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Their playful nature, high intelligence, and charming temperaments are just a few of the reasons why they are so loved in the country. They remain one of the most loyal dog breeds out there, they are quite keen on pleasing and protecting their owners, and it is why they make such great family companions and pets. If you reside in The Garden State of New Jersey, and you are looking for that special Labrador Retriever puppy for you, then this article is just perfect for you. Here, we would be listing some of the best Labrador Retriever breeders in New Jersey. They produce top-quality Labrador Retriever puppies in New Jersey. They pride themselves in producing some of the best and finest quality Labrador Retrievers in the state of New Jersey and the whole of America. Their breeding parents are carefully selected. They hail from some of the best breed lines with championships and natural Huntmasters titles. They are also tested through the OFA for dysplasia elbow and hips , and heart defects. They also undergo a regular eye exam yearly. In addition to that, they are tested for genetic defects that might prove harmful to the Labrador Retriever breed. All Labrador Retriever pups are raised in clean, temperature-regulated kennels with more than enough room to be happy and play in. The McCulloughs strive to ensure that each new owner of their pup enjoys the time spent with the pups, that is why socialization is a top priority for them. They allow each Labrador Retriever pup to interact with different people as well as introduce them to various sounds, textures, and sights. All pups are AKC registered, they are microchipped, well vaccinated, fed only the best quality feed, and are properly dewormed. McClan Labradors Contact Details. She is always energetic and is well trained. She loves to play fetch, take walks, swim, ride in the car, and cuddle with her family. He is friendly with people and other dogs. He loves spending time with his family and splashing in the water! He loves playing with his brother a yellow lab named Anchor , playing fetch, and cuddling with his humans. Our History Breeding labradors has been a family tradition for the Eller family since and has been passed down through three generations. Naldo started the tradition, passed it down to Dave and Missy, who passed it on to Caleb and Becca. Our mission is to breed great family pets for great families. Currently, Caleb and Becca are breeding labradors with their yellow female Rosie born and shortly with their chocolate female Charlie born .They both love kids and playing with other dogs. They are both always energetic and well trained. They love to play fetch, take walks, ride in the car, and cuddle with their family. Upon purchase, you will receive the AKC paperwork. Before you pick up your pup, they are checked out by our vet. They are also given their first round of shots and deworming. If you would like to reserve a puppy before they are ready to come home with you, we require a non-refundable deposit. We never have more than two litters a year. Our litters are spoken for early, often before they're born, and we encourage new owners to visit their pups as often as they like until the day they can take them home. Our puppies can be watched and heard! All parents have been x-rayed, and have OFA certificates for both hips and elbows. We have the dam's certified x-rays on premises. All parents regularly see veterinary ophthalmologists and have current CERF certificates. The puppies are born in a 4' x 4' whelping box with pig rails for safety. It can be viewed on our live feed starting a day or two before our dogs go into labor. We have sound on during the birth it can be pretty exciting , but turn it off after the puppies are born. Generally, one of them escapes around 24 days and we move them all to an 8' x 8' pen in the basement. We have another camera there, and once they are in their pen, we turn the audio back on so the world can watch and hear them play. We don't introduce them to the outdoors until the day they leave us. We don't train them -- they train themselves. They need to be wormed again at 10 weeks, and we provide the solution, syringe and instructions to the new owners. We vaccinate for distemper and parvo at four weeks and again the day they leave. If we are convenient to their new owners, we will vaccinate again at twelve weeks and then annually. This provides us a means of monitoring the dog's health in the future. We give distemper and parvo shots for the life of the dog. Most important may be the DVD of the litter's history, including a recording of the puppies' birth if it happened on camera , though that generally isn't ready for many months sometimes years after they leave us. All puppies can be AKC registered. Everyone comes often to visit their puppies here, and they bring family and friends. This is a very social environment. Lynnwood Retrievers. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. You might be able to find a dog at a local shelter near you, but you could always contact Labrador Retriever breeders if you want a puppy of your own. The popularity of Labrador Retriever puppies has caused many people to unethically breed the dog for their own financial gain, resulting in sickly and aggressive dogs. By carefully considering your Labrador Retriever breeder, you can get a wonderful puppy that is healthy, happy, and well acclimated. Below are five Labrador Retriever breeders in New Jersey. Every one of these breeders are certified and approved by various Labrador Retriever clubs for ethical breeding standards. You can trust any one of these breeders to love your puppy just as much as you will. By raising their Labrador Retrievers within the home of a large family, all of the McClan Labradors are adaptable, friendly, and great for all families. McClan Labradors specializes in all Labrador Retriever coats, including yellow, black, and chocolate. All Labrador Retrievers bred by StormyC Labradors are raised within the home for friendliness and compatibility. They are also bred to be work and show dogs. No matter what the purpose of your Labrador Retriever is, StormyC Labradors likely has a dog for you. This breeder sells all Labradors Retriever coats, including yellow, chocolate, and black. As a result, Weymouth Labradors only breeds the official colors, including chocolate, yellow, and black. Weymouth Labradors is a great breeder if you are looking for breeders that are careful to not over-breed their dogs. As a small hobby kennel, Weymouth Labradors only has litters occasionally, ensuring the health and happiness of all their puppies. Paradigm Labradors raises their dogs to be obedient, agile, and great within all households. So, you can relax and unwind with one of these labs or show them off at a dog show. You can learn all about the Paradigm Labradors dogs on their site, which introduces you to all their boys, girls, youngsters, retirees, and litters. Unlike many other lab breeders, Shadowbrook Labradors primarily only focuses on black labs, but they occasionally breed chocolate and yellow labs too. No matter what coat style the lab puppy belongs to, all the dogs are bred for superior health and personality. Shadowbrook Labradors are especially great for showing and training purposes. Because they are bred and raised on a farm, they also make phenomenal family companions due to their flexibility and gentle nature. Related Read:. These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for almost forty years. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we deliver our world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Edison. For details, call Woody or Judi at .Labrador Retriever Puppies and Children In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: Dogs help children to be more cooperative and sharing. For children, a close relationship with a dog is a proven benefit in study after study. For instance, in research with preschool children, psychologists at Oregon State University found that teaching children to care for a puppy enhanced their social skills. Sue Doescher, a psychologist involved in the study. And that transfers to how other kids feel. Be sure to read the rest of her article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client!

The PetSafe is an almost hybrid between a collar and a harness. There are also four adjustment points on the harness for a better fit. Possibly another option if you have had no luck with other harness types or you have sought expert advice on handling and controlling your dog. Dog Collar or Harness for a Boxer? Like the Bulldog and Pug , Boxers are a brachycephalic breed — meaning they have short noses which can restrict their airways and cause breathing problems. Although a collar works well on well-behaved dogs and those trained to walk on their lead, Boxers who have a tendency to pull on the lead may not have a great time on a collar. In addition to breathing considerations, dogs which are strong and have a tendency to pull on the lead are at risk of neck and throat injury. For walking and outdoor activity, a harness is often a great way not only to avoid injury to your dog but to help with training to reduce or extinguish pulling behaviour. Types of Dog Harness Not all harnesses for dogs are made equal. There is a range of different types and styles available — and depending on whether they are a puppy, adult or senior — may be helpful to different situations. Vest Harness Often made of breathable lightweight materials like nylon and mesh — these walking harnesses are designed for general wear and comfort. Not designed as a no-pull harness — these are better suited to Boxers who behave on their lead, Puppies who are getting used to harnesses and elderly dogs who may need assistance and where collars are unsuitable. Front and Back Clip Harnesses These are the more common types of harnesses — particularly for dogs who pull and who need training. A back clip harness is a harness that has its leash attachment at the back top. A front-clip dog harness generally has an additional leash point at the front chest. One end is attached to the back — the other attached to the front. This gives heightened control of your dog. Tightening and Control Harnesses These harnesses tighten when your dog pulls. Not only can they hurt your dog by pinching them or causing discomfort — they can result in an increase in pulling behaviour as they attempt to escape the stimulus. These are best used under the guidance of professional dog trainers. Leather Dog Harnesses Leather harnesses can be popular with several breeds, including Boxers. It is important to find a harness that not only works for their behaviour and temperament but for their personality. You may get lucky the first time, but be aware that like collars, harnesses are not natural to a dog. They may resist them at first — or perhaps with some completely. Firstly, be patient — it may just take some time and you may need to coax your Boxer into wearing it. Dogs which pull on a collar can put a lot of pressure on the neck. This can lead not only to discomfort but to gradual damage, throat problems and potentially tracheal collapse Many people choose a harness because of pulling behaviour, however, this is not the only reason. Even if your dog is well behaved on a lead, a harness is still a great choice for walking. How To Measure your Boxer for a Harness It is important to find the right dog harness for your Boxer and one that will fit snugly. If the harness is too loose it could sag or your Boxer could escape from it. Boxers are also prone to hip dysplasia so it is important to offer them the support they need you may also want to check out support and rehabilitation harnesses if your Boxer suffers from this and other mobility problems. For this article, we have based the harnesses around the medium mark on the sizing charts. If you find your Boxer measures between two different harness sizes e. Firstly, measure the widest part of the chest with a tape measure. This is usually a few inches, or roughly four fingers, distance from behind your Boxers front legs. Next, add a few inches to your total. This gives your dog a little bit of flexibility and will also allow for a small amount of weight gain. Secondly, you should measure the circumference of your Boxers neck if required. Finally, again if necessary, weigh your dog. We do this every time we visit the vet and keep a note of it. In this article, we will be taking a look at a number of what we feel are the best no pull dog harness for boxers currently available on the market right now. With boxers being a boisterous breed we have seen a number of boxer owners reaching out for assistance on no pull harnesses for their dogs. We have researched the suitable harnesses on the market and settled on six that we feel are perfect for our readers. All of these harnesses have an excellent reputation within the dog-owning community as well as current boxer dog owners using them as their go-to no pull harness. It is a very popular no pull harness with owners of multiple breeds using it as their daily walking harness. You can click here to read some independent reviews of the harness left by other boxer dog owners or you can read reviews from owners of other breeds here. The Kurgo Tru-Fit No Pull Dog Harness is currently only available in black but it can be picked up in five sizes to ensure you get a comfortable fit for your boxer. When choosing a size we recommend that you follow the sizing guide in the image below to ensure that you are able to get your dog a comfy fit. The Kurgo Tru-Fit No Pull Dog Harness has five key adjustment points in it to allow you to adjust it as required to fit your boxers unique shape. The harness also has multiple quick release buckles to allow you to quickly and easily get your dog in or out of the harness when required. The halt ring on the chest plate of the harness can be used to train your dog not to pull when in its harness with minimal effort. Simply put your dog in the harness and attach the leash then go for a walk, as your boxer pulls away from you, tension is applied to the halt ring turning your dog around to face you rather than being able to pull directly away. The video below offers a demonstration of this no pull system. Multiple reports have commented on how effective the halt ring system has been for them and that it was able to quickly stop their boxer from pulling while walking. Here is an independent report from the owner of a pound Rottweiler who says pulling was almost impossible for their dog with this harness on while out on their walks. Although not the primary purpose of this particular article, we would also like to mention that the Kurgo Tru-Fit No Pull Dog Harness comes with a ten-inch seat belt loop. This can help to secure your boxer in your vehicle to prevent distracted driving. Again, it is a harness that has a large number of dog owners of all breeds currently using it as their go to harness solution. There are a large number of third-party reviews of the product online and you can click here to read some that have been left by other boxer dog owners or click here to read reviews left by owners of other dog breeds. The Rabbitgoo No Pull Dog Harness is currently available in three different color styles and five different sizes. The image below shows the sizing guide for the harness to help you get the best fit possible for your boxer. Simply attach your leash to that ring rather than the ring on the back of the harness to discourage pulling while walking in your boxer. The easy on and easy off design of the harness means that you are able to get your boxer in and out of it within seconds. There is also a handle on the back of the harness to allow you to quickly get a firm hold of your dog while out walking in emergency situations. There are a good number of reviews of the harness online and you can read some that have been left by other third-party boxer dog owners by clicking here. It is currently available in five different sizes so we recommend that you use the sizing guide in the image below before ordering. It is also available in nine different colors allowing you to choose a color that matches your own personal style. Again, it is a very popular dog harness that has no pull technology letting you and your boxer go for walks without the problem of your dog pulling away from you. It had a very large number of dog owners who use it as their go-to harness and you can click here to read some independent reviews of the harness left by other boxer owners or click here for owners of other breeds. The Big Dog No Pull Harness is currently available in seven different colors and three different sizes. The size guide for the harness is shown in the image below to ensure that you get the best fit possible for your boxer. Just be sure to measure your dog across the widest part of its rib cage. Unlike some of the other harnesses on this list, the Big Dog No Pull Harness requires deliberate training to stop your dog from pulling away. As explained by this report, all you have to do is grab the handle on the back of the harness when your boxer tries to pull away and correct its behavior. In addition, the handle offers an excellent way to quickly and easily get a secure hold of your boxer in an emergency. This will affect everything from how comfortable he is eating, to bacteria in the bowl and also has a direct impact on the risk of developing bloat an issue with this breed. Size, height, material and overall design all matter. Read more about the best food and water bowls for Boxers Bed or Mat Boxers love to take over the sofa, make claim to their human's favorite chair or stretch out on the floor. We recommend a 6 food leash or retractable for house training Boxer puppies. You'll want to keep him close to lead him to and keep him in the exact designated area and to have him close to give immediate praise and reward. A short leash is also best when training your Boxer to heel, since his proper positioning is to your left and right by your side. A longer leash, or one that can extend out, is great for allowing your Boxer to run and have some freedom, when deemed safe. In regard to a collar or harness, this breed typically has strong enough neck and shoulder muscles to do okay with a collar. However, if your Boxer tends to launch himself forward or off to the side quite often when on leash, play