppies page for more information on where we live and how we raise our puppies. Litters whelped and raised in our home How and Why We Initially Started Breeding When we first started this venture, we were a home-schooling family with 3 children from years of age. Our home life was and still is very compatible with caring for dogs. My younger daughter, Elise, was also wanting a career with dogs. At 12, Elise was unsure what career with dogs she wanted, but both girls had a big passion for animals. We began breeding initially purely for the love of our daughters. We had no paid employees and Darrell husband and Daniel son helped minimally. But as time went on, Darrell and Daniel become involved and we added several paid employees. Darrell now handles most of the communications. Daniel has graduated from college and is working in Georgia as a civil engineer. We spent many weekends going to obedience trials and conformation shows. Jenna, Elise, and I spent a good percentage of our free time researching pedigrees and breeders in Europe. We loved it! The dogs were our hobby. Adding Employees However, in time our daughters moved on to other interests. They graduated from high school and went to college. Both girls moved from home. It was time for a change for both the girls as well as for Summer Brook. After home schooling for 17 years, I was excited about the prospect of throwing myself into working with the dogs myself. Without the responsibilities of homeschooling, I found myself with more time to invest in my hobby. By this time, my hobby had turned into more than a full time job. Emma along with Luke has worked for us for over 4 years. Our dogs and puppies LOVE here! In , we hired our first employee, 20 year old Anna. She worked with us for about a year and then went on to become a vet tech. Then we were blessed to meet Emma, a 14 year old neighbor that has worked for us after school and on Saturdays for over four years. She is now in about to graduate from high school and will be going to Mississippi State to pursue a career as a veterinarian. Katherine and Jessi, two other high schoolers joined our team in .They both home school and are able to work mornings. All three of these girls have had a big impact on Summer Brook Acres. They will all be graduating this year. Sadly, only Jessi will stay in town and continue working with us. Both of my daughters are now back home working with us again! In the early days of Summer Brook, my interest in breeding was purely for my daughters. However, as I got more involved with the dogs, I learned that I had a huge love and talent for dog training. That is where my passion lies, but I am involved to some degree in all aspects of Summer Brook Acres. This means that your dog is the highest scoring dog in the highest level at the trial. Because breeding and training our puppies is our priority, my training time with our adults in limited. Details of my training experience are on our Trained Puppies page. His primary role with Summer Brook is with communications. I Karen initially handled this role. However, after several years, handling the responsibilities with both the dogs and the people became too much. Darrell also works with our family real estate investment business. Jenna Our daughter, Jenna graduated from college in English, her second passion behind dogs. However, she never lost her love of animals. Her current interests in the dogs is in training instead of the medical aspect. Jenna is now combining her love of dogs and specifically dog training with her love of writing. Jenna designed our website as a high school project and has done a total redesign on it twice since the original design. She has written or edited much of the content on our site. Jenna has graciously agreed to make Summer Brook her priority when we have puppies over 6 weeks of age. We both are advocates for positive reinforcement training along with a controlled environment. You can read more about Jenna on her recently launched blog at www. Elise Our daughter, Elise has also just returned home and is now working again with us at Summer Brook. She primarily works with taking care of our adults and working with younger puppies. Elise is going to school part time getting some prerequisites in before applying for nursing school. She will continue working part time with us and live at home until she finishes school. She is a puppy magnet and we are so blessed to have her! The Early Days of Summer Brook Acres Before getting our first dogs, we spent hundreds maybe thousands of hours researching. We started off deciding on the breed. From there, we moved to researching breeders and individual dogs and pedigrees. We retired more than half of what we originally imported without ever breeding them. Breeders send their best dogs to those they have a relationship with. Most of these best breeders are leery of sending dogs to the U. For those of you considering a new breeder or breeders with adults without verified clearances, proceed with care. There are a lot of European breeders that are exporting entire litters of what Americans are calling English Cream Golden Retrievers. In Europe, many of the parents of these puppies are considered by Europeans less than mediocre and just plain old Golden Retrievers. These clearances can be obtained from vets on dogs less than a year old. This type clearance is useless. See our page on How to Find a Good Breeder for more information. Our experience is not unusual for good breeders. There are a lot of hoops to jump through in order to have really good breeding dogs. It is not as simple as calling or emailing a European breeder and asking for the best dog. The best breeders in Europe are very particular about where their dogs go. It takes time to develop relationships overseas. And it takes patience to build good lines with good looks, health, and temperaments. In addition to our English Golden Retrievers, over the past almost 20 years, our family has had one American Golden and 4 smaller dogs. These 5 dogs were family pets and never bred. Our family has had six horses, three birds, a rabbit, and three cats. Not all of them were at the same time! We loved them all. However, none of them quite captured all of our hearts like the Golden Retrievers. Though all our dogs are a light cream, we do not breed for color. We feel that the head is important but, it is not the entire package. There is so much more in producing a nice litter of puppies. We will only breed the best dogs that meet our very high standards. We have intensely studied the pedigrees of hundreds of dogs looking for those with generations of proven good conformation, good health, and a typical sweet Golden Retriever temperament. Most of our dogs have parents with not only titles earned because of their beauty, but titles proving their worth as working dogs also. While our dogs are beautiful, we believe that a good pet, first and foremost, needs to have a good temperament and be healthy. Our goal is to produce puppies that are physically, intellectually, and temperamentally as close to the FCI breed standard as possible, and then to do all we can to nurture and care for our puppies in such a way that they will have the best possible start in life to develop to their fullest potential. See our page on Why Choose Summer Brook for more information. People have flown or driven to us for puppies from almost every state in the country. Several have come to us from other west coast states including Oregon and Washington. Dozens have come to Summer Brook from Texas as well. Some Flying. Others driving. There are quite a few in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. One family drove miles from Nebraska, a second from Massachusetts, and a third drove from northern Maine which is about miles. Over a dozen have driven from Texas and states such as Oklahoma and Arkansas. We have puppies all over the south. We get tremendous satisfaction from matching puppies to families. We will only send our puppies home with families who have time to raise a puppy. Our puppies go to families who want more than just a dog. They want a companion. We are looking for just the right families for our puppies. At the same time, we are busy raising puppies to be suitable companions for families. It is the ultimate reward when we see happy families meet happy puppies! Pictures of Jenna and Elise To the right is Elise with Maria who unfortunately did not have good enough hips for breeding. To the left is Jenna pictured with our first two Dream Max dogs when they were puppies. Primary Sidebar Breeders and Trainers of English Golden Retrievers We focus on breeding and training beautiful English Golden Retriever puppies with health tested champion parents, great pedigrees, and fantastic temperaments.
Fred spent several months roaming a local community. Fred had scars all over him, however, he is a gentle giant with no aggressive tendencies. In deep winter Fred turned up one night all bloody and limping badly on his front left leg. His jaw was dreadfully swollen. The Somerset-Pulaski County Humane Society was contacted for assistance and Fred taken to a local veterinary hospital for treatment. Fred is estimated at 2 — 3 years old was seriously underweight; only 56 pounds and suffering with Lyme disease. Fred settled into his foster home and has been the perfect patient. However, he will hunker down and tremble any time his foster mom picks up the broom to sweep. Fred was neutered and micro chipped after getting healthy and reaching a healthy target weight. Fred is a very gentle and sweet-natured boy who loves to be petted and loves to eat! He Loves having his own dog bed to sleep in and playing with his dog toys. Fred is great with large and small dogs but has no known exposure to cats. He does not appear interested when there are chickens roaming. Fred is great with kids and toddlers. He would make a great addition to a home that was willing to give him the love and attention he needs and deserves! It is unknown just how much horror Fred has endured prior to being rescued, but we are committed to making sure the remainder of his life is safe and filled with love and care. Experience the Joys of Owning a Dog Experience the Joys of Owning a Dog Experience the Joys of Owning a Dog If you've been considering dog ownership, why not find out what it's really like with us before making that big commitment. That's why we entrust them to resolve your fear of dogs within our specially controlled environment. Or know someone who has? Many people who are bereaving find it very therapeutic coming to The GRE because they are reminded of the joys of having had their pet and receive the healing love and attention they've been missing. We're based in the quiet countryside of Exmoor National Park, surrounded by rolling hills with a 10 minute walk to the beach. Makes a perfect Wedding Gift and we do Gift Certificates. You can book out our grounds dogs included of course for up to 6 hours of dog-filled fun. Enquire below. Additional Expertise and Accessibility Learning, Social and Behavioural Difficulties Additional Expertise and Accessibility We have experience working with the blind, elderly patients and children and adults with Down syndrome. The GRE is fully wheelchair accessible and we have ample parking for minibuses and coaches. We'd love to see all of you at The GRE but we don't accept walk-ins because we have a limited capacity, all bookings must be made in advance via the 'book now' button on our website. If you want to book, please press the 'book now' button on the bottom of your screen. Otherwise, fill out this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Please note that we are not offering 3-hour sessions for Summer but please get in touch if you still have a 3-hour gift certificate to use. House Trained: Doing great! They arrived to rescue desperately seeking a second chance at a good life and would make great additions to lucky homes of their very own soon! A note from the foster: Hello to my new family! I'm a very sweet and affectionate girl who loves pets, playing with my foster dad, all kinds of other dogs, and I'm okay playing by myself too. I also really like to follow my foster dad around the house and need to know what he's doing. I recently discovered that I have a tail so I like to chase that from time to time and my foster dad thinks that's pretty funny! I'm quite the talker and love to sass back at my foster dad when I'm excited and when he talks to me! I'm pretty much house broken and haven't had an accident in the house in a long time and my foster dad says I'm doing great. I also don't mind being in my crate when my dad leaves for work and when we all go to bed. I like to keep my crate clean from any accidents and I'm quiet in there when we go to sleep. I also love having my toys in my crate while I'm in there. When we're outside I'm quick to do my business because I just want to run and play with my brother Danny. If other dogs don't want to play with me that's okay because I find a nice big stick to chew on while I'm laying in the sun or I run and explore the yard. I'm a very smart girl for my age and I'm very motivated by food and treats! My favorite treat my foster dad gives me is a nice big pig's ear and they are so tasty, but I really like all treats! I'm also doing well walking on a leash, but sometimes I need some reassurance from my foster dad. I know one day I will find my perfect forever home with some amazing people and I just can't wait because I have so much to offer and so much love to give to everyone!
