rent golden retriever puppies

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Oregon Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Oregon? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Oregon? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We strive to provide families with their ideal 4 legged companion for life. We have a history of producing family friendly Goldens with willing and outgoing attitudes. Golden Retrievers often do well in agility, rally, obedience, hunting and service. Every Golden Retriever puppy is evaluated for personality and temperament from the time they are whelped. Our focus is on finding the right combination for each individual family's needs. All of our puppies are well socialized and have had exposure to many different sights, scents, sounds and surroundings before heading off to their forever home. We encourage everyone to stay in touch and let us know if they have any questions during the raising of their Golden Retriever puppy, as well as after their puppy is grown. We will provide you with complete and accurate information on getting started with your new family member, as well as an AKC new puppy packet with all the needed information such as traveling tips, grooming and of course, the basics on training. No need to worry about the process of registering your puppy, we gladly do it for you. All you need to do is come up with a name and we will take care of the rest. You and your puppy will be off to a great start. We are now offering additional services to our puppy families. We believe that a healthy puppy, starts with good nutrition. We feed top quality, holistic dog foods and treats that are sure to please. We offer these items to our puppy families at a reduced price. We want all of our 4 legged friends to get the best of the best. Most of our puppies are sold to pet family homes. This means they are sold with a limited registration and are not intended for breeding. In rare occasions, we will sell a puppy to a show or competition home with an unlimited registration, for an additional fee as well as additional contract requirements. The last litter in , was evaluated for their ability to work as service dogs, 3 of the 9 puppies qualified. We have placed one of them in a wheel chair home and another as a diabetic alert dog. These puppies have bright futures ahead of them. We are proud!!! One of which is a companion to an amazing Autistic boy and the other to a family that has been challenged with Muscular Dystrophy. We are excited to hear how they progress and have no doubt, they will be terrific. In , we have had several excellent litters, from athletic field and agility pups to easy going, laid back, family pups. We have also added a new girl to our family. We have high hopes for her. We are now providing additional training and boarding option as well as one on one help for our families and their pups. In and , we were hard at work in the confirmation ring with Nina. Nina is now a Champion and producing beautiful, intelligent and loving pups. We are not only offering training and boarding for our puppy families, we also have a wide variety of products available to keep your pooch happy and healthy. In , we were blessed to add Theo to our family. Theo was born with a cleft palate but with love, a lot of work and commitment as well as faith in what we do, he is well on his way to becoming a hospital therapy dog for children. He is a loving guy with a goofy temperament and zest for life. I couldn't imagine not having him here with me. Unfortunately, in , my oldest and 1st Golden girl Bailey was diagnosed with a tumor on her heart. She fought a good fight and continued to brighten our lives daily. We sadly said farewell to her in August, shortly after her 16th birthday. It is now a blessing that we have recently bred Bailey's great granddaughter, Greta and are hoping to continue this line of most amazing family members. Now we have arrived at , We have some beautiful new additions to our kennel. We have several girls that will be entering the show ring and a new boy in our group. I am thrilled at the temperament and looks of these dogs. I am excited to share more information as the year progresses. It was a crazy year, we were all caught off guard by Covid .Started a home renovation that went a bit sideways and evacuated for almost 2 weeks during the September fires. We made it through the year, produced some beautiful puppies and celebrated many fur kids birthdays. Hello !! Lost power for 12 days during the February freeze. Hoping we get to do some dogs shows, camping and finish some kennel updates. We have some new additions to our fur family and have celebrated Brody's 14th birthday! So far so good. Well now, is more than half way over and we are just getting caught up with some past due projects. We have some beautiful dogs in our breeding program and are looking forward to the future. Brody has just celebrated his 15th birthday in May and is going strong. His great, great grandaughter Astrid will hopefully be joining our breeding program in Januarey .Lots of great things in the future for our family of fur kids. In this kit you will receive all the basics you will need to get off to a great start with you forever friend. We will include a collapsible wire crate, crate bed, waste clean-up bags, toys, collar, lead, chew bones, treats, brushes, comb. You can customize your kit to your liking by choosing from a variety of colors and styles. All you have to do is pick out what you like when you choose your puppy and it will be here ready to go when you take your forever friend home. We are passionate about these little treasures and our small breeding program. We are a busy family with 4 children ages .Our dogs are part of our family and live with us, in our home, and under foot. The Miniature Golden Retriever, also known as the Petite Golden and Mini Golden, is a Designer Breed that has been crossbred to produce a healthier dog with the happy people-loving temperament of the Golden Retriever, the small size and sweet cuddly personality of the King Charles Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel, and the intelligent temperament and low shedding coat of the Poodle. Our Miniature Golden Retrievers range in size from pounds. Occasionally we may have smaller puppies maturing at closer to 15 pounds and larger puppies maturing closer to 50 pounds. We will do our best to make an estimate of the adult size of your puppy, but ultimately we can NOT guarantee adult sizes. We breed for temperament, health, and size. Our dogs are DNA tested and annually health screened by our vet before breeding. All our puppies come with a 2 year health guarantee. Start the adoption process today!!!

They could take on traits from just one parent or any combination of traits from both of them. An Akita tends to be loyal, devoted, and dedicated to their families. They do tend to get along well with children, but they tend to be wary of strangers and they have a high prey drive. Although they tend to be quiet dogs, they will bark to alert you. This makes them good watchdogs. On top of that, Akitas have an instinct to guard and protect. This makes socialization and training early and often particularly important for this breed. You may be able to expect a similar temperament in your Akita Mix. However, the other dog breed in the mix could affect their temperament. Asking the breeder about the other parent breed can help prepare you for all of the possibilities. Meeting the mother dog can also give you an idea of what temperament to expect in your Akita Mix puppy. Akitas are moderately adaptable dogs that can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need to be happy and healthy. Due to their protective instincts and high prey drive, they should only be let off-leash in securely fenced areas. A mixed-breed dog can inherit any combination of the potential health concerns common to one or both of the parent breeds. From the Akita side, the potential health concerns to be aware of in an Akita Mix include hip dysplasia, thyroid issues, skin conditions, progressive retinal atrophy, and acquired myasthenia gravis. Reputable breeders will screen their breeding stock to avoid passing issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross. Also, talk to them about the genetic and health history of both of the parent breeds. Although Akitas love their family and prefer to be near them, they also have an independent nature. They are highly intelligent and pick up training quickly, but they can also have a stubborn streak. This can be difficult for a first-time dog owner to navigate on their own. The other parent breed could balance this out, but you still need to be prepared for a potentially hard-headed pooch. As such, puppy training classes are recommended. Regardless of owner experience, puppy training classes can still be a good idea as these classes often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. Akitas have a dense double coat that will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding sessions twice a year as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and moving to daily brushing during seasonal shedding can help your dog be more comfortable and contain a lot of the loose fur to your brush. Bathing is on an as-needed basis. Monthly nail trimming is usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Many dog owners overlook this, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs. Practicing good dental care for dogs can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. Akitas tend to have a moderate activity level. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually sufficient for these dogs. The other parent breed could affect the exercise needs for an Akita Mix. By talking to the breeder about the other parent breed, you can get a good idea of what sort of energy range to prepare for in your puppy. A fully-grown Akita usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. The other dog breed in the mix can seriously affect the size you could see in a fully-grown Akita Mix. So, make sure you talk to the breeder about the other parent breed. Akitas generally live for years. The other parent breed in the cross could have an effect on this for an Akita Mix. Talking to the breeder about it can help clarify to what extent it could be affected if at all. Featured Akita Mix Article. Gray, brindle, white, black, red, silver, fawn, brown, sable Suitable for: Active families, those looking for a friendly but dedicated guard dog Temperament: Independent, loyal, protective, intelligent, energetic, high-maintenance However, both parent breeds are quite active and athletic, so this is not a dog that will be compatible with a couch potato. Akita Shepherds are a fairly rare mix, so you may not know much about them. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. That means that most Akita Shepherd owners became so quite purposefully, and they sought out the breed because they met their specific needs. Typically, those needs are for an intelligent and independent guard dog that can be trusted to make reliable decisions in the heat of the moment. None of this is written to scare you away from adopting an Akita Shepherd, of course. These dogs are quick learners, which when combined with their natural eagerness to please, makes them easy to train. In just a few minutes, they can often pick up on commands that would take other dogs several days to learn. Beyond that, they tend to be stoic and reserved most of the time, but when playtime rolls around, they can be quite wild and goofy. You should work with them from the time that you bring them home as puppies to ensure that they know how to behave around people. Regardless of how well you train your dog, you should never leave them alone with small children. These are powerful animals, and all it takes is one mishap to create a horrible, lifelong situation. Akita Shepherds are large animals, and they can be quite boisterous at times. This will mostly depend on socialization. However, if not properly socialized, they may try to assert dominance over other dogs, or they may view them as threats. Akita Shepherds are not inherently aggressive or violent, but they can be quite terrifying if not taught proper manners. Their silent nature is especially worrisome in this regard. That means a kibble high in protein, as this will help build muscle and give them long-lasting energy. Be careful about where that protein comes from, though. Many owners prefer feeding their dog a raw diet, as that allows them to completely control what goes into their food. If you go this route, be sure to use a variety of meats including organ meats and bone meal , as well as nutritious veggies. Also, check with your vet beforehand to make sure your food has all the nutrition that your pup needs. Obesity is horrible for these dogs, so be strict about portion control. Akita Shepherds also prone to joint problems later in life, so you might want to consider bolstering their diet with glucosamine and omega-3 supplements. It will take at least an hour of moderate to vigorous activity every day to tucker them out. While you can keep them in an apartment, having a large backyard for them to run around in will definitely be helpful. These exercise requirements can be lowered if they have a job to do. Training sessions can help accomplish this and your dog will love them , or you could buy them puzzle toys or enlist them in agility training. Be careful about pushing them too hard, though, especially when it comes to running and jumping. Their backs are prone to injury, so you want to limit the high-impact activity as much as possible. Without proper training and socialization, their natural protectiveness can get out of hand, leading to problems with aggression toward people or other animals. These dogs are smart enough that you can give them elaborate jobs if you like. They can make capable herding dogs, and being a watchdog is right up their alley. Their eagerness to follow instructions makes them natural competitors, and they do well at agility trials and other sporting events. Outsourcing the work is vastly preferable to leaving it undone. You can mitigate all that shedding by brushing them, of course, but grooming these dogs is almost a full-time job. Still, they have a fair amount of health problems to deal with. One of the biggest issues comes from the German Shepherd side of the family tree. German Shepherds have backs that slope downward toward the tail, and this can lead to all sorts of structural issues in their spine as they age. If your dog takes after the German Shepherd in this way, you can expect to deal with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and similar conditions later in their life. Take this list as a guide rather than a guarantee; your dog may experience some of these issues or none at all, and they could suffer other illnesses not mentioned here. Minor Conditions. Leash Manners - She is still learning. Socialization - Duchess needs continued socialization throughout her life with people of all ages, genders and races as well as other animals including dogs and cats if she is to grow up to be a well socialized adult dog. Energy Level and Exercise - Duchess is very high energy and will need a lot of exercise and discipline. Daily Structure and Schedule - She will require structure with someone experienced with the breed. Temperament - Duchess is an alpha dog and needs someone who understands her needs. Obedience Training - She is very intelligent but also high energy so will require a lot of patience and guidance with obedience training. Behaviors - Duchess is a puppy so she still behaves just like one -- mouthing, chewing, jumping, etc. Known for their tremendous loyalty and courage, they are calmly confident, but not hostile. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when it is necessary. Serious and almost human in his intelligence, they have a high learning ability. The breed is so intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service, and in the military. The German Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, flyball, and ring sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders, and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid detonation, or gas leaks in a pipes buried 15 feet underground. A quick daily brushing is best unless hair in the house is not a problem. They should be bathed rarely, only once or twice a year to avoid skin oil depletion. Shepherds have a life expectancy around 13 years. Pinto is a large proportion of white with splotches of color over a third of the body in an organized pattern. Pinto Akitas usually still have a black facial mask, although sometimes split by white down the middle. White with black spots or freckles — atypical of either Akitas or German Shepherds. Shepkitas, except solid white dogs, will often have facial masks. Just how stubborn or strong-willed your puppy becomes depends on what proportion of genetic factors it inherits from each parent. Keep in mind that your pup has the potential to inherit domineering tendencies from either or both parents. German Shepherds are generally easy to train, although they can have issues with dominance. Akitas are willful, strong-minded, and independent. While clearly very smart, they seem to ponder commands before executing them. Are They Good Watchdogs? Prepare yourself for potential aggression against perceived threats. Early training and socialization are crucial so that your dog can become a reasonable and discerning judge of strangers. Experts recommend focusing more on teaching obedience rather than guard training with a Shepherd or an Akita. German Shepherds have courage, boldness, and fierceness that have placed them among the best guard dogs. Not specifically bred for aggression, their hostility against intruders comes from protective instincts first cultivated through their work with livestock. They extend that protection to all family members and are territorial over the home and property. Akitas, like Shepherds, are loyal and courageous. Their ferocity against intruders is inherent and uncompromising. Their double coat will be thick with the outer guard hairs probably medium in length. Your dog will need a bath if soil build-up becomes severe. Use a mild shampoo to help prevent irritation and keep the skin from becoming too dry. Clip nails at least once every six weeks and check ears regularly. A long-haired German Shepherd will rarely not have an undercoat. Usually, a Shepherd has thick fleece underfur near the skin, with a medium to long outer layer of coarse hair. Neither dog requires clipping of their coats. Your Shepkita will have a thick undercoat that insulates it from the sun and keeps it warm during the winter. Several states have passed laws that prevent you from leaving your dog for prolonged periods outdoors when the temperature dips below freezing. Some dog houses now provide safe means to install a pet heater when it becomes extremely frigid in the winter. The German Shepherd and Akita do, however, both thrive in cold conditions. Their undercoats provide excellent insulation, and their longer outer fur acts as a water repellent to keep them dry. Despite this, a shelter may still be needed. They share several issues in common. Your veterinarian may recommend surgical intervention in some cases. Hypothyroidism — The thyroid gland functions below normal levels, requiring supplementation. Elbow dysplasia Hemangiosarcoma — A cancerous growth on the spleen that can cause chronic bleeding. Autoimmune skin diseases Akita German Shepherd Mix According to Globaldogbreeds , the Shepherd Akita mix has picked up a few unique health problems not commonly cited in the research of German Shepherds or Akitas. Luxating patella — More often associated with small dogs, the American College of Veterinary Surgeons reports that luxating patellas appear to be on the rise in dogs like the Akita and Flat-Coated Retriever. How long will your Akita Shepherd live? Akitas, German Shepherds, and Shepkitas all have similar life spans — the Shepherd lives 10 to 13 years, according to Shepped. The Shepkita is also reported to live 10 to 13 years and the Akita 10 to 15 years. German Shepherds, with their intense single-minded focus and exceptional stamina, need mental stimulation as well as sessions of rigorous activity. Akitas tolerate shorter bursts of exertion, but still need about 30 to 45 minutes of exercise per day, according to Animalwised. You need to incorporate training with both of these breeds, and the earlier you can start, the better. Shepkitas are most likely to be kind and protective of children in their household, if socialized from a young age. They may or may not tolerate other animals. You may not see dog aggression appear in your pup until it approaches adolescence, or around six to eight months of age. Both Akitas and German Shepherds can learn to see children as part of their pack that they need to protect, and around whom they must be gentle. Akitas cannot be trusted to extend that solicitous attitude to children outside of the family. German Shepherds and Akitas have a strong prey drive. Some Akitas befriend cats, but their volatile play energy warrants extreme caution. The Shepherd Akita mix is potentially a great family companion. Like most large dogs, it requires early socialization and firm training. You can enjoy several activities together like flyball, fetch, agility training, obedience exercises, and hiking. If you have plenty of quality time to spend with a large and strong-minded dog, a Shepherd Akita mix may fit your family perfectly. FAQ: 1. What is the Shepkita breed and what are its characteristics? Answer: The Shepkita is a cross between a German Shepherd and an Akita, known for accentuating power, intelligence, loyalty, guarding, and utility. It makes an intriguing working dog and dedicated family companion with intense focus, a strong work ethic, and versatility. What is the history of German Shepherds and Akitas? Answer: German Shepherds originated from sheepherding dogs across Germany and were developed to a perfect working dog by Max von Stephanitz in .Akitas were originally a hunting dog from the Northern mountains of Japan and were bred for its competitive nature. What health issues should I be aware of for my Shepherd Akita mix? Answer: Both purebred Akitas and Shepherds have health problems they can pass along to any offspring. They share hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, elbow dysplasia, hemangiosarcoma, and epilepsy. The breed also has some unique health issues such as Luxating patella and lupus. How do I groom my Shepherd Akita mix? Answer: Your Shepkita will likely require brushing every day and a bath if soil build-up becomes severe. Clip nails at least once every six weeks, and check ears regularly. Is the German Shepherd Akita mix the right dog for me? Answer: If you have plenty of quality time to spend with a large and strong-minded dog, a Shepherd Akita mix may fit your family perfectly. Nonetheless, it may not be the right dog for households with other animals, and early socialization and training are crucial.