it safe and get him a harness. This will remove the issue of pressure being applied straight to the neck and instead it will be displaced on a Boxer's stronger shoulders, chest and back. An ID tag is a must. Though your Boxer can tend to stay close and you're on-point in regard to not letting him off leash, it's just not worth the risk. Choose a stainless steel tag that is weather resistant and will be durable enough that the engraving does not wear down. It's suggested to put more than one type of contact info for someone to return your Boxer cell, address, email. The Right Toys It's best to think of toys as tool. Which ones are going to perform to meet the needs of your Boxer puppy or dog? All toys should serve a specific function. If not, you mind as well toss them or your Boxer may already have figuratively done that by ignoring them. And most toys cannot meet all of a dog's needs at one time though some can have a duel purpose. The main reasons for certain toys include: Teething, chewing urges, entertainment to stay busy especially when home alone , and owner interaction. Read more about choosing the best toys for a Boxer Brushes Boxers have short, dense coats that will shed mostly into themselves, rather than leave a mess on the floor. This is great for your house, but not so much in terms of health for the coat itself. Though Boxers can enter shedding seasons depending on where you live , most still or entirely shed minor to moderate amounts throughout the year. You will want to routinely brush the coat from head to tail at least once per week. During times of heavier shed, use a tool specifically to pull out dead hairs. Brushing has several benefits: It pulls out hairs that have shed but fallen back. If these are left, they can block natural air flow. It distributes natural body oils It removes fine dirt and debris Is healthy for the hair follicles, leading to better re-growth fur is in a constant renewal cycle The best brushes for Boxer dogs: For the type of coat that a Boxer has, the best brush will be a quality bristle brush. Be sure that it has a sturdy handle, is sized well for your hand, and has proper tension it won't do much good if it simply glides over the surface. For times of shedding, when you need to pull out any dead hairs, use a grooming tool that reaches deep down, latches onto hairs and brings them up and out. Dental Care Items Of all the supplies you might possibly get for your Boxer puppy or dog, do not overlook dental care items. What can happen: Plaque builds up on a dog's teeth every second of the day and chewing on treats and toys even great dental treats just doesn't get it all off. Within 3 days, plaque starts to harden into tartar. It encases the teeth and travels under the gum line. It eats away at the enamel of the teeth, causing decay and rot. Infection can travel up into the sinuses or even throughout the body, causing sepsis. Decay causes teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. And of course, this all happens comes at the cost of quite a bit of pain for a dog. The American Veterinary Dental College reports that periodontal disease is the most common preventable clinical condition in both cats and dogs. Without proper care, most dogs have some level of periodontal disease by the age of 3 years old; at this stage, there are not enough signs of unknowing owners to take steps other than bad breath yet can lead to damage to internal organs. What to do: Take measure to ensure excellent oral hygiene with your Boxer dog. Brush your Boxer's teeth with a quality toothbrush. Use an appropriately sized, 3 sided brush. Use an effective toothpaste human paste is toxic, look for a canine product that tastes good and works well to remove plaque. Don't be surprised when a good paste does not foam; they are not meant to since dogs are supposed to swallow the product. Offer one effective dental treat each day. We highly recommend Greenies; these are simply the best and are an accepted product of the Veterinary Oral Health Council. Think about using a water supplement that works to kill bacteria and help prevent plaque. Be sure that it does not contain a drying agent and tasteless ones work best. Bathing, Coat Supplies Everything that you use on the coat shampoo, conditioner, spray will either be beneficial to a Boxer or detrimental. You will want to have a really good shampoo that not only cleans great, but does so with the right pH balance to avoid over-drying and without harsh chemicals. The conditioner that you use needs to coat hairs without being so oily that residue remains which can clog skin pores. The coat should be protected with a spritz. A leave-in spray offers some great benefits: It smells great, protects the coat from static, contact friction and outdoor elements particularly the sun. Though, even with dogs that are outside much of the day and are super active, you can't depend on this to keep the nails short enough. If you want to do this at home, we recommend an electronic filer. It's much easier than clipping. Nose - A dog's nose is naturally pretty vulnerable to all of the elements it encounters. From arid air to cold winds to sun exposure. A big mistake is to only put something on the nose once it starts to look really dry or start peeling, because while a good product can indeed heal a chapped or cracked nose, it's better to be ahead of the game and prevent it in the first place. Every month or so, apply a quality nose butter and then keep it on hand for when you need to apply it more often, which is typically in the dead of winter and in during long, hot summers. Paws - You don't want to baby the paws, because they toughen up as a puppy and then dog walks on a variety of surfaces. However, if they become damaged this puts you back several steps and can even morph into serious issues. This is why a quality paw wax should be part of the supplies you have for your Boxer, it's a vital part of year-round paw care. Look for a good wax that allows the paws to breath and is absorbed quickly in just a couple of minutes. Car Restraint or Seat If you'd buckle up your child, there should be no hesitation to buckle up your Boxer. To not do this is to risk his safety. There are over 16, car accidents per day in the U. No matter how good of a driver you are, you just can't guarantee that someone won't crash into you or that road or weather conditions won't cause something to happen. So, of all the possible supplies that you might get for your Boxer, this one can literally save lives. There are some great options that are easy to use, can actually help with motion sickness and are comfortable for a Boxer puppy or larger, older adult dog. Read more about finding the best car seat or belt for a Boxer dog. Basic First Aid Supplies There are a few basic essentials that every owner should have on hand in the case of injury or emergency. If you've ever looked into this, you may have found some pretty extensive lists; and that's a shame because you don't need half of those things. Chances are, you'll never find yourself searching through your supplies as you try to set broken bones; things like this should be saved for the animal hospital. However, dogs do commonly swallow things that they should not according to the Pet Poison Hotline of the ten top breeds that they received calls about, the Boxer places at 8. You should always be prepared for this. Also, there can be insect bites, something in the eye and small scraps and cuts. Read more about which first aid items you should have for a Boxer dog Outer Gear - Optional, Based on Needs Many Boxers do just fine without any sort of additional layers via jackets or coats. However, some don't. Puppies, senior dogs, or those that are ill or recovering may have an intolerance to the cold. Additionally, just about any otherwise healthy dog can need some help during super harsh weather. If your Boxer is having a hard time in the winter and this is interfering with meeting exercise requirements or is getting in the way of house training, you may want to check into this. If so, read more about clothing for Boxer dogs. Supplements - Optional, Based on Needs If you are feeding your Boxer a high quality food, vitamins and minerals are already added to the mix. However, if you are offering a mainly home cooked diet which is great , you have to be the one to add in a complete vitamin and mineral supplement. Head collars are great for powerful pulling dogs or overly rambunctious dogs like the Boxer! Types of Head Collars Head collars come in a few varieties, depending on the brand. There are additional smaller straps located underneath the muzzle that are attached to an O-ring. This is where the leash clips too. The cool thing about this collar is it has a clip where you can adjust the tightness around the muzzle. This collar also has adjustments around the ears to fit a wide range of dogs. This type of dog collar was always more practical for both my Boxers. However, there are some differences that make this collar stand out, such as a pad on the nose strap to add comfort for the dog. Overall, this was my number one choice in terms of head collars for Boxers because of the minimal straps and muzzle adjustments along with the nose pad. As you know, Boxers are short-muzzled with short slick hair. The one strap around the muzzle is versatile for any sized muzzle and the padded strap prevents any chafing or irritation on their noses. They come in all different colors and sizes, and are available at your local pet store or even Walmart. Cons With anything, there are cons to using a dog head collar. Nothing is perfect. You can usually overcome these obstacles by making a positive association with wearing the head collar. Choose a head collar that best fits your Boxer. This way you have somewhere to start. All Boxer owners know how talented their Boxers are with their paws. This will prevent ill fitting collars and possibly negative associations to the collar. For additional information on the collars mentioned above, check out the links below. In Conclusion Buying the best harness for boxer dogs is not always easy to do since it depends on the activity the dog will be doing. Also, each dog is different and so some dogs might require specific styles of harnesses. A design with a few adjustments, including leather or strong straps, is perfect for that. If you have been looking for some good harness for boxer dog, then this post will definitely help you out. We share our detailed reviews and advice on how to choose the right harness for boxer dogs. Queries like what are the best harnesses for boxer dogs or which harness is good for boxer dogs. Why use a harness for a boxer dog? That is why many people opt to buy a harness instead. Harnesses also come in handy because they make it harder for your dog to escape from his leash. If you have an excitable Boxer, you might find that he slips out of his collar regularly and runs off when he catches sight of something interesting. With a harness, this is much less likely to happen. Boxers can be strong, active dogs. They can be a bit stubborn and difficult to train as well. It is important that you get the right harness for your boxer so that you can control him easily and keep him safe. There are many different types of harness for boxer dog to choose from. Some work well for certain breeds but not for others. You need to consider several factors before making your choice. The first thing you will want to consider is what type of dog you have. A big, strong dog like a boxer may need more support than a smaller breed such as a Chihuahua or Dachshund. This means that the material used in making the harness may not be strong enough for him to wear it comfortably without any pain or discomfort. Also, if your boxer has been trained already then he may not like wearing something new on his body! The next thing to consider when choosing a harness for your boxer is their weight. Boxers come in a wide variety of weights depending on the breeder and the age of your dog. So it is important to do some research before you buy a harness so that you purchase one that fits your dog correctly. You also need to think about where your dog will be spending most of his time while wearing the harness. If he spends a lot of time indoors then he may prefer a lighter weight model that allows him more freedom of movement while still being able to hold onto his leash securely. Type of harness There are a few different types of harnesses available on the market, and each type has its own unique features. For example, some come with padded straps, while others have extra leashes. Standard Harness: Simple in design and used by multiple dog breeds, this harness can be found in most pet stores. Adjustable Harness: As the name suggests, this harness allows you to adjust it for the perfect fit on your dog. This type is ideal for dogs that are still growing or dogs that change weight often. Step-In Harness: This type of harness features a hole where your dog steps through so the straps go over their back instead of under their stomach. It is then secured with Velcro or snaps in the front. Step-in harnesses are ideal for small dogs as they offer more control when walking them compared to other styles Training harness: This harness is used for teaching your dog to pull and for training sled dogs. The dog wears a collar, and the lines are attached to that, not to the harness. Figure-eight harness: This is a good choice for a dog who pulls excessively since it puts pressure against his chest when he pulls. The innovative placement of the Front Leash Attachment helps prevent choking. According to the PetSafe website, this harness is suitable for dogs that like to pull on their leashes. With a single leash attachment point at the front and four straps for a better fit, this harness might be a good choice for training your dog not to pull. The Tactical Dog Harness has been ergonomically designed to fit an array of dog breeds. Easy to adjust, please measure your pet before placing an order. The harnesses are not designed to carry heavy weights on their own, but provide a convenient way to attach your pooch to a leash or anywhere else you need. The Kurgo harness is a front-range harness that includes a seat belt attachment and a lifetime warranty. The harnesses are easy to put on, sturdy, and comfortable for your pet. Kurgo has designed a harness for dogs that is easy to put on and serves as a dog seatbelt attachment. It has many features that make it a sturdy, dependable dog harness. And because the affordable Kurgo harness is designed by people who love dogs, it also has plenty of comfortable padding for your four-footed friend. This harness uses a martingale loop at the back of its chest to help control large dogs that pull too hard. It is designed to make training your dog easier by using the top attachment point for walking and the front attachment point for more control. There are a few different ways of using this harness and it comes with a handy guide to help you adjust it. It has 2 lead attachment points and reinforced webbing at the chest to resist pulling, ensuring additional control. Suitable for everyday walks and training. Foam-padded straps across the chest and belly provide equal load distribution and comfort when running, walking, or resting. The Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness is an excellent harness for hiking, walking, and training dogs of all breeds. The design offers increased control and comfort for both dogs and owners. It can be customized to fit your dog with 4 points of adjustment, allowing it to move comfortably and making it easier to train. The harness has reinforced webbing at the chest, which helps resist pulling while also giving you additional control. Boxers and other strong pulling dogs in the UK have been known to be difficult to walk with a step-in harness. They have a better chance of walking well with the heavy-duty and durable Julius-K9 harness. This harness is designed for strength, not for light pulling. Designed for urban walks, power harnesses are easy to fit and provide you with professional control. The sturdy construction of the harness allows you to control your dog with confidence. Reliability and durability are guaranteed by the shatterproof buckle, and the use of first-class materials. The reflective elements of the harness ensure good visibility, and the first-class lining provides comfort. The question of whether a dog collar or harness for boxer dogs is better for a Boxer is not easy to answer. It really depends on the individual Boxer, their training, and what you are using it for. Both collars and harnesses have their own pros and cons regarding these factors. If you are unsure which one to use, you can always try them both out to see which one suits your Boxer best. A dog harness is a more natural way to walk your Boxer. Dog collars create uncomfortable pressure on the trachea, cause coughing and gagging, and can even lead to serious damage to the trachea. Boxers have a tendency to pull when walking and a harness gives you much better control over your dog. In contrast, a dog collar puts pressure on the neck which could cause serious injury if your Boxer pulls or lunges. Boxers are very strong dogs, and if they pull on their leash, you could end up with a shoulder injury. A harness makes it easier for you to control your Boxer. A harness is also more comfortable for your Boxer than a collar. Many dog owners use both a collar and a harness. The harness is put on the dog when the dog is outside and the collar is used for identification purposes only. I would choose a harness for boxer dog because the leash can handle a bigger dog. A collar might break if you try to get the dog off of another dog. In Conclusion When deciding on a harness for boxer dog, there are a few things that you need to consider. One of the most important is deciding how you want them to wear and we will guide you through that process. Many different types of harnesses are available on the market today. Harnesses should not be used as a replacement for a collar but do offer an extra layer of protection against pulling and escaping from the owner. Hope this article has helped you choose the best harness for boxer dog! Have a point of view to share? Let us know! Share your training tricks below! Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about purchasing a puppy, owning a dog, training, or anything else related to pets.