Think of the right breed you want, your space, time, and lifestyle. Most of all, consider if you can afford to buy a GSD. This article will focus on the cost of buying and raising a GSD so you know what to expect and how much funds to allocate ahead of time if you finally decide to buy a GSD. German Shepherd Puppies Price Range The following price range is from reputable or responsible breeders who can show bloodline certifications and proof of health testing so expect the initial purchase price to be high. Owning a purebred German Shepherd will always come with a high price tag because breeders often charge high prices for purebred dogs in order to ensure that they find good owners. Additionally, this price can be even higher if the German Shepherd is a show dog or comes from a kennel known to produce prize-winning dogs. Purebred GSD s have certain genetic traits or appearances like their parents and other ancestors. This means purebred GSDs belong to the same breed. So if you buy a purebred puppy, you already have an idea about his general physical appearance and behavioral characteristics. Czech German shepherds have been used for working purposes because of their strength and intelligence. If you want to buy a good Czech GSD, you need to find a good breeder. Is It Normal? All GSDs can be born either black, grey, or white and can change color as they grow but black german shepherds are born black as the name implies until they reach adulthood. Also, expect to pay a pretty penny if you want a show quality black GSD. Finding a good breeder who has puppies available is not easy since it is such a rare color. Why Does the Cost Vary First of all, the price depends on the breeder. It also depends on the pedigree and colorings of the German shepherd puppy. Well-reputed breeders price their German shepherds by considering their expenses in breeding, raising, training, and showing their dogs. Of course, German shepherd puppies bred for show quality are more expensive than dogs bred for companionship or family pets only. Sometimes the only difference between the two is their color. Most of the time these organizations health screen German shepherd puppies before placing them for adoption. It is advisable to set aside a monthly budget for your GSD. Food The amount of food you give depends on your GSD. Just make sure you give a balanced diet rich in protein and healthy fats. Because German Shepherd puppies are constantly exploring their environment most of the time, they eat more high-energy food than adult GSDs. They need to eat smaller meals each day. Aside from their main meals, treats are also important to have a healthy and happy German shepherd puppy. Shelter Since every GSD deserves a good home, you should provide your German shepherd puppy with a comfortable bed inside your home. For your GSDs outside, you may provide a kennel for them and make sure their shelter is cozy and free from dirt. Expect to pay a hundred dollars for annual exams and vaccinations. However, too many vitamins can also have negative consequences so before giving any supplements, ask your vet first. Other factors to consider Aside from making sure they have enough food, comfortable shelter, and keeping up with the vaccination schedule of your GSD, there are other miscellaneous additions to consider. Take into consideration obedience training; grooming essentials brushes, combs, toenail clippers, and shampoo toys, and other unforeseen problems. You may also go to professional dog shows to meet with several breeders. Take your time to meet them, visit their homes, and get to know their dogs. Buy from a reputable hobby breeder, experienced breeder, or responsible breeder. You can recognize if the seller is a responsible breeder if he has clean facilities, well-fed dogs with complete records and certifications. Conclusion Finding the best breeder of German Shepherds is not easy. Do your research and avoid impulse buying because if you purchase a German shepherd puppy that is improperly bred, he may grow up with health and behavioral problems, such as disabilities and aggression. Start preparing your budget or save up now to buy the GSD of your dreams. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. What should I look for when purchasing a German Shepherd puppy? You should also consider travel costs to go get the puppy or have the puppy travel to you if the breeder is not local. There are many purebred German Shepherds who are in need of homes in animal shelters or German Shepherd rescues as well. The emotional and mental benefits of giving a good home to a puppy or dog in need are priceless, for both the German Shepherd and the rescuer. Is a German Shepherd Right for Me? Before bringing home a German Shepherd Dog, consider the following: Is anyone living in your house allergic to dogs? If you are renting, does your rental property allow dogs? Can you afford the pet fee? Can you provide daily exercise such as walks or runs for about an hour? How long will your dog be alone every day? Dogs are very social, and it is cruel for them to spend their lives alone or in a cage for excessive amounts of time. Dogs left alone can become bored , which can lead to destructive behaviors. If you cannot come home from work to take your dog outside to relieve himself mid-day, can you afford a dog walker? Do you have the time and ability to socialize your puppy to make him comfortable in different situations? Can you afford to take your puppy to training classes? Do you know how much to train German Shepherd costs? Do you have a fenced yard or access to a fenced yard to play fetch with your puppy? If not, can you afford to take your puppy to the groomer? Can you forgive your puppy for chewing your favorite shoes or pillow? Can you afford your puppy? According to ASPCA , a dog is a commitment of approximately 8 to 15 years ; sometimes more, sometimes less. The most important thing to do before purchasing a puppy or adopting a puppy or dog is to ensure that you are ready and able to give them the best home possible. According to The Telegraph , Dogs have the intelligence of 2-year-old human children. They are smart and will quickly become valued members of your family. According to VetStreet , You will spare yourself and the dog mental and emotional heartbreak if you are honest with yourself before bringing one home. Show Quality vs. Pet Quality vs. Rescue When you begin your search, you need to determine what type of German Shepherd you want. While these dogs possess different physical qualities, none are superior and all can make great pets. If you are interested in showing, this is the type of dog that you would want to purchase. Due to the careful breeding and extra efforts that show quality breeders must adhere to, these dogs are the most expensive. This does not make them any less purebred, this just means they would not qualify to be shown because their anatomy is not what the breed standard requires. Pet quality german shepherd breeders should breed their dogs with the same care as show quality breeders but may do so for the love of the breed rather than specifically to show. Pet quality dogs are generally a little less expensive than show quality dogs. For further discussion about show quality dogs v. A Rescue German Shepherd may be purebred or mixed with other breeds. Dogs of both types, show quality, and pet quality, are available for adoption. All rescue dogs have one thing in common; they do not have a home and they need one. Dogs are in need of homes for a variety of reasons, such as their owner died, their owner was no longer able to afford them, their owner decided they were too much work, their owner got bored with them, their owner did not want an elderly dog, etc. Whatever the reason, it does not mean that they will not make a good addition to your family. The sources available to you to find a German Shepherd are nearly endless, thanks to the internet: The American Kennel Club Market Place is an excellent place to find purebred German Shepherd puppies bred by reputable breeders. The German Shepherd Dog Club of America Classified Advertisements is another place to find quality breeders who care about breeding healthy dogs. Social media can also be a great resource for finding your next German Shepherd. Many breeders post pictures of their litters, or you can find a purebred puppy or adult who needs a home from a German Shepherd Rescue or a private individual. To thank these four-legged heroes for their service, they help retired working military dogs find homes to live out the rest of their lives happily in peace. If you are looking to rescue a German Shepherd, Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue has many wonderful dogs waiting for loving homes. If you live in Virginia and want to rescue a German Shepherd, browse the adoptable shepherds waiting for loving homes with the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue. Pet Quality breeders often list their German Shepherd puppies on Craiglist. Private individuals also list their puppies or dogs on Craigslist in an attempt to re-home them. Compare them to the following standards: A good breeder breeds for the love of the breed, not just to make money. The amount of care the puppies receive will be indicative of their love for the breed. The puppies should have been taken to a veterinarian, and they should have clean and safe living quarters. The puppies should not be available for sale before they are 8 weeks of age. Breeders who just want to make money sell puppies while they still need their mother in an attempt to make money faster. A good breeder cares where their puppies go and will communicate with you. They will want to talk to you about the puppy, make sure that you will provide the puppy with a good home, and ask if you have any questions about the breed. They may ask to connect on social media to keep in contact with the puppy. Most importantly, they will ask you to bring the puppy back to them should you ever no longer want the puppy. One of the most telling traits of a good breeder is what they do when the puppy has health issues. They will want to provide you with whatever information you need and should state that the puppy is returned to them if you do not want to keep it. If your puppy dies due to health issues, they should want to provide you want another puppy for free or for a reduced rate. If their mother is not on-site, this is a red flag, as it means they may have been separated from her sooner than they should have been. Puppies need their mother for health reasons for approximately the first 8 weeks of their lives. While you should expect to see the puppies go to the bathroom, the urine and droppings should be promptly cleaned up; the puppies should not be sitting in old excrement. Always use caution when a breeder does not communicate well with you. When you hold the puppies, look for the following: Are their ears clean or dirty? Do they have fleas? Are their noses runny? Are their eyes watery? Is their bottom clean or dirty? Is their nose wet or dry and cracked? Is Craigslist safe to buy a dog? While breeders may advertise puppies on Craiglist, that does not make it the best place to sell puppies. Craiglist is a very dangerous place to list dogs who need homes; sadly, individuals involved in dogfighting often use craigslist to find cheap or free bait dogs to train their fighting dogs. If you decide to purchase a pure German Shepherd puppy from Craiglist, always use caution, as many scammers utilize the website. Never wire money to someone in exchange for a puppy, as scammers often use this method to steal money. Adding a German Shepherd Puppy to your family is exciting; they are so cute! Watch this YouTube video. While they make wonderful additions to families with or without children, German Shepherds are an active and intelligent breed of dogs, making owning them a significant responsibility. They need a family who enjoys playing with them, exercising them, and training them. Before adding a German Shepherd to your family, be sure that you can afford a dog, that you can fulfill their exercise needs , and that you can provide the dog with a good home. What is the average price for a purebred German Shepherd puppy? Answer: The price can vary depending on where and how you acquire the puppy. What factors should I consider before getting a German Shepherd? How can I find a reputable breeder for my German Shepherd puppy? Social media can also be a great resource for finding your next German Shepherd, or you can adopt a former military dog from Mission K9, or from a rescue like Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue or Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue. How much does owning a German Shepherd puppy cost? Answer: The actual cost of owning a puppy goes beyond the initial cost of purchasing the puppy. When holding the puppies, look for any signs of health issues such as dirty ears, fleas, runny nose, or watery eyes. Always use caution when purchasing from Craigslist and beware of potential scammers. If you are looking to buy a German Shepherd puppy, then you should find one from a reputable breeder. While these puppies are more expensive, a reputable breeder can guarantee the health and behavior of the puppy. These dogs are prone to genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These health issues can be avoided by genetically testing the parents, which is something reputable breeders usually do. When improperly raised puppies might have behavioral issues and can cause a lot of damage if they bite someone. A good breeder will have their dogs pass a temperament test. German Shepherd Dog Price While most dogs in shelters are adults, adopting a German Shepherd is a great way to find a dog without supporting unethical breeding. Sometimes these hardworking shepherd dogs are given up because they are very energetic. Not everyone is able to take care of a dog that needs a lot of attention and exercise. Some people buy a German Shepherd puppy without understanding the work involved in caring for this breed. Why Are They So Expensive? Breeding a healthy and well-behaved German Shepherd puppy is not easy! It is not as simple as crossing German Shepherds together. However, if you want a puppy of good temperament that is genetically healthy, there are other costs involved in the breeding and raising. This is especially important for a German