Peepad trained. One of them loves to play iPad, very smart. Our lovely Morkie puppies are searching for their forever homes, and they can't wait to become a cherished part of your family! They come with 1st set of shots, 3xs dwormed bag of food, pee pads toys, stuffed toy with moms scent and a blanket. They are well socialized. Perfectly Healthy. Vaccinated per schedule. Does not bark except necessarily in danger protectively which is amazing. I am looking to rehouse my 2. She is 16 lbs. She is a happy and healthy dog. She has a good temperament and is fun to play with. She is potty trained as well. They are calm and great for families, children, and other types of animals. They are great.Ottawa Our amazing dogs Chogie and Luna have given birth to another litter of pups! Were so happy to welcome these tiny, healthy, and energetic babies to the world and to find them their new forever homes.No mix Puppies will mature around 7 pounds Hypoallergenic One male and one female available Vet checked, dewormed, first vaccination.Toronto Ready to go! I hope you're having a great day. Please take a moment to read through the information provided before asking.Puppies are not from oversea. We are.We are featuring 2 male Maltese puppies, who are ready for their forever homes. Dob june 22 ND , .Our puppies at Sunshine go home with First.Catharines 2 beautiful wee boys are looking for a furever home. Very happy, loveable little guys Mom is yorkie and dad is Maltese. Both are here , so you can see them as well. Puppies are raised in our home. She is hypoallergenic and very happy dog and very playful. Gorgeous little teddies looking for amazing homes Puppies have been raised using the.It gives us an ideal opportunity to truly know their personalities and what type of home would truly benefit the individual.Puppies come with vet certification,vaccination and.Showing 1 - 40 of 63 resultsPage 1 - 63 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. We are thrilled to inform that our maltipoos - 3 girls and 3 boys have been born on August 26, and the.Our Babies are.Please contact if you would like more info. This sweetie is crate trained. Outside training He comes with 1st vaccine, 1 year.My name is Bo. My owner my new mommy has to find me new home. My daddy was a Poodle and my mommy was a Maltese-Shih tzu. Spring Lake Three pugapoo puppies available and ready to go to their new homes! The one with more brown on his body is the male. Mom is a maltese poodle and dad is a pug poodle. Dewormed, first vaccinations and clear health check. These babies are desensitized to.See all Morkiepoos, super sweet, perfect little teddy bears Langley We have a litter of three gorgeous, super sweet female Morkiepoos with the cutest, wavy, teddy bear coats , Born on July 11th, , ready to go. Update, One left black and tan female Please text.They are know for non shedding and hypoallergenic. These puppies are finally ready to leave their mom and dad. Their mom is miniature sized.Located in greater Vancouver, text They will be around lbs as adults. Hypoallergenic, non-shedding family pets. We currently have exotic colours from our Russian import bloodline. Chocolate and tan, wolf sable, cream sable, black and tan.Thank you for your understanding! Ready to go! Surrey Sweetest lil Maltipoo's now available. Beautiful soft fluffy fur. Great family pet. Will mature to 12 pounds. Mom and dad are both maltipoo's. Super healthy playful pups. Great outgoing.Calm And ;; Cuddly And ;.Our lovely Morkie puppies are searching for their forever homes, and they can't wait to become a cherished part of your family! Dad is Maltese and mom is small Toy Poodle. Potty trained. Please contact for more info and.Edmonton Three pugapoo puppies available and ready to go to their new homes! No mix Puppies will mature around 7 pounds Hypoallergenic One male and one female available Vet checked, dewormed, first vaccination.Toronto Ready to go! I hope you're having a great day. Please take a moment to read through the information provided before asking.Puppies are not from oversea. We are.One of their other names, the Shichon Teddy Bear refers to their.Only females available. Known for their intelligence, curiosity, and playful nature, these clever canines inherit the best qualities from both Pomeranians and Huskies. It is good with children and seniors. Also they are friendly with cat. Their mom is 8 lbs Maltese. Parents are family dogs with prefect demeanors and are great with children and chickens : even cats Pick up is an option in.We have a sweet litter of Pure Tiny Yorkies Born on July 15th, consisting of 4 healthy babies 2 girls and .This little guy is a true gem, with a calm and affectionate nature. He loves cuddling, watching TV, and is content playing with toys on.Kingston Hello from Teddybear Australian Labradoodles! We have puppies available NOW! We are a small in-home breeder of Registered Australian Labradoodles in Kingston, Morkie Poo pups! Puppies are being raised in my family home, and being socialized with children. I own both mom and dad. Mom is 7 ish pounds dad is 6 ish pounds.Albert Two precious maltipoos will be ready to leave in one week. Mom is a eight pound Maltese, Dad is a four pound poodle. The first three pictures are of the smallest boy. He is tricolour and mostly.Extra tiny puppy. Size is about 5 pounds or less when fully grown. One female. Color is tan. Non-shedding, hypoallergenic. Very healthy, They don't let there size slow them down and they a packed full of personality. They are a.Did you know that the Poodle is known for its smarts and the sweetest disposition? The Maltipoo

Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? For a dog to qualify as a German shepherd labrador mix, its parents must be a purebred Labrador and a purebred German shepherd. Parent Breeds This breed is a crossbreed between German shepherd and Labrador retriever parents. As these parent breeds are both large dogs with similar appearances, the resulting mix displays similar looks and personality traits. German Shepherd The German shepherd, or Alsatian, is a large, black-and-tan-colored dog hailing from Germany in the late s. This large breed is good with children and is best suited to active families. Labrador Retriever The Labrador retriever is a large British dog with cream, tan, or black coloring. This friendly, affectionate dog breed was developed from fishing dogs imported to the UK from Newfoundland in the s. Lifespan The German shepherd Labrador mix lives for 10—12 years. Healthy, active dogs that eat nutritious foods and live stress-free lifestyles are likely to live longer. German Shepherd Lab Mix Appearance German shepherd lab mixes are large dogs with medium-dense, short-to-medium-length fur. The dogs are usually black, brown, tan, or a combination of several colors. Height and Weight German shepherd lab mixes are considered large dogs, with a height at the withers of 20—27 inches, and a weight of 75—95 pounds. The size and weight of the dog depend on which parent the mix takes after most — German shepherds are taller and heavier than Labrador retrievers. Colors German shepherd lab mixes are typically black, brown, or tan. Patches of white are common on the neck and muzzle. Blue and red are uncommon colors for a labrashepherd. Occasionally, labrashepherds are all-black, all-brown, or all-cream, resembling the Labrador retriever. Coat The German shepherd lab mix has a medium-dense, double coat that sheds frequently. The outer layer of the coat is long and wiry, and the inner coat is short, thick, and soft. The coat comes in a variety of colors, and the undercoat is a lighter shade than the outer coat. Personality and Temperament German shepherd lab mixes have the combined temperament of the watchful German shepherd and the easygoing Labrador retriever. According to the American Kennel Club temperament guide , Labradors are eager to please, adaptable, outgoing, and intelligent. Meanwhile, German shepherds are fearless, confident, eager, and alert. German shepherds are known to be aloof with strangers, and Labradors suffer from separation anxiety. These two traits are often passed on to the German shepherd lab mix. The confident, loyal, eager nature of the labrashepherd makes it a loyal family pet. Barking The German shepherd lab mix has a low barking tendency. A properly-trained dog will only bark to alert its owners of a potential threat. Keeping a labrashepherd entertained with daily walks and playtime should prevent the dog from barking out of boredom. German Shepherd Lab Mix Care Caring for a German shepherd lab mix is easy as long as you have the budget and the energy to look after a big dog. Labrashepherds need daily long walks, a nutritious diet, and plenty of mental stimulation to live happy, healthy lives. Food Needs Provide your German shepherd lab mix with a high-protein diet suitable for large, high-energy dogs. On average, German shepherd lab mixes need about 3 cups of kibble per day. Use a slicker brush and brush in the direction of hair growth, applying fine strokes that remove dead hairs and mats. Exercise Needs The German shepherd lab mix is an energetic breed that needs at least one hour of daily exercise, divided into two or more walks. Ideally, give your labrashepherd access to your backyard throughout the day between walks to allow your dog to run around and let out energy. Mental Needs Provide at least 30 minutes of daily mental stimulation to keep your German shepherd lab mix happy and satisfied. The breed is intelligent and enjoys playing hide-and-seek, fetch games, and puzzle games with food release toys. Common Health Concerns German shepherd lab mixes inherit some of the common health issues affecting their parent breeds. Obesity Like Labrador retrievers, labrashepherds are prone to overeating and obesity. Lab results have found that Labradors are missing all or part of the POMC gene, which senses body fat storage and regulates appetite. Give this mix plenty of exercise to prevent weight gain. Skin Allergies German shepherd lab mixes are sensitive to mites, dust, pollen, and chemicals, which cause itchy skin and skin allergies. Redness, rashes, persistent itching, infections especially around the ears , and hair loss are all common signs of skin allergies in dogs. Treatment for skin allergies includes diet changes, avoiding triggers, and medication to reduce itching. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a common hereditary condition in large dog breeds, including the Labrador retriever and the German shepherd. The condition causes the hip ball and socket to deteriorate and lose function. This issue commonly affects overweight or under-exercised dogs. Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs include decreased range of motion in the back legs, decreased activity, lameness, and limping. The condition is treated with physical therapy, weight reduction, and surgery. Consistent training is important for this breed, so train your dog for at least 15 minutes every day. Start training your puppy from the age of eight weeks old. To prevent this, train your dog during or after a long walk. While the breed mix is affordable to buy, the expense of feeding a large dog is high. The upfront cost of a German shepherd lab mix depends on whether you buy from a reader or adopt the dog from a shelter. Factors that affect the cost of the dog are age, coloring, and whether the dog is adopted or bought from a breeder. Dogs with rare coat colors are more expensive than dogs with common colors. Additional, optional costs are dog sitting and boarding, professional dog grooming, and dog training classes. The German shepherd lab mix is an affectionate, loyal, energetic dog that makes a great family pet. However, this dog has traits that make it unsuitable for some people and lifestyles. Labrashepherds are high-energy dogs that are ideal for active, outdoorsy households. German shepherd lab mixes are responsive to training if proper boundaries are established, so this mix is best suited to people who have the time to train the dogs from an early age. Check out these other hybrid dog breeds: German Shepherd Mixes. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Where does the Sheprador come from? The designer dog is a recent phenomenon, with creatively curious breeders shying away from purebred standards to experiment with new super breeds. The spike of crossbreeding in recent decades has produced a whole new wave of dog breeds with little background information. This is true for the German Shepherd and Lab mix. What is a German Shepherd Lab mix? Source: captain. There is no standard to how a Sheprador will look or act. This is a large dog, weighing up to 95 lbs 43 kg and reaching a height of 26 inches 65 cm. She can sport the tan and black saddle markings of the German Shepherd or be solid-colored black, yellow like the Lab. After all is said and done, it really depends on the aesthetics of the parents. German Shepherd: athletic and wolf-like This superstar purebred is like that all-around kid in high school that had the best grades, won all the sporting events, and was beloved by everyone. The German Shepherd GSD is a wolf-like beauty, with long, thick fur, a streamlined body and alert gaze. Her muzzle is narrow, leading up to a wide head and triangular ears. German Shepherd The Shepherd coat is traditionally tan with black markings, but can also be solid black or solid white. This definitely plays into how a Sheprador puppy coat can look. Personality-wise, the GSD is highly intelligent, easy to train and protective of family. She excels as a working or therapy dog and is affectionate towards children and other pets. Labrador Retriever: master of the hunt Nothing exudes more kindness than the big eyes of the Labrador Retriever. This is a hunting breed cherished by families for devotion and friendliness. The Lab is the perfect companion for children, the elderly, and those in need of a gentle service dog. Labrador Retriever Large in stature, the Lab has a short, dense coat that can come in solid yellow, black or chocolate. The velveteen ears hang on the sides of a wide face, with a broad body and tapered tail that make it an excellent swimmer. Like the GSD, the Lab is an athletic fella, with a passion for exercise and activity. She is also intelligent, easy to train and energetic. Is the Sheprador a heavy shedder? Other than that, brush your dog with a heavy-duty comb one to two times a week to keep loose hair under control. I think it goes without saying, the German Shepherd and Lab mix is not hypoallergenic, so if you suffer from allergies this is not a good pet choice. Is the German Shepherd Lab Mix a family dog? Source: koda. We know that the GSD and Lab are renowned family dogs. They both do well around children and other pets. They are extremely devoted breeds that aim to please. There are a few traits to be aware of that can come out in a Sheprador. For instance, the GSD is highly protective. She just wants to be happy and spread her happiness like an everlasting ray of sunshine. That being said, the Lab wants to be by your side day and night. This behavior may make you feel cherished, but it can lead to separation anxiety. Overall, though, the pros outweigh the cons of both breeds, making for a crossbreed with highly desirable characteristics, such as intelligence, friendliness, easy trainability, and loyalty. Check out how smart this Sheprador puppy is! Is this breed easy to train? Early socialization and training for your German Shepherd Labrador mix help in fostering good behavior. Whether or not your dog turns out to be aggressive largely depends on the time you spend training your pet. Highly intelligent, eager to please, and quick to learn, the Sheprador will take whatever commands you throw her way and make short work of it. This makes her an excellent candidate for dog shows and service work. An important training tip specific to this breed is to keep it light on dominance-based methodologies, as the Sheprador does not respond well to this type of training. No matter what, there will be common German Shepherd Lab mix health issues to regard, as with all dog breeds. Hip dysplasia : This affects the joints, causing abnormal development that results in permanent deformity. Since hip dysplasia occurs while the dog matures, it is difficult to diagnose as a puppy. It causes loss of mobility, lameness, and severe pain. Obesity: This health issue comes from the Labrador. They love to eat and can get greedy, leading to rapid weight gain. Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This is an eye disease causing the retina to fail as a dog ages, leaving her blind. Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy: This disease results from the loss of nerve fibers that control the back legs. When this happens, paralysis slowly sets in, becoming more severe over time. As both the GSD and Lab are known to be athletic and strong dogs used for hunting and working jobs, the Sheprador will also inherit these hardy dispositions. Feeding your German Shepherd Lab mix Source: the. Always choose high quality, dry dog food. Skip foods like beef, chicken or salmon because they can cause allergic reactions. Make sure the kibble has a high protein content to help with the hip problems the German Shepherd Lab mix may experience. If you are unsure about the best dog food for your German Shepherd and Lab mix, consult your veterinarian for proper guidance. Get ready to exercise! Both parents are energetic, smart dogs that crave physical and mental stimulation. The German Shepherd Lab mix is not for apartment life; it needs plenty of space to run and play. Running Playing fetch with a ball or Frisbee Swimming Tug of war with a tug toy Canine sports such as agility Puzzle games for brain stimulation Beware of the chew craze If you are the type of owner that prefers a pooch that will sprawl on the couch and watch hours of Netflix with you, you might want to reconsider the German Shepherd Lab mix. The reason I stress this is because without enough exercise, this dog will display destructive behaviors that will affect your life and her overall health. She loves to chew when bored, tearing apart your home and garden. Or, depression will begin to set in from lack of stimulation. Her physical health will be affected, too, since this crossbreed is prone to obesity. Besides exercise, I recommend keeping a diverse selection of chew toys on hand for a rainy day. How much does a German Shepherd and Lab mix puppy cost? Alas, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Source: tessa. Keep in mind that this is a large-sized dog that eats more, which will further heighten spending. As mentioned before, exercise is vital for this dog and it has a knack for chewing, so investing in quality toys is essential to keep her from getting bored. Veterinary costs cannot be determined, but with the types of health issues that the Sheprador can inherit, budgeting funds for medical care is highly recommended. How can I find German Shepherd Lab mix puppies for sale? Source: harley. The popularity of hybrids has unfortunately given rise to a dark force called the puppy mill. These depressing businesses operate with the sole intention of making fast cash with very little regard to the health of the dogs involved. It is common to breed female dogs to exhaustion. As well, health checks are not generally kept, nor are bloodline records. Take these precautions when shopping for breeders. A puppy is a living creature, not a piece of clothing that you can just buy online and have shipped to you. If a breeder promises that a Sheprador puppy will grow to a certain size, be a champion show dog or will look like a wolf — end the conversation and walk away. No one can predict how a hybrid dog will turn out. Sketchy breeders will try to make a fast sell with empty promises. Do read testimonials. Nothing speaks the truth louder than customer testimonials. An ethical breeder should be proud to display past purchase experiences and how customer satisfaction is a top priority. Do visit the breeder. An ethical breeder should be open to having you visit where the puppies were bred, born, and raised. Were they kept in cages? Did they have plenty of outside space to play? Are the parents on the premises? Do ask questions. Ask the breeder to produce health clearances for hereditary diseases like hip dysplasia. Do keep in touch. They should be available to offer guidance if complications arise. Finding a German Shepherd Lab mix for adoption There are plenty of Shepradors at rescues waiting for adoption. If this is more up your alley, check out these agencies. The German Shepherd and Labrador mix has some pros and cons for you to consider. The GSD and the Labrador are known to be excellent family dogs with high intelligence and easy trainability. Nonetheless, this crossbreed is gaining in popularity as a friendly and loving companion dog. She is energetic and needs exercise every day, a healthy diet to stay trim, and training to combat destructive behavior. The German Shepherd and Lab mix is recommended for families or pet owners that live in a house with a fenced-in yard. If you spend a lot of time away from home, this breed is known to exhibit signs of separation anxiety, so you need to be able to give the time and interaction necessary for optimal mental health. What do you think about the German Shepherd Lab mix? Tell us in the comments! With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners. When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events. I love him to pieces but he is hard work. He needs a lot of attention and care. We are starting to get there with him. Any puppies that qualify as a German Shepherd Mix are a cross between a German Shepherd and another dog breed. In a mixed breed, you can get any mix of characteristics in the parent breeds. German Shepherds tend to be strong-willed, intelligent, playful, and loyal. To get a full idea of what to expect in your puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the other dog breed in the cross and check out the mother dog in-person to get a general idea about size and temperament. On the German Shepherd side, you have an independent dog with high intelligence and a playful spirit. German Shepherds make great family pets and are born protectors. Because of their protective instinct, they can be suspicious of strangers. Socialization early and often can help curb this suspicion and make them more open to new people and situations. German Shepherds also tend to be loving and have a lively personality. The German Shepherd Mix can have any or all of these characteristics plus any characteristics from the other parent breed in the mix. Before buying a German Shepherd Mix puppy and bringing them home, be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed. If the puppies are being family-raised around children, you should be able to get an idea of how they will do in a family setting that includes children. The German Shepherd is a moderately adaptable working dog that was bred to guard, work, and herd. They do not tend to do well in apartments and are best-suited for houses with yards. GSDs prefer to be with their families and do not like to be alone. They also tend to prefer cooler climates as they are sensitive to heat. With a German Shepherd Mix, you could get a moderately adaptable dog that is just like a purebred German Shepherd. You could also end up with a dog that is more like the other parent breed. Talking with the breeder about the other parent breed can give you a good idea of what to expect. German Shepherds can be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. You will need to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an idea of any other health concerns to be aware of in your German Shepherd Mix. Health screenings, clearances, and the genetic history of the parents can help allay concerns about potential health conditions. On the German Shepherd side, training and obedience classes are highly recommended for novice dog owners. Although GSDs are highly intelligent, pick up on things quickly, and train fairly easily, they can be stubborn with an independent streak. Regardless of the other parent breed in the cross, you should be prepared to enroll in obedience and training classes with your German Shepherd Mix. The experience will be beneficial to both you and your puppy and will also offer some opportunities for socialization. You will still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an understanding of what to expect during the training process. Professional grooming a few times a year and the occasional bath is also recommended. Regardless of the coat type, your German Shepherd Mix will need to have their nails trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed regularly. Not every dog will allow you to do this, so try to get a tooth brushing session in at least a few times a week to reduce tartar buildup. This will help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, it will help cut down on bad breath! German Shepherds tend to have a high activity level. They were bred to run, herd, guard, and protect, so they are used to working and having a job to do. They are definitely not a lazy dog breed! Be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix. You will still want to go in prepared for a high energy dog with the understanding that your German Shepherd Mix puppy may have an activity level closer to the other breed in the cross. If both are high energy dogs breeds, expect to end up with a high energy dog. A German Shepherd is a large dog breed that generally weighs between 55 and 90 pounds. They also usually stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulders. The other dog breed in the cross could result in a smaller or larger German Shepherd Mix. A German Shepherd generally lives for years. You should be able to expect a similar range in your German Shepherd Mix, but the other dog breed in the cross could affect this range. Featured German Shepherd Mix Article. These two dog breeds are usually picked for their loyalty and intelligence, and a Labrador Retriever cross German Shepherd can offer you these personality traits and quality protection as a bonus! What is a Sheprador? Being a hybrid, half German Shepherd half Labrador mixes can contain physical traits found in both dogs at the same time. Typically, the German Shepherd Labrador mix size is classified as medium-large to large and is a dog that can stand between 1. German Shepherd Labrador mix weight lies between 35 — 85 lbs 16 — 38 kg. Their muzzle size is medium to long and is robust, hefty dogs. A Lab German Shepherd mix does not have a standard ear classification and can have either sharp and pointy or soft and floppy ears. Black or chocolate Lab German Shepherd mix dogs are also known to have short, double coats which can vary from either tan, brown, amber, or black colors. The coat may also be white if you have a white German Shepherd Labrador mix. What are some basic facts about Shepradors? The following sections provide some key German Shepherd Labrador mix info. However, it should be noted that chocolate Lab German Shepherd mixes typically have shorter life expectancies only about 10 years old than non-chocolate Lab German Shepherd mixes. Commonly-occurring known health issues: This list is not comprehensive but can give you some insights about known Sheprador common health ailments. Common symptoms include stiffness or weakness in the hind leg area, and problems walking. Symptoms include weakness in the front legs and a general reluctance to exercise, which may lead to German Shepherd Labrador mix weight loss. Bloat A common problem for large breeds is bloat. Symptoms include indigestion, dry heaving, irregular or shallow breathing, bloated stomachs, and excessive salivation. Obesity This is a problem that originates from the Labrador Retriever side and its propensity to eat a lot. If left unchecked, German Shepherd Labrador mix size can reach unhealthy levels; weight levels reaching almost lbs 45 kg and can lead to arthritis and joint problems, worsen metabolism, and generally make your Sheprador more vulnerable to diseases. Shepradors may suffer from cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes, and conjunctivitis. How can I take care of my Sheprador? Take note of the next sections for some basic care and grooming German Shepherd Labrador mix info. Coat A Sheprador is notorious for its constant shedding. Invest in basic grooming tools such as a slicker brush. Undercoat rakes are also good to have as Shepradors typically are born with double coats. Brush and groom your Sheprador once or twice a week to avoid matting and shedding in unwanted areas. Exercise Being a product of two relatively active dog breeds, regular exercise is important for Shepradors to maintain a healthy weight level, avoid joint and arthritic complications, and for good overall mental health. Make time to exercise or play with your Sheprador for at least 2 hours every day 1 hour, if exercising with high intensity. Portion control Maintaining a healthy weight is a major consideration when taking care of a Sheprador. Do not give out treats unless training your Sheprador as much as possible. Males can safely consume between — calories a day, while a daily serving size for females is between — calories a day depending on current weight. This portion details German Shepherd Labrador mix temperament and what personality traits you can expect from your Sheprador. Shepradors are highly trainable dogs and are recommended to undergo regular daily training sessions. This dog breed can learn commands relatively quickly and will perform them to the best of their abilities. It is also their intelligence that requires them to learn new commands or directions regularly, as they can become bored easily if not properly engaged. High energy Shepradors are naturally energetic dogs that need regular exercise and activity. Shepradors that do not exercise regularly may be vulnerable to bouts of depression or escape tendencies. Constant mental and physical engagement through exercise, games, and training are essential to maintain a balanced and good-natured German Shepherd Labrador mix temperament. Friendliness This personality trait originates from the Labrador Retriever side. Shepradors are naturally congenial dogs that need very little formal socialization training. This means that your Sheprador can be introduced into most social situations and make friends with other dogs and humans easily. 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. 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.