We have had many wonderful years raising this wonderful breed on our family run fruit farm in the heart of the countryside alongside our three children which are cocker spaniel absolutely adore and love to spend as much time as possible playing in our garden with our children. We do five weeks free insurance to cover you for the first few weeks. Just outstanding colours which matches a outstanding breed such a wonderful family dog so loving and very clever. We pride ourselves on health testing our girls to ensure the healthiest puppies possible. We are on Facebook and Instagram you will get to see more of our stunning puppies as they grow into beautiful adult dogs. All our puppies are used to all household noises and are handled throughout the day by adults and children of all different ages. Here at kent cocker Spaniels we are raising our puppies in a good environment and Full of enrichment. We weigh our puppies for the first 14 days to insure the puppies are getting the best start in life and to make sure all the pups are gaining weight every day. My children selected a few Chew toys for the puppies as a farewell gift. I will be providing a bag of puppy food Which the puppies have been weened on to start you off. All the puppies paperwork will be Included in the puppy pack as well. Kent cocker spaniel gallery contacting us about our puppies If you would like to enquire about our puppies please tell us a bit about yourself. You are here: Home » Blog » Care » Cockapoo Rescue — Cockapoos for rehoming Cockapoo Rescue — Cockapoos for rehoming February 7, August 25, When most of us think about cockapoo rescue, we might think about animals that have been abused or neglected. The thing is, this might not be the case. Many come from reputable breeders who people with good intentions have taken on. Divorce, the death of a loved one, and having to move home — are all the most stressful moments of life. Not just for humans but animals too — they are all legitimate circumstances and reasons a cockapoo will end up at a rescue centre or need rehoming. One of the main reasons Cockapoos are given up is that they did not realise how much hard work they would be and just how much attention they need. They are adorable dogs and make great family pets, but they are a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle; combined, make an energetic dog breed. Combine these both, and you get a dog that needs a lot of training and company. If an owner does not have the time, patience and relevant experience, it can be difficult to take on a cockapoo. Other reasons could be nothing to do with the cockapoo itself or even be the fault of the people involved. Still, as we already said, a change in circumstances meant they could no longer provide a forever home for their cockapoo. A person often has to give up a cockapoo with a heavy heart. Sadly, some people simply lose interest in caring for a dog, especially if their behaviour is more challenging as they get past one year old and would like an easier life. Whether you are looking to rescue a dog, need advice, or maybe looking to rehome your cockapoo. Although the page I link to mainly talks about what to do if you need to give up your Cockapoo, please send them an email as they will be able to help you find a rescue cockapoo or point you in the right direction if you would like to offer one a forever home. Dogs Blog Website link I have only come across this site recently, and it is a great resource if you are interested in cockapoo rescue. Shelters from all over the UK place their dogs here, and you can search by specific breeds. At the time of writing this, there are 3 Cockapoos on this site looking for new homes, and to date, this site has helped find a forever home for over 56, dogs! It is one place I would suggest if you would like to either give a cockapoo up for adoption or would like to adopt one. Check out their Facebook profile daily and look for their cockapoos for rehoming. The Doodle Trust Website link This is a charity that helps rehome all poodle cross dogs. Volunteers entirely run this. All the information you need is available on their website. If there is anything else you would like to know, we would recommend you contact them. This is run entirely by volunteers and has many cockapoos for rehoming. Local Independent Rescue Centres As well as these main charities there will be many local centres. Look around and check out a few centres; you can always phone ahead and ask if they have a cockapoo for adoption. Many are closed down, and the dogs were given to the leading dog rescue centre charities. There is usually an adoption fee involved for cockapoo rehoming. We are putting this last on our list because we would like to warn you about the experience others have had using this resource for cockapoo rehoming. This is often where people will start their search for cockapoo adoption. However, I have heard many bad things about dogs on here, and some have come from really bad situations. Most dogs, through Doodles Trust etc. Some dogs advertised as Cockapoos might not even be Cockapoos! There are many reasons why owning a Cockapoo might not have turned out as you expected it to be or has not given you that enriching and rewarding experience you had hoped for. If you need help with cockapoo rehoming, then help is out there. Especially if you got your dog as a puppy. They are adorable, but because they are a cross between a cocker spaniel or English springer spaniel and a poodle, they require so much time and effort, and it is sad for the owner and the dog. A big reason I see is that the cockapoo is still a puppy, and even though they are great family pets, it will still nip when it is young. The owner will be less stressed, and the cockapoo can go to a home where they get the love and attention they need. Most of the dogs I see being given you are still little cockapoo puppies aged six months or at least under a year old. Please, do not sell your cockapoo on Gumtree or a similar site. A cockapoo can end up in the wrong hands, especially if sold cheaply. Please contact one of the listings above I discussed where people are after Cockapoos. They are the best people to speak to. They have the relevant experience, can help you deal with this situation all the time, and find the perfect family home for your pooch. If you would like to chat about this with someone, please contact us here at Cockapoo HQ, and we will help all we can. Mike Mike is the proud owner of a 7-year-old Cockapoo named Luna. He loves to share stories, tips and information about owning a Cockapoo. With over7 years of experience as an owner, Mike is passionate about helping others own and care for their dog. Top 5 Popular Cockapoo Products. Click for more information What exactly are Cockapoos and Cavapoos? Cockapoo for example is a cross of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. But why cross with a Poodle? Welcome to Glendream Doodles. We concentrate on breeding the only best puppies which combine the most desirable traits of each breed into an adorable and potentially allergy-friendly package. Our goal is to provide beautiful, healthy, well balanced and friendly puppies with excellent temperaments. As the longest established breeder of Cockapoos in Scotland, for more than 20 years we have built up experience and knowledge of our breeds. We hope to give you a puppy that will be your pride and joy and give you many years of happiness and companionship. All of our puppies are genetically unaffected by parentage against PRA and we take health testing our dogs very seriously. We believe in quality over quantity, you may need to wait for one of our puppies, but it will be well worth it. Our puppies are known for there exceptional coat quality, teddybear looks and of course their fantastic temperaments. We have some super exciting plans for and our waiting list for both Cockapoo and Cavapoo puppies is now open. Please […]. They're being raised in a loving home where they are quickly getting used to all the sights, smells, and sounds of family life. The earliest the pups can head for their new homes is July 26th at 8 weeks old , by which point they will have had their first vaccinations and be microchipped. The mother is Gucci and 2 year old poodle who is my own family pet and regularly health checked by the veterinarian , she is a lovely friendly highly intelligent animal who has been raised around children of all ages and is at ease with people of all sizes. The father Bentley is family members own pet cocker spaniel who is 4 years old and studded previously , he is fun eager to interact with other dogs and people and is healthy with regular veterinarian checks. Their individual characters are beginning to shine through now, and all are proving themselves to be affectionate little bundles of joy. Please remember that these are a lifelong commitment and only consider purchasing if you believe that you can give them the time and love they deserve. Their Mum has shown herself to be a sweet, patient, and playful addition to our home- we don't doubt that your pup will bring you just as much happiness as she brings us. If you have any further questions then please don't hesitate to get in touch. All pups will be sent to their new homes with a blanket that smells of Mum to ease their transition, as well as puppy food to get you started. Keep checking back as I will update photos and videos daily. Read our Covid safe buying guide. Contact Seller.

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Prepare to be loved by this affectionate and pleasing boy! Enzo is a little man, weighing just 25 pounds at 3 years old, looking to show love and loyalty to his new family! Enzo is a special needs boy without full use of his front paws likely due to untreated swimmer's syndrome , but he does not let it stop him from being playful, affectionate, or doting on his humans. He gets along with everyone he meets, though he hasn't met any kiddos yet. He absolutely adores getting pet and will try in his special way to expose his belly to you for more pets! Enzo has low to medium amount of energy and will keep himself busy by lounging wherever he feels comfortable including his crate or simply watching his humans do their routines doesn't even mind the vacuum noise! But if he has rested long enough, he enjoys some food-motivated playtime! He and his special paws will feel most comfortable in a home with carpeting or rugs to help him grip his way to where he needs to go. He is intelligent and catches on to routines quickly. For example, once he understands what it looks like for his humans to prepare him dinner, he will get very excited and possibly give a little excited bark in eager anticipation. While Enzo has impacted mobility, he doesn't let it stop him from being affectionate, playful, and independent. He can even be spunky and sassy in a playful way during his few higher energy moments, where he wants to play or simply needs mental stimulation. Enzo has done well with the other dogs he has met, and he doesn't mind cats either! Enzo could happily play with another dog who is gentle enough and understands his needs. His housebroken needs look a little different than your typical dog in that Enzo needs the use and support of belly bands or diapers to help him with his pee breaks. Don't worry, though. There is no need for someone to express his bladder. However, he is catching on that if his humans carry him outside a few times a day, he will do his 2 business outdoors as he can move his bowels on his own as well. Enzo would love to pour his love and affection towards his new family, who wants to love on him just as much! Are you what Enzo needs in his life? Albert's Dog Lounge is a specialty rescue focusing primarily on senior and special needs dogs. Our process includes an approved application, reference checks, a homevisit, and then a meet and greet with the dog. Learn more about Albert's Dog Lounge, our mission, and adoption policies by visiting Albertsdoglounge. From one vet to another, we can get different age estimates on the same dog and they can vary by several years. We are only making an educated guess based on a few factors like teeth, fur color, and overall body condition, but for dogs who have not been given adequate vet care and food, it can be even more difficult. Every dog is an individual, and we do our very best to age appropriately but make no guarantees as to the age of any dog in our program.

Dietary Issues Dietary issues are a common cause of diarrhea in German Shepherds. Some dogs enjoy rummaging through the trash, which increases their risk of consuming contaminated or moldy food. This includes old food they might find on their daily walks. German Shepherds also frequently have a wide range of common food allergies or intolerances to particular ingredients in their diets. Did you know you can get an at-home pet food intolerance test? Runny poop can be a sign of digestive issues, such as eating too much food or treats too quickly. Typically, this could be: the stuffing from a favorite toy pieces of plastic from a rubber chew anything they put in their mouths! German Shepherd puppies, particularly prone to eating inedible objects, are the best example of this. Stress and Anxiety Despite their intimidating exteriors, German Shepherds are susceptible to the effects of stress, which can show up in a number of ways, including diarrhea. You might be surprised to find their bowel patterns react to changes in your lifestyle! Medications A German Shepherd may experience diarrhea and episodes of runny poop from certain medications that irritate their stomach and intestines. Some examples of drugs that may result in diarrhea as a side effect Antibiotics: Antibiotics can disrupt the healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to stomach upset and diarrhea. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs : These drugs are generally given to relieve pain, such as in the case of arthritis, but can cause stomach irritation. Chemotherapy drugs: Chemotherapy drugs that are used to treat cancer are not well-tolerated in some dogs and have side effects, such as diarrhea. Antidepressants: Some dogs on antidepressants to help with anxiety and stress issues may experience bouts of runny poop while on the medication. If your German Shepherd exhibits any unusual symptoms while taking medication, call your veterinarian right away. They may suggest switching to a different drug or adjusting the dosage. Bacterial and Viral Infections German Shepherds can develop diarrhea from two common infections: parvovirus salmonella If your dog consumes contaminated food or drinks dirty water, she could become ill with salmonella. Salmonella levels are higher in stagnant bodies of water, such as ponds and lakes. These are the same places that many German Shepherds enjoy sipping from and swimming in! In addition to being extremely contagious in dogs, another virus called parvovirus can be fatal if not treated quickly. For German Shepherd puppies, it poses a particular risk. These parasites can affect the digestive system and harm the gut lining, resulting in diarrhea, stomach aches, and inflammation. They might also obstruct the intestines, which might result in episodes of runny poop. Giardia, on the other hand, is a protozoan parasite that attaches to the gut lining and causes irritation and inflammation, which can result in diarrhea. As long as your dog is eating and drinking and otherwise seems like their normal self, then treating them at home is generally safe source. Temporarily withhold food. Withholding food for a short period of time is one of the most recommended treatments for German Shepherd diarrhea. This allows the digestive system to rest and lets the stomach recover from irritation. Many dogs will naturally be reluctant to eat when their stomachs are upset, but some will continue to eat almost anything you put in front of them. Your German Shepherd needs access to clean, fresh water to avoid dehydration while experiencing diarrhea. Give them small, bland meals. This allows their stomachs to gradually adjust to processing food once more. Your German Shepherd can be fed a bland diet for up to 3 days. After 3 days, start gradually weaning them back to their regular food. A bland diet is an easy-to-digest homemade food that helps German Shepherds with diarrhea by promoting stomach healing and easing the signs of an upset stomach. There are generally two main ingredients: boiled, skinless, boneless chicken and cooked unseasoned white rice. The main objective of feeding your German Shepherd a bland diet is to give them easily absorbed protein and carbohydrates while keeping them away from any ingredients that will worsen their diarrhea. After your German Shepherd starts passing solid feces, you can gradually reintroduce their regular food over the course of a few days by blending small amounts of their regular food with the bland diet food. Add daily probiotics to their diet. A probiotic supplement may be beneficial for some German Shepherds because it contains healthy bacteria that can balance the gut microbiota and support digestive health. Probiotics for German Shepherds PetHonesty makes this delicious probiotic for German Shepherds available as chewable, simple-to-take tablets that contain various probiotic strains. Giving probiotic supplements to your German shepherd may also have the following benefits: Improved digestion. Your German Shepherd's stools can appear soft or semi-formed. It might seem like your dog has diarrhea, especially since he may be defecating more often than usual. EPI stools look bigger and runnier, containing a lot of moisture. The color will look like a strange mustard yellow or will be very pale. The stools may also look fatty which can attract scavenging birds. The stools will look like cow pats and be too large and soft to pick up. A German Shepherd's stool should normally be brown, shaped like a sausage, and be compact enough to hold together if you were to pick it up. Your German Shepherd's appetite might be great, but he may lose a lot of weight very quickly if he has EPI. At first, your dog might just struggle to keep weight on. But, as the condition progresses, he might lose weight so rapidly that you can see his bones through his coat. Your dog's coat might be in poor condition so it may feel harsh or look starry. The fur can feel dry, brittle, or dull. You may also be cleaning up more hair since your dog may shed more with EPI. This also causes a vitamin imbalance that can dull your dog's coat. Your dog is driven by instinct try to reclaim lost nutrients by eating his stool. In rare cases, your dog may try to eat non-food items like plants or dirt this is known as pica. Don't punish or shame your dog if he does this. Instead, you might try to limit his access to the feces. For example, you might immediately remove or clean up the feces so he doesn't get a chance to eat it. You may be able to tell that something is wrong with your dog because his personality seems different. Your dog might become aggressive or appear nervous. EPI can cause these changes in behavior because your dog is being malnourished and is constantly hungry. Because of this behavior, your German Shepherd might become more