Shepherd. You do not want a puppy that grows up to be aggressive or that suffers from mobility issues due to hip and elbow dysplasia. Papers A paperless German Shepherd puppy will be the cheapest. Typically breeders invest as little as possible in these pups. You get a puppy just how it is, without knowing its pedigree or background. A puppy with health certifications, temperament test results, and registration papers costs more than this. However, those papers will be beneficial not just for you, but also the puppy. This means your puppy meets the breed standard and is a purebred dog. The last thing you want is to buy a German Shepherd wolf-mix thinking it is purebred. Veterinarian Visits Reputable breeders not only genetically health test the parents, but they will also take the puppy to see a vet before 8 weeks for a basic health check. During these visits breeders will also have the puppies vaccinated, dewormed and placed on preventatives. When you buy a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, they will offer you a health guarantee. Most will also be able to provide you proof that the puppy has passed a temperament test. Training Some breeders also take the time to socialize and train their puppies. Many experienced breeders have a specialized training program that begins the process of potty training and basic obedience. This will mean you have an easier time housetraining your puppy, but you will have to pay for their efforts! These are all good signs that the puppy you are buying is of good quality. This will mean you are more likely to avoid any temperament issues or having to pay for vet visits to diagnose and treat hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloodlines Breeders who focus on breeding championship bloodlines will charge more for their puppies. A family might not need such a high-quality German Shepherd. All they need is a healthy and well-behaved puppy that will bring them years of happiness. However, there are many people who need a working dog or show dog. The most expensive dogs are those that are bred to be champions or protective and hard-working. Some breeders spend thousands of dollars just training a world class service dog. A family friendly guard dog with a protective temperament is not easy to breed consistently. Breeders have to factor in not just the genetics, but also the temperament and training. Origin The most expensive types of German Shepherds are those that are imported directly from Germany. Breeders must pay to stud and import these dogs which is not cheap. Since the German Shepherd breed originated in Germany, breeders in the US import dogs from Germany to breed puppies with a purebred lineage. Breeding in Europe is more regulated so the bloodlines are better protected. These puppies are known as European German Shepherds and are slightly different. They are smaller, have straighter backs and brighter coat colors. Some people think they look similar to a belgian malinois. Most European dogs are bred to be working dogs, while American dogs are more frequently bred for companionship. This is the same for American and German Rottweilers and American vs. European Dobermans. All of these breeder will be able to provide: Pedigree and kennel club registration. Documents that certify the puppy is free of any disease and has been checked by a veterinarian. A health warranty. Health records that guarantee the parents are genetically healthy and will not pass on elbow or hip dysplasia. These German Shepherd breeders all breed their puppies in accordance with the breed standard. None of them will sell puppies that are not registered with the American Kennel Club. Another good place to start looking for breeders is the American Kennel Club marketplace. Many of these puppies are bred to be family dogs and come with their papers. As you start looking into more well-known breeders or those that produce dogs of championship or working bloodlines, then the price of a German Shepherd starts to increase. Julia was a German Shepherd bred by the Harrison K-9 facility, highly trained in protection. She could also understand commands in three different languages. Her intelligence, as well as her ability to protect, were why she was priced so highly. Julia was bought by a billionaire businessman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rarest coat color is panda, which is why it is also the most expensive. These German Shepherds are black and white. It is a piebald pattern where the black coat is splotched with large patches of white. Some puppies can have other colors like tan, instead of white. Panda dogs are purebred, but the rarity of this mutation makes them very hard to find. There are very few breeders that sell the panda color. And he actually cost nothing! By the end of his life, Rin Tin Tin had appeared in 27 Hollywood films. Rin Tin Tin most notably helped Warner Bros. But these dogs come in more than just this classic color! There are 11 colors that are recognized by the breed standard. Check out the table below for some German Shepherd prices based on coat color. The tan color covers the chest, belly and legs. White A white puppy has a furry coat that is entirely white, allowing it to blend in with the snow. Its eyes and nose are black as coal. Black A black German Shepherd has a coat that is entirely black. Any other color would classify them as a bi-color. Blue A blue German Shepherd is not literally blue, but has a gray color with a bluish hue. Sable The sable color is one of the most common colors, but is a bit more interesting than the black and tan. The hairs of these dogs have bands of tan and black, giving them a very unique coloring. Some of the factors that contribute to this cost are: Food. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.
January 20, 0 Comments WorldAnimalFoundation. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More Labrador Retriever is a quite famous breed, topping the list of great family dogs due to their friendly and social personality. Now, what colors come to your mind when you think of the Labradors? Black, yellow, and chocolate. Silver Labrador Retriever is a beautiful color variation of traditional Labradors; because of the presence of a dilute gene. Their distinct coat color has caught the attention of many; however, not without some controversy. About the Breed Silver Labrador Retrievers are one of the rarest shades of labradors. They are a hyperactive breed with a compelling sporting nature. They respond well to training, enjoy exploring nature with you, love playing water sports, and are fond of the fetch game, making them perfect for active families. These beautiful dogs are well-known for befriending every creature they see without any degree of communication. They love being the center of attention and thrive on social interaction. A little clingy at times, but they deserve all that for their service just existing. Their agreeable personality and intelligence make them one of the most charming breeds. However, according to the breed standard set by Labrador Retriever Club, true labradors are yellow, black, and chocolate in color. Many breeders believe that the other colors are due to cross-breeding Labradors with Weimaraners. They were created in Newfoundland and were first introduced by the European to Britain settlers via the ships trading between Canada and Poole. Labs were initially bred for duck retrieving, assisting in fishing adventures, and as a hunting dog. But with time, their popularity grew more as household pets, and to this date, especially in the western world. They first started appearing, according to some sources, in , while others believe it was in the s. Now, it is clear that their distinct coat colors are due to the presence of the recessive dilute gene pair that has recently appeared in the Labrador gene pool. The source of that dilute gene is what makes their exact origin vague. This is why the profile of Silver Labs remains controversial for the most part. Silver Labrador Facts Silver Labradors have blue eyes as puppies. They are more prone to developing skin problems such as Color Dilution Alopecia than other Labradors. They are outgoing and social. They are intelligent and highly trainable Silver Labrador Appearance Just look at Silver Labrador slaying in this picture, like he was born to model. Silver Labs undoubtedly possess the most distinct silverish gray color that leaves an impact on the observer. Their eyes are a beautiful shade of yellow, on which a relatively small black pupil looks striking. They have long floppy ears that rest flat on the sides. Their nose, which is always in search of something to eat or sniffing butts , tends to be brown in color. These rare gray labradors have this indescribable charm that keeps winning people over. Owners tend to be drawn to their wide skulls and muscular build. The average height range for almost all grown Silver Labs is between .WeightThe male Silver Lab tends to have a slightly bulkier build in contrast to the female Lab. On average, the weight of a fully-grown Silver Labrador falls between 55 to 80 pounds. The weight range is 45 to 70 pounds in the case of female Labs. CoatSilver Lab has a double coat to protect them against harsh cold weather. Theirinner coatis denser and thicker as compared to their outer coat, which is thinand short. Their coat is overall smooth and shiny and feels euphoric to pet. Yellow and black are the most common coat shades in Labrador Retrievers, and silver and chocolate are the least common. Silver Lab Puppies A Silver Labrador puppy is one of the most aesthetically pleasing sights to the eyes in the world. The sparkly blue eyes and the smoky grey shade make a striking contrast. As time progresses, they tend to darken. Their eyes turn yellow after the Silver pups cross the age of 6 to 8 months. Silver Labrador Temperament and Personality Talking about Silver Lab temperament, just like other Labrador Retrievers, they too have friendly, affectionate, caring personalities. They are a very intelligent breed that makes the best companion to their human family. This high-spirited breed matures physically but remains child-like at heart, lifting the mood around the house by being jolly, goofy, jumpy, and adored by absolutely everyone. The Silver Labrador retriever has an easy-going personality, which means they enjoy every activity with you. They just want to feel your touch, no matter what you do. It is because of their attachment to their owners, which is why they are prone to exhibiting signs of separation anxiety when left alone on their own for too long. Moreover, it is a social breed that thrives on attention and being around people. These sweet creatures are the best friends of kids. Silver Labs are patient and gentle toward children; they can be their playmates for hours without getting tired. One of the best qualities of These dogs is they get along really well with other dogs and pets. On the contrary, they get excited at the sight of another human, hang out with them and try to impress them with how cool they are they actually are. They also tend to chewupon objects due to anxiety. The Silver Lab is an active breed, just like the black and yellow labs. In order to keep them away from destructive behaviors, they need to stay stimulated mentally and physically. They can be a little prone to nipping, so they do require a lot of your attention. Plus, if you enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, then Silver Lab will prove to be an extraordinary companion to you. Due to being double-coated, they shed a fair amount of hair, especially the Silver Labrador, because of skin problems. Grooming Requirements Brushing As we mentioned above, labs shed quite a bit. And by this, we mean you will be able to collect an adequate amount of hair from all over the house, especially during peak season. Using coconut oil at least once a month can keep their coat neat, shiny, and soft. Gently massage the oil for about five minutes and then clean it with a towel. Bathing Bathing your Labrador Retriever once a month is adequate. Use lukewarm water and mild shampoo; it will keep their skin maintained. However, if you start noticing scratching of nails against the floor while running, walking, or jumping around, trim their nails immediately. Ear Cleaning Their adorable floppy ears need to be checked and cleaned frequently to prevent any potential infection. Always include ear cleaning in their grooming session. Health Complications in Silver Labrador Every breed is likely to face minor or major health complications. And we have listed all the possible health conditions your Labrador Breed could suffer from. When getting a Silver Labrador, always look for a reputable breeder. Life Expectancy Silver Labrador dogs typically have a lifespan between 10 to 14 years. It can vary from dog to dog based on health issues, environment, and other factors. It occurs due to the presence of a recessive gene. In this condition, your dog suffers from skin problems, including hair loss or thinning in the form of patches, itchiness, scaliness, or flaky skin. Vets give treatments to tackle secondary skin infections. Avoid using brushes with harsh bristles. The deficiency of type II muscle fibers causes muscle weakness, resulting in symptoms like stunted growth, trouble swallowing, stiff arched back, shrunken muscles, and low tolerance to exercise. They progressively get worse and are the most prominent in 5 months old puppy. Sadly, most puppies with CNM are subjected to euthanization due to their inability to function normally in life. No dog owner should ever have to go through this painful experience. This developmental issue in both joints causes difficulty or friction in climbing stairs, jumping, running, and even walking. Exercise Induced Collapse Labradors and their unending love for playing and exercise is not something hidden; their energy drive is high. EIC refers to the recessive autosomal inherited trait. Your Labrador