German Shepherds are very gentle dogs and are much known for their protective traits. Unfortunately, last , there was a new adoption fee. Adopting a German Shepherd in Connecticut would now cost around dollars to dollars. These German Shepherds are provided with consistent medical care. Ever since the German Shepherd gets rescued, they will closely be monitored and have the privilege of being spayed and neutered. Care also includes all kinds of shots for dogs. Choosing a Good German Shepherd Rescue If you are trying to adopt a rescued German Shepherd from German Shepherd shelters, you might be confused about what you should consider. If you ask people to like your friends and family, they might have different opinions that confuse you. But there is not so much to consider. The fact that you chose to adopt a rescued German Shepherd rather than buying one is already one act of kindness. You might already know that there are so many rescued German Shepherds in the world and only a few German Shepherd shelters. If the German Shepherd comes at you with no hesitations and no aggressiveness, you would know that it was a good rescue. If the German Shepherd is warm and inviting on your first encounter, it is already a good rescue because there are no signs of trauma or aggression. How do I pick a good rescue German Shepherd? You might ask yourself what kind of German Shepherd you should adopt and rehome. You can look for outgoing dogs. You can tell that by observing their body language when you first meet. However, if you are also not down to unlimited patience, you can avoid a shy German Shepherd. These dogs can be a little bit of work because they are afraid and run away from you. If you are outgoing and are a very hands-on person, you might not enjoy your German Shepherd because of its shyness. Dogs can be trained and can also be flexible like some people are. If you love a challenge, you can pick any dog you want. Summary There are several shelters in Connecticut where you may locate a German Shepherd to adopt. Adoption, of course, comes with a slew of processes, duties, and criteria. The above list should save you a lot of time while looking for a German Shepherd rescue in Connecticut. In this manner, you may be confident that you are adopting the best German Shepherd. Other States. It also details the process of adopting a GSD from the rescues and provides the contact details to make everything easy for you. This low percentage could explain why the best German Shepherd rescue in Connecticut is an all-breed dog rescue. We explored the top four for you. Rescue Dog Village Guardian. Homeless dogs need a safe haven to stay alive. The all-breeds Rescue works with shelters in Connecticut to save lost, unwanted, and sick dogs from euthanasia. The Rescue also collaborates with local humane societies to offer vet care, conduct home visits, and provide volunteer and transport services. Through their services, the Rescue strives to promote positive interactions between people and pets. Become a volunteer or foster. Sponsor a dog to cater for its vet and rescue expenses. Adopt a dog. Adopting a German Shepherd While the Rescue works to rescue and rehome dogs of all breeds, it has a page dedicated to available German Shepherds. To adopt one of the GSDs in the Rescue, visit the page dedicated to adoptable German Shepherds and read about the dog that interests you. Once you spot your preferred dog, you can commit to adoption by following these steps: Fill out an adoption application. Provide a reference for a veterinarian The vet will be contacted via phone. Allow a volunteer to visit your home to ensure the dog will be safe. Bring home your new pet. Rescue Dog Village Guardian, Inc. Save All Dogs Rescue Save All Dogs Rescue is a not-for-profit charitable organization founded in to save dogs and cats from overwhelmed kill shelters. The Rescue works with animal shelters and humane societies in Connecticut to rescue abandoned pets and find them loving homes. Once rescued, the volunteers take the dog to the Fenton River Vet in Tolland, where a veterinarian from Save All Dogs examines the pet. Following the health examination, the dog receives every necessary care to ensure it is fit for adoption. Participating in this event has seen more dogs find their forever homes. Be accompanied by family members and any existing pets to the adoption meetings. Have a valid license. Have a collar or harness and leash. We cannot support long distance adoptions. Homes with children under the age of 7 years, whether the children live in the home or are regular visitors. Applicants that rent their place of residence. If any of the above apply to your situation and you would still like to talk with someone on our Adoption Hotline Team about your situation. Please leave your name and phone number, along with a convenient time to return your call. We try to return all calls within 48 hours. NOTE: If you do not receive a callback within 48 hours, please call back. When the volunteer calls back, they will go over our requirements for adoption as well as answer any questions you might have. Click here to go to our Requirements for Adoption page for additional details. After you have spoken to an Adoption Hotline Volunteer, they will send you an application if you meet the requirements for adoption. Read every bit of the Adoption Application packet that you receive. This packet is complete with information about both GSDs in general and about adoption and how that works. Usually we can get this visit done within a few weeks of your application approval. This volunteer will sit down and meet with you, and check the safety of your property, etc. This is great time to ask questions, voice concerns, discuss what you love in a dog, what you would rather avoid, etc. Completion of the adoption application and home visit interview begins the adoption process and helps us determine which dog in our program matches best with you and your family. We reserve the right to refuse an application if the home situation or environment is deemed incompatible with the needs of our rescue German Shepherd dog. Our requirements have been set through years of experience placing and rehoming rescue dogs. Meet the Dog! Because GSRNE has all of our dogs living in nice foster homes, not in kennels, we do not have a facility for you to visit. GSDs do NOT do well in shelter situations, so we make sure that they are placed in a foster home until we can find a matched approved adopter for them. This is the best way to meet a new dog. You will see how the dog lives and behaves in a home environment. You can ask whatever questions you want about the dog from the foster home that has lived with this rescue dog for over a month. Your visit can be a relaxed and pleasant experience where you and the rescue dog are the focus. Visitations to meet a dog may be set up right away, or can take some time, depending on the availability of dog s that match your needs and lifestyle. If there is a connection, the actual adoption begins. Because we take great care to find a dog that will match your lifestyle and preferences, it rarely takes meeting more than one, possibly two dogs, to find that ultimate new family member! Our organization is comprised wholly of hard-working volunteers whose only reward is seeing these wonderful German Shepherd dogs in loving homes, given another chance for a happy life. We will try to match you with a devoted, loving, loyal companion. Thank you for your interest! Please Remember We are all volunteers, most of whom work full-time day jobs, have our own dogs and families, and are doing this out of a desire to make a difference in the lives of needy German Shepherds. We appreciate your patience while we work through the Adoption process. If you are from outside New England, you may want to search elsewhere for information on other GSD rescue groups throughout North America. Click here to see our Requirements for Adoption section for additional details. Please remember, we are all volunteers, most of whom work full-time day jobs, have our own dogs and families, and are volunteering out of a desire to make a difference in the lives of needy German Shepherds. We appreciate your patience while we work through the Adoption Process. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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Umbilical cord training Throughout the rest of this guide I will be referring to each of these 4 methods and when you should or could be using them. Once used to using the paper or the pads, you slowly cut the area covered until they reliably use just a couple of sheets and never miss. You then slowly move the paper toward the outside where another set is placed and you begin to encourage your puppy to go outside only, before completely removing the papers inside. At this point they will have made the transition. A top tip when paper training is when you clean away soiled paper, you should hold one piece back and place it as a middle layer of the new papers. Puppy pads have a scent that attracts a puppy, paper does not. Effectiveness: On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 3. This is confusing and will make the learning process take longer. Best suited to: Either people who are going to have an indoor bathroom spot long-term, or people who will not use a crate for training yet cannot commit to constantly supervising their puppy when inside the home. Ease of use: On a scale of 1 to 5, definitely a 5. But it does result in more mistakes from your puppy until later in life. Equipment needed: Nothing but stacks of old newspapers! A very cost-effective method. Description: The method takes advantage of the fact dogs have a natural instinct not to soil the area where they eat and sleep. Key to this is making the crate just large enough to stand in, turn around easily and lay down stretched out but no bigger. The rest of the time you watch them and regularly take them outside to potty to teach them good habits. Best suited to: Everybody! This is because you will have to crate train your puppy before you can use a crate for house training which does take time and effort. Click here for my free and detailed guide to crate training your puppy. Equipment needed: A suitable crate. I have a guide to help you select the right size and type that you can read by clicking here. Effectiveness: On a scale of 1 to 5, I tentatively give it a 3. It could actually score higher or lower depending on how committed you are and how successful at supervising your puppy you are. Best suited to: People who are against any kind of confinement and can stay at home to watch their puppy all day every day. Mostly people who work from home and the retired. But this method also forms a part of every house training plan, whether you use other methods alongside or not. This is because when a puppy is free inside a home, they MUST be closely supervised to prevent any mistakes. Ease of use: On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 2. It scores low as it requires a lot of input from you as the owner. It is quite draining never being able to take your eye of your puppy. Equipment needed: None. Not a crate, newspapers, puppy pads or anything. The cheapest of all the methods…unless you put a price on your time. But it is highly effective. Description: This technique calls for you to tether your puppy to you by leash and have them follow you wherever you go when inside your home. You will notice and be able to intervene and correct every possible mistake, taking them outside every time they need to relieve themselves. Used correctly, the opportunity for your puppy to make mistakes is completely removed so every single time they need to visit their bathroom spot is a training opportunity you will take advantage of and no mistake goes uncorrected. Best suited to: People who spend all their time at home with their puppy and would also enjoy literally being tied to their pup all day. Further Info: for a detailed discussion of this technique, the benefits, downside, and many more tips, please see my article: Umbilical Cord House Training: What is It? How Does It Work? A Mix Of 3 Methods I use and recommend a mixture of crate training, constant supervision and paper training. I use constant supervision extensively because when a puppy is outside of the crate you have to watch them diligently to avoid puppy mistakes. Admittedly this is somewhat going against my advice because I always recommend to avoid paper training if possible. It encourages or allows your puppy to toilet inside the home, before then training them not to do so. This is confusing to your puppy and harmful to our house training efforts. But even though I recommend against it, using paper training ever so occasionally as a fall back plan works well for me. Most dogs love being outside and will use any excuse to get out there and stay there. You do this by using a cue word and walking them on leash to their potty spot, not allowing them to do anything else and if they do not potty, taking them back inside and trying again in a few minutes. Because a full bladder or bowel is uncomfortable, dogs are happy to relieve themselves, but some may try to hold it if they think they can get to stay outside and sniff around a while. If people use different words, your dog will get confused. This will slowly teach them the command. And this is fine for the first couple of weeks while they have no bladder control and will perform their business very quickly. And some dogs even learn to actively hold their bladder just so they can stay outside to explore for longer. Before you can do this you need to first get your puppy used to wearing a collar and leash. Have You Got Everything Prepared? A Check-list Before You Start Like everything in life, house training runs smoother if you have everything ready before you start, hopefully before you even bring your puppy home. Have you: Decided on and marked out a suitable bathroom spot? Chosen and purchased a suitable high-quality nutritious food? Figured out the times of day you will feed your puppy? Got a collar and leash? Put in place a leash training plan? Bought a suitable crate and set it up in a suitable place? Bought bedding for the crate? Bought chew toys to occupy your puppy in the crate? Decided on the commands you will use if any? Purchased either baby gates, a pet barrier or an exercise pen for longer term confinement? Sourced stacks of newspapers or puppy pads to use in the long-term confinement area? Bought some small but highly tasty training treats to use as a reward? Bought specialized pet stain removing and odor neutralizing cleaning products? Bought a UV light to find hidden spots of urine that must be removed to prevent repeat accidents? Sat and discussed with every member of your household your finalized plans so everybody has the same info? Successful House Training Is All About Schedules And Routine Dogs thrive when living to schedules and routine, doing best when they have set times for eating, going to toilet, exercise, training and play. But because the passage of food through their digestive system stays roughly the same, if you feed your puppy at the same times every day they will need to defecate at roughly the same times every day. This results in fewer mistakes, more opportunities to praise your puppy for going in the right place and so speeds up their learning. Depending on their age a puppy will need to poop 3 to 6 times a day, and wee many more times than that. Can these times be predicted? Mostly they can. When a puppy needs to potty depends on when they last ate, drank and their recent activities. Mostly they need to go: First thing in the morning The instant they wake up from a nap at any time of the day Just before going to bed Within a few minutes of eating or drinking Immediately after a play session Immediately after any excitement But a puppy also needs to go many times per day regardless of recent activities, so you should also take your puppy to their bathroom spot on a consistent schedule such as the following: At 8 weeks old — every 30 mins. At 10 weeks old — every 45 mins. At 12 weeks old — every 1 to 1. At 16 weeks old — every 2 hours. At 20 weeks old — every 3 hours. Some will need to wee within 2 minutes of drinking, others after 20 minutes. Some will need a bathroom break within 2 minutes of waking, others 15 minutes later. You have to determine your puppies own natural tendencies and create a schedule to suit. To achieve this, you need to follow this 5 step process: Feed them to a strict schedule. Decide on exercise, play and training times. Develop a schedule including feeding, exercise, play, training and all scheduled potty times. Use the information gathered in your diary to learn from any mistakes and adjust your schedule for the following week. The more you can stick to schedules and routines, the smoother and faster the process will be. But you can stray from the path when necessary and still find success, it will just take a little longer. You should feed your puppy 3 times a day when 12 to 26 weeks old. From 26 weeks old and onwards, feed your puppy just two times a day For 2 meals a day you need to space them out 8 to 12 hours apart. What works for me is shortly after I get up at and when we have our evening meal between PM and PM. Availability Of Water: You should make sure fresh water is always available but because drinking too much or too little can be a sign of health problems, you do need to monitor their water intake. Physical activity often leads to a puppy needing to potty very soon after. So to encourage predictable potty times for your puppy, you want to schedule their exercise and play. Deciding when to exercise, train and play with your puppy is entirely up to you. You should fit it around your lifestyle and commitments, but try to make it the same times each day if you can. Enter all the following details into a single column in an excel spreadsheet, or write them down as a day schedule with a pen and paper: When you wake and add an instant bathroom break before you do ANYTHING for yourself! Enter the times you will play with, train and exercise your puppy. Enter a scheduled visit to the bathroom spot after each of the activities listed in points 1 to 3. Add scheduled bathroom visits after any length of time longer than your puppy should be expected to hold it according to their age. Write in scheduled sleeps for your puppy, place them in the crate or confinement area. After writing down this schedule, tick off each task as you go through the day with your puppy. This way you will always know what needs to be done and when, and there will be no confusion about whether someone else in the house fed, exercised or took the puppy to the loo. I discuss this further in step 5 below. You should be able to pick up on any patterns and adjust your own behavior to avoid mistakes in future. Was puppy left alone and peed in the living room while you made breakfast? Puppy should never be left alone unsupervised, learn from this mistake. Or maybe puppy peed in the crate after an hour? Learn from this mistake. Well done for watching them closely enough. So increase the frequency. Therefore you should stretch out the time between visits by 10 to 15 minutes for the following day. This is how you find out. And Now House Training is So Much Easier By writing out the schedule as in step 3, you should never forget to feed, train or take your puppy to potty. And by using the schedule as a diary as in step 5, you get feedback on how you and your puppy are performing, and are armed with the necessary info to make changes to your schedule over time. You, your puppy and their needs all stay in sync and house training becomes that much easier. Just make a spreadsheet in excel and print it out, or simply buy some lined paper. Keep it somewhere you can always see and know where it is, alongside a pen or pencil and write entries in it as you watch your puppy throughout the day. After this, continuing with a diary every day is the best advice, although keeping one for 3 consecutive days each week will be sufficient for you to pick up on any changes as they mature. Once your puppy is 5 to 6 months old, they will have sufficient bladder control and experience to make a schedule and diary unnecessary. Just make sure they get access to the outside at least once every 3 hours and all will be fine. Extending The Time Between Toilet Breaks I discussed earlier how a puppy will need regular visits to their bathroom spot, something like every 30 minutes at 8 weeks old, every 45 minutes at 10 weeks old and so on. But every puppy is different and their progress in having longer time