protective of his food and less tolerant of human intervention. He may not like being touched. Certain breeds are more likely to develop EPI because they inherit genes that cause the condition. Dogs that have the hereditary form of the disease start showing signs of a problem between the ages of 1 and 4 years old. Since most German Shepherds have this form, it's important to watch for signs of EPI if your dog is young. Your dog seems to be straining to pass feces Mucus or blood in the stool Sometimes additional symptoms may accompany diarrhea, such as vomiting, fever, abdominal bloating or pain, low energy, lack of appetite, and weakness. These are signs there may be a more serious underlying health condition. An Overview Just like their people, German Shepherd dogs can develop diarrhea at any age and stage of life. And just like in people, diarrhea in German Shepherds should never be ignored. Sometimes the reason is very temporary and passing. But for German Shepherds in particular, sometimes the reason can be an underlying digestive disorder. German Shepherds, in particular, are prone to digestive disorders ranging from a sensitive stomach to G. In fact, in research published in the Journal of Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, researchers pointed out that diarrhea was one of the most consistent health issues reported by German Shepherd owners. Clearly, there are a number of reasons why a German Shepherd might develop diarrhea. These reasons can sometimes be related to age or life stage as well as the environment, which is what we will talk about in the next section here. As a large breed dog, a GSD puppy is growing up fast and every day is different. Since German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have issues with sensitive stomachs, each food change has the potential to cause diarrhea. As well, other major stressors can cause temporary bouts of diarrhea. Change in their environment such as rehoming. Stress crate training, kids, other pets, etc. Worms and parasites, a viral or bacterial infection. Diseases That Can Cause Diarrhea in German Shepherd Adult Dogs There are several potentially heritable genetic health conditions that can cause occasional or chronic diarrhea in adult German Shepherds. As far as canine biologists know, German Shepherds are the only dog breed to have this particular condition. The two main warning signs of pancreatic enzyme insufficiency are ongoing diarrhea and rapid weight loss. The only current treatment is to add digestive enzymes at each meal. Even so, pancreatic enzyme insufficiency is known to be life-limiting. IBD happens when the cells that line the stomach intestine begin to collect substantial amounts of inflammatory cells. These cells disrupt the normal function of both organs by preventing the food from being properly digested and absorbed by the body for use. The symptoms of IBD will depend on where the inflammatory cells congregate. If the cells choose to gather in the colon and lower intestine, chronic diarrhea is common. Often owners will report seeing mucus or blood. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss , depression, and lack of energy. Blood work, ultrasound, X-rays, and G. There is no cure and IBD can be life-limiting. The only treatment is dietary changes and medications. Unfortunately, ongoing research has yet to figure out exactly what causes IBD to get triggered. Other Causes of Diarrhea in German Shepherds When your German Shepherd is experiencing chronic diarrhea that does not seem to respond to the usual remedies, it is always time to look deeper. But sometimes diarrhea, like life, just happens and then it passes. When the episode is brief, you may not ever know exactly what caused your GSD to have diarrhea. This may range from garbage to garden mulch, lawn mushrooms to cat poop. There are four basic categories of canine diarrhea when it is not related to an underlying disease: 1. Motility issues. With motility issues, the gut pushes the food through too fast. Intestinal exudation. Ulcers in the intestinal tract can cause blood and fluid to seep in or out. Over secretion. When the intestinal tract is exposed to a pathogen parasite, bacteria, et al it will secret too much liquid to try to cleanse itself. Osmotic imbalance. When too many food molecules crowd into the intestines together, this draws in water and causes diarrhea. Parasites, worms, viruses, bacteria, and fungus can cause diarrhea. Liver and kidney disease can also trigger bouts of diarrhea. Ingestion of poisons and toxins may also give rise to diarrhea and other symptoms. Treating Diarrhea in German Shepherd Dogs As with any health issue, your German Shepherd is suffering from, the very first step is always to make sure you know what is causing diarrhea. The best approach is to schedule an appointment with your canine veterinarian to get a correct diagnosis. Then you can match the treatment to the cause. As this YouTube video by a veterinarian explains, antibiotics may be necessary when diarrhea is caused by a parasite or bacteria. Just make sure that the pumpkin product you choose is just plain pumpkin puree with no additives. Check to be sure there is no xylitol, a sugar substitute that can be fatal to dogs. Sometimes diarrhea arises and subsides quite quickly, and when this happens, just make sure your dog takes in plenty of water and gets lots of rest. Signs of worms in poop Your vet will treat diarrhea depending on the cause, and further investigations may be required. Never give your German Shepherd any anti-diarrhea medications e. How to Prevent Diarrhea in German Shepherds It would be impossible for your German Shepherd to never suffer from the odd case of diarrhea. But there are some things you can do. To prevent diarrhea in your German Shepherd, feed a complete and nutritious diet, and avoid table scraps and titbits that your dog is not used to. Avoid anything toxic and ensure your GSD does not get into the garbage. Ensure worming treatment and vaccinations are up to date. Follow these simple guidelines to prevent diarrhea: Make sure you know all the dangerous poisonous foods for your German Shepherd. Ensure your GSD keeps to its usual diet. Prevent guests to your home from feeding titbits, especially toxic foods that they may be unaware of, for example, grapes or chocolate. Be wary of feeding bones , as they must be raw and be of the correct type and size for your dog. Keep all toxic substances out of reach of your dog. The Pet Poison Helpline has a complete list of these. Consider a muzzle when you are out in the woods or park to prevent your dog from scavenging if they are that way inclined. Keep worming treatment up to date. Vets recommend every three months — but check for your breed. Keep vaccinations up to date. Exercise your German Shepherd regularly, especially if they suffer from stress. Refrain from exercising your dog immediately before or after a meal. I like to give my German Shepherd a good hour on either side, which also helps prevent bloat. Acute diarrhea, which is the most common type, usually lasts for one to two days and can sometimes last up to two weeks. Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, lasts for at least four weeks. The duration of diarrhea in German Shepherds can vary depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, a temporary change in diet may be recommended by a veterinarian to help manage the diarrhea, but this should only be done under the guidance of a professional. Feed your dog plain, easily digestible food such as chicken and rice to get him back on his feet again. I hope you found the above prevention tips helpful, which will minimize the risk of this unpleasant and messy occurrence! Related Posts You May Like:. What Is Diarrhea? Diarrhea refers to a condition where a dog passes soft or watery stool during bowel movement. Doggy diarrhea is not a disease itself. Rather, it is a symptom of an underlying issue. The stool will usually occur in large amounts and in greater frequency than normal. Physiologically speaking, diarrhea occurs due to fecal matter passing too quickly through the intestine while the absorption speed of electrolytes, nutrients, and water is decreased. Symptoms of Diarrhea in a German Shepherd Diarrhea can appear on its own, but it can also have other accompanying symptoms. The most common symptoms are bloody stool red or black , a low-grade fever, lethargy, flatulence, loss of appetite, and vomiting as in gastroenteritis. In cases wherein these symptoms also appear alongside diarrhea, it is best to bring your dog to the vet immediately. What Causes Diarrhea in German Shepherds? Throughout the lifetime of your German Shepherd, she will most probably experience diarrhea at least a few times. The most common causes of diarrhea in GSDs are the following: Viral infections, such as one that is caused by parvovirus or canine distemper virus , especially in young, unvaccinated dogs Stress brought about by a change in environment or traveling Abrupt change in diet or treats Poor diet Food allergies or sensitivities, such as dairy products Intestinal parasites which can come from raw meat Ingesting poisonous substances, spoiled food, garbage, or foreign objects Antibiotic medication In rare cases, tumor s in the digestive tract cancer Types of Diarrhea in German Shepherds Diarrhea is a general term, but there are several different types of it. Acute and Chronic Diarrhea Depending on the underlying cause, diarrhea in your GSD can be acute short-lived or chronic happening intermittently over course of weeks or months. Sudden acute diarrhea can appear if your GSD ingests something that does not get along well with her intestines. GSDs have a higher prey drive than most breeds, making them susceptible to chasing rodents and squirrels when left to their own devices. If your dog ingests the meat of these animals, the bacteria in the meat can upset her stomach. German Shepherds and larger breeds in general are more predisposed to this chronic disease than smaller dogs, especially during middle age. Oftentimes, veterinarians prescribe medication to manage the symptoms, as this is an incurable condition. Small intestinal diarrhea is usually caused by bacterial and viral infections, parasites, food sensitivities, IBD, ingested garbage, poison, or foreign objects. In this type of diarrhea, your GSD may pass large amounts of stool about three to five times per day, without straining. Your dog may also vomit, pass gas frequently, and lose weight. On the other hand, large intestinal diarrhea also known as colitis is often caused by whipworms, colon ulcers, colon cancer, IBD, and stress. Colitis is characterized by more frequent passing of stool more than five times a day in smaller amounts, and your GSD may strain in the process. Blood in the stool may appear bright red, and mucus may also be present. Unlike small intestinal diarrhea, large intestinal diarrhea does not always cause vomiting or weight loss in dogs. In some cases, your dog may exhibit a combination of these two types of diarrhea. For instance, the problem can start in the small intestine and then proceed to the large intestine. However, always provide plenty of fresh water nearby to avoid dehydration. After the hour fast, feed your dog a bland diet. Opt for skinless, boneless boiled chicken and broth. You can mix in a few small spoonfuls of mashed pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or potatoes, but make sure that they are unseasoned and unsalted. Rice can be added, too, as long as your GSD is not sensitive to it. These foods will help to firm up the stool. Start with small meals every two hours, then gradually increase the amount of food and the time in between meals. Be very cautious when transitioning your GSD to her previous diet. The transition should be spaced out and gradually done over a few days. If this successfully resolves the diarrhea, you can get her back to her regular food. You may be tempted to give your dog some medication to help ease her discomfort and cure her diarrhea. It is important, however, to understand the risks and to follow proper instructions before you do so. Imodium Imodium is a common over the counter medication that many people give to their dogs to treat diarrhea. Imodium, known generically as Loperamide, is effective in slowing down the movement of the intestines, allowing nutrients to be absorbed more slowly. As previously mentioned, and this bears repeating, you must be very careful when administering Imodium to your GSD. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog Imodium. Imodium Loperamide is a synthetic opioid, and it is possible to overdose your dog if you are not careful. Never give Imodium to puppies, pregnant and nursing GSDs, senior GSDs, and those with other medical illnesses such as liver disease, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism. Some of the side effects of Imodium may include: Constipation.

Harry: A sweet and affectionate dog whose heart is full of love and longing for head rubs and praises of being a good boy. He may not be interested in playing with toys, but he finds immense joy in vigorous play sessions with his brother, Heddy, and cuddling up against his beloved human. While Harry can be easily distracted during walks, a session with a trainer has already shown promising results, indicating that he's on his way to becoming a well-focused and obedient companion. With a bit of guidance and training, he's well on his way to claiming the title of America's next top dog! Heddy: Now, let's meet Heddy, the larger brother who brings his own unique charm to the duo. Like any older brother, he enjoys taking charge and can sometimes assert his authority. Nonetheless, he adores chasing after Harry and is always up for fun and adventure. Treats are always a hit with Heddy, and he's eager to show off his endearing personality to win over your heart. Heddy, like his brother, is house trained and has no issues with resource guarding. However, he may need some patience and guidance when it comes to walking on a leash. Together, Harry and Heddy form a lovable and affectionate duo that will bring joy and laughter to your home. Their sibling bond is heartwarming, and they thrive on being loved and pampered together. Prepare for twice the love and cuddles when you have both boys around! We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Fredericksburg Virginia and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted!

These dogs are easy to care for and train. Even though they are very well behaved, they need some level of supervision in order to keep them safe. A crossbreed of the Greyhound and the Labrador was created in the early s. The Border was bred to help with herding sheep, as the Greyhound was originally bred for that purpose. The Lab can be found in many colors, including black, chocolate, white, cream, blue, grey, red, and more. Breeders prefer to use only registered purebred Labrador dogs for breeding purposes. Labrador dogs are the first choice for sports activities and athletic activity. They love running, jumping, playing tug-of-war, and doing tricks. If you are looking for a dog to play fetch or chase butterflies, then this breed would be perfect for you. Labrador retrievers are known for their loyalty and love of the family pet. They are often used as guard dogs. Other duties include watchdog and protection of children and property. A Labrador Retriever will adapt well to homes with children, as well as other pets. Their size makes them excellent watchdogs, but they will also be protective of your furniture, the mailman, and even small animals such as birds and squirrels. Labrador Cross Breed Puppies for Sale is available in a wide range of colors. They can be made for whatever purpose. Some can even be purchased as service dogs for people with disabilities. Owners of these dogs are pleased with the results. So if you are thinking about getting a dog or puppy, it is best to start your search for Labrador Lillary Border Collie Mix Puppies for Sale in the spring or summer months. Labradors are usually the first to go on sale, so the price for them is quite low. Labradors will only cost you about three hundred dollars, but the quality is what makes this breed so popular. Whether you are looking for a puppy, or a dog to take care of your family, Labrador Cross Breed Puppies for Sale will be an ideal choice. Share this:. Finding a healthy puppy. It worked alongside the fishermen, in the water as often as on land, helping haul nets and lines, and retrieving fish. The hunting and sporting community in the UK began to fall in love with these Labradors in the late s and early s thanks to their tireless energy, wonderful temperament and ability to work. The American Kennel Club followed suit 14 years later, in .The Labrador is the most popular pet dog in the US and the UK today, and is the most popular working retriever in the world. The Rough Collie is believed to have originated in the Highlands of Scotland in the 18th century, where it was bred as a sheepdog for herding and guarding the flock. It became a show dog in England in the s, and the first English Collie was brought to the US in .The Collie Club of America was founded in , making it one of the oldest specialty clubs in American existence. This Collie comes in four different colors. Sable is the most popular. The Collie is considered a medium to large size dog, typically ranging 50 — 65 pounds for a female and 60 — 75 pounds for a male. Average height is inches for the female and inches for the male. Labradors are also a medium to large dog. Male Labradors tend to range in size from 65 to 80 pounds, and .Females range from 55 to 70 pounds and .Coats and Colors Labradors have an undercoat, and a short, dense, water resistant top coat sometimes called a Guard coat. These dogs also have a distinctive otter tail. They come in three solid colors: brown, black and yellow. Regardless of which color coat your Collie has, it will likely have a white collar, chest, legs, feet, tail tip, and sometimes a blaze, or white markings, on its face. While similar in size, the face shape, coat type and coloring of these two parent breeds are very different. You might find a black lab collie mix, or any other combination of lab and collie mix. As you can see, there are many possible physical combinations that a Labrador Collie cross could end up with due to this. Both the Labrador and the Collie shed seasonally. However, we can look at the general temperament of both parent breeds to get a better idea of which characteristics Labrador cross Collie puppies are most likely to exhibit. Labradors are an incredibly popular dog, and one of the reasons for this is their remarkable temperament. Labs tend to have very friendly, outgoing, and playful natures. They are high energy, very active dogs that typically get along with others, whether human or animal. As sporting dogs, Labs are known for their instincts in woods and water and tend to love to swim. Labrador Retrievers have a reputation for being tireless and incredibly social, with stable, even temperaments. The Collie is a dog who is proud, graceful, and completely devoted to its human family. These dogs are moderately active and incredibly intelligent. They