Retriever, despite feeling weak, will still try to be active. Then after five to ten minutes, they collapse. Extreme exercise sessions are to be avoided in dogs with this condition. This results in excessive discharge from ears, inflammation, itching, foul odor, and head shaking. Otitis Externais one of the most common ear infections in Silver Labradors, characterized by ear canal inflammation. Ear infections are unpleasant and painful and cause discomfort for your dogs. Consult a local veterinarian right away if you notice any of the above symptoms. Over Eating Labrador Retrievers are quite popular for being foodies. Some scientists associate it with a genetic mutation. Sometimes, overeating might also indicate an underlying serious health issue like hypothyroidism. Silver Labrador Diet and Nutrition Your high-energy Labrador Retriever needs a high-quality, nutritious, and protein-rich diet to function healthily. The amount of dog food you feed them may vary a little with their size and weight. For example, your Silver Lab of 50 pounds will need about 2 and a half cups of good quality dog food daily. The calorie requirement for an pound Silver Labrador is a little higher; they will need about 3 and a half cups of dog food to fulfill their 1, calorie requirement each day. Consider getting dog food that has adequate calcium for better joint development. And remember, it is always best to divide the meals into 3 to 4 intervals for better digestion. These greedy creatures tend to unleash their inner ever-hungry beast at the sight of food, which causes bloating. In order to keep them physically and mentally stimulated, 60 minutes of exercise every day is essential. And if your Lab is super active, make it 1. Labs love playing fetch, running, going on fast-paced walking, and being goofy. Thus, their exercise session can include any activity; just make sure they get enough exercise every day! Dedicate one hour of your time daily to your dog, and give them all your attention and love. Apart from playing and exercising, you can keep them busy by getting them interactive and stimulating toys. Those toys also help them in providing comfort when you leave them alone for a while. They are a highly intelligent breed and can be easily trained. They are a welcome addition to most families. Positive reinforcements work well with them; their love for food makes it easier to lure them into doing literally anything you want. All you need is a favorite treat, toy, or any complimentary food, and boom; your Lab becomes the most obedient boy in the world. As puppies, they are easier to control and manage, while the adult Labs are larger in size and can be a little stubborn. Conclusion Altogether, Silver Labrador dogs have all lovable characteristics, just like the traditional Labrador. They are outgoing, energetic, sweet, intelligent, and loyal furry friends. Their friendliness towards kids, strangers and other pets makes them great dogs for families. You might face a little difficulty finding reputable silver labrador breeders when getting a Silver Labrador. Follow your heart and go for it! Related Guide:. How the dilute gene works Labrador coat color is controlled by a set of genes. You can read about the way B genes and E genes influence coat color in this article on Labrador color inheritance. However, the silver color is controlled by a different gene, the D gene. The D gene acts as a type of switch. Some would like to see silver labradors banned In simple terms, genes come in pairs. Big D produces full strength coat color. Little d produces a dilute color. This means that a Labrador needs two copies of the dilute gene in order to have dilute fur. Only the third combination would produce a silver coat. Unless little d is paired with another little d, it will have no effect. In some breeds of dog, all individuals have two little d genes. Weimaraners, for example. And the recent appearance of the double little d gene in chocolate Labradors is what has enabled the silver Lab to appear on the scene. Where do silver Labs come from? Reports of silver Labradors seem to have first appeared in the United States in the s. Culo Silver Labs was one of the early kennels to produce this new silver color. You may be interested to read this report of an interview with the owner Dean Crist giving his account of the history of the silver Lab. Exactly how this new color came to be is a question that many people are asking, and arguing about. People want to know where silver Labradors came from and how they were created. In particular, they want to know how the double dd gene got into the purebred Labrador. How did the dilute gene get into Labradors? There are a number of options that can explain the appearance of a new gene in a purebred dog mixed breeding spontaneous mutation hidden genes The first and most obvious explanation is that at some point, an outcross occurred, between a Labrador and a breed of dog that carries the dilute gene. A Weimaraner for example 1 Mixed breeding Many people believe that the first silver Labs were crossbreeds. Not only is this theory plausible, there are clear motives for dog breeders to create a new color variation in an existing breed. I will let you be the judge, as there is no evidence at this time, one way or the other. However, it is interesting to note that Silver Labradors can be traced back to two breeders. An update to her original article, however, also notes that she previously claimed that Weimaraners were also bred in those same kennels, but found out that that fact was in doubt. Those in favor of the Weimaraner outcross theory often claim silvers have a houndy look about them. To be fair, this is true of many field-bred Labradors of any color. And most silver Labradors today look pretty much the same as any other Labrador Retriever — apart from the fact that they are silver. The cross-breeding theory has been a very popular one. But recently it has lost some credibility due to genetic testing of silver Labs which has failed to show a link to Weimaraners. This is another way that a rare or unusual characteristic can appear in a family of dogs that were previously unaffected by it. Partly because the other two explanations are both so plausible. For a mutation to be identical to a gene that already exists for an unusual coat color in another breed would be something of a coincidence. Many people feel that the spontaneous appearance of this dd dilution gene in the Labrador Retriever gene pool is, to say the least, unlikely. However, it cannot be entirely ruled out. This explanation for the appearance of the silver Labrador in the s is perhaps the most valid alternative to the cross breeding theory. We know that some genes are dominant over others. And can mask or hide them. We call the masked or hidden genes recessive. Many diseases are caused by recessive genes and only appear when the unfortunate individual inherits two copies Genes carrying rare diseases can remain hidden for decades, only to appear when closely related dogs are mated together. This happens more frequently when gene pools are small, as they are in our pedigree dog populations. Colors can be dominant or recessive too The B color gene that determines whether or not a Lab is basically black or brown, and favors black dogs. Brown is recessive and a Lab needs two copies of the little b brown gene to have a brown coat. Brown labradors only became common when breeders deliberately set about mating them to one another. Some people argue that the rare dilute gene has also been present in Labradors all along, and that it only appeared, as rare diseases sometimes do, when two closely related dogs were bred. The first Labradors were not registered by the AKC until .Before then there would have been regular outcrossing with other similar breeds. Including the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, a breed that does have the dilute gene. So it is entirely plausible that the little d gene passed from Chesapeakes into one or two Labs before the Labrador pedigree registers were closed and remained hidden in the breed only to reappear in the s when the demand for Chocolates was beginning to rise. Silver Lab temperament and training Whatever the origins of the silver Lab, the silver Labradors we see today are very much Labrador in both temperament and conformation. Training a silver Lab puppy is a huge amount of fun. It takes a little time and patience as Labs can be rather bitey when small and rather bouncy as they grow into teenagers. Silver Lab Poppy makes friends easily thanks to lots of positive experiences meeting all kinds of people. Photo credit — Alison Hanks. Life Span Did You Know? One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they come in many colors. Silver Labrador Retrievers, or Silver Labs, are relatively new compared to the other Lab coat colors. Contrary to their Yellow, Chocolate, and Black Lab cousins, which have recorded sightings from and before, Silver Labs have only cropped up since .There was some heated debate over their authenticity, as many breeders believed the silver tint appeared from outside the breed. A diluting factor in coat color dominance traits is responsible for the silver hue — something that is also present in Charcoal and Champagne Labs as well. At any rate, Silver Labrador Retrievers are regal, loyal, and friendly Labradors that have a lot of energy and a lot of love to give! Silver Labs are curious and playful dogs. Their curiosity will often get the better of them and they may wander off in search of adventure if they are off-leash. Labrador Retrievers are known for their gentle, friendly dispositions and good natures. Well-socialized Labs tend to get along with children, other dogs, and even other pets and strangers. Because of this they make the ideal family dog and are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. Despite being one of the most active dog breeds , Silver Labrador Retrievers are highly adaptable. They prefer bigger spaces to stretch their legs and explore. As one of the sturdy dog breeds for outdoor adventures , they will often take an outside adventure over an inside one any day. But, they will also just be happy to be spending time with you. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Silver Labs are one of the most affectionate dog breeds. They are happiest when they are spending time with their favorite humans, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Silver Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, hereditary myopathy, heart disease, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. A condition called exercise-induced collapse EIC has a genetic link and can occur in young adult Labradors. Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Silver Lab puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, the Silver Labrador Retriever is at a higher risk for bloat. Silver Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds. They pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. Despite their energy and getting bored easily, they are still a great fit for dog owners of any experience level. Labrador Retrievers are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Silver Labrador Retrievers have short, water-resistant fur in two layers. Because of this dense double coat that protects them from the cold, and being one of the dog breeds that tend to love water , they may try to go for a swim regardless of the season. They shed year-round and more heavily twice a year when seasons change. Plus, your Lab will love spending the time with you. Trimming their nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long. Regularly checking ears and cleaning them as needed can help prevent ear infections. Proper dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, is important to prevent the tartar buildup that causes painful dental diseases later in life. Silver Labrador Retrievers need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for this dog. Although they are high-energy dogs, Silver Labs will tend to mellow out a little bit as they get older. Labrador Retrievers tend to have an extended puppyhood and maintain that puppy-like energy until they are around years old. Swimming is a great low-impact activity. Once your Lab puppy is cleared for more intense activity, you can try a lot of different activities with them. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Labs are also athletic and versatile dogs that tend to be a good fit for a wide range of activities. Fully-grown Silver Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Silver Labs generally live for years on average. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and search and rescue dogs. They are also commonly found working as police or military dogs. They are even one of the best dog breeds for farms! Featured Silver Labrador Retriever Article. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. With Chocolate's at heart for the last 15 years our aim has been to improve the breed of the Labrador Retriever with the health and temperament of each Puppy produced to the highest standards being paramount to our success. We are now on our 3rd generation of extensively high standard health tested perfect Chocolates and have now built up a positive reputable presence with our clients who many have had repeat puppies from us to become everything from the cuddy home family member, medical assistance trained, therapy companionship aids or the perfect field retriever under the gun. This proved to be exceptionally difficult to be able to get puppies from well breed and trusted lines. We do not use any cheaper untrusted overseas genetics or health screening companies for testing or any that aren't endorsed by the UK Kennel Club or BVA. This selection is between our very own Power and Ghost and if all successful these Puppies will be to the highest of health tested standards available in the UK. Please contact for further info.