between needed toilet breaks will vary too. You do this because as a puppy grows, the size of their bowel and bladder increases, so they will be able to hold more for longer and you want to take advantage of this. This is also teaching them necessary bladder and bowel control. Use your cue word before you take them: By using your chosen cue word every time before you take them to potty, your puppy will learn what the trip is about and what they must do. This eventually leads to faster results as they know what is expected of them. Lead your puppy to the bathroom spot on leash: This gives you the ability to keep your puppy at the bathroom spot and prevent them wandering off, getting distracted and forgetting what they are there for. Make sure you stay with them at their bathroom spot: If you have them on leash, then of course you will be. When they start to go, say your chosen cue word in a soft warm voice. Mix up the reward between play, time off leash and a food reward to keep them guessing, but keep the food rewards to a minimum as what goes in must come out and random feeding promotes random elimination times! Many people pop out, stand for 1 minute and then come back in. Some people recommend to stay out there for 10, 15, 20 minutes, whatever it takes until they go, then praise profusely when they do. I recommend you give them 3 to 5 minutes, saying your cue word every 30 seconds or so but otherwise standing silently still just holding their leash so they cannot wander off. Take them back to their bathroom spot in 10 minutes or so. If using a crate for house training: Pop them back in the crate and leave them for 10 minutes. Then take them back to their bathroom spot. Take them to their bathroom spot after 10 minutes. If not, take them away from their bathroom spot and watch them for 10 minutes before returning them to their bathroom spot. And if crate training, do not leave them in the crate too long else they may be forced to soil in there. Prevent this at all costs. Rinse and repeat the visits to and fro like this until they do potty, then follow the next sections advice. What You Should Do Between Scheduled Bathroom Breaks Between scheduled bathroom visits you should do two things: Allow some supervised free time in your home, and use your chosen house training method. By free time I mean time outside of their crate, or off leash, or out of their confinement area. Time free to roam, explore and live life. When 10 weeks old they may need to toilet every 30 minutes, so they only get 5 to 10 minutes free time. When 12 weeks old, they may need to toilet every hour so they can get 35 to 40 minutes free time. You allow this free time because you are of course working toward a time when they will always be free and trusted unsupervised. To get there they need the experience, to get used to being free in your home and begin seeing it as a place they need to keep clean. They also need social interaction and life experiences. But what are the signs a puppy is about to potty? Heading toward, barking at or scratching the door to the outside. The minute you see any of these signs you should take your puppy to their bathroom spot immediately. There may well be some false alarms, but better safe than sorry. Carefully watch them and you should soon notice what body language means a wee or a poop is imminent. There will be recognizable signs. We do this because the time is fast approaching when mistakes are most likely to be made. If using constant supervision: Carry on as you are. Then at their scheduled potty time, attach a leash and lead them to their bathroom spot. If using a crate for house training: Encourage your puppy into their crate and close the door, leaving them there until their scheduled potty time and then release them, instantly attaching a leash and leading them to their bathroom spot. If using umbilical cord training: Attach a leash and tether your puppy to you, ready to react if they make moves to eliminate. Take them to their bathroom spot at the scheduled time. If paper training: Take your puppy to their confinement area where their papered bathroom spot is and supervise them, ready to intervene if they make moves to potty away from the paper. Not good when you need to be there to encourage them for doing it in the right place. If they do, you can pick them up and carry them, or take them by the collar and gently lead them to their bathroom spot, then encourage them to finish where they should. But to me this seems foolish. Instead of a little pile or puddle, you then have a long line of wee or poop from where you caught them all the way to the bathroom spot that you then have to deep clean instead. Then think how they were able to make such a mistake and tweak your plans so it cannot happen again. But any corrections or punishment now will be futile. House Training For Full Time Workers This advice applies not just to full-time workers , but also if you must occasionally leave your puppy home alone for a few hours. Most importantly, follow all the advice in this guide so far for the times that you are home. Supervise them, correct any mistakes, set feeding and elimination schedules and everything else I have advised. First of all, if like me you use a crate, you simply cannot leave your puppy in the crate for many hours. This is very unfair on your puppy and it will destroy the crates power as a house training tool if they lose the instinct to keep it clean. Secondly, please do your best to enlist the help of a family member, friend, neighbor or hire a dog walker to periodically pop in to visit your puppy, take them to their bathroom spot, give them some social interaction and so on. But I also freely admit to using paper training myself occasionally, for the unavoidable times I have to leave my puppy home alone for a few hours. If you have to leave your puppy home alone for any reason, usually because you work, then paper training in your absence is the only thing you can do. You then have two options available to you: Buy and use an exercise pen, or confine your puppy to a single, puppy-proofed room. As they get used to pottying on paper, reduce the area covered one sheet at a time until just a small area remains covered. Once you know your puppy can hold their bladder for longer than they have to be left alone, remove the paper altogether. By 16 to 20 weeks, they should be able to last the 3 or 4 hours max they will be left alone and somebody comes to exercise them and allow a bathroom break. Between 8 and 12 weeks when weeing seems spontaneous , my puppy spends a fair bit of time in there and I paper train them to use puppy pads. Our kitchen and dining room was separated by an arch where a door used to be, with tiled flooring, making it ideal. I used a baby gate across the arch between the kitchen and dining room, and initially covered the dining area with paper, over time reducing it to just two sheets with the puppy pad holder on top. The dining area is completely empty, with no furniture, nothing in there. Skirting boards, the corners of furniture items, anything within reach is a potential target for teeth and claws. My girlfriend works from home, we crate trained and we had no problem finding house sitters in an evening if we needed one, so we all but had things covered. But this is something you need to be mindful of. Whatever the reason, there just WILL be times you cannot supervise your puppy. The essence of house training is to prevent mistakes and praise your puppy heavily when they potty in the right place. If you cannot watch your puppy, the chances of them making a mistake go through the roof. So even if you choose to use a constant supervision method exclusively, you will still need to confine your puppy sometimes to a paper covered area just in case. I mean literally none at all. One minute they are trotting along, the next they are leaking. No warning signs for you, not even any warning signs for them. I recommend setting up an exercise pen with the entire area papered, or do as I do and confine them to a room with the entire area papered. Use this time to paper train them, to get them used to weeing on paper and gradually reduce the area because you will use this method if you ever have to leave them home alone during the next 4 or 5 months. They will sniff, circle and so on as I mentioned before. At this point you can now move on to using your chosen house training method. Start encouraging them to potty in the right place from the minute you get them home. So the good news is, even at 8 weeks they will be able to last 4 or so hours and you will only need to wake once during the night. Also, make sure to take them to their bathroom spot right before you go to bed so they can empty themselves. Then set an alarm for 4 hours after their bed time when you must get up and take them to their bathroom spot. No excuses, you simply must do this. If you find your puppy has soiled in this time, you should set the alarm for half an hour earlier the next night 3. After a few days of not having a night-time accident, set your alarm for 15 minutes later and increase the time by 15 minutes for each successful night they do not have an accident. If you find they make a mistake one night before you wake, set the alarm back half an hour, make sure they stay dry a few days and then increase 15 minutes nightly again. And by using this schedule, you strike a good balance between a couple of inevitable accidents while stretching out the time at a good pace to lasting a full night. If they soil their crate more than once in any given week, you may have to progress slower add 15 minutes every 2 or 3 days , or perhaps sleep them in a papered exercise pen or their confinement room. Maintaining their instinct to keep the crate clean is of utmost importance. What To Do At The Bathroom Spot At Night When you take them out at night, say your chosen cue word, take them straight to their bathroom spot, praise them gently when they finish their business but do not reward them with anything else. The last thing you want is to teach your puppy that during the night is a time for play or food treats! This will come back to haunt you in a big way and result in noisy sleepless nights. You want your puppy to learn that night-time is for sleeping and for nothing else. Do nothing else. Some will be able to last the whole night without a potty break at 10 weeks rarely , and some may not be able to at 15 weeks also rarely. But certainly by 16 weeks old your puppy will be able to last a 7 hour night without needing to potty if you do not feed them for 3 hours or provide water for 2 hours before bed time and allow them to empty themselves right before you lay down for the night. No Progress? If you are feeding, exercising, training and playing with your puppy to a schedule, and when you look at your diary there seems to be no pattern to the times they need to potty, you should seek the advice of your vet. Common ailments such as gastroenteritis, urinary tract infection and health issues affecting internal organs and the genitalia can lead to a dog needing to potty much more frequently, often leading to eliminating in the house. Again, seek the advice of your family vet. You cannot successfully house train a puppy who is ill because their bodily functions will be too unpredictable. But 6 to 7 months is the ball park figure to aim for. A single mistake in the home can cause a major setback. A puppy may not make a mistake for 2 weeks, then you give them too much freedom, they make a mistake and all of a sudden they are regularly trying to potty in the home again. Also, some puppies just seem to forget everything for a few days now and then while growing up, even after being perfect for a couple of weeks. Just stick to your plan and they WILL eventually get it. Conclusion With house training, the fewer mistakes you allow your puppy to make and the more they are rewarded for doing the right thing, the quicker they will learn and the faster you will find success. Because of this, the more effort you put in and the more time you spend with your puppy at the beginning — supervising to correct mistakes and taking them to their bathroom spot many times each day — the better. But there are many other things you can do to help yourself and your puppy to find success. This guide has provided you with all the theory, strategies, tips and tricks you will ever need to successfully house train your puppy as quickly and efficiently as possible, with the fewest mistakes along the way. Please see the entire series linked to below:. Print Potty train your puppy quickly Housebreaking is one of the least desirable tasks when adding a new puppy to your family. It is never fun but consider it a necessary task. You will never regret having a dog that knows your home is not a bathroom. When to start housebreaking Housebreaking should begin the day you bring your puppy home from the breeder. It is important to establish quickly that there is a right and wrong place for your puppy to go potty. How long does it take to house train a lab puppy? I wish I could give a definitive answer for this, but the truth is that every puppy is different. Most puppies can be completely house broke by the time they are months. But assume there will be a lot of ups and downs through the process. Some puppies learn very quickly and rarely have an accident. Others take more time to make the connection. Here are some things you can do to help the process go smoothly. Have the right attitude! Keep your attitude in check to help this process go quickly and smoothly. Have patience! As already stated, potty training can take some time. It may happen, but it is unlikely. Instead, plan for a long haul and then you will be more patient and understanding when mishaps happen. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Step 1: Establish a place for your puppy to go potty To get started housebreaking your puppy, you must first establish a place where it is okay for your puppy to do his business. Find a place outside that is not too far from your home, but an area where you are not worried about killing the grass or trampling plants that are important to you. Consider this carefully, because once your puppy starts going potty in this area it will be exceedingly difficult to move or change the area. Once the scent is there, it is natural for dogs to continue going potty in the same area over and over. Do I have to potty train outside? In some areas of the country, winters can be very cold. Some new puppy owners wonder if it is too cold for their Labrador puppy to go outside to potty train during these times. The answer is no. Most Labs can easily be outside for a few minutes even during the coldest nights to go potty. A pee pad is a disposable, leak proof pad that is scented to attract your dog and encourage going potty on them. We highly discourage using pee pads because in the long run it is confusing to your dog. If you spend time teaching your puppy to NOT go potty inside your home and then flip-flop and begin letting them go inside your home on a pee pad, your dog will be confused. Besides, eventually you must retrain them to going outside, so the best policy is to never start letting inside be an option. Step 2: Establish a routine and schedule for your puppy Establishing a routine is the single most important step for housebreaking. The more consistent you are, the faster your puppy will learn to go outside for potty. This time will increase rapidly over the next few weeks, but that first week is going to take a lot of time and energy on your part to consistently let your puppy out on a schedule. To make being consistent easier, consider this: Set a timer When housebreaking puppies, we find that setting a timer is helpful. An hour flies by and you hardly realize it. For the first few days at least, set a timer and let your puppy out hourly, especially if your puppy is not in a crate. We will discuss that more in a bit. Timing is everything There are other times when you need to let your puppy outside. Immediately after eating or drinking your puppy should go outside. Eating and drinking will trigger a need to go potty, so to avoid accidents, take your puppy out every time they eat or drink. And if they drink a lot of water, you may have to take them out several times before they are back on schedule. Anything you can do to make going potty a routine will help your dog learn and associate that going outside is where I need to go to go potty. Use a command I know this sounds crazy but using a command can help your dog form an association between the command and going potty. At first this is meaningless to the puppy. And you cannot discipline your puppy for a potty accident in the house that you never saw happen. The solution for this is never let your puppy go unsupervised. This can be exhausting, that is why we suggest using a crate to help. The stern words must be said during the accident or immediately after to have any effect. Using a crate to house train your puppy First, while your puppy may not love his crate right away, if properly introduced and used consistently, Labs usually come to love their crates. As den animals, dogs will view their crate as a den where they can go to sleep or get away from the business of the home. Learn more about crate training your Labrador puppy here. When using a crate to housetrain your puppy, you first want to make sure that you have a very small crate. One that is just a little bigger than your puppy. This is particularly important because you do not want your puppy to be able to move around much in the crate. If they can move around, they can and often will go potty in the crate. So, start with a very small crate and get bigger crates as the puppy grows. Whatever you choose to use to block off the larger area, make sure that it is not something your puppy can chew on or ingest. You will still need to find a way to gradually increase the area that the puppy has access to, so I just find the multiple crate solution easier. You should still set a timer and take your puppy out on a regular basis, and you will want to schedule some time each day for the puppy to run around the house and play while supervised. Step 4: Using praise to speed the house breaking process You can help your puppy more quickly understand that going potty outside is the right thing to do by giving your puppy well-timed praise. But the praise must be well-timed. You should give the praise while your puppy is going potty outside or immediately after. Timing is very important! Lots of people get upset when the dog goes inside but fail to praise when the dog does the right thing. Not all dogs are the same. Some puppies will whine just before they go potty in the house, or whine at the door when they need to go. Some will hide somewhere you cannot see them and do their business there. Still others may scratch at the door. How long can a puppy hold it overnight? With young puppies, weeks old, you will need to get up several times a night to let them out. It can be helpful to limit the amount of water your puppy has access to close to bedtime. We usually aim for every 3 hours and then steadily increase the time as they get older. But each puppy is different. Final thoughts on how to house train your Labrador puppy Remember that housebreaking is a process. It rarely follows a straight line and more often there will periods of success and occasional mishaps. Stick with it and before long your puppy will understand that going potty in the house is not okay. Until next time, happy retrieving. How to housebreak your Labrador puppy. Time to start potty training your Labrador Puppy Potty training or house training is one of the first things that you will have to focus on after bringing home a Labrador Puppy. However, you must know what to expect when toilet training a Lab puppy, you must be prepared with patience and dedication since house training can be difficult in the beginning. Here are the house-training basics that you will need to follow to train your puppy. House training is done over time, and here is how. You can also take your puppy into your yard if you have one. Teaching your lab puppy go potty in the yard is the best idea since Labradors produce a lot of waste when they are grown. If you live in an apartment you have no other option but to take your Lab outside to evacuate. Lab puppies love to go outside and explore new territories. So for apartment dwellers, the first months of potty training will happen indoors. Puppies can refuse to go potty on surfaces that they are not used to. For example, if your puppy gets used to evacuating on hard floors, going potty in the grass will feel awkward to your