tend to be very good with children, but require lots of human interaction and contact. Collies have a tendency to be vocal and bark, but are not generally aggressive dogs. With a healthy puppy from a good home, proper socialization and training, this interesting mix is likely to result in a very social, loving and active dog. The labrador collie mix temperament and personality should be amicable and stable. Socialization Of course, socialization of any dog is important. Some dogs might take more work than others but even with friendly dogs, it is vital that you take proper care to familiarize them with new people, places and other animals. Fortunately for this mix breed, both parent breeds are friendly, outgoing and playful and loyal. Make sure to check out our guides on socialization of both puppies and older dogs. Training and Exercise Labradors are high energy dogs built for endurance. Collies are medium energy but still fairly active dogs that will enjoy and benefit from long walks. Labradors are in the Sport Group of dogs and tend to excel at running, hunting, fetching, and swimming. Collies tend to excel at agility and herding; often enjoying and excelling at obedience and obstacle training courses that incorporate these skills. This means that regardless of whether you have a Black Lab Collie mix, a Chocolate Lab Collie mix, or a Yellow Lab Collie mix, your puppy is likely to need a fair amount of daily exercise. If this exercise includes mental stimulation such as teaching tricks, even better! Proper training is important to ensure your pet is a well-adjusted and well-mannered companion. Thankfully, a Labrador Collie mix will likely be intelligent and eager-to-please, which should make training relatively easy, compared to more stubborn breeds. To avoid them, make sure that they are both fully tested for the conditions relevant to their breed. The Lab parent should have good hip and elbow scores, a clear eye test and be PRA clear. The Collie parent should be clear for Collie Eye Anomaly and not have shown any reaction to drugs like Ivermectin. The life expectancy of a Collie tends to be years. The average life expectancy for a Lab is 10 to 12 years. So, you can expect your Labrador Rough Collie mix to live anywhere between 10 and 14 years. Do Lab Collie mixes make good family pets Both Labradors and Collies are generally loving, social animals that do well in homes with small children and other pets. Labradors and Collies will enjoy prolonged periods of exercise outside, but not alone. If Collies are kept outside for extended periods of time without human contact they will become bored and lonely, which could result in behavioral problems. In other words, Lab Collie puppies will do best in a home with a family that will take them out to suitable natural environments regularly for exercise and will be home often to provide social contact. Pay attention to the type of living conditions the puppy is in. Ask about both parents and get as much information as you can to understand the background of your puppy. This will help predict any potential issues or areas for concern. Breeders vs rescue dogs A Combined History Mixing dog breeds is not a new thing. In fact, cross-breeding has been around for centuries. But, it takes many years to create a distinct breed that is recognized and registered. Designer dogs are typically named based on the breeds used for mating. Border Collies and Labradors are both intelligent working dogs. They have been selectively bred for generations to choose dogs that are driven as well as cooperative, but in slightly different ways. Border Collies are a traditional herding breed mostly used by sheep farmers to control their unruly flocks. Labradors on the other hand spend more time waiting than working, then have bursts of energy fetching fallen birds over long distances and tricky terrain. Like many of the other designer breeds, the Borador has come into existence within the last 10 to 20 years in North America. By mixing the lovable Labrador with the hard-working Border Collie, breeders hoped to get the best of both worlds — an intelligent, energetic, and people-oriented dog that suits almost any role. Most Labradors are quite a bit bigger than Border Collies. But, your mix could fall anywhere between the sizes of its parents. Most Borador dogs will be somewhere between 40 and 60 pounds. Females are usually smaller than males. While Labradors are seen with a solid yellow, brown, or black coat, this mix often takes on the distinct dual or tri-coloring of the Border Collie. You could also end up with a beautiful black Lab Border Collie mix. Black is a dominant coat color, so the black Lab Border Collie mix is one of the most common colors. This can be in a plain form, or bi-color pattern, such as a white and black Lab Border Collie mix. Grooming and Shedding The Border Collie parent can have long or short fur. Labs will have short dense fur. Your Borador mix could be anywhere inbetween. Both parent dogs are known to shed all year round, and heavily during hotter seasons. So, expect to find lots of fur around your home if you own one. Use a bristle or pin brush for grooming once or twice a week and use a slicker brush to remove any mats that you see. Especially if your dog spends a lot of time exercising outdoors. You may need to groom more frequently when shedding is at its heaviest. Border Collie Lab Mix Temperament These dogs can inherit some very unique and positive personality traits from their parent breeds. For starters, Collies are extremely intelligent. According to studies completed by the American Psychological Association, the dogs have the same mental abilities as a two to two-and-a-half-year-old child. While Labradors may act more like toddlers, and have a good deal of smarts themselves, what really stands out about them is their kindness, happiness, and generally easy-going attitudes. Socialization Early socialization is hugely important if you want to raise a healthy, happy, outgoing dog. This process involves exposing your puppy to other dogs and to different people when they are young. It is done so that your dog will not be fearful or aggressive around new people or dogs. Ideally, socialization should begin when your puppy is between 3 and 14 weeks of age. Luckily, both the Border Collie and Labrador are known for their easy, kind temperament, so you should find this process easy and effective. Training Both Labradors and Border Collies are dogs with high levels of intelligence. So, a Borador is likely to become bored and disruptive if not properly entertained. Training can go a long way to help with this. There are various programs that can help you with training. Keep in mind that studies show that positive reinforcement or reward based training are best for your dog. Not only is it highly effective, but it reduces the incidence of problem behaviors and anxiety issues. Borador Energy Levels It should not come as a surprise that the Border Collie Lab mix also needs a fair amount of exercise. They are extremely active dogs that love to run, play, and exert energy for hours each day. The Lab part of the mix typically calms down the hyperactive nature of the Border Collie. But, it depends entirely on the traits they inherit. Some Borador mixes will still have strong herding instincts and could even try to herd young kids or other pets in the house! Border Collie and Labrador Health All dogs are at risk of certain illnesses. The Borador is no exception. Here are some health problems that potential owners should be aware of: Hip dysplasia.

Although you may not realize how or why your poodle feels threatened, if your dog senses danger, biting is a common response. Somewhere down the line, it figured out that biting does the trick. A chocolate Toy Poodle eating from a ceramic bowl What to do if Your Poodle is Biting The first thing to do if your poodle is biting is to pinpoint the cause of the biting. Refer to the bulleted list above to see if you can figure out the source of the behavior. The Best Ways to Stop a Poodle from Biting In no particular order, here are the six best ways to stop a poodle from biting. Buy Plenty of Chew Toys! One of the best things you can do to stop your poodle from biting is to make sure you have plenty of chew toys for it to choose from! This is especially important if your poodle is in the teething stage. Eventually, your poodle will connect the dots and realize that not biting results in a treat or praise. This will go a long way to stop your poodle from biting! Once your poodle realizes that you make the rules, it will be much easier to get your poodle to obey your wishes. Bring Your Poodle Around Other Dogs Another great way to stop your poodle from biting is by encouraging it to play with other dogs. If they bite too hard, the other dog will act more aggressively, so they quickly learn how to bite and how not to bite when in a play situation. A Tan Poodle sitting on an outdoor lounge. Keep Your Poodle Relaxed Keeping your poodle calm is another excellent way to stop it from biting. You can do this by leaving it alone for a while or putting it in its crate for a short period of time until it calms down. According to Whole Dog Journal, you should never punish your dog for biting. Instead of punishing your poodle, you should reinforce positive behavior and try the subtle training techniques mentioned in the previous section. 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. Final Thoughts The Causes of Poodle Biting Poodles do not really bite because they just feel like it — there are actually some reasons that prompt them to bite. This biting problem of poodles is more pronounced in their breed compared to others. Toy poodles in particular have a higher propensity for biting than their counterparts. But with proper poodle training, they can actually become some of the most well trained dog breeds in the world. Poodles will not bite if this is something they have learned not to do. So, going back to the high rate of biting that is common in the nature of poodles. Because it is not a breed that is expected to do anything more than just be a cute pet, it can learn to be stubborn and be unresponsive to others. They are actually quite smart, but if you combine that impressive intellect with strong instincts that are left untrained, you can be sure that poodles will not only be turning their noses up to you, but giving you a good bite as well to show that you cannot control them! This video reveals the secret to having well-behaved toy poodles and how to train your new puppy to stop biting! Start them Young Because poodles are smart dogs , they are also highly trainable and are capable of learning that biting is never a part of what is known as acceptable behavior. Training a poodle to avoid biting will begin by giving the poodle many opportunities to socialize while it is still a puppy. It is simpler to teach puppies than it is to train older dogs since they have not yet developed negative habits or poor behaviors of their own. It is possible, however, to teach obedience to a dog that is already an adult. As a poodle dog owner, you also need to know that it is not good to take the poodle away from its mother earlier than eight weeks old. The time it spends in the company of its mother is also a learning opportunity — one in which the poodle grows to have an early understanding that it is not right to bite and should control all of its urges to show that it is more dominant than other dogs or people. Practice your Poodle to Socialize Once the eight weeks it spends with its mother has passed, you can then work on socializing the poodle with other dogs and members of your family. You can also consider signing up your poodle for a number of classes and play opportunities that will help teach it to become bite-averse and friendlier; puppy day care sessions are a good opportunity for that. In order to socialize, they bite each other, and they also attack each other if they feel threatened or if they are just protective of their owners. As a result, starting socialization between the ages of three and twelve weeks is critical. If you wait much longer, it may be more difficult to socialize your dog. As an owner, make it a point to show calmness when dealing with your poodle while at the same time showing it that you are welcoming to it. There are many ways to prevent your poodle from biting. Do not Punish your Poodle It is a no-no to scold poodle puppies for the sole reason that they are too young to actually know better. At the same time, scolding a poodle pup will result in an early exposure to aggression on your part — something that it will eventually mimic as it deals with others, and will become the starting point for many behavioral problems that last in the long term. Regardless of how painful the bite is, resist the urge to smack your pet. Biting becomes more frequent and severe when the dog is subjected to physical punishment. Getting advice from an expert is always preferable than getting it from a layperson. If the poodle bites another dog — whether that dog is a puppy or a much bigger dog — put your foot down and send the message across: this is something that is not allowed. If the poodle is showing signs of wanting to bite, give it a toy that it can bite instead of other dogs. As a result, before you quit biting for good, you need to develop excellent habits for your Poodle. Teaching your dog to control biting force is one technique to keep them from doing so. Puppies and their mothers are at risk of being bitten by the dog when they are playing. It is common for the mother or other dogs to howl if the bite is too strong. The same may be done in the effort to teach biting inhibition. You should be aware, however, that this may agitate some pups and exacerbate the biting. Although toy poodle bite force is not that strong compared to Pitbull and other breeds with lockjaws, you should still train your poodle to be disciplined all the time to avoid possible problems. Reinforce Positive Behavior If it bites you, make a soft but clear whimpering sound so it knows that you were hurt by what it did. This smart dog will take its cue and, given that you are its loving owner, will strive not to bite you again. At the same time, this is how the poodle also shows being hurt when it is on the receiving end of pain. If you do this, your dog will learn that excellent conduct is rewarded with food, which may lead to more frequent displays of positive behavior. Your dog is more likely to persist with this unhealthy behavior as a consequence. When you include repercussions, the dynamic changes. The more often this occurs, the more your poodle will associate biting with items they like being deprived of. Playtime, cookies, or any other reward you take from your poodle when they bite is more likely to cause them to quit their negative behavior. It is important, however, that you do not go beyond in terms of punishment. If this is a recurring problem, try dangling a tasty reward from your feet while walking the poodle. Using this method, your poodle will be more interested in the reward and less likely to jump on you. When using this strategy, you must exercise caution when providing rewards to avoid reinforcing bad conduct. For example, it is advisable not to use the reward shortly after the dog has leaped on your feet. If you do this, your dog is likely to associate the act of pouncing on your feet with a reward and continuing doing it. The ideal strategy is to dangle a reward at the beginning of your stroll in order to teach your dog the proper stance and not to promote any specific activity. Keep your Poodle Relax and Comfortable When a dog is nervous, fatigued, or worried, it may attack. Allowing the dog time to relax and cool down is the greatest remedy. Taking the dog to their box and giving them some alone time is one option. Dogs, on the other hand, must not associate their crates with penalties. You may avoid this by having them cool down in a new location each time. The only way to avoid poodle attacks and biting is to not let them have their way. Structure is essential for a well-behaved dog. Ensure that the dog understands that you will take them for a walk, play with them, or feed them at the appropriate time, rather than whenever they want. Your poodle will be more likely to learn and follow simple instructions if you do so first. A dog that is obedient to its master is more likely to break this negative behavior than a dog that does not respect its master. As a result, from the time your poodles are pups, work on instilling the idea that you are the one in charge of the household. Waiting any longer will just make it more difficult to maintain the new habits in the long run. Poodle Biting When Your Dog is Much Older There are also some older poodle dogs that still demonstrate a desire to bite or just nip other people and dogs. When this happens, you need to address the problem with firmness. Do not let it dictate when it wants to eat or play. Spend time teaching it some basic commands, and persist until it grudgingly shows that it can obey. You also need to avoid playing physical games like tug of war, wrestling, and chasing. This is because these games can result in the poodle biting you in an attempt to establish its dominance. If the poodle is anxious and starts biting as a result, you can probably enroll it in obedience classes so they can socialize with other furry friends and have a way to address their aggression problems in a highly controlled environment. If the biting problem in your poodle persists, more drastic measures in the form of a dog expert may be necessary. You can also think about visiting your vet just to rule out any possible health concerns that may be a cause of its biting. Teaching your poodle not to bite and addressing aggression issues may sometimes be a challenge to a dog owner. But if you persist at it you will revel in how obedient and well-behaved a poodle can actually be. Poodles will not stop biting unless you train them not to bite. That is why it is important to train them from a young age to avoid biting problems, especially at adult age. Do miniature poodles bite? Miniature and toy poodles bite because it is a defensive instinct of a dog. They also bite when they are playing or are just bored for not having any activities. Expect that you would experience seeing your toy poodle growling and biting other dogs or people if you will not train it not to bite. Are miniature poodles aggressive? Fear-based aggressiveness is more common in toy and miniature Poodles. As a result of their tiny size, they are especially vulnerable to abuse from youngsters. It is harder to socialize an adult Poodle with fear issues, but a good dog trainer may assist you in the process. Why do poodles bite? Then why do poodles lash out? Inexperienced dog owners may mistakenly believe their dog is acting hostile for no apparent cause, leading to unwarranted retaliation. Punishment has a high risk of making the problem worse. To keep his bite strength in check, your dog does this. In the absence of chew toys, he may take to biting on whatever is available, even your fingers! In addition, biting is a way for the dog to get to know other dogs and participate