miniature poodle puppies for sale in ky - For the complete list please see our German Shepherd in Your Area page. In Louisiana, you will have the option of purchasing either a purebred or crossbreed dog. You should avoid purchasing from backyard breeders or pet stores because these dogs may not receive proper care and in many cases are in poor health. An excellent place to find German Shepherd puppies for sale in Louisiana is by contacting local breeders and asking about their available litters. Breeders will often make themselves available for potential buyers to visit the litter and allow them to interact with the puppies before choosing one that best fits into your family structure. Look for people who own the type of dog you are interested in and speak to them about their experiences with their breeder. You can talk with your veterinarian or contact your local kennel club for more information on breeders they recommend. Another way to find a responsible German Shepherd Breeder is to visit online message boards that are dedicated to the breed. You can pose a question about where you can find reputable breeders in your area and ask for personal recommendations. It is important to meet with the breeder before purchasing any type of dog to ensure that they are knowledgeable about their breeding practices, have taken proper steps for genetic testing, and do not keep their dogs in poor conditions. To learn more, contact local kennel clubs or veterinarians who specialize in German Shepherds for more information on finding a reputable breeder. This will allow you to see where the puppies are kept and interact with the dogs before making your final decision on which one is best for you. During your visit, look around at what kind of environment they have for their dogs. Are the dogs looked after properly? Do they receive enough space inside, or do they spend most of their time outside? A good breeder will socialize their puppies with gentle human interaction to help them become well-rounded animals. For more information on finding a reputable breeder, contact local kennel clubs and veterinarians who specialize in German Shepherds for more information. How to Find Puppy Mills And Backyard Breeders in Louisiana Unfortunately, there are all too many unethical breeders looking to make a quick buck that will sell their puppies to anyone with money. Backyard breeders do not care about genetic testing or providing an environment where dogs can grow up healthy and happy; they only care about making a profit at the expense of the animals. Many backyard breeders keep their dogs in cramped conditions without access to proper veterinary care or sanitation options. A responsible breeder will have happy customers who can speak to the quality of their puppies and the care they received from the breeder. References can be extremely valuable when it comes time to choosing a breeder, as they can give you an idea of the kind of experience you can expect when purchasing a puppy from them. Ask your potential breeder for references and then take the time to contact them. If possible, try to visit their home and meet their dogs to get a first-hand account of what life is like with them. References can also be a good place to start if you are looking for a reputable breeder in your area. Contact local kennel clubs or veterinarians who specialize in German Shepherds for more information. If they refuse, this is a major red flag and you should look for a different breeder immediately. By meeting both parents, not only will you learn more about what kind of personality traits they may exhibit, but it will also give you an idea about how large they are likely to become as adults. Be wary of any breeder who does not allow you to interact with their dogs in person. If a breeder refuses, this is a major red flag and you should look for a different breeder immediately. Good breeders will socialize their puppies with gentle human interaction to help them become well-rounded animals. You should always ask your breeder if they have a veterinarian that they work with. This means that, in the event of an emergency, the breeder will be able to contact a professional without any trouble. If you want to bring your German Shepherd puppy home and you know a good veterinarian in your area, it is a good idea to ask for their information so you can start taking him or her in as soon as possible. A responsible breeder will also keep veterinary records on all of their animals and provide them to both you and the new veterinarian upon request. Puppy mills and backyard breeders do not adhere to humane standards when breeding dogs; instead, they view them as livestock that exists solely for profit. These unethical breeders often keep their dogs in cramped and unsanitary conditions, without proper veterinary care or socialization. As a result, the puppies they produce often have temperament and health problems. Some common warning signs include: The breeder does not have any information on the parents of the puppies The breeder does not allow you to meet the parents of the puppies The breeder does not allow you to interact with the puppies in person The breeder keeps their dogs in cramped and unsanitary conditions The breeder does not provide veterinary records to new owners The breeder charges excessive prices for puppies If you encounter a breeder who exhibits any of these signs, please report them to your local animal welfare organization. Puppy mills and backyard breeders should be shut down in order to protect the welfare of the dogs involved. When looking for a German Shepherd breeder in Louisiana, it is important to keep in mind that not all breeders are created equal. Some breeders are more interested in making a profit than in providing quality puppies, while others take great care in the breeding and raising of their dogs. By following these tips, you can help ensure that you find a healthy, happy puppy. Good breeders will screen their dogs for genetic health issues and will not breed animals who are prone to developing certain diseases. If you are considering buying a German Shepherd puppy, it is important to be aware of some common health problems that these dogs can suffer from, such as hip dysplasia, bloat, and elbow dysplasia. Puppy mills and backyard breeders often do not screen their puppies for health problems, which can lead to expensive vet bills down the road. When looking for a Louisiana German Shepherd breeder, always ask about the health of the puppies. A good breeder will be happy to answer any questions you have and give you a clean bill of health for both your puppy and its parents. The following are some common items that new German Shepherd owners usually have around their house: A crate. Love to be with their human Degenerative Myelopathy clear The breed and these pups are pretty amazing because they are very versatile and can be easily trained to do most anything. German Shepherds are very faithful dogs and can be trained in competitive, obedience, drug detection, search and rescue, they can help with the handicapped, police and military service or just be incredible companions you can't live without. Currently, we have no puppies on the ground but expect to have a new litter soon. They have great drive, will make great family pets or sporting dogs. She is very friendly and always looking for a fetch partner. All of the puppies are incredibly smart with high drive. Believe me it makes a tremendous difference as the training is easier and less costly and you end up with an amazing dog. Max is a very good-natured male and is excellent around people and other dogs. He is very intelligent, obedient and was easy to train. He was known as the largest pup ever produced at the time by his breeder. He is very tall and beautiful to watch run around on our 5 acres. His male offspring regularly exceed lbs. His hips are OFA certified as "good" which is the second-highest rating given and has a much lower chance of producing pups with hip dysplasia. This is a critical factor when choosing your German Shepherd as this is part of the 2-year hip guarantee for his pups. I can't say enough about what a pleasure it is to have Max in our family, he has such a great temperament with high intelligence. His offspring make great family companions and generally likes everyone but if anyone suspicious comes around his family, he has his eye on them! This information is accepted by AKC on dogs with permanent identification tattoo, microchip and is logged in the public domain. Radio graphs of Borderline, Mild, Moderate and Severely dysplastic hip grades are reviewed by the OFA radiologist and a radio graphic report is generated documenting the abnormal findings. Max's line is known for his big bones, large paws, large head and a medium square frame. He is an awesome guard dog, however once he is introduced, he is very calm and friendly. He is very social, athletic and very intelligent. Because Max is a protection dog, he is currently being trained to bark and hold. Her parents are Schutzhund IPO3 titled and have a wonderful drive. Her OFA rating on her hips is certified as "excellent" which is rare. Mattie's had her OFA certification completed at age 4 when she got her certification. This testifies to her quality for sporting value. Mattie is the alpha female in our line of working dogs. Mattie weighs approx 70 lbs. She has a distinctive female look, yet she is very athletic and can be very protective when required. She is trained to bite on command and has an excellent full and powerful bite. This trait is passed down to her pups as well. Matties best quality is intelligence, courage, alertness and her devotion to her master. She will protect her master at all costs. She loves to ride in the truck and if the windows or cargo door are down she will fly into it giving you that look "let's go! Mattie is an excellent mother and dotes on her puppies.
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miniature poodle puppies for sale in ky - Key Takeaways Crate training can help you provide a safe and comfortable environment for your Golden Retriever. Avoid rushing the crate training process to ensure your dog feels comfortable and secure. Please do not use the crate as a punishment or leave your dog in it for extended periods. Crate training can be more effective and enjoyable for your dog if you use consistency, positive reinforcement, treats, and toys. Make it more comfortable by providing toys, blankets, and treats. Step 2: Once your pup is at ease, close the door and bring toys and treats inside. Keep an eye on them and let them out if they become distressed. Step 3: Increase the time your puppy spends in the crate with the door closed gradually, and step away from the crate while they are distracted. Step 4: Extend the time you are away from the crate. Selecting The Right Crate Size To ensure your Golden Retriever is comfortable and has enough space in their crate, you need to measure them accurately. Golden Retrievers will typically grow to by 20 to 24 inches tall and up to 75 lbs, so you need to make sure to get them the right size crate. Follow these steps to determine the size of your dog: 1. Measure the height of your Golden Retriever: Have your dog stand up straight, Measure from the floor to the top of their shoulder blades. Add around inches to this measurement to determine the minimum height for the crate. Measure the length of your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Remember to add 2 to 4 inches to the measurement. Measure their width by having your Golden Retriever standing with their legs slightly apart. Focus your attention on the widest part of their body, which tends to be the chest area. Once again, always add up to 4 inches to the figure. Finally, you want to consider the age of your Golden Retriever. For example, if you have a puppy, keep in mind that they will grow rapidly. You may want to choose a crate that will work for their adult size or opt for an adjustable crate with dividers, so you can gradually increase the space as they grow. Your Golden Retriever puppy will rapidly outgrow a nice crate that is not suited for an adult size. Now that you have all the measurements, you can refer to this Crate Size Calculator to find out the right and best dog crate size for your golden retriever. What Is Crate Training? Crate training is the process of teaching a dog to accept a crate as a familiar and safe location. Here are some of the reasons: House training: Using a crate, you can help your dog learn where and when to go potty. This will make house training more effortless and less stressful for both of you. Safe space: A crate can be a relaxing and safe place for your dog to relax and sleep. It can also help keep your dog out of a mess by preventing them from chewing on inappropriate items or getting into dangerous substances. Traveling: Whether driving or flying across the country, a crate can help keep your dog safe and comfortable. Additionally, many hotels and other accommodations allow crate-trained dogs. Separation anxiety: A crate can provide security and comfort if your dog gets anxious when you leave. Knowing they have a safe place to go can help alleviate their anxiety and make their time away from home less stressful. Overall, crate training is an excellent way to provide your dog with a secure and comfortable environment to call their own. You should start crate training your puppy when you bring them home. However, with patience and positive reinforcement, an older dog can be trained to use a crate. Crate training can be a helpful way to provide a safe and comfortable space for your Golden Retriever to rest and relax, but it should never be used as a form of punishment or confinement. When done responsibly and positively, crate training can be a positive and effective method for you and your Golden Retriever. However, with time, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can help your dog get used to his crate. Add treats, toys, and blankets to the