puppy, and will prefer to do it on the sidewalk. So, using an artificial grass puppy pad while you potty train your Lab indoors can help to transition to real grass when your puppy is ready to explore the outside world. How to toilet train a Labrador Retriever Puppy Keep an eye on your puppy for signs like circling, sniffing, and scratching the floor. This means that your puppy needs to potty. Take your puppy outside or to the designated potty place in your house or apartment. This will help your dog know that is the place to go do the thing. If the activity is successful praise your puppy for doing a good job. You can also give your Lab puppy a treat for doing a good job, Labs are a food-motivated breed, so yummy treats help a lot with training. Positive reinforcement will help your Labrador to go potty in the right place. Limiting the movement of your puppy will make it easier to keep an eye on during this process. Consider using baby gates to close an area of your house. The area must be big enough so that your puppy can move and play inside. It should be close to your yard or the area of your house where you want your Lab to go potty. Also, this area must be easy to clean, you can expect accidents in this part of the potty training. Then take the puppy to the potty place and let it finish there. Do not scare the puppy if you catch it in the act, the goal is to get its attention and let it know that it is not doing the right thing. This is something you must teach your dog. Do it patiently and be consistent with the training and eventually, you will get your Labrador fully house-trained. Use some white vinegar diluted in water or an enzymatic odor remover to thoroughly clean the area. For this period, you might need the following items to begin potty training your Labrador puppy. Make sure they are all pet-friendly and of a reputable brand name. Absorbent pee pad : Dog training pads mostly come in handy in the first stages of house training, before your puppy can go potty outside. The benefit of a pad is that the mess your puppy makes will be confined to just one place and it will be easier for you to clean up. Stain Remover : As a routine, accidents are bound to happen. And this is why having a good cleaner is extremely important. Along with a pet, cleaner make sure you also have ample small towels on hand. Dog poop bag and Pooper scooper : Having these is also very important. They will come in handy when you have to pick up and discard the mess your little friend makes. You can carry these in your bag or even in your pocket when you go out on a walk with your dog. Treats: Many dogs are motivated by food, and this is why you will need food treats that your Labrador puppy enjoys. After your dog listens to your commands and goes to the right place, give him a treat, so he understands that food comes after he goes to the right place. A leash and collar: This will allow you to show your dog where the right place is. Barrier gates : This is also an essential supply as it will confine your dog to a specific place. Barrier gates make it easier to keep your house floors clean. Pee finder : Finding and cleaning dried pee will help prevent future accidents. You might also want a car seat cover in case you have to travel somewhere with your little friend. An artificial grass pad to train your puppy for the outside. When to start house training your Labrador puppy: On a general note, younger Labrador puppies have very short attention spans. At what age should a lab puppy be potty trained? House training should begin as soon as your Lab puppy arrives at your home. Which is normally at 7 to 9 weeks of age. So, if your little Labrador puppy is a few weeks old, you might begin with basic command words to get familiar with the house routine and also your voice. You can use this time to show your new Lab puppy the areas of your house it is allowed to be in, and close off any part of your house that is off-limits to your dog. The best moments to train your Lab puppy are: After a nap. Labrador house training routines. We want them to learn to wait until they are outdoors before emptying their bladder or bowels. It is about maturity too. We need to understand that tiny puppies have immature bodies and are not physically capable of waiting very long. On your side There are two factors on your side in the potty training process. When it comes to bladder control, fortunately your puppy improves with every day that passes, so this factor does not work against you forever. The same applies to the fact that the puppy has been removed from his nest, he will soon learn to accept his new nest. The principles of puppy potty training The puppy is learning the principle of extending the nest area, which he keeps clean instinctively, to include your entire home. Punishment is counter-productive in this process as it teaches the puppy to avoid emptying himself in your presence. Rewards are helpful, but given the right routine, a puppy will naturally learn to be clean without them. The secret to successful house training lies in selecting targets that the puppy can achieve. If your puppy sometimes needs to wee every 15 minutes whilst he is awake and active, you will have to take him outside every 15 minutes. Restricted access Start small applies here too. Allow your puppy access only to a small part of your home. Increase the area he has access to, only when he is capable of keeping the current area clean. Just because he can. And because the sensation of a filling bladder is a new one. Your job is to teach him to wait a little longer. You do this by confining him for a short time, every time his bladder fills. You can confine him in his nest within a crate , or in your arms. He will be reluctant to wee in either location. If he wets himself, you have waited too long! It takes two You need to go outside with your puppy, and stay out there with him, each time he needs to wee. A tiny puppy is unlikely to empty himself on his own. This especially applies in cold or wet weather. Routines Matter When House Training a Labrador Retriever Based around these practical requirements you can create your own house training routine. For a puppy that needs to wee every half an hour, it will go something like this Take puppy outside to the toilet area and wait with him until he empties himself Bring him indoors and allow him free access to your kitchen for fifteen to twenty minutes Crate or cuddle the puppy until it is thirty minute since his last wee Take the puppy back out to the toilet area If at any time the puppy does not empty himself then confine him for another ten minutes and try again. As soon as he is regularly not needing to wee after thirty minutes you can extend the duration of free access to your kitchen. Provided you stick to these principles and strategies, the house training process, though quite intense for a short while, will pass smoothly. Supervise Your Puppy Your second job is to supervise or contain your puppy when his bladder is filling up. You can do this by crating him for a few minutes, or by cuddling him in your arms. I recommend the cuddle option for the first few days, that way you can introduce the crate gradually once he has settled into his new home. Either spend your first day together in the yard getting a feel for how frequently they pee. As you can see, there is some guesswork involved in house training a puppy, but not too much. The secrets of successful outdoor toilet trips Not wanting to pee outside is a common toilet training puppy problem and one we look at in more detail in this article. Keeping your puppy company is the key. You need to go outside with your puppy and wait there with him until he has done a wee. This may take longer than you would like, and you probably have better things to do than stand in your yard while your puppy chases butterflies or plays with your shoe laces. But stay outside you must, until he has done that wee. Coming Indoors Early If you must come indoors before your puppy has relieved himself, you need to supervise him very closely. Hold him in your arms — or put him in a small crate for a few minutes — before going back out to try again. It is a new puppy problem, and it will pass. And if you teach your puppy to pee on command, it will pass even quicker! Rewarding success If you put plenty of effort in, and take your puppy out a great deal in those first few days, he will quickly learn that the place you have allocated to him for potty purposes is the place to pee. You can praise him and give him a little treat for doing so. Have your treat on hand keep them next to your poop bags so you remember to grab both on the way out , and deliver it right after your puppy has completed their business. Rewarding his successes and ignoring his accidents is the quickest way of successfully communicating what you want, and quickly potty training your puppy. Stage 2 — Learning self control During stage 2 your puppy begins to develop some self control. This means he can wait a few minutes before emptying himself when his bladder starts to feel full. Keep an eye on your puppy for the tell tale signs that he needs to use the toilet: whimpering, whining or barking sniffing about, especially sniffing in circles! Using Your Crate If your puppy is now used to his crate, you can start using it stretch out the gaps between toilet trips. Accidents during stage 2 At some point during stage 2, many puppies will be able to last an hour or so between wees. This is when puppy parents often relax their vigilance, and their puppies start having accidents in the house again. Simply go back to shorter gaps between trips to the yard for a few days. Then start to space out those trips again, but more gradually this time. Stage 3 — Extending the clean zone This is where all your hard work starts to really pay off. Once your puppy is confidently and consistently toileting outdoors, and you can further stretch out the gaps between toilet breaks, and start to introduce your puppy to the rest of your home. Take it slowly, and if accidents occur, to go back to shorter gaps between trips outdoors for a few days. Bear in mind that your puppy may be used to peeing in the yard and not in the kitchen by now, but they might not automatically understand which rule applies to the lounge. Method 2: How to potty train a puppy indoors This section has a lot in common with how to potty train a puppy when you work. So follow method 2 if you need to know how to potty train a puppy in an apartment as well. And that means using pads. How to potty train a puppy on pads The simplest way to do this is to restrict the puppy to a smallish room with washable floors. Cover the floor with puppy pads to begin with, with their bed in one corner. How do you train a puppy to pee on a pad? With this arrangement in place, as long as your puppy leaves his bed to pee which his mom will have encouraged him to do , he will pee onto the pads. So over the next few days, reduce the area of the floor that is covered with puppy pads by half. You should find he begins to make an effort to pee and poop on the part of the floor that is covered — but it needs to be a sizeable part to get this good habit established. How to potty train a puppy fast using pads — reducing the toilet area By the end of the first week, you can begin to reduce the part of the floor that is covered with puppy pads right down to a small area, preferably near the back door. It is usually best to do this when you have some time booked off work — or during a long weekend when the weather is fine. But if you choose to crate train your puppy LINK alongside potty training him, the crate can be a useful aid for potty training too. Once your puppy thinks of the crate as their bed, they will be reluctant to soil in it. You Still Need To Watch Your Puppy Always watch puppies closely in their crate during potty training, and whisk them out to the right spot at the first sign they might need to relieve themselves. You can find out a lot more about crate training and the role it plays in rapid house training on this page. As well opportunities to use the toilet, Labrador puppies need company and socialisation while they are small. So, if you are going to go back to work you need to arrange someone to look after him, or to come in at intervals throughout the day to play with him and take him out. Here are some articles which will be of interest if you are thinking of getting a puppy and work full time:.

Should a Lab Mix take after their Labrador Retriever parent, they will be a playful, energetic, and affectionate dog that loves their families. Labrador Retrievers are energetic dogs that tend to have an extended puppyhood. They are also social, friendly, and tend to be patient and gentle with children. This makes them fantastic pets as they also tend to get along well with other dogs and even other pets, despite their retriever tendencies. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you can expect the same from a Labrador Retriever Mix. You still want to ask questions about the other parent breed as they are bound to introduce some potential quirks of their own. Although Labs are happiest with room to run, they adapt well to apartments as long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and affection. They also do well in most climates, but do not like to spend long stretches of time alone. If the other parent breed is also highly adaptable, then you can expect the same from a Labrador Retriever Mix. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? As with purebred dogs, health often depends on reputable breeding practices. Just as a mix can inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, they could also inherit all of them or some combination of them. From the Labrador side, potential health concerns to be aware of in a Labrador Mix include patellar luxation , hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cataracts. The other parent breed will likely introduce some other potential conditions to this list. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Labrador Retrievers are highly trainable dogs that can be a good fit for owners of any experience level. First-time owners may have a challenge at first with their high energy and exuberance, but tend to be successful. If the other parent breed is also highly trainable, then you can expect the same from a Labrador Retriever Mix. If the other parent breed tends to be more challenging to train, then you will want to be prepared for that potential and be ready to enroll in puppy training classes if you need them. A Lab Mix can end up with a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is truly a mix of both. Should they inherit the Labrador Retriever coat, it will be short and will shed throughout the year with heavier shedding as the seasons change. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath keep a Lab coat healthy. Trimming nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long. Because dental care is often overlooked, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth every day or using an enzyme toothpaste daily in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed helps prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Labrador Retrievers are high-energy working dogs that need plenty of exercise and a job to do to be happy. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog breed, then you should expect a Labrador Mix to be a high-energy dog as well. Even if the other parent breed sits in a lower activity range, you will still want to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog should they take after their Lab parent. Fully-grown Labrador Retrievers tend to stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. Labs generally live for years. Although the other parent breed could affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a Labrador Retriever Mix. Featured Labrador Mix Article. As my website states, I am not like other breeders in many ways. First, I want to explain how the average Labrador breeder raises their pups the first few weeks of their life. They expect these tiny pups without their senses fully developed to find their way to a nipple without being smothered. I understand that this is what dogs do in the wild, but this is also why many puppies die in the wild. .Then, on top of that they hope that each of the pups will get enough milk on it's own to make it through the 1st week of life. They expect the Lab mom to do all the work, so they don't have to lose a wink of sleep. This is all very sad to say but it's true. I, on the other hand, care about each individual pup's life, I care that each and every one of them survive so that they can live a full and happy life. So, I make sure that each individual pup is given outstanding care. How do I do this? I began with hand raising each one of my pups the first 3 weeks of its life. What do I mean by hand raise my pup? It means I personally make sure each individual pup is fed every 2 hours- 24 hours a day, the first 2 weeks of its life. At feeding time, I make sure each puppy gets on a nipple so they don't have to struggle to find one. I make sure that each puppy gets an adequate amount of milk. Then, once I see that they have been well fed. I pick up one pup at a time and have the mom lick it to go potty. And then I put them in their little crib to ensure they are safe and not smooth by the mother until the next feeding 2 hours later. At three weeks, we feed the pups every 4 hours. But at this point, even though the pups eyes and ears are open. I still supervise the feeding to ensure that each pup is adequately fed and again not smothered by it's mother. I believe in giving these pups outstanding care. Even if that means that I lose a lot of sleep, and even if it ends up just saving one pups life. That one pup could be the next Labrador that I get a testimony about how it brought so much joy into one person's life! So, in the end, all the work and lack of sleep is worth it. I am up now about to give my pups their 3 am feeding. Hope this helps you all understand what is put into each litter. She is from our breeding between Cash and Bella, both parents are health certified. Sugar is overnight crate trained and has some other training. She has the sweetest disposition; we absolutely love her! However, we have had a family emergency that has come up that may cause us to have to put Sugar up for sale. If you would be interested in Sugar, please email us and let us know about yourself, and the lifestyle that you would be able to give Sugar. We will be reviewing potential families who would be interested in Sugar and pick the best family for her, and make a decision later this month. They are given constant positive attention their whole time with us. We have a big game room that we call the "Labby Room" This room is designated for our labs and their lab puppies. The puppies get a lot of interaction with all our kids in this room. They also become well adjusted to all the sounds of the home life, like the sound of a vacuum. When the pups are born, I will contact you and inform you on how many pups were born. We will post up pictures of each litter soon after they are born. And try to post weekly picture updates so you can watch the puppies grow. We will also post video on our face book page. When the pups are 6 to 7 weeks of age, I will contact you to set up an appointment for you choose and pick up your pup at 8 weeks of age. If you had first deposit in for a male pup you will have first choice of all the males available. If you have second deposit in, you will have the next appointment to choose from the males that are left and so forth. This order of reserving pups would also apply to the females as well. We honor all reservations on a puppy by not selling the puppy to anyone else. So if you are interested in a litter and don't want to make a reservation until "you see the litter". An appointment can be made to view the left-over puppies when they are 10 weeks old, and no sooner. No appointments will be allowed at a younger age, except for the families that made a prior reservation. We will not allow our baby puppies to be exposed to potential life threatening viruses from people that are just "shopping". We wait until all puppies that have been reserved are safely home, before we show any left-over puppies. Any left-over pups will be at least 10 weeks of age before any viewings are allowed, to insure they have at least had 2 sets of shots in. The only other accommodation that we can offer is a zoom call, so you can see the pups before you make a reservation. Most of our sweet puppies are sold before they are even born. Reserve your puppy today!