in their social circles. If the pup feels threatened in any way, he may bite to defend himself. This may also happen when other pups or adult dogs intrude on his domain. Biting is a way for them to protect their territory in this situation. Are poodles stubborn? Poodles are often used as a fashion item by their owners. Due to their obstinate and unresponsive nature, poodles might be more difficult to train. As a result of their high intelligence, poodles have a tendency to bite people who are in positions of power. Your dog is teething and will seek for anything to chew on to alleviate their discomfort. Stop your poodle from biting by following the advice in this article. Do you have some unique and effective way to train your poodle biting other people or dogs? We would love to hear from you! Share it with us by commenting down below! He is very passionate about training and caring for dogs, that is why he started this website. Want a free 5 part dog training video series? They were bred for hunting so they have an instinctual nature to retrieve and hunt. This makes them high-energy dogs that can easily get bored if not trained properly. The aggressive Poodle is a rare sight because they are very friendly with other people and animals around the home. Poodles are also intelligent, but they are very stubborn, and this stubbornness sometimes brings them trouble. Poodles do have a habit of biting and nibbling from a young age, but this behavior is not aggressive in its nature. If you mess up with their training or influence other negative factors, you might end up with a Poodle that bites. Why Do Poodles Bite? There are a few reasons why a Poodle may bite. Teething Around the 4 — 8 week period, the Poodle puppy will start teething. Just like any dog, the teething period follows a lot of biting and nipping. Protective Instinct If your Poodle feels that it is in danger, it will start biting. This is a protective behavior and usually means that your pup is in danger. It can also happen when someone goes near its food or territory. Attention Seeking Everyone wants a little attention throughout the day. Your dog will jump on you or bark to get some attention. It will start biting if it notices that that grabs your attention. Even if a little cute, this Poodle biting behavior should be stopped with training. Overstimulation Opposite to lack of attention is too much attention. If you play with your Poodle too much and get it overexcited it may start biting. This is why games like tug-of-war are not recommended for puppy aggression. Lack Of Exercise Poodles are high-energy dogs and they need their exercise. Energy build-up can cause anxiety and aggression in a dog. Expressing Emotion If your pup feels threatened or afraid it may react with aggression and biting. Things like thunderstorms, or unknown people entering the house may trigger your dog. You will notice it showing its teeth and excessively barking before going for the bite. Medical Problems Poodles bite when they are faced with health issues. Local or generalized pain will cause aggression and biting in your Poodle. It is important to notice the signs of disease along with the excessive biting and contact the vet as soon as possible. Playing The Poodles will bite each other while growing up as part of their socialization. Play fighting is a big factor in learning how to control their bite force and not hurt anyone incidentally. Just make sure to properly train your puppy during this phase. Early Training And Socialization Poodles are intelligent dogs and this makes them easy to train and teach. You should use this trait to train your dog from an early age. But Poodles are known to be stubborn so you need to be patient and persistent. It is also important to let your Poodle be around its mother for the first 8 weeks. She will help remove the bad habits from your pup and discipline it when needed. You can start socializing around the age of 3 — 12 weeks. Slowly introduce it to new people and animals in your home. Then take it to the dog park when it will meet more of them. This is even higher than the bite force of a Belgian Malinois. Poodle puppies learn bite inhibitions from their mom and siblings from the early days of their life. In time your dog will know how hard to clench its jaw to not hurt them. You can also train your puppy yourself. If you want to keep yourself or your furniture free of dog bite marks, a nice chewy toy will do the job for your pup. The best time to get a chew toy is during the teething period of your Poodle. This is around the age of weeks. Chew toys are great for older dogs as well. They are there when the dog wants to play but they also help with cleaning their teeth. Your furniture will also be very thankful. Reinforce Positive Behavior Training is a great way to stop Poodle biting. It needs discipline and work. But dogs also need love and affection. This is why you should use positive reinforcement when training your dog. Whenever your Poodle does good in the training you need to encourage that positive behavior. In time, your Poodle will associate the right behaviors with the treats and praise and will try to do better every time. Calm Your Poodle If you want to know how to train a Poodle not to bite, you first need to know how to spot the warning signs. Whenever dogs are getting ready to attack, there are a few signs they make. You will notice your Poodle getting stiff with its ears pinned back and hackle raised. It will also be showing its teeth, and start growling and barking. Once you notice these symptoms, you should start diffusing the situation. Be calm and see if you can remove the reason that is making it upset. You may also exit the room slowly and let it cool off by itself. For a dog that is chronically aggressive, consider using calming medication like valerian root. If you want to avoid having an aggressive Poodle at home, you need to make sure that you are the leader of that pack. You do this by establishing your dominance. You need to establish this during the young puppy days when the pup is still learning. Make your Poodle understand that you will let it for a walk or feed it at a set time that you decide, rather than whenever it wants. There are people who can help you with the biting Poodle. You should first visit your vet to see if anything is wrong with your pup healthwise. You should also look for any symptoms and signs of illness in your dog before taking it to the vet. If you think the problem is more behavioral, you can hire a professional dog trainer. They will help with training the dog from an early age, or with an older dog that was not trained properly. But with a bit more work and time, you can train your older Poodle not to bite. If you are dealing with older mean Poodles, the first thing you need to do is to assert dominance. This will make it respect you and follow your lead. If your Poodle has problems with anxiety, you can enroll it in an obedience class. That way the Poodle can socialize and learn from other dogs and people. You can also talk to your vet or hire a professional dog trainer. In time you will teach your new Poodle that biting is not acceptable. Conclusion — Do Poodles Bite? Poodles are a great dog breed to have as a family pet. They are loving, playful, and very intelligent. But they can be a problem because of their biting nature. A Poodle will start biting from an early age as a way of socializing with its siblings and with you. The biting will increase during the teething period and in some specific cases. These include attention seeking, protectiveness, lack of exercise, anxiety, stress, or illness. Your job as a dog owner is to stop this bad behavior. You should start with early training and socialization. Establish dominance and be strict, but also reward good behavior and calm your dog. You can also get a chew toy or talk to a vet or a professional dog trainer for help. Remember that even if Poodles are known to bite more, with a caring owner they can be the perfect pet. It is more common to see a Toy Poodle growling and biting, rather than a standard one. This is because Toy Poodles are small and they are more likely to be mistreated by bigger animals or people. Are Poodles stubborn? Poodles are known for two things: their intelligence, and their stubbornness. Their intelligence makes them easy to train as they pick up on things easier. But their stubbornness can make training a pain sometimes. Consistency and persistence are key. Should you punish your Poodle for biting? Instead, you should know what do Poodles bite for and try to solve that problem together. Train and socialize together and the biting will stop in time. Adult Poodles will chew to help cope with Separation Anxiety and ease boredom. Don't worry; No matter how old your Poodle is , or whether your have a Toy, Miniature or Standard, help is here! Puppies that Chew One of the reasons that Poodle puppy will chew, even before teething has begun, is to explore the world. A puppy will use their mouth as opposed to a hand to figure out…. While this is most vital during the first year, since a dog of any age may mouth an object it is recommended to periodically performed checks of all accessible areas and remove anything that could be a potential chocking hazard. In this way, you can be 1 step ahead, but not even allowing the temptation to chew on these things to manifest. Teething Poodles will experience teething from about 4 months until 8 months. Do keep in mind that some Poodles are late bloomers and teething may last a bit longer. How the Right Toys can Help A puppy must be allowed to chew as much as he wishes, when he is teething. This is a very difficult time for a Poodle puppy, as the urge to relive discomfort is quite overwhelming. It will be your job to supply some of the best possible toys. Take care when you are choosing toys for your pup's collection. Some toys are cheaply put together, the manufacturers splash on some color , give it a cute name and people scoop them up. However, those are the toys that most dogs do not find interesting and you inevitably waste your money and your dog is not being helped. Toys should have 1 or more of the qualities: Is Interactive — Moves or makes noise when chewed. Motivates a puppy - When a puppy receives a reward such as treat release chew toys , he will be more apt to go to it in the future for chewing urges. Has several different types of surfaces — for example rubber knobs on one end to put between teeth when the gums are sore and rope for a different feel that can be manipulated into just the right spot. Is sized correctly so that it is not a struggle to mouth it, but is big enough that's it's safe to chew. Tips to Encourage Approved Chewing Once you have cleared the house of low level items the best that you can and you have a good selection of quality toys, your Poodle may still need a bit of encouragement to chew on them. Here are some tips: 1 Puppies love new objects. Therefore, one trick that works well is to have 2 groups of toys…always keeping 1 available and 1 hidden. Do keep in mind that any toy that your pup has seemed to become very fond of, should not be put away and should always be available. Chew toys should always bring a positive association. However, for chewing issues, this should be followed by a trade. What does this mean? When he accepts the toy, give great praise to teach your pup that chewing on the toy is what makes you proud of him. Sometimes, a puppy can be stubborn, and this is where you must not be shy. Many times this may startle a puppy — this is acceptable. This means that you have captured his attention and can now offer the trade and give him the chew toy. Separation Anxiety Chewing If your Poodle destroys things or chews on objects while you are away, they are most likely expressing their nervousness and anxiety while waiting for you to return. You may also be interested in: Poodle puppy is barking a lot - While some vocalization is normal and expected, read about steps to cut down on barking at night and excessive barking issues. Housebreaking a Poodle puppy - This in one of the biggest hurdles that owners need to deal with. Effective methods for fast learning. Life span of Poodles - Leading causes of death and how long each variety of Poodles live. Poodle Photo Gallery - See beautiful photos of Poodles send in by owners. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. This article is a comprehensive guide on how to go about it. Bite inhibition refers to the process of teaching your poodle how to control the intensity of their bite. If the bite is too hard, the mother or other dogs will let out a yelp to indicate that the bite was painful. You can do this as well when trying to teach bite inhibition. However, you should know that this may aggravate some puppies and make the biting even worse. A great behavioral training course can really help when teaching bite inhibition to your dog. I found a fantastic training system called Brain Training for Dogs. If you need any behavioral training at all for your dog, I would highly recommend this course! Check it out here 3. Take the same example. When this happens consistently, your poodle will start associating biting with an end to things they like. Your poodle is more likely to stop his bad behavior to get more playtime, treats, or anything else you decide to take from them when they bite. This process is known as negative reinforcement. However, you need to be careful not to go overboard with the punishment. If the dog is constantly biting on your fingers and feet around the house, consider giving them something different to chew on. Without a doubt, my dog Angus enjoys Barkbox more than anything else I purchase for him. BarkBox delivers a customized box of themed toys, treats, and other products to your door each month for any size dog. In addition, I like that a percentage of proceeds are donated to local animal shelters. Check out the Barkbox website here to discover why Barkbox will make your dog as happy as mine. I recently wrote this article on the best toys for poodles. With this approach, your poodle will be more attracted to the treat and is less likely to pounce on you. If you do this, chances are your dog will relate pouncing on your feet with the treat and keep doing it. The best approach is to try dangling the treat at the start of your walks to train them on the correct positioning and not as a way to encourage any behavior. The best solution for this is to give the dog some time to relax and calm down. One way to do this is to take the dog to their crate and give them some alone time. You can prevent this from happening by choosing different spots for their cool-down sessions. Does it happen when the dog has been indoors all day? Does your poodle bite only in the presence of other dogs? Or does it happen all the time? The solution for this is to take the dog outside and allow them to run around for a while. Alternatively, you can walk your poodle to give some much-needed exercise. Dogs that bite in the presence of other dogs may be marking their territory or be threatened by the other dogs. You can gradually stop this habit by socializing your dog so he gets used to other dogs. When you do this, your dog will start to understand which good habits earn them treats and may be motivated to show positive behaviors more often. Again, this will make it more likely for you to achieve success and get your poodle to stop biting. To ensure your dog behaves well, you need to establish structure. When you do so, your poodle will be more likely to pick up basic commands and obey. Waiting longer will only make it harder for the new practices to stick. However, as painful as the bite may be, fight the temptation to hit your furry friend. Physical punishment stresses the dog out and may cause even more aggression, thereby making the biting worse. A professional is in a better position to advise you on the best way forward. Socialize Your Poodle Dogs that rarely get the opportunity to hang out with other dogs may also tend to bite a lot. Waiting longer than this can make it harder to socialize your dog. There are several ways you can socialize your poodle to prevent biting. If this is your first time owning a poodle, this may be among the questions going through your mind. Like most dog breeds, poodles tend to bite a lot in the puppy stage. In fact, poodles are known to have a higher tendency of biting as compared to other dog breeds. Why Do Poodles Bite? So why do poodles bite anyway? Your dog does this to control his bite strength. This type of biting is common when the dog feels ignored. Furthermore, biting is a way for the dog to explore and join the social life of other dogs. Defensive instinct Biting is also a self-defense reflex for dogs. This also happens when his territory is invaded by other puppies or adult dogs. In such a case, biting is their way of defending their territory. Poodles are Naturally Stubborn Another possible cause for biting in poodles is lack of training. Many owners adopt a poodle as an accessory. In Summary Biting is normal for poodles, especially in the puppy stage. During this time, your dog is teething and looking for anything to bite on to soothe their sore gums. Your poodle may also be biting due to aggression, as a way of seeking attention or simply exhibiting normal dog behavior. Utilize the tips mentioned in this article to help stop your poodle from biting. If you try all the DIY steps and nothing works, consider hiring a behavioral specialist or certified trainer. Working with an expert will make the process easier and increase your chances of success. I hope you found it helpful. Here are some products that I personally believe every owner should employ to help ensure the best quality of life for their dogs. But in all honesty, these are the exact products that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Lemonade Pet Insurance : Lemonade Pet Insurance has enabled me to afford a very high level of veterinary care for my dog, Angus. Even after he was diagnosed with cancer a few years back. This program actually works, and at a small fraction of the cost of hiring a dog trainer! Pet Plate is the dog food subscription service I use to provide extremely healthy, pre-portioned meals for my dog. Pet Plate gives my dog Angus the highest quality nutrition at a very affordable price. BarkBox : Without a doubt, my dog enjoys Barkbox more than anything else I buy him. BarkBox delivers a customized box of themed toys, treats, and other products to your door each month. In addition, I like that a percentage of proceeds is donated to local animal shelters. I Purchase this service for my dog Angus and have saved hundreds of dollars over visiting his local vet with questions or more minor health concerns. Brent Hartman I'm Brent Hartman. I've been a dog lover my entire life and have owned many animals over the years. When my black lab Angus passed away, I was looking for another friend to share my life with. As a result of my research, I've come to love poodles and wanted to share some of what I've learned with you. Whether you're looking to adopt a poodle, or already own one, I created Poodle report to be the ultimate guide to help you find the answers you need. Recent Posts.

Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Since German shepherds are large, active dogs and are known to have hips that give out, it's important to make sure they have good nutrition throughout their lives. Make sure to buy healthy food that is not full of filler ingredients. For example, make sure you are feeding a quality food that contains animal protein and doesn't use corn for protein. You can feed your German shepherd dry or wet food, or a combination of both. If you choose to feed your German shepherd homemade meals, it's important to talk to your veterinarian about what they need to include. This will help ensure that the dog will get a balanced diet. Try to resist giving your dog table scraps, especially if it is begging for them. People food can be unhealthy for the dog and can impact its interest in its healthy food. As your dog ages, it will have different nutritional needs. Feed your dog a food that is designed for its specific age, such as a puppy food when it very young, an adult food when it is in middle age, and senior food when it is in old age. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source There are also specific formulas you may need to consider at some point, for example, special foods for large breeds or weight control food for overweight dogs. Talk to your vet about what food will work best for your dog. Because your vet will understand your specific dog's health issues, they may want it to get specific nutritional needs met. Instead, mix the foods together, gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old food over the course of several weeks. Look at the packaging of the food to determine the suggested serving size. This should be based on the size and age of your dog. You can also talk to your veterinarian about how much they think your dog should be eating. It is best to divide your German shepherd's daily food into 2 or more smaller meals. Giving smaller meals helps to minimize the risk of bloat, which is a life-threatening swelling of the abdomen. Go to source When you feed your dog several times a day, your dog will need to relieve themselves shortly after each meal. Never exercise a German shepherd right after they eat since this could increase the risk of bloating. In addition to feeding it healthy food, the snacks you feed your German shepherd can have an impact on its health. Pick low calorie treats that are satisfying for dogs, including crunchy vegetables and kibble in a feeding toy that slows the dog's consumption down. Dogs can drink a lot of water every day and it's important that they do to prevent dehydration. Fill up its bowl with clean water every day and leave it where your dog has access to it. Also, check up on the bowl throughout the day, if possible, to make sure there is plenty of water available. However, German shepherds should drink small amounts of water throughout the day, instead of drinking a large amount at one time. Gradually hydrating throughout the day will ensure that the dog doesn't get bloat. Dehydration can be a threat to your dog's health. Signs that it might be dehydrated and needs more water include excessive panting, loss of appetite, and dry nose or gums. If you see these symptoms, give your dog water immediately. Go to source Advertisement. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are amazing dogs with perfect guiding skills and prominent intellect. If you have decided to get one for your home, be sure that you will obtain an obedient, loyal, and reliable friend. However, you need to know the main principles of German Shepherd puppy care to understand how to raise your dog healthy, energetic, and well-trained. Consider whether this dog breed is for you. Home conditions play a great role, so ensure that your GS puppy will feel great at your home. Consider such things as feeding , house training, socializing, exercising, playing, bedding, teaching obedience, grooming, and medical treatment. This guide will help you to find out more about this fascinating breed and how to deal with it with less effort. German Shepherd Puppy Care Starts with the First Minutes You can select your German Shepherd either as a puppy from a reputable breeder or as an adult dog in a dog shelter. Remember that your relationships with your fluffy friend start with the very first minutes of your acquaintance. Bringing a Puppy Home Suppose you have chosen a puppy from a breeder. Now, the first task is to bring it home. Bring someone with you to facilitate the task. You can use a puppy crate. So, ask your breeder to introduce the puppy to it several days before you take it home. However, taking a young puppy from its mother and siblings is always a big stress. Do your best to reduce it. If it is purebred, you may need a copy of a pedigree certificate. It is important if you want your dog to participate in shows. If you take the puppy home in a car, try to reduce the stress from new odors and experiences by letting it explore the inside of a vehicle to get used to it for a while before you drive. The puppy can start whining, so you may want to put it on your lap. However, puppies usually feel carsick and frightened, so they may make a mess. If your trip is long, you may stop and let your puppy stretch and relieve itself. You have already prepared it for a new tenant. This preparation should involve taking away all electrical wires, dangerous materials, tiny and sharp items, and everything your puppy can chew or swallow. You will also need chew toys, and a good cleaning detergent because accidents can happen during the first days. Learn the basics of how to care for a German Shepherd puppy before you bring it home. You may need to know how to arrange an area for sleeping , playing, and relieving. Start with introducing your little one to the potty place outside, and then bring it inside. Your doggy needs to get used to its new home first. So, let it explore the room meant for its stay first. If your puppy starts chewing furniture or house items, give it a chewing toy. Your new friend wants to see a pack leader in you, so it is essential to take this role from the very first minute. You can do it right now because further on it may try to challenge this role. Speak calmly but firmly, call the puppy by its name, and encourage it. If you have young kids, explain to them how to deal with the doggy. Introduce other pets to it. If you have a cat, it is likely not to care much about the puppy. Your cat will just sit and observe. Though, if you have other dogs, they may show a sort of aggression. So, you may need a muzzle for your dog at first to protect the puppy. When you see that they start getting on well, you may take off the muzzle. After that, you can feed your pup. Offer it some food that it is used to. After eating, take the doggy outside for relief. Wait for minutes and then take it back inside. Young puppies need to be fed several times per day, and they should have a lot of drinking water in a separate bowl. It may be the start of house training. However, accidents may happen, so do not scold or punish it. You also need to take your pup outside after every playing session. Try not to feed the doggy before it goes to bed, or you will have a sleepless night. Your puppy needs a special place for bedding. It may be a crate or some mat in a designated part of the room. Your little dog will go to it as soon as it wants to take a nap when it understands that it is its bedding. The First Night at Home Is Challenging The first night in a new place is a challenging and stressful experience for a puppy. It may start crying and whining because it is a pack animal and its instincts prompt it that staying alone is hazardous. So, you need to be in contact with your little one all the time. Avoid giving it food or drink immediately before going to bed because it will end in a mess in the room. Play with the pup for a while to make sure it is tired and ready to sleep. Take it outside before sleep and praise it if it is successful in doing its job. It will be difficult to eliminate this habit in the future. The best way is using the crate. Though, keep the crate not far from you to keep an eye on the pup. You can put it in your bedroom for the first night to make it feel comfortable. Give the puppy a treat before placing it into a crate. The puppy may want to potty at night, so take it out every three hours. You may need to take it out just once during the first nine months of age. You should offer optimal conditions for health, well-being, and daily activities. Month One Breeders are usually fully responsible for the care of a puppy during its first month. There is a strong risk of infections from adult animals and people that can lead to death. The mother is responsible for hygiene. At the age of 3- 6 weeks , breeders should carry out the first deworming. If there is a risk of infections, the puppies should receive their first preventive vaccination. More about 6 week old GSD puppy care. Month Two At this age, a puppy can have its new owner. Weaning from a mother is always significant stress, so if you take the puppy from the breeder, try to distract it with toys and continuous communication. When at home, the doggy needs a determined place for living. The ideal option is to keep it in an enclosed space with a special booth. When you want to keep the dog in a kennel, use straw or hay for its bedding. You can leave your pet unattended for a while during this time, but not for a long time to avoid stress. Moreover, it can start gnawing on something dangerous, get poisoned, and die. Do hair brushing times a week. Do not bathe the puppy before the vaccination. Even adult German Shepherds should not be washed more than 3 times per year. If there is a need for more frequent washing, do not use shampoo. Clean the ears and teeth 1 or 2 times per month. Monitor the eyes. If some redness or tearing appears, contact the vet. Vaccinate your puppy against plague, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus enteritis, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis at this age. Do deworming 2 weeks before the vaccination. Observe a 3-week quarantine after the first vaccination before walking outside. Do not bathe the puppy, change its diet, or do much exercise during this time. More about 2 month old GSD puppy care. Months Three-Six The puppy grows quickly during this time. Its limbs become longer, and the doggy is getting stronger. Start regular walking with the puppy. The first walks should be no more than 5 minutes, but at the age of 4 months , you can walk with it for minutes already. Up to 6 months, it is advisable to walk times a day, but when the puppy gets older, 2 long walks are enough. Take your puppy outside in your arms for the first walks, and then offer it moderate runs and games. Take care of its musculoskeletal system from the first months. The second vaccination is needed at the age of 3 months , and the next one is after the change of teeth. The teeth change at months, so the ears may drop down during this period because of a lack of calcium. German Shepherd dogs are known for their athletic capabilities, intelligence, and loyalty, making them one of India's most sought after breeds. Dog lovers are enamoured by the German shepherd's majestic appearance, intellect and guarding abilities. If you have decided or have recently become a German Shepherd's parent, you should be grateful to have such a loving and loyal companion who will stand by you no matter what in the years to come. However, parenting a German Shepherd is not an easy feat. Multiple factors need to be taken into consideration before you are confident that you will be able to provide for the needs of this dog. Parenting a German Shepherd is a highly gratifying affair, but the first step is choosing your puppy and caring for it. It needs to be planned out carefully to ensure that you and your dog spend all your days enjoying maximum satisfaction. This article will run you down through all the crucial decisions and actions that must be taken, starting from whether you should parent a German Shepherd, all the way to how you can care for your puppy. Is a German Shepherd is right for you? Before answering this question, it is imperative to check if parenting any German Shepherd is right for you to begin with. This breed is a very demanding one. It requires plentiful exercise to remain physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate playtime and activity, dogs of this breed can become destructive. So the question here is, do you have the facilities required to give your German shepherd this level of exercise? Do you have a yard, a park or a lawn near you where you can exercise your dog? Do you have the time to take them out on frequent walks? German Shepherds are usually suitable for people who engage in high-intensity sports such as running and bicycling. Will you be able to engage in such activities for the benefit of your dog as well as you? Similarly, German Shepherds are highly sociable animals and thrive in interactive environments. They need other dogs or people around them most of the time. Does your daily routine allow you to be near your dog for long periods of time? If you plan to leave your German shepherd at home for hours a day while you are working, this breed may not be suitable for you. Dogs of this breed are also prone to excessive shedding, and you need to be ready to find a lot of dog fur all around you. Being a large breed, feeding and taking care of these dogs are time and money intensive. They live long lives and can suffer from health problems too, and thus, caring for them can be an expensive affair. Thus, these are some of the questions that need to be answered to gauge whether a German Shepherd is indeed right for you to begin with. With these conditions in place, this breed may not be ideal for first-time dog parents. Coming to the type of German Shepherd that is right for you, this breed can be classified into two categories - work line type and show line type dogs. The differentiation is based on the heritage of the dogs of this breed and the purpose for which they were bred. Show lines were mainly bred for their look, colour and body type. Work Lines were primarily bred for their health and personality rather than to look a certain way. The line you choose depends on what you really want to be doing with your German shepherd. Work lines should be chosen if you seek a family pet or want some type of function to be performed because this type is known for its trainability, knowledge and skill. However, if you are more concerned with your dog's appearance, then going after show lines might be more appropriate. It must be mentioned, though, that it is possible to find show line dogs with the same characteristics as work line dogs and vice versa if they have been bred by individuals who are concerned with their appearance as well as health. Beyond work and show lines, age is another essential factor to consider. A good breeder would not offer puppies that are lesser than 8 weeks old as they still require their mother's milk as well as other social skills. Puppies who have received this from their mothers will be less likely to engage in destructive and unruly behaviour. First and foremost, verify that the puppy's parents have good health and desirable temperaments. Then examine the puppy in terms of health and hygiene by checking the eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, paws, etc. Study the gait of your puppy; it should be even. With German Shepherds, in particular, it is vital that you choose a pup that does not have undesirable traits. Visit the breeder at least four to five times before making a decision. Choosing a pup from the litter that is neither the timidest nor the most dominant would be wise if you want a bit of both traits. A German Shepherd puppy that is well built, energetic and sociable would be ideal. Next, to gauge the temperament of a puppy you want to select, you could perform a few simple tests, such as making eye contact with them. If they hold contact, it reflects confidence. It might be a sign of nervousness and anxiety if it looks away. Clapping your hands is another simple test. If the puppy runs away, it can be judged as timid, but it can signify that the pup wants to be friends if it approaches you. Similarly, other tests include calling the puppy to pet it, introducing it to a new toy, making a sudden noise, lifting the puppy and holding it above your head, or grabbing its paw. The reaction of puppies to such actions can provide much-needed insight into a puppy's temperament and help prospective dog parents make the right choice. On the one hand, if you prefer a dog that isn't prone to undermining your authority, it would be sensible to choose a moderately submissive puppy. On the other hand, if you want a dog for protection, it would be wise to choose a tough, trainable, and courageous puppy. After four to five visits, it would be possible for you to judge correctly - the personality and various character traits of the puppy you're interested in. As German Shepherds have highly individual personalities, you might bond more with one German Shepherd than the other. Lastly, before making a final decision, it is always good to ask the breeder for their opinion, as good breeders often have vital information about their puppies and can provide valuable insight into their characteristics and temperaments, thereby ensuring that you exactly find what you are looking for. Bringing Your German Shepherd Puppy Home Once you have established a rapport with a puppy and have made up your mind about becoming a dog parent, or a dog parent to another puppy, take a friend or companion with you who can help you clean up if your puppy is carsick. If you intend on making your puppy comfortable in a crate, give the crate to the breeder a few days before you bring the puppy home so that the breeder can help it acclimatize itself to the crate. The first day at home will be a traumatic experience for your puppy as it is away from its family. Thus, ensure that your puppy has a place to be comfortable and relaxed, with an adequate amount of food and water. It would be wise to spend some time exclusively with your puppy initially, such as an extended weekend plan so that your bond can grow. Be sure to collect your puppy's adoption contract and veterinary records. Furthermore, find out the exact kind of food that the breeder was giving the puppy you just adopted. Giving your pup entirely different food during the first few days can be traumatic for them. With their unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds, your home and car can frighten your puppy, leading it to stress out and get anxious. Anticipate this and give your pup some time to adjust to the new environment. The first few days can be demanding as a dog parent because you need to adapt to changes in your schedule with the arrival of your puppy. Similarly, the puppy, too, can cry, whine or get overly affectionate, which can be regarded as coping mechanisms to deal with the sudden change in environment. During this time, make sure you don't scold your puppy or be overly affectionate either. Before bringing your newly adopted puppy home, it is essential for you to puppy-proof your home! Go down on all fours and check for sharp objects, hazardous materials, or any other dangerous substance that your puppy might end up chewing or swallowing. Cover your electrical outlets as well. Stock your home with food that your puppy has been eating while under the breeder's care. Keep an adequate amount of food and water, water bowls, treats, and grooming tools such as brushes, shampoos for puppies and nail clippers. Cleaning detergent for stains and smells will also come in handy in case of any accidents. Decide on that area of the house that will be where your puppy spends most of its time. This step is crucial as constantly changing your puppy's place can lead to disruptive sleep patterns and cause stress. German Shepherds, being extremely active, will tend to run across your halls, and in such cases, an accident or two are bound to happen. In such cases, it would be a good idea to restrict your dog's movements to areas that can be cleaned easily. Furthermore, German Shepherds have sharp claws and can ruin expensive hardwood floors, so it would be wise to keep them away from such flooring. As mentioned previously, your puppy will be nervous during the first few days. Frequent bathroom breaks will be a necessity for your pup, and thus, keep an area designated just for this purpose. Also, let your dog run around the house and acquaint itself with its surroundings. If your dog is chewing or biting furniture in a puppy-proofed home, you could offer a toy as a distraction. If you have children, teach them how to properly handle your puppy without being too rough. If you have other pets, give your pup a chance to meet and acknowledge them. Be careful while introducing your puppy to other puppies and grown dogs. However, most dogs are not aggressive with puppies, so it is doubtful that you will face problems on this front. Between eight and sixteen weeks of age, Puppies require plenty of clean water to drink and many meals a day. They also have small bladders and hence, will urinate often. Since they expend a lot of energy during the day, they will take several naps. It would be recommended to begin a daily routine for your pup and stick to it. Since German Shepherds require a lot of physical activity, taking them out in the mornings and evenings for an adequate amount of time religiously would be necessary. The faster you get your pup accustomed to a routine, the more beneficial it is to better sleeping schedules and better mental and physical health. When you begin house training your dog, be sure to praise them when they relieve themselves in designated areas but refrain from punishing them if they fail to do so. Remember that your home is a new environment for them, and thus, it will take a while to house train them. Training Your German Shepherd Puppy. Training your dog from the day they come home is very important. Clear rules should be set that should not be broken. For example, if you do not want your dog to get on the