crate to make it more inviting. Increasing the time your dog spends in the crate gradually is crucial. Remember that crate training should be enjoyable for you and your Golden Retriever. You can quickly make your furry friend feel safe and secure in their crate with a little effort! Benefits Of Crate Training Your Golden Retriever Crate training can be super helpful for your furry friend and offer them a bunch of benefits, such as: Prevents Destructive Behavior: By giving your Golden Retriever a cozy and secure space, crate training can prevent them from chewing, digging, or scratching on household items. Potty Training: Crate training can teach your Golden Retriever to associate the crate with their den, making it easier to hold their bladder and bowels until you take them outside. Prepares Them For Travel: If you need to take your Golden Retriever on a trip, crate training can help them feel comfortable and secure while in transit. Crate training is a great way to help your Golden Retriever feel safe, secure, and comfortable while preventing destructive behavior and keeping them healthy and happy. Adult dogs: They can handle up to 8 hours in a crate, ideally with a break in the middle. Overnight: Many dogs can stay in a crate overnight without issues. Always ensure that any time in the crate is a positive experience for the dog, supplemented by regular breaks, exercise, and playtime outside of the crate. The shift is a delicate balance of patience, supervision, and positive reinforcement. Gradual Exploration Start by letting your dog explore a restricted, safe space under supervision. As comfort grows, extend the time they spend outside the crate. Monitor and Supervise Observe your dog closely during early freedom stages to prevent accidents or mischief. Ensure your home is dog-proofed to minimize potential hazards. Essential Amenities Keep their water bowl accessible. Designate a comfortable resting spot outside the crate. Positive Reinforcement Reward good behavior with treats or praise. This encourages adherence to house rules and reinforces desired behavior. Display patience and affection throughout their transition. With time and consistent guidance, your furry friend will seamlessly integrate into the household, striking a balance between freedom and behavior. Before leaving your dog alone in the crate, be patient and make sure your furry friend is comfortable and safe. For them, the crate should be a positive and safe space, and associating it with negative experiences can cause anxiety and fear. While some time in the crate is acceptable, providing sufficient opportunities for exercise, socialization , and bathroom breaks throughout the day is essential. Maintain a consistent routine and use the same commands each time you place your dog in the crate. Use Toys And Treats: Place toys and treats inside the crate to entice your dog to enter. This will make the crate a more positive and enjoyable environment for them to be in. Ensure your pup gets enough exercise and playtime throughout the day, so your furry companion can relax in the crate when the time comes. Excessive whining, barking, panting, and restlessness are all signs of stress in a Golden Retriever. If your furry friend exhibits these behaviors in the crate, they may be too stressed. Can I use a crate for my adult golden retriever? Yes, as long as it is appropriately sized and they are comfortable in it, you can use a crate for your adult Golden Retriever. Can you leave a puppy crying in the crate? Leaving a crying puppy in the crate is not recommended because it can cause separation anxiety and other behavioral problems. Instead, it is critical to gradually acclimate them to the crate and create a positive and comfortable environment. Should you put a blanket over a dog crate? Yes, draping a blanket over a dog crate can provide a sense of security and darkness, but ensure proper ventilation is maintained. What age is too late to train a puppy? Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. When should I put my dog in a crate? Choose a room that you use often. Your dog may still be able to see what activity is happening around them, feel included, and settle more easily. On the other hand, if your dog has to leave everyone and go off to a remote part of the house, they may learn to associate the crate with a more traumatic and negative experience. Consider putting the crate on the same level of the house that they will be going out to the bathroom during potty training. Where exactly in your house you choose to put the crate may vary. However, most choose out of the way of main traffic and away from any hazards such as a fireplace or an area of direct sunlight. Why use a crate? Aids in bowel and bladder control Helps prevent destructive behavior Teaches your dog to settle Gives them a familiar place when they are tired Conditions relaxed behaviors Helps them feel comfortable if they have to use a crate at daycare or boarding Important training for travel and staying in hotels How long do I leave my puppy in a crate? Crate time is mostly based on their bathroom needs. For puppies, the general rule, when they are awake, is they can stay in their crate for one hour for each month of age. When Emma came home, she was two months old, so we only kept her in the crate for two hours at a time. Allow your puppy to go to the bathroom before going in their crate, which will help ensure all their needs are met so they can rest comfortably. Likewise, take them out to potty immediately when letting them out of their crate. She never barked, whimpered, whined, or tried to execute a grand escape. I used these 5 steps for crate training! Step 1 Give your dog treats around the crate. Do not try and contain them or control where they go. Open and close the gate near them. Allow them time to sniff and explore on their own and offer yummy treats. Step 2 With the door wide open, throw a high-value treat just a few inches inside the crate and let them enter and exit on their own. Repeat a few times. The theme is to avoid picking up and placing your dog in the crate. Allow them time to go in and out as they feel ready. Keep the treats flowing! Step 3 Keep the gate wide open and throw the treats halfway in the crate and then to the back of the crate. Step 4 Throw a treat to the back of the crate. Once all four paws are in, shut the door and open it back up! Allow your dog to come out of the crate and throw a party like they just completed the most impressive trick you have ever seen. Step 5 Gradually increase the time the door is closed. Keep praising them in an upbeat, high-pitch tone, offering their favorite treats. Important Note: Do not reach into their precious space and yank them out. Keep it a positive experience by letting them come out on their own or use treats to lure them out. What about when I need to leave my dog in the crate for a longer period? Hopefully, after completing the five steps above, your dog will be more comfortable going in and out of the crate. Dogs, especially puppies or high-energy dogs, often seek something to do. So if they go in the crate and everyone leaves, you start getting the behaviors of chewing on the bed, chewing on the side of the crate, barking, and scratching at the door to get out. A solution? Give them something to do! How to Let Your Dog Out of the Crate You may have devoted a lot of time and training to getting your dog to go into their crate. Training them on coming out of the crate can be just as valuable. Try this! Wait for calm behavior before opening the door. I do not recommend: Opening the crate when your dog is scratching at the door, barking, or whining. If you let them out now, you are reinforcing that when they bark, the reward is that they get to come out. Reaching into their precious space and yanking them out. You may also be interested in… About the Author Kevin Bubolz is the founder of Golden Retriever Life, an online community with a mission to spread smiles. Food bowl Treats Make sure you have all the above items before you bring your Golden retriever puppy home so that you can get started crate training him right away. Position The Crate Before you set off to collect your puppy, decide where you want his crate to be. Prepare The Crate Fit the crate with a non-slip crate liner, comfy bed, or crate pad, and put a tempting chew toy inside. Put a bowl of water and a packet of treats close by. Cut a small piece of the blanket and put it in the crate. Keep the rest of the blanket for future use. Let the puppy check out the area around the crate. Curious pups might even voluntarily venture inside the crate! Put a few tempting treats inside the crate, close to the door. Golden retrievers are notoriously food-oriented dogs that will most likely be enticed into the crate by those yummy treats. Never force the puppy into the crate. Chat to your pet, offer him more treats, and add a fun toy to the mix to persuade your furry friend to go into the crate. Generally, placing the crate around people will help to encourage your puppy to feel comfortable spending time inside it. Play Crate Games Crate sessions can be made more enjoyable for your puppy by incorporating some crate games. Use treats, cuddly toys, or a KONG toy stuffed with frozen peanut butter or treats to reward your puppy for entering his crate. Crate Feeding Your Golden Retriever Puppy Golden retrievers are very food-oriented, and you can use that to enhance and speed up the crate training process considerably. Allow your puppy to watch you prepare his meal, and then place the food bowl just inside the crate. Once your puppy is confidently going into the crate to get the food, move the food bowl to the back of the crate. Shut The Door By now, your Golden retriever puppy should view the crate as a safe, comfortable, fun place to be. So, try closing the crate door when your puppy is happily tucking into his food. The first time the door is closed, open it again once your pet has finished eating. At each crate training session, leave the door shut for a little longer. Step Back Away From The Crate Assuming that your crate routine is going well, your Golden retriever puppy should now associate the crate with a couple of treats, toys, games, and eating his meals. A common mistake people make is that they try to move too far away from the puppy too soon. Provided that the puppy is calm, you can now move away from the crate. If your puppy starts whinging, turn your back on your pet, and wait a few minutes until the whining stops. After ten seconds of your pet remaining calm, you can turn around and allow him to come out of the crate. Watch your puppy throughout this exercise, and let your pet out of the crate as soon as he shows signs of anxiety. Very young puppies aged up to ten weeks old will need to relieve themselves immediately after a meal. Potty Breaks When you begin your crate training puppy schedule , observe your pet closely for tell-tale signs that he needs to go potty. Generally, puppies will start whining, circling, and sniffing the ground when they need to relieve themselves. When that happens, immediately grab your puppy, and get him to his assigned toilet spot. Eight-week-old puppies typically need to go for a pee around every 30 to 60 minutes. During warm weather or after exercise, when the puppy drinks more, he might need to go more often than that. Once the puppy is older, he will be able to wait for longer between potty stops. What About Bedtime? The safest place for your puppy to spend the night is confined in his crate. Although your pup might experience a bit of separation anxiety from bedtime crating at first, you can help to mitigate that by putting the crate in your bedroom with you. Use a crate cover to create that safe, den-like space that encourages your canine companion to settle down and sleep. Sometimes, giving your Golden retriever puppy a special treat reserved for bedtime can help him understand that his crate is a comfortable space to spend the night. Expect Disturbed Nights! When your puppy is very young, you can expect to be disturbed by his cries for attention during the night. Dogs are clean animals, and they will resist soiling their sleeping area if at all possible. So, set your alarm to wake you up every couple of hours throughout the night so that you can take your puppy outside to relieve himself. Immediately Clean Up Accidents Unfortunately, dealing with potty accidents is all part and parcel of raising and training a new puppy. When that happens, never punish or scold your pup. When accidents happen around your home, use an enzyme cleaner to remove the scent of urine from your floor coverings. If your puppy has an accident in his crate, you must wash all the bedding immediately. Ensure that you have a good supply of spare bedding to grab if you need it, and clean the crate thoroughly to remove any lingering smell of urine. Golden retrievers are especially quick at remembering simple words, and these trainable dogs are typically pretty obedient. So, from the get-go, you need to begin using verbal cues. Pick short and clear words so that your puppy can easily recognize and remember them. Combine your cue words with crate training. Increase The Difficulty As crate training progresses, you can make things more challenging for your puppy. Ask your dog to stay in the crate with the door closed for longer periods, and begin to move out of sight. Just like little kids, puppies will throw tantrums during the first few days of crate training. That behavior is perfectly normal and to be expected, especially when you first close the crate door. Instead, reward calm behavior with treats verbal praise, and let your puppy come out of the crate. So, when a tantrum kicks off, simply turn your back on your furry friend, and wait until he settles down again. Consistency Is Crucial! One of the most common problems people experience when crate training their puppy is not being consistent. Yes, it can be tough when your adorable fluffy bundle is crying and whining inside his crate. Unfortunately, giving in to your fur baby when he complains simply teaches your pet that whining and other bad behavior get him what he wants, which sets your training regimen back. Playtime Is Vital A lively Golden retriever puppy bursting with energy is not likely to settle calmly in his crate. Final Thoughts I hope you enjoyed our guide to crate training a Golden retriever puppy. If you did, please remember to share it. Crates are also useful tools for potty training your puppy and preventing bad behavior, such as chewing and eating harmful substances. Always be consistent and patient when crate training your puppy; use cue words and positive reinforcement to make learning fun for both your pet and you. Did you use a crate to train your Golden retriever puppy? Tell us how you did in the comments box below. Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. Leave a Comment. Read the full disclosure here. I know that, and eventually, your dog will know that, too. In this article you will learn exactly how to crate train a puppy or dog, no matter their age or level of previous training. You should read the whole guide before starting, to gain a complete understanding of the process, including the tips and troubleshooting at the end so you can find the speediest success. Why do we do this? We do this so we can use the crate as a place for short-term confinement, to keep our dogs and our belongings safe when we cannot supervise them. Then we can confine them short-term when needed, and they are happy to do so. Yes, they can even enjoy their time in the crate! In contrast: A properly crate trained dog will enjoy time in there happily and stress-free, even relishing the chance to get down to some occupational chew toy time or just to chill out and relax. Dog obedience is key to get this result! Benefits such as: Dramatically speeding up house training. Giving your dog a cozy and comfortable place to call their own where they can sleep and relax, overnight or whenever they wish. Giving you a tool to use for managing problem behaviors or to use for time outs to calm your puppy when needed. Giving you a safe way to transport your dog both by car and air if the need should arise. So they can enjoy trips away and holidays with you. Preparing your puppy for boarding at the vets, a kennel or at home to recover after medical treatment. There are many benefits to using a crate when used correctly, but they can also be misused. And there are also times when you should never crate a dog, regardless of their age or how much or little they can be trusted: Times And Ways That You Should Not Use A Crate There are a small number of dogs that suffer true anxiety and panic when placed in a crate. Under no circumstances should these dogs be crated…ever! The signs you need to look out for are: Any damage to the crate that show signs of attempting to escape. Urinating or defecating in the crate. The crate has moved at all while your dog is inside they must have made some frantic movements for this to happen. Never if your dog has sickness or diarrhea. Never when the weather is extremely hot. Never for any time longer than 5 hours. Not any time your vet prohibits it for medical reasons. Never as a way to punish your dog or for punishment. Use obedience training to correct bad behavior instead. Crating your dog for any of the reasons above is either inhumane, dangerous or purely selfish. Getting Prepared Before you can start crate training, you obviously need a crate. But you also need to make it a comfortable and happy place for your dog. Choosing A Crate Dog sleeping in crate There are many different sizes and style of dog crates available, from tiny inch crates all the way up to inch and bigger! XXL heavy duty dog crates. There are wire dog crates , plastic, fabric and even high quality wooden crates that look just like pieces of furniture. But the most important aspect of the crate you choose is its size: Too small and it would be cruel to expect your dog or puppy to spend time in there Too large and it loses the den like feeling dogs crave, not to mention they can use one end to sleep in while using the other end as a toilet, so it loses its effectiveness. For detailed instructions on measuring your dog for a crate and selecting the right size and type to suit your needs, please see my article: Choosing The Right Size And Type Of Dog Crate 2. Making The Crate Comfortable And Safe Dog In Soft Crate After choosing the right crate, you then have to make it a comfortable, safe and pleasant place for your puppy or dog to love spending time. For a detailed guide on where to place your crate and what you should put in it, you can read my article on: How to make a crate comfortable and safe for your dog. Make sure the crate is out of any direct sunlight, away from heat sources like fireplaces or radiators, and away from any possible cold drafts. Place soft, comfortable bedding inside. Place 2 or more chew toys inside to keep them occupied and develop good chew toy habits. If you have a wire crate, cover it either with a purpose bought crate cover or an old blanket or towel. Following the above 5 tips ensures the crate is a nice comfortable place for your dog. These pose a risk of choking if they happen to snag on anything, so no collars or leashes allowed. Your dog or puppy must be completely naked when crated. You must not rush through and you must make sure you are successful at each stage before you move on to the next, otherwise you could end up causing your dog or puppy to hate the crate by leaving them crated before they are ready. This unfamiliar box can be scary! The ultimate goal is for them to use it voluntarily. So the first task you have on the journey to crate training your puppy or dog is to form in their mind an association between the crate and all the things that they enjoy in life, so they see the crate as a good thing. Fail at this and you could saddle yourself with a dog who hates the crate, refuses to use it and maybe even fears it which can be a very hard thing to undo. So how do you go about achieving this? Technique 1: Magically Appearing Toys And Treats Set up the crate before you bring your dog home or if you have an existing pet, assemble the crate without them seeing so it just magically appears. Now let your dog or puppy into the room. So what should you do? Just act as you normally would, do what you would normally do. Play with your dog or puppy, or sit and watch TV, just act normal. Hopefully they will investigate this new thing in their world, enticed by the treats around and inside it, but also out of plain curiosity. Just draw no attention to the crate at all. Every dog will eventually at least eat the treats around the crate, if not the ones inside. This has the effect of the most prized things in their life being magically conjured up by the crate. Do this for a couple of days or more before you start crate training, and then occasionally for the few weeks after starting so your dog learns to love the crate and what it provides. You should find after a very short time they venture into the crate on their own just to look for some goodies, all without any encouragement from you. NOTE: Any treats you give this way have to be subtracted from their daily food portions or they will be overeating. And I say to do this just for the first few days and then only occasionally because to help house training you want your puppy eating on a schedule to promote defecating on a schedule, not eating at random times and pooping at random times. Feed these meals inside the crate. At first, place their food bowl just inside so they only have to poke their head in to feed. Then after the first couple of times, place it half way into the crate. After a couple of times of this, place it all the way at the back. You might be successful with this right away, or you may have to place it at the front for a few meals over a few days. Some dogs confidence builds quicker than others. Eventually and not before too long you should find your dog expectantly running over to and maybe even into the crate every time they see you holding their food bowl. After a few days of magic appearing treats and your dog eating dinner from the crate, basically once they are used to the crate and associate good things with it, we are ready to start crate training. When you do release your dog you do not want them bolting out and bumping into you, particularly important if you have a large dog such as a Golden Retriever that can easily bowl you over on their way past! You want them to reliably leave the crate when you ask. You can only achieve these three things if your dog understands that they must stay inside until told they can leave, or must leave when they hear the cue word. Choose whatever words you like, just be consistent. You do not want to spook your dog at this stage. Sit close to the crate armed with some high value treats, show them to your dog and then throw one inside the crate. Move away so they can easily exit and just stand patiently and quietly waiting for them to do so. Repeat this 8 to 10 times then take a couple of minutes break. Then do another set of 8 to .Yes, for real. Repeat this whole exercise a few times over the course of a day or two until your dog is comfortably, happily and reliably going in the crate when you throw in a treat. Training your dog to do this is a huge step! Make sure they really are confidently going in to get the treat before moving to the next step. And remember to use your cue words every single time so they quickly learn them. Step 3: No Treat For Free! The next step is to ask your puppy or dog into the crate before you treat them. Make them work for the treat instead of using it to lure them into the crate. To start, do 2 or 3 exercises of throwing a treat in and using the cue word as they go in to get it. When they do, give them a treat or two while you praise them profusely. Then use the cue word to leave and praise them when they do. Repeat this 8 to 10 times, take a couple of minutes break, then do another 8 to 10 before finishing up for this session. Repeat this step many times over the course of a day or two until you are certain your puppy or dog truly understands the commands and is happy to both go into and leave the crate on cue before you move to step 4. Now, many of you will have a dog at this stage that goes in, gets the treat or their toys and cannot wait to get back out again. But some will already be sitting, laying and sleeping in the crate of their own accord. Regardless though, what you want to achieve is your puppy or dog to sit and lie in the crate on cue, which is different to doing it of their own accord. Begin this just a couple of days after getting them home because they need to understand the cues outside of the crate before you can hope to have them follow the commands inside it. Other things you should have been doing before this step are: feeding your dog or puppy their main meals inside the crate occasionally leaving stuffed Kong toys in the crate this gets them used to spending time in there, usually in a sitting or laying position this will have made things easier Now, run through 2 or 3 repetitions of steps 2 and 3 before you start step 4, always remembering to use your chosen cues! Next, when your dog is inside the crate: Simply cue them to sit, praise and reward them profusely when they do. Then ask for a down and do the same. Then cue them to leave the crate before repeating the exercise. Try this 8 to 10 times before a few minutes break, then repeat for 8 to 10 times more. Repeat this whole step a few times over a day or more, but as you repeat the exercises, ask them to stay sitting or lying down for longer periods before you release them. And you should vary the duration to keep them guessing what it takes to earn a treat. Try just 1 second, then 5, then 2, then 10, then 3 and so on. Try to stretch the time out over a few practice sessions. Remember to be gentle and that your tone of voice throughout training matters. As always: Start with 2 or 3 repetitions of the easier steps first, going through steps 3 and 4 before trying to close the door. When ready: Cue your dog to go into the crate, praise and treat them, then ask for a sit, praise and treat and then slowly close the door. You ask for a sit because this position is automatically a more calm and relaxed position than standing. Continue to praise your dog and give a couple of treats through the closed door for remaining calm and sitting. Then open the door, and cue them to leave the crate. If your dog looks fearful or panicked when you close the door some will! Start by closing the door just part way for a few repetitions, then half way for a few, then most the way before finally closing it fully. This may take one training session or a few over days. Are you ready to move on? Once your dog is happy to sit a few seconds with the door closed, begin to latch it. Praise and treat for calm, then release the latch and open the door. For a training session, do 8 to 10 reps, take a few minutes break and then repeat. During each set, vary the time they have to stay calm and sitting, 3 seconds, then 10, then 4, then 15 and so on. You should aim to extend the time they stay calm and sitting with the door closed to a full minute before moving on to the next step. Again, this could take an afternoon, or it might take a few days. Go at your dogs pace and never force things. The base is serving as a staging facility for hurricane relief operations. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jack Braden Once your puppy or dog can sit calmly in the crate with the door closed for a full minute, the next step is to start moving away with the ultimate aim of being able to leave the room. First of all, perform a few reps of steps 4 and 5 as a warm up, remembering to always use your cues. Next, follow these steps: Cue your dog into the crate, close the door, latch it, praise and reward them and take a couple of steps backwards away from the crate but still facing it. Then return, praise and reward. Open the door and cue your dog to come out. Do this exercise 8 to 10 times, then take a few minutes break and repeat. For each repetition, mix things up: Try walking away a different distance in a different direction, but remaining in the room. First 2 steps backwards and pause 5 seconds before returning, then 4 steps to the side and a 15 second pause and so on. Work up to walking right to the exit or the wall and pausing for a full minute. Next, you will want to amp things up even more: Perform this exercise while you actively walk around the room, looking busy doing other things, but return to praise and treat your dog often. Tidy some magazines, rustle through a drawer, just look busy doing other things a few times in the house. Then, go even farther: Perform this exercise but back yourself up to the exit of the room and leave for just a couple of seconds before returning and heading to the crate to treat and praise. Do this a few times. The time this takes and the success you have will vary from puppy to puppy and dog to dog. Always stop at 10 repetitions max, and never more than two batches in quick succession followed by a big break. Otherwise your dog will get bored and the training is less effective. Now you just need to start increasing the time they are happy to spend time alone. Before you begin, something that goes a long way toward helping is to make sure your puppy or dog is well exercised before asking them into the crate. Why is that? A tired dog will be far more willing to relax and chill out for a length of time, compared to one who is full of energy and keen to play or wanting attention! After exercising them, the first step is to increase the time they are happy to spend in the crate while you are still nearby. To achieve this: Crate feeding: Feed your dog in the crate, or give them a stuffed Kong toy or good tasting bone chew toy. Hang out nearby: Ask your dog into the crate, give them their food or the toy, then close the door and take a seat nearby to read a book or a magazine. Engage occasionally: Every now and then, give them a further treat and praise, then go back to your book or magazine. Gradual build: Try to work up to a good half hour of quiet and calm in the crate while you read and they chew. Ignore them: After a couple of times like this, crate your dog or puppy with their meal or a stuffed toy and move around the room busying yourself, paying little attention to your dog. You want them to be eating their meal or chewing a toy in the locked crate while you do other things. Leave the room: After a couple of repetitions of this, repeat the exercise but move freely in and out of the room a few times, as well as occasionally sitting nearby. Disappear: Start by leaving the room for only 5 or 10 minutes, extending the time over a few sessions until you eventually achieve a full hour of alone time. As always, how long this takes will vary wildly from puppy to puppy and dog to dog. Go at their pace. It helps massively to succeed in this step if you only ever give your puppy or dog the bone chew toys or stuffed Kongs when in the crate and never outside of it. It builds excitement and anticipation, something to look forward to in the crate. Step 8: The Grand Finale! Wait for them to start chewing and then leave and come back into the room a couple of times. If they stay calm and pre-occupied with their chewing, simply leave the house. Then, do this: Go outside and walk to the bottom of your garden, just hang there for a few minutes and then go back inside and walk around your home for a couple of minutes before going to the crate and your dog. You want them to think that this is nothing, a complete non-event. And certainly do not go straight to them when you come back in. Remember: this even means nothing! From now on, practice alone time in the crate when you leave the house at least a couple of times every day, for varying lengths of time. Never make a fuss of any sort before you go, never make a fuss on your return. Over a few sessions, build up the time you are out of the house with your dog in the crate to a couple of hours as long as they are old enough to hold their bladder this long. You can now use the crate to keep your dog and your belongings safe when you cannot supervise them, and use the crate as a sleeping place for your dog at night. Always leave a few toys in there with your dog, and continue to repeat the exercise where you crate them with a stuffed Kong or chew toy if natural opportunities do not arise, just to keep them happy with the situation. If you have a dog that: Some puppies will take regular naps in the crate before you even start crate training. They might go on to show little interest or care about the door being closed. They might be super confident and happy right away with a little alone time. You might be able to crate train such a dog in just a few short days. Dogs like this can take many weeks to crate train: Some puppies may show fear of the crate and not want to go anywhere near it. Once carefully trained to go in, they might feel panic and fear when you close the door. You have to go at your own dogs pace because if you rush them you can instill dislike or even fear of the crate in their minds, and then it will take far longer than it ever should have. But many or most dogs will take to it quicker, and most puppies certainly will as they have no preconceived ideas, habits or emotions to overcome. When going through the steps above, if your dog excels at any stage you can quickly move to the next step. If they do not, if they show any fear or uncertainty, spend more time at a particular step until they are comfortable before moving on. Your dog will show you when they are ready to progress and you should go at their speed, however fast or slow that may be. They need to be able to: move around exercise their muscles enjoy some mental stimulation If they are regularly crated longer than this, behavioral problems will be the result, as well as the fact they have little in the way of a fulfilling life. In my experience this is a bit optimistic, all dogs are different and when a puppy is very young, this is certainly too long. This is with the exception of puppies from 8 to 12 weeks old who will need letting out once during the night. But after 12 weeks, they can last the whole night through. Crating your dog when you work full-time means two lots of 4 or more hours crated and this is a long time, so quality time, exercise and stimulation before and after crating is essential. Tips For Better Crate Training What follows are a few useful tips to keep in mind when crate training your puppy or dog. They will make the process easier and faster, while making sure your dog is comfortable and happy throughout the process: Always make sure you take your puppy or dog to their bathroom spot before you crate them for any length time. They will be uncomfortable and noisily complain with a full bladder…but rightfully so! Also take them the moment you let them out as they will usually be ready to go. Make sure the crate door is always open and your dog always has access to it so they can use it as and when they please. Most dogs will use it as a place to rest and this is a good thing. Always leave chew toys in the crate for your dog so there is something for them to do while crated. This will minimize boredom and teaches good habits of chewing on the right things. Continue to feed them their meals in the crate. Also, reserve special treats like bones and stuffed Kong toys for the crate only and never outside of it, so they really look forward to spending time there. Exercise your dog or puppy well before crating them for any length of time. A tired dog is one who is happy to relax and chill out. If you find your puppy nodding off and completely unable to stay awake this happens a lot! This will speed up their acceptance of the crate considerably if they snooze and find themselves waking up in there often. The worst thing you can do is force them in because chances are it will heighten their fear and make things even worse. Instead, break the task down into easier steps for your dog by employing some of the following tasks: Practice asking your dog to step in and out of cardboard boxes. First trimming the sides down to look like a small tray, then using further boxes and increasing height of the sides. Place bedding in the box and practice asking them to lay down. Some dogs may not like the roof aspect of the crate. Ask your dog to step underneath, even sit under there yourself and read a book while enticing them over for treats. Start with a big gap and a wide area covered, then lessen the gap between furniture in later training sessions to make it feel more crate like over time. If you have a plastic travel style crate airline crate then remove the top half and practice having them step in and out of the bottom half only. Start asking your dog to step into the bottom tray only. Then put on 2 of the walls for a couple of training sessions. Then three walls for a few sessions. Then the roof until finally the crate is fully assembled. Then cover the back third of the pens roof with a sheet and do the same. Then cover a half. Then remove a part of the pen to make the area smaller and ask them in to play with them. Whichever of the above you try, make sure an exit is wide open and easy for your dog to use for escape so they will feel less anxious. And take things very slowly, making sure they are visibly comfortable at any stage before taking a next step. After a few days maybe more of slowly getting them used to stepping into things that progressively get more and more crate like, you should be able to begin crate training. This type of reinforcement will not help the cries. Yes, you getting angry and telling your dog off will actually make the issue worse. This will train them to think that if they cry long and loud enough, you will eventually come and let them out. Not a good idea. Wait for 5 seconds silence before you approach, then give them a treat. You ruined it! Wait for at least 5 seconds of silence before you return, then treat them. Enough repetitions of this will teach them that silence gets rewarded and noise makes you go away. Why did they whine? You might want to go back a step or two in your crate training though. Make sure they are comfortably happy and silent in the crate, for a reasonable length of time with the door latched and you present, before you ever try to leave them alone. Young puppies cannot hold it through the night without having a potty break. But how do you know if the whines are because they need to eliminate or just crying for attention? For a puppy 8 to 9 weeks old, you will need to set an alarm to take them to potty twice during the night, at 2. For a puppy 9 to 12 weeks old, set an alarm to take them to potty half way through the night, 3. Make sure you do not feed them anything in the 3 hours before bed, take away water at least 2 hours before bed, and take them to their toilet spot to empty themselves as the very last thing you do before you go to bed. When you take them to potty, make sure you do so in silence. No playing, no words, no attention, otherwise they will learn that night-time is a time for play and attention. You obviously do not want this. They are very different things. But if when you leave your dog alone crated they show these symptoms: anxiety. Golden retriever crate training tips Goldens are known for their sweet demeanor and incredible gentleness, so they seem like perfect candidates for crate training. The only way to find out is to try crate training for yourself, but we hope we can give you some idea of what to expect. Image used with permission by copyright holder Are Golden Retrievers easy to crate train? This makes their motivation for training — including crate training — naturally high! Is crate training good for Golden Retrievers? No matter what breed of dog you have at home, crate training can have many benefits. Not only does it give you the ability to leave your pet alone without causing you anxiety, but it also allows your golden to have a safe space when they need some quiet time. Rarely, crate training your puppy can exacerbate existing problems. Crate training may not be a good idea for some dogs with medical issues, especially those that require frequent movement or bathroom trips. Image used with permission by copyright holder Golden retriever crate training tips If you do decide to try crate training your golden retriever puppy, keep a few things in mind. Start young It can help to start crate training when your golden is a puppy. The sooner going in their crate becomes a normal occurrence, the sooner your pup will learn to tolerate and even enjoy it. Make it comfy Another way to entice your young retriever to enjoy — or at least tolerate — using their new crate is by making it as comfortable as possible. If your dog has a favorite blanket, toy, or bed, this is the perfect place to keep it. Some owners even have a special toy or treat that their dog can only have while in their crate, which helps build positive associations and keeps your golden as happy as possible. In fact, encouraging your golden with a treat or some praise as they enter may inspire them to come back to their new spot. Remember, the crate should be a safe place for your pup, never a place where they feel nervous or unsafe. Start short When introducing your golden retriever puppy to their new crate, make sure to start with short, frequent introductions. This will help avoid unnecessary anxiety from feeling lonely, as well as any accidents inside the crate. As a rule of thumb, Wag! A tired dog is more likely to rest instead of worry, which will make the experience more peaceful for everyone. Perhaps a certain routine is most effective, or maybe your dog just needs some serious love and praise to motivate them. Editors' Recommendations.