She has a playful spirit and is always the life of the party. She can be super playful with the kids or just kick back and lay with me and watch a movie. She is the perfect size and a wonderful companion. I could not ask for a better poodle. Moyen poodles are so hard to find or let me rephrase that true and high quality moyens are hard to find! Thank you for producing such an amazing little girl. She looks just like her dad Romeo! You do the very best breeding! To think that she will be 2 years old June 29th is hard for us to believe! Loving, sweet and beautiful! Thank you for such careful breeding! Our grand-daughter got a little girl from you last summer after seeing Zoe! Now she has her sweet Babs and is thrilled! Thank you again! We are so happy for you! Jonah is amazing, smart and loving beyond all our poodles during this puppy stage. He makes us laugh constantly and is always ready for a game of whatever, just as long as it is a game. Thank you! She is precious little one. She is so cute, and so sweet. She has so much energy. She can definitely keep up with our Standard Poodle. They run and run and have the best time. She has really developed lots of muscles and a great personalaity. Our vet says she is amazing!! She is so sweet with everyone and great with small children. I would definitely have another Moyen Poodle. I am going to give her a hair cut today, so will send another picture today or tomorrow, but sending one today that was taken a few months back. She definitely has a nice personality and a real love. I just wanted to write and let you know how Charlie is doing. He is one year old today! When we talked to you on the phone about adopting Charlie you said that you could refer us to others who could talk all day long about their dogs. Well, that is us now because he is an amazing fellow! When we were at your house and sitting on your sofa he climbed, or maybe marched is a better word, up my husbands arms and curled up behind my husbands neck. All the way home to Wake Forest, NC about 8 hours he insisted on climbing up my shoulders and sitting on the back of my neck. He is great with our three young kids and his size is exactly as you described. He is about 23 pounds and still has some growing to do. He is very calm around people and other dogs. I took him to obedience class yesterday and then to a meeting and during both he just laid at my feet quietly and patiently. To look at him, you would not believe he is still a puppy because he often acts much more mature than his age 6 months. He has learned everything we have taught him superfast. I cannot say enough good things about this dog! You can tell he stayed with the litter an appropriate amount of time by the way he acts with her. I love him with all my heart and soul. Let me know when the puppies arrive. If they are not all spoken for. .I may know some folks interested in seeing them. Thanks for such a wonderful dog and companion. Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. We are 5-month-old Standard Poodles weighing about lbs. While I love to play with my foster siblings, I really just want calm space to hang out with my humans and other fur friends. I wake and jump into bed to give my foster parents good morning snuggles! I enjoy a light morning snack and spend the rest of the day napping and hanging out with the humans while they work. After work, all bets are off, and I make sure to get all the puppy zoomies out. My leash training is going well, but I often try to chase the leaves and get distracted by unfamiliar sights and smells. I love to go outside to play, chew on a stick or take a walk. I also enjoy down time with humans to cuddle and get lots of belly rubs. I start my day at am, go potty, then breakfast. After I like going outside to chase squirrels and play. I then have dinner around pm and in my crate by 10pm for bed. I love learning tricks and am very food motivated! I also like to try and outsmart my foster parents when they hide my treats or sticks, I bring inside. I am very curious and love to explore, play, eat, and cuddle. Now that I am older, I can make it through the night without any potty accidents but I need to go outside as soon as I am up, usually around 7am. I eat breakfast then it's right back outside for my next potty break! I like to have a chew bone and play for a while, then naps. I like to sit on the couch next to my foster mom, or lay on my back sprawled out on the floor. I love going for walks and am learning to not pull. I bark a little at other dogs but I am very dog and people friendly. Nights are pretty low key, I may play a little before bed time, where I prefer to sleep next to my foster parent's bed. I love to cuddle if you'll allow me up too! Since I am still a puppy, I need reinforcements with potty training, proper leash walking, and learning what and what not to chew on. I am just a super sweet girl and can't wait to share my love with you! Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Dallas TX? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Dallas TX. You will notice when looking for a Poodle that there are many prices available. This is due to the fact that Poodles come in so many varieties, big and small, as well as many different colors. Price also depends on pedigree and breeder experience. Do your breeders arrange travel for Dallas Poodles out of state? Uptown only works with professionals and due to this, they have a lot of experience with organized travel and transport of their puppies. They even make sure their pups are sent by plane in certain instances. But, as Uptown grows and grows by the day, there may even be a Poodle pup around the corner for you to pick up! How do you screen miniature Poodle breeders in Dallas? Breeders, businesses and companies that desire to be part of the Uptown network constantly contact us with calls and messages. Very few of them will actually make it through our vetting process and eventually take the Breeder Pledge. We only have the strictest of standards when it comes to the wellbeing of your pup. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other miniature Poodle breeders Dallas? Uptown exists because of care, rather than profit. We truly care about connecting honest breeders, companies and businesses with lovely families, such as yours, looking to bring home a new best friend, to take care of and love for life. What is a puppy mill like for miniature Poodle Dallas? To say it simply, puppy mills are actual prisons for dogs. A whole lot of dogs are grouped together in small cages. The only reason for their sad existence is to give birth to multiple litters until the mother dogs pass away from infections and other health reasons. Puppies that come out of here will cost you thousands in vet bills and often die young. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies Dallas for sale now? Because Poodles are so popular, you will always be able to find a puppy through Uptown. Just begin your search underneath and fill in a few details about yourself and what exactly you are looking for in your perfect pooch. Soon enough, you will have your new best friend by your side. What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies Dallas? They originate from both Germany and France and were originally bred to hunt ducks in the water. They are easily trainable as they are so intelligent and have many skills - including herding. How do I know I can trust you with miniature Poodle puppies in Dallas? Uptown is fully aware of all the scams that occur regarding the selling of puppies. Our babies are held and socialized from day one. And we are always available to answer any questions you may have before or after you purchase a Texas Standard Poodle. We breed selectively to produce only the best quality in health and temperament. All of our babies are raised in close contact with our family and they are they are treated with round the clock care and love until they are ready to make the big move to your home. Standard Poodles are very smart but as with all puppies, they will act out at first. Being prepared for your new family member will make the transition a lot smoother for everyone, and in a couple of weeks your little Texas Standard Poodle should be all settled in and making the whole family smile. You are responsible for the airfare and the fee for taking the baby on the plane, and we will pay the pet nanny. They will have safe passage and our personal care every step of the way til they are safely delivered to you. This service is less expensive the farther out you plan, so please let us know in advance. Call or text inquiries to .Click Here to see our Available Puppies!! NuVet wafers and powder are filled with natural amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and herbs formulated to keep your dog healthy for years to come. Please call and use Order Code: , or visit www. Puppy Email Notification List. We are currently raising gorgeous multi colored Parti Poodles and solid colored in miniature and soon, toy sizes. We started in standards but have made the move to smaller sizes. We feel very passionate about health testing, showing, and titling our poodles for our Poodle breeder program though we do give preference to pet puppy homes. More Than Amazing Color While we understand color is part of what makes Parti Poodles so popular, we want you to know that we place high emphasis on temperament and type or build, in our partis and well as solids, so your puppy will grow into a eye catching and distinguished adult that is as sweet and intelligent as any poodle should be. Conformation Show Titles We are proud of our show titles! We understand families searching for a pet do not need a show dog, we do this so families know that what they have purchased from us represents a great amount of knowledge and hard work. We test our Poodles against other great dogs so that we can know our breeding dogs are worthy of your family both in soundness of temperament and that they truly are representations of their breed. We do give preference to pet homes for our puppies. Testament to Temperament We have donated to date five puppies for service dog training and so far, all of our candidates have graduated and gone on to service work! We feel this is a real testament to what we strive to produce for families that want to purchase a puppy from MnJ- a great, stable, sweet and social family member. We are currently raising gorgeous multi colored Parti Poodles and solid colored in small standard and miniature sizes. While many will think we have Moyen Poodles, in truth the FCI breed standard for this size is very misunderstood so we avoid using a marketing term. Past Puppies Just a few of our past puppies so you can get an idea of what we offer!

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Females continue to fill out until about the 2-year mark, while males take a bit longer by putting on weight until the 2. But can you tell how big a German Shepherd will get before then? What other developmental milestones should you keep an eye on with your pup? We answer both those questions and more here. While there are tons of backyard tricks to help you determine how big your German Shepherd will get, the truth is that none of them really work. The best way that you can make a guess is to take a look at their parents. If you want a small German Shepherd, try to find one from two small parents, and if you want a large one, try to find large parents. The average size of a German Shepherd largely comes down to genetics, but if you have a purebred GSD, then they should fit into these parameters. Fully grown male German Shepherds typically stand about 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 66 and 88 pounds. Females tend to be a bit smaller, standing between 22 and 24 inches tall and weighing between 49 and 71 pounds. This large discrepancy in size generally comes down to genetics. But how much does a German Shepherd typically grow in the first year, and how much can you expect over the next year? By the 1-year mark, most German Shepherds are near their full height. Males typically have another 25 pounds to add over the next year, while females typically have about another 20 pounds to pack on. Teeth Did you know that your German Shepherd goes through two sets of teeth throughout their life? Around 12 weeks, they start to get their adult teeth, which means their baby teeth only stick around for about 3 months! Image Credit: aleksandra85foto, Pixabay Sexual Maturity If you have pups of different sexes in the same home, you need to be aware of when your German Shepherds can reach sexual maturity. Most male German Shepherds will reach some level of sexual maturity by the 6-month mark. This is a big deal if you have an unspayed female pup in the house. On the other hand, females can experience their first heat anywhere from the 6-month to the month mark. If you have unneutered males in the house, this is a pretty big deal. Image Credit: lancegfx, Pixabay Final Thoughts When you have a growing German Shepherd , it can seem like they get bigger every day and like the growth will never stop. While growth might happen for longer than you were expecting , what we can promise is that it will slow down. But did you really get a German Shepherd expecting them to be a small dog? Your German Shepherd is going to grow, and you knew this when you got them. Related Reads:. Every puppy will grow at a different rate, and these figures are average guidelines. A 6-month-old German Shepherd should weigh between lbs for males and lbs for females. Similar to most large breeds, GSDs have their most intense growth spurt between 2 to 6 months of age. At 7 months, their growth rate slows down considerably until they reach full adulthood at 3 years. This growth is nominal from the two-year point to the three-year point an inch or less. On average, fully grown German Shepherds are 24 to 26 inches tall for males and 22 to 24 inches for females. Males will weigh between lbs, and their female counterparts will weigh lbs. Most GSDs are assumed to be fully grown by the end of the second year. Whether a GSD is expected to grow beyond the second year can depend on how big the dog already is. Not all German Shepherds are built alike because not all of them are bred alike. You can also refer to a GSD growth chart and check for consistent lag or lead. Additionally, paw size can be an indication of future size, although this is unreliable. This also applies to the weight category as well. If your dog is a few lbs over the standard weight, he might weigh as much more by the third year. Weight fluctuates even past the complete development, though. And that brings us to the alternative scenario: what if your dog is not consistently smaller or bigger than the projected growth chart? If you notice that your dog is an inch smaller at one stage and half an inch smaller at the next, chances are, your dog is experiencing regular growth spurts as any other German Shepherd except that he is shorter by a set percentage. In that case, you should refer to the percentage of full weight or height in the German Shepherd growth chart. I had a pretty good idea of how big my German Shepherd would be from seeing her parents when I initially visited the breeder. However, there can be a convenience concern. A dog who is too big might be impractical to keep for some. This allows you to decide with more room to maneuver later on. You should lean more heavily on the diet adjustment for a dog younger than six months and exercise adjustment for an older one. If your dog is younger than 18 months and is overweight compared to the growth chart, two factors could contribute to this mismatch. These factors are mutually exclusive, and usually, only one is true. The second is that he needs better consumption to energy use ratio to come to the ideal weight. But how do you tell if your GSD is overweight because of health or due to his genetic predisposition? If both size and weight are greater than what the growth chart indicates as the standard, then your dog is simply the bigger kind, and you can chalk up the additional weight to natural body size. The key is to discover this sooner than later. Discovering early that your German Shepherd needs more exercise and better diet management means you have to go easy on him during physical training. German Shepherds have growth plates made of soft tissue that leaves room for limb bone growth. And if your dog runs or even goes on enthusiastic long walks outdoors, his growth plates might be at risk. I have a post covering exercises for younger GSDs in detail but below are some principles that will help you decide your own exercises for German Shepherds whose growth plates are open. Avoid high places — The growth plates section makes it self-evident that you should keep your dog from jumping. So definitely no skipping rope for your chubby best friend. Interestingly, such games also decrease running speed as dogs are more deliberate in processing where the hidden prize is. The dog will move, and he will move a lot. This means your furniture should be ready for a heavy dog; you should have a place wide enough to accommodate a crate and a crate large enough to have headspace well above the full-grown height of your GSD read my post on best crates for German Shepherds. German Shepherds have a lot of momentum. A pile of muscles zipping around the house can cause a lot of damage, so training early is crucial. Your German Shepherd might look like he can take on anything, but he belongs to a breed prone to diseases. You must be willing to put in the required extra care when raising and living with a German Shepherd. Remember, German Shepherds are smart, which makes them easily bored. Having a companion means the two dogs can engage each other, provided that you have trained them well. An average German Shepherd will be fully grown around 18 months old, although some will continue to grow until 24 months, eventually reaching full adulthood at 3 years of age. German Shepherds grow the most between 2 and 3 months. This is when they have a huge growth spurt. It can also lead to an increased risk of developmental orthopedic diseases. Proper nutrition, exercise, and monitoring can help reduce these risks. A German Shepherd is generally considered a large dog breed. To know if your German Shepherd is too skinny, you should not easily see the ribs or effortlessly feel them underneath the skin due to no fat. You should also be unable to feel the hips, shoulders, spinal cord, or tail base. You can also check the growth chart for any huge differences. To know if your German Shepherd is overweight, you will have difficulty feeling the ribs through the layers of fat. It will also be hard to feel the hip bones, shoulders, and spine, and you should be able to locate the tail bones where the tail joins the back. Check the GSD growth chart as a guide. Neutering a German Shepherd puppy will not stunt growth. Once a belief but now disproven by studies , early-age neutering of dogs does not affect growth, and German Shepherds still grow after neutering. Recovery is also faster in puppies than in adult dogs. German Shepherds do not gain weight after being spayed, nor do they become obese. They will also still grow after spaying. Your German Shepherd might be small due to genetics. Other causes are a poor diet with insufficient nutrients or small portions with not enough calories. Illnesses, a sensitive stomach, or anxiety can be a factor, along with extreme exercise, such as working dogs who need extra calories. Your German Shepherd might be so tall if its ancestors and lineage were also tall. Larger dogs will take longer to develop until they reach adulthood. Final Thoughts German Shepherds grow big and grow in stages with the rates of size and weight increase varying. Finally, make sure to help your dog lose weight if he is over the expected weight but is not over the expected height, as this indicates unhealthy weight. Related Posts You May Like:. Conclusion Kennel Club Breed Standards The Kennel Club standards state that the average height and weight of a German Shepherd is slightly different for males and females. A male German Shepherd is on average between 24 and 26 inches tall while weighing 71 to 84 pounds. A female German Shepherd dog is usually smaller and between 22 and 24 inches tall, weighing between 62 and 68 pounds. Two German Shepherds lying on the grass after a training. The biggest difference between the two generally is how much they fill out. While there are a few inches between them, males tend to be stockier and thicker in the shoulders than their female counterparts. German Shepherds tend to have two different lines, the show standard dogs and then the working dogs. Show standard dogs are a little leaner and tend to have a sloped back end that angles towards the ground. Working lines of German Shepherds are more straight-backed and tend to be quite a bit stockier so they have more muscle. They can grow a little larger and can weigh significantly more. Puppy Developmental Stages The puppy stage can last anywhere between five and six months but for larger breeds like the German Shepherds, it usually lasts six months. Larger breeds of dogs need longer to develop and mature than smaller dogs. Smaller breeds will reach their full size often within the first year while German Shephards take longer to stop growing. A German Shepherd puppy photoshoot. They only have the ability to taste and touch so they can find milk but rely entirely on their mother. A newborn puppy will be between 3 and 6 inches and still have plenty of growing to do until they are fully developed. Between then and 2 months of age, a puppy will double in size and their senses will continue to develop. Their eyes will open and their motor skills will get increasingly better so they can explore their environment more. This is the period where they will start to develop their personalities. At this time, there is usually a size difference between the litter mates that becomes more apparent as they grow. The bigger ones at birth will often be able to muscle in and get more milk so they develop to be a little larger and stronger than the rest of the litter, while the opposite is true for the smaller puppies. When puppies leave their mother at 2 months old, their next month is filled with a lot of changes as they usually go into their new homes. This is when a litter may be given different food , and different routines and environmental changes may have an impact on their growth rates. This puppy stage will last until 6 months of age when your puppy will learn to develop and bond with your while growing. At this age, they may seem to get taller practically overnight as they can grow quite rapidly. By the time they reach 6 months they can be between 15 and 18 inches tall. Adolescent Developmental Stages When a German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, they become an adolescent. This can be a particularly challenging period for both owner and dog. You may notice they start to test boundaries more and you may have spent the last few months perfecting their recall only to have it go right out the window and have to start from scratch. German Shepherd approaching his owner. Sometimes dogs even have growth spurts that leave them with their rear taller than their shoulders but over time, this should balance out. A good diet and not overdoing exercise are vital during this period to make sure their bones and joints are growing well and not being overly stressed during their bouts of zoomies. Adulthood Smaller breeds of dogs will reach adulthood between 1 and 2 years of age but larger breeds need more time to develop and will continue to grow until around 18 months of age. German Shepherd hyper actively plays with a ball. As they mature into adulthood, they will gain weight and muscle which means they may finish up taller and significantly heavier because of that muscle. At 18 months your German Shepherd could be 60 pounds but by two years they can easily be up to 80 pounds. Environmental Factors While genetics plays the most important role in predicting how big or small your puppy will grow, there are some external factors that can help your dog grow up fit and strong as they develop. Choosing the best food for a German Shepherd can be tricky — they eat a lot! Some people make food for their German Retrievers at home. Nutrition plays a vital role in the development of young dogs and getting that balance right is going can play a role in bone and joint health as well as how they grow. Dogs with a poor diet can have a lot of issues later in life. A puppy will need a diet specially developed for their age as younger, growing dogs will need a higher protein content than an adult dog diet that is no longer growing. Conclusion Understanding how big your dog is going to grow and when they stop growing is key to balancing their diet, exercise, and maintenance needs. While your dog is growing they need extra care, extra protein in their diet and their exercise should be managed. If a young dog does too much strenuous exercise there is a chance it will impact their still developing joints. Knowing the age your dog becomes fully developed will help to protect them against injuries. All in all, your German Shepherd will reach their full height and weight by the time they are 2 and a half years old at the latest. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. The German Shepherd is a breed that has been maintained through very specific standards. Based on these standards, meeting a specific length-to-height ratio is more important than meeting the typical height and weight milestones. Generally, GSDs are expected to have a length-to-height ratio of .Here is a basic guide to German Shepherd growth stages. At this stage of their lives, the puppies are deaf and blind. They are dependent on their mother to survive. Puppies steadily grow at a rate of grams a day, depending on their size and the size of their mother. Transitional Stage The transitional stage is the second German Shepherd growth stage. It starts when they are 2 weeks old and ends when they turn 4 weeks old. During this stage, their first milk teeth start to come in. They can also see and hear during this period. They will start to wag their tails and walk around, even though it may seem wobbly and unsteady at first. They will also start to eliminate on their own. During the transitional stage, puppies become more independent and begin to explore their surrounding area on their own. Socialization Stage At this stage, socialization is critical for puppies. The socialization period takes place between 3 weeks and 12 weeks. During this stage, it is important to introduce them to as many loving, friendly humans and animals as possible so they learn how to socialize properly. The socialization aspect is crucial at this stage, as German Shepherds are social animals. Juvenile Stage The juvenile stage lasts from 3 months to 6 months of age. This is the time when your German Shepherd will become even more independent. They will like to explore their surroundings and wander around. They start to lose their puppy teeth during this stage and grow adult teeth. The stage usually ends when the dogs start to reach sexual maturity. Adolescent Stage The adolescent age starts when the German Shepherd is about 6 months old. This is when certain hormonal changes that are associated with sexual maturity begin to occur in the dog. This stage lasts for a longer period since it usually ends when the dog is 2 years old or around that time. Females usually go into heat between months of age. Males will begin roaming, mounting, and marking during this time. Typically, your GSD will have their adult teeth around 6 months of age. Adult Stage German shepherds take some time to reach full adult maturity Females do mature a little faster than males as mentioned above. At the end of this stage, your German shepherd is fully grown. Do keep in mind that every individual dog can be different from the average. They may develop differently at each stage. Conclusion Being mindful of the growth stage your German Shepherd is in is helpful when dealing with a young pup. Similarly, during the socialization period, they may need different care since they should be exposed to more things. Additionally, German Shepherds seem to grow overnight as puppies. So if you have ever wondered when does a German Shepherd stop growing, I hope this article provided you with some insight. Discover the truth behind German Shepherd growth stages. What I have learned from my own experience. The German Shepherd is a large breed dog, and they will continue to mature up until they reach 36 months. However, they can start to mature at the age of months and continue up to three years before they are fully mature. This is for both females and males. Fully mature. Your puppy will spend its first year growing up and its second year growing out. Your puppy will be as tall as it is going to be by the time it is about 12 months old. Once your dog has reached its maximum height, it will still have some growing to do. How much should German Shepherd puppies weigh? With my experience of breathing multiple litters of German Shepherds over the years. I like to take this question a little bit further, so you can have a better understanding about puppy weight. The bigger question should be… It depends on how the Breeder feeds the puppies. They will always keep a good eye on how the pups are developing so they keep them healthy. Here are a few pictures of puppies. This was a great litter of puppies. Everyone puppy he sold the people were so happy with their puppy. All the pups had a super loving temperament and training comes easy when you breed good blood-line puppies. This is a black sable collar. Roughly weight would be, 9-week old puppies weigh. I have had male puppies that weight up to 50 lbs. How long do German shepherds live? My personal experience with my own dogs. They have lived up to 15 years of age. Just like in humans. Now, I will share with you what will play a big part in keeping your German Shepherd healthy, is how you feed them and exercise them. Always use good food and plenty of vet checkups when needed. You should always get your dog check once a year. With my own experience after breeding multiple German Shepherd litters. The bloodlines have a great part and playing with their ears standing up. I have seen German Shepherds with floppy ears, known form as a lazy ear, which terms English grammar terms that you probably heard people saying. This can varies from dog to dog but generally between 16 weeks and 20 weeks of age. I tell my customers. Take a look at the pictures above these puppies are 5 weeks old. I like you to remember this too. German Shepherd puppies are born with floppy ears. Anywhere from 10 weeks to 14 weeks of age, the ears start to stand on their own. But sometimes things can happen like-Occasionally, pets are born with deformed ears that normally should stand erect but do not. The answer is no. I would never cut a GSD dog ear and less there was a danger to their life. I had never heard of any German Shepherd ears being cute before. This is something you should discuss with a licensed veterinarian. Now, this a popular question for new German Shepherd owners. First, you need to understand. Do you have a high-energy dog or low energy dog? This is the same for a puppy or older dog. If you have a high-energy- GSD-dog you will need physical and mental stimulation on a daily basis. My friend Tonny just got a new German Shepherd and call me to ask, when will she calm down? She always brings me her ball to play. I told him to put her on a leash and teach her to lay down. This can be done when your eating dinner, and watching TV. This is done with training when you can supervise her. Meet- Nora. My friend Tonny, made the mistake of playing ball in the house with his new GSD puppy when she was weeks-old. And now she is 6 months old. Playtime is for outside the house. This why his dog brings him the toy all the time to play inside the house. This is what he taught her. Now the house became a big backyard for his puppy, and this is why she will not calm down inside the house. There are a lot of German Shepherd owners that do this with their puppies. If you always playing with your puppy- inside the house how will they ever learn to calm down? This behavior is not hard to break. He just needs to be consistent with his training. German Shepherd Growth Stages. True is, all puppies go through growth stages. My German shepherd princess is nine years old and she is still a super high-level energy dog. That comes from her breeding and blood-lines. This what working dogs do, is work. You may have heard some say, your dog needs a job. Now remember every German Shepherd has a different temperament, and temperament in dogs is energy level. I was out training my German Shepherd princess last week, and this man was watching me why I was working with her, and stop to talk with me and said he had a dog just like mine and it was a good thing that he owned 15 teen acres land at the time because he could not imagine living the city with a high-energy dog. Anyway, short post today but I just wanted to put the information out there. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, Dennis. The German shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds — and for good reason. Originated in Germany, this is a working dog breed that is extremely loyal, friendly, and approachable. These medium to large-sized dogs may come off reserved at first, but as they get to spend time with their owner, they become exceedingly attached to them and protect them from threats with all their might. Because they are strong and courageous, they make for excellent watchdogs. German shepherd dogs are quite energetic and easy to train. They like to exercise a lot and play outdoors with children and other pets. This dog breed grows up to 25 inches tall, weighs up to 90 pounds, and typically lives up to years. At this point, you may wonder, when do German shepherds stop growing? Find out that and more information about these faithful companions in this blog post. Love German Shepherd? They also tend to be more emotionally stable and stronger than their female counterparts. However, female German shepherds are more affectionate, obedient, and easier to train. They are the perfect candidate for family protection, while male GSDs are best for personal protection. German Shepherd Development Stages 1. Newborn Period The neonatal stage lasts about 14 days. When the puppy is two weeks old, its eyes and ears start to open fully, and the central front tooth on the lower jaw develops. The puppy also learns to crawl and take its first baby steps. Socialization Period Generally, the socialization period lasts from two weeks to two months. In this stage, puppies learn to explore the world around them and interact with their littermates. It is during this period that they begin to develop various social and emotional abilities. A few skills that puppies learn are — identifying their species, how to play, fight, and communicate with their friends, biting and chewing soft foods, etc. Juvenile Period This stage usually lasts from 3 to 6 months, and during this time period, the puppy goes through many development changes. It becomes slightly larger and more active, but still has a short attention span; therefore, you have to be cautious of bringing strangers or new pets around your puppy. You should also keep the training sessions short and precise because small puppies may easily get bored and distracted. Sexual Maturity and Reproductive Period In this stage, German shepherds reach the period of sexual maturity. This lasts from the 7th month to until they are about 2 years old. Females typically become sexually mature when they have their first estrus heat period, which happens in the sixth month. However, males reach their sexual maturity when they are 7 months old. In this period, the body of German shepherds becomes large, especially that of the male GSDs. While they are close to reaching full growth, the dog breed is still developing mentally and emotionally. In their adolescent age, German shepherds are full of energy and love to run and play around. Maturity Stage At this point, German shepherds enter adulthood. They are fully formed and are ready to perform activities that they are expected to. German shepherds usually grow in stages, depending on their age. Male German shepherds stop growing in height when they turn 9 months old, while female GDs reach their maximum height when they are 8 months old. Males typically reach a total height of 5 — 5. The average weight of German shepherds varies by gender. Males usually end up weighing 66 — 88 pounds while females 48 to 70 pounds. This is the ideal weight that adult German shepherds should have. In case a German shepherd is not gaining weight, they may show signs, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, dull fur, loss of muscle mass, etc. Do German Shepherds Shed a Lot? This is true. German shepherds shed in every season, but more so in spring when they get rid of their winter coat for 14 to 20 days. GSDs with long, coarse hair tend to shed less than those with a short coat. They also need bathing once a month to keep their coat clean and healthy. An average healthy German shepherd enjoys a long life of up to 9 — 13 years. That being said, some may surprise by outliving their standard life expectancy. German Shepherds have a slow growth rate that starts to decline when they reach their adulthood. As they grow older, their height increases, but once they are fully mature physically and mentally , they stop growing altogether. May 10, Dogs , Pets John When you adopt a German Shepherd as a puppy, you bring home this tiny, cute, cuddly, bundle of fur that fits in your hands. Fast-forward by a year and you probably wonder if your dog decided to grow at the 98th percentile. The five-pound puppy you brought home will become a full-grown dog of about 90 pounds. Essentially, she or he will grow to the size of a teenager in weight, but about 26 inches in length. You chose one of the largest dog breeds in the world. While these dogs reach physical maturity at three years of age, they typically have a median life expectancy of about ten years. Many German Shepherds live longer than that. Your puppy might grow up to live until the age of 12 or 13 , which equates to 77 to 82 years old. You will get many years of love from this breed of dog. While every dog differs, in general, female German Shepherds reach the age of full maturity before the males do. A female German Shepherd typically grows to two inches shorter than the male and a weight of about 70 pounds. All in all, German Shepherd growth is divided into seven stages. The Stages of Growth: Newborn to Adulthood Perhaps you got to visit with the puppies when they were firstborn. Enjoy it while you can. They gain weight quickly in their early days. Each day, your puppy will gain between 2. As a newborn, your German Shepherd probably weighs around four pounds. That means that in its first year of life, the dog goes through childhood, pre-teen or tween years, and half of its teen years. They gain weight and height accordingly. At the end of one year, the dog typically weighs about 49 to 50 pounds. The German Shepherd will nearly reach its full height by this time, too. Transitional Stage Veterinarians refer to every few weeks, then months as a different growth phase of early development. They call the two weeks to four weeks period transitional stage. T four weeks the typical female weighs between 4. The males may weigh between 5. When it comes to maturity stage for training, you can start even at the transitional stage, especially when you use positive reinforcement. Socialization Stage The socialization stage lasts through their third month. In the middle of this phase, the German Shepherd puppy usually experiences a growth spurt. By the end of the three months, your GSD puppy will measure about 10 to 11 inches in height. Females will weigh between 11 and 17 pounds, males will weigh between 22 and 30 pounds. Juvenile Stage Try not to think of your German Shepherd pup as a juvenile delinquent as they pass through this period from three to six months. At four months, your furry friend reaches the halfway point of height and weight. At the end of their fourth month, your puppy becomes a man or woman-dog. At this point of German Shepherd development, it reaches sexual maturity. At six months, the German Shepherd exits the juvenile stage. Your male German Shepherd exits this phase weighing between 49 and 57 pounds and at a height of 16 to 18 inches, but your female puppy will weigh between 44 and 49 pounds and attain a height of 15 to 17 inches. Adolescent Stage The adolescent stage ranges from six months to two years. At the end of one year though, your puppy becomes a dog. At one year of age, he or she enters adulthood. At this point, the female German Shepherd weighs between 60 to 64 pounds and has a height of 20 to 22 inches. The male German Shepherds weighs between 71 and 71 pounds and has a height of 22 to 24 inches. Some German Shepherds reach physical maturity at the age of two years, but most continue to grow until they reach the end of their third year. Female German Shepherds typically reach a height of 22 to 24 inches and weigh between 66 to 70 pounds. As long as their diet is stable, the adult German Shepherd dog should relatively stay the same weight for the rest of their lives. Genetics Plays a Large Part Like a human, your dog will grow to a smaller or larger size based on its genetics. To get an idea of how large your dog will grow, meet the parents. Tracing the genealogy can also help determine what are the potential German Shepherd health issues even German Shepherd skin issues to know your pup might have down the road. Regardless on the stage of growth, always make sure your German Shepherd pup is healthy. At Vetericyn , we have wellness products that can help keep your pup healthy and happy. Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. Sources: All Shepherds. When do German Shepherds stop growing. Large dog breeds. GSD Growth Chart.