bed, do not let them come on the bed ever. Allowing them sometimes and then not other times gets confusing for your dog, and they may not be able to learn the desired behaviour effectively. Training your puppy can be divided into two stages, each with different objectives. The first stage of training needs to take place when your pup is between eight to sixteen weeks of age. In this period, socialization, house training and crate training goals must be accomplished. The second stage of training needs to occur when your puppy is three months of age until about 9 months. The main objectives of this training phase are obedience training, impulse control, and recall. From 8 - 16 weeks Goal: Socialization German shepherds are very protective of their owners. This makes it essential to make them see that other individuals are not necessarily threats. This period is critical to expose your puppy to different people in non-threatening situations. This can help them grow more confident around strangers instead of becoming hostile. Socialization creates a strong foundation for the rest of your puppy's training. One example of socialization comes from the grooming requirements of this breed. German Shepherds need to be groomed regularly so that they don't shed a lot. Thus, introducing them to groomers at a young age and to tools like blow dryers and nail clippers can help achieve this goal of adapting to social environments. Furthermore, to improve their mental development, expose your puppy to new sights, sounds and smells to help their confidence improve. Goal: Crate Training Training your puppy to sleep or stay in a crate can be difficult at first as they might face separation anxiety. Crate training is necessary if you prefer sleeping alone or washing the utensils in the kitchen and need your puppy to stay in one place for a couple of minutes. Patience is key to achieving this goal. Help them get over their separation anxiety with the help of treats and toys. You can also use your crate for feeding purposes to help your pup get more acclimated to it. Goal: House Training A strict schedule can help get your dog house trained. When your pup is around 8 weeks old, it should be taken outside for a bathroom break every two hours or so. At 12 weeks, it should be taken every 3 hours and around 16 weeks, every 4 hours or so. Begin teaching your puppy how to eliminate on cue by looking for signs such as sniffing the floor or circling a particular spot, or going to an area where it has made a mess before. Using a command to push your puppy to go outside to relieve itself can be helpful. Remember to praise your pup when it obeys such actions. From 3 - 9 Months Goal: Obedience Training German Speherds are acutely intellectual and have a commendable work ethic. Training that has begun early and consistently can help your puppy's best traits and features emerge with time. Dogs of this breed are excellent at obeying commands, and you can begin this type of training by teaching basic commands such as stay, down, and up. They can even be trained to walk on a leash easily during this period. Goal: Recall When obedience training is done right, the goal of recalling or successfully calling your puppy to come to you becomes relatively easier. Achieving recall takes patience and practice. It should be done diligently and on a daily basis, using treats and toys as incentives. Achieving this goal can come in handy during emergency situations as well. Goal: Impulse Control German Shepherds are highly susceptible to boredom, often resulting in excessive and inappropriate chewing, barking, chasing, etc. They also have a tendency to chase down cars and even cats. Such impulses need to be controlled as they can otherwise lead to destructive and problematic behaviour. Training for impulse control simply means getting your puppy to pay attention to you when required. You can begin such type of training by getting your puppy to sit before eating or using commands during playtime, which makes them focus on your voice only. Treats and toys could be attractive incentives to encourage your pup to respond positively to commands. Feeding Your German Shepherd Puppy. Remember to follow the breeder's diet in the initial days and gradually change this diet to incorporate different foods. Milk should not be given to puppies at this age as it can cause diarrhoea. Puppies need to be given food rich in protein, calcium and fats as they are still growing. Their food needs to be higher in calories when compared to the food given to a grown dog. When you give your puppy a food bowl, give it a specific window of time to finish eating, such as 10 or 15 minutes. After this period, remove the bowl. This will help your pup understand that it has to eat during a specific period of time only, which is a valuable component of obedience training. Between 4 to 6 months of age, you can start feeding your puppy increased portions of food four times a day. Foods such as meat and vegetables would be ideal. Treats should only be resorted to during training and not as actual food for mealtimes. Make sure to never give leftover human food to puppies as they contain spices, salt, sugar and so on, which are very unhealthy for dogs. FAQs: Are german shepherd puppies hard to take care of? Not just german shepherds, all puppies are hard to take care of initially. This is because it is exactly like getting a newborn baby home. There will be sleepless nights, vet visits, training, creating and sticking to routines and so on. However, these efforts will eventually pay off, because once your pup is trained, they will be socialized and can adapt to your lifestyle easily. How many times should a german shepherd puppy eat a day? For up to four months, puppies should be fed three to four times a day. Post this period, gradually reduce the number of times your pup is fed. After eight to nine months, two meals a day will suffice. Where should my german shepherd sleep? German shepherds are highly sociable animals and should not be left alone for too long. Puppies should be trained to sleep in a crate or share the bed with you if you so desire. As they grow older, they can be allowed to sleep in a crate, or in an area specially designed for them. What are the best foods for german shepherd puppies? Like other puppies, they too require meals that are high in protein, grain-free, rich in good quality fats without any chemicals, artificial additives etc. Is it okay to feed a german Shephard 3 times a day? Up to eight to nine months of age, it is okay to feed your German Shepherd three times a day. However, feeding them twice a day is more than enough beyond this age. The amount of food ultimately depends on your dog's age, size, weight, and levels of physical activity. When do german shepherd puppies stop biting and jumping? It is perfectly normal for your puppy to constantly bite, chew, or jump for the first four to six months. However, while teething is normal, you must redirect your puppy to chew on toys and other things that are appropriate instead of household furniture. Do not wait to think issues will be resolved after months. Get professional help from day 1 to teach your pup the right behaviours. As a breed, however, German Shepherds often show these other traits: Easily bored if not given something to do, which may lead to barking or chewing Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog Overprotective of family and territory if not socialized properly Can have an unstable temperament if not bred properly, including excessive barking, hyperactivity, or aggression Suspicious of strangers Prone to a number of health problems She is a faithful companion that can excel at most anything. With early socialization and confident leadership, she is a cheerful and dependable addition to any family. The German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany in .The German Shepherd has consistently been one of the most popular breeds in the United States since the early s with a rise in fame then attributed to canine film stars Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart. GSDs are favored working dogs because of their strength, intelligence, versatility, and obedient natures. The German Shepherd is unmatched in her devotion and courage. She is eager to serve a greater cause with her human companions. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Shepherd. By knowing about health concerns specific to German Shepherd Dogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in German Shepherd Dogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for German Shepherd Dogs. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your GSD looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your German Shepherd is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections German Shepherd Dogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in German Shepherd Dogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. The Vida Veterinary Care doctors will also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Shepherd is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. This means your Shepherd is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Digestive Disorders Several inherited conditions can cause recurring vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss in your Shepherd. These conditions include pancreatic or intestinal disease, food sensitivities, and food allergies. Some of these problems may begin very early in life. To help prevent these conditions, feed only a high-quality pet food we can help you choose the right diet and, most importantly, avoid snacks and table food. The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific digestive disorders your pet may encounter. Bleeding Disorders Your breed is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test, as we may not know your pet has this disorder until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency The pancreas has two major functions: regulating blood sugar and helping digest food. Digestive enzymes are produced by the exocrine part of the pancreas. GSDs are at an increased risk of having too few digestive enzymes, a disorder called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This causes inadequate digestion and absorption of nutrients leading to weight loss; foul-smelling, greasy diarrhea; and a dry and flaky coat due to his inability to absorb dietary fats. Lifelong dietary supplementation of digestive enzymes is an effective therapy. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. The disease is caused when the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing the disc to press on the spinal cord. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump or go up stairs, is reluctant to move around, has a hunched back, cries out, or refuses to eat or go potty, he is likely in severe pain. He may even experience sudden paralysis—he may drag his back feet or be unable to get up or use his back legs. Call us or an emergency clinic immediately! For less severe cases, rest and medication may resolve the problem. And as with so many other diseases, weight control helps reduce the risk of IVDD. You should also provide ramps or steps for your pet from puppyhood on to prevent your dog from stressing his back by jumping on and off of the furniture. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Growing Shepherds can suffer from a painful inflammation of the long bones in the legs called eosinophilic panosteitis, or pano or eo-pan for short. It usually starts around six to ten months of age and shifts from leg to leg. Panosteitis usually causes no permanent damage, but requires pain medication. If your dog has this condition and develops an abnormal gait to compensate for the sore leg s , rehabilitation exercises may be required. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and German Shepherd Dogs are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Heart Disease German Shepherd Dogs are prone to multiple types of heart disease , which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control also go a long way in preventing heart disease. Unfortunately, German Shepherd Dogs can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Shepherds. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. In affected breeds, inflammatory cells infiltrate the cornea the clear part of the eye , which then darkens with exposure to ultraviolet light, and may lead to complete blindness. Doggie sunglasses are also an option to help reduce sun exposure. Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your GSD will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific cancers your pet may encounter. This is a common problem in dogs, and your Shepherd is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite, and reduced activity level followed later by a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss. Treatment usually includes oral medications and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, causes a wobbly, drunken gait in affected pets. Wobbler disease is the result of a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck that pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. When pinched, the nerves do not send signals to the brain as they should causing the pet to be unable to feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice with wobbler disease are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Treatment options include medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery. It affects GSDs more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs, eventually suffering from paralysis in his hindquarters, which also leads to incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture , and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but German Shepherds have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Anal Gland Problems German Shepherds are prone to a painful, longterm condition in which the area around the anus becomes inflamed or develops sores. Signs include bleeding, constipation, licking of the area, smelly discharge around the rectum, and straining or apparent pain when defecating. This condition can be difficult to treat and requires lifelong medications, prescription food, and sometimes even surgery. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Taking Care of Your German Shepherd Dog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your GSD live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. German Shepherd Dogs generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She has a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a fenced yard is a must. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your German Shepherd Dog needs help. They are very loyal, intelligent and love to be kept active, so can be easy to train. They suit very active households as they need a lot of exercise every day. They are great dogs for owners with a lot of experience and time as, like most dogs, they can get bored easily. Unfortunately, German Shepherds do have a range of health issues due to the way they have been bred, which can end up being costly to owners and cause serious problems for the dog. Common health problems in German Shepherds German Shepherds are great dogs for the right owners, but they are at risk of certain conditions and illnesses common with the breed. Making sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening can reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by some of these upsetting conditions. This means that these types of dog have been bred over many years to look a certain way, but that these changes to the way they look have started to cause them health problems. For German Shepherds, this is mostly due to the shape of their back legs and hips. There is a screening test for this. There is a screening test. Inherited eye diseases — including cataracts and multifocal retinal dysplasia. There are screening testing for these. Epilepsy — a brain disorder causing seizures. Pituitary dwarfism — a hormone deficiency which causes severe growth problems and reduces lifespan. Haemophilia A and B — bleeding disorders that stop blood from clotting and cause wounds to bleed more than they should. Screening tests are available. This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other conditions that German Shepherds have been shown to be prone to. German Shepherds and barking As with any dog, German Shepherds are likely to bark. Their main purpose was for herding and guarding so they can be quite vocal when people walk past or enter or exit the house, but how much noise they make will vary from dog to dog. Training and socialisation Regardless of the age of your German Shepherd when you adopt it, you need to have clear boundaries to help keep them safe and happy. As with all training — consistency is key! Everyone in the family needs to follow the same rules. German Shepherds are very loyal to their owners and can be protective of their family. They can have a strong guarding instinct, so careful training and socialisation will be needed to prevent any guarding or aggressive behaviours. As with any dog, your German Shepherd will need to be well socialised with people, other animals and different objects and environments from a young age. Try to keep the time your German Shepherd is alone to an absolute minimum as they thrive on company and will worry about you if you leave them too long. You should never leave any dog alone for longer than four hours. Exercise Be prepared — German Shepherds are very active dogs! They need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and occupied. This will also stop them from barking out of boredom or having a nibble on the furniture. Your German Shepherd will need a minimum of two hours of exercise every day. This should include walks and off-lead exercise in a safe area, with extra playtime and training on top to give them a good variety. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together online. Our vets recommend spreading exercise across the day rather than trying to do two hours all in one go. German Shepherds are a great breed if you enjoy long walks and spending loads of time exploring outside. If there are times when you are unable to give them the exercise they need, then arranging for a relative, friend or dog-walker to come and help would be essential. Grooming Be prepared for a lot of shedding because German Shepherds have such thick coats! Ideally, you should give your German Shepherd a brush or comb down a few times a week to keep their coat looking healthy, prevent matting and reduce the build-up of dead hair especially if they have a longer coat. You may want to take them to a professional for bath time because of their size. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate German Shepherds and children Adult German Shepherds can range from being calm and patient to bouncy and boisterous, depending on their personality, training and socialisation. Some can make great family pets in homes with children of all ages, but dogs should always be supervised around young children. Make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. German Shepherds and other pets To help them be calm and patient, it's best to socialise your German Shepherd with other dogs and pets from a young age. Some can be a bit bossy with other dogs as they get older but with proper care, training and socialisation this is unlikely to become a problem. German Shepherds are usually fine with other family pets they have grown up with. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave at a gap after eating and before exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet high standards. Set up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around six months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. Fun facts The first guide dogs for visually impaired people were German Shepherds. They were originally bred to be herding dogs, an instinct which still remains strong in the breed. They need lots of exercise and plenty to do to stop getting bored. Make sure you have enough space and time to give them the exercise and attention they need to stay happy and healthy. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a German Shepherd. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in German Shepherds are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. All of these take time in the early days. However, as the puppy matures and reaches adulthood, looking after a German Shepherd gets a little easier. Nonetheless, a young adult will need around 2 hours of daily exercise. Without anyone to fulfill this role, a German Shepherd will not be happy in your home no matter what kind of care you provide. You should only get a German Shepherd if: Your house has a backyard. Or you have enough space and enough dedication to take him on lots of walks to expend his pent-up energy. You have a family or regular company. German Shepherds mimic their owners, and if you are asocial, your dog might turn inwards and become aggressive to other people and pets. You have enough time to dedicate to your dog every day. If you leave him for extended periods every day, your dog will develop separation anxiety. Avoid getting a German Shepherd if you cannot be around him. You are an active person. If you enjoy outdoor activities, like walking or hiking, and love socializing, a German Shepherd will complement your life. More importantly, your new dog will be happier with you. You can afford their monthly expense. Monthly costs for food, treats, vet fees, toys, etc. Prior to this, you have the initial costs of a crate, bed, leash, harness, travel crate, playpen, etc. But if it is, then you will have a lot of fun and a fulfilling experience caring for your GSD. To care for a German Shepherd, you must feed him a highly nutritious diet, exercise him daily for 1. Ongoing training, twice-weekly grooming, and vet check-ups are all part of caring for a GSD. An adult dog needs to be fed twice per day to discourage bloat and ensure proper digestion, whereas a growing puppy will need feeding times a day at regular intervals. Your dog will need 1, to 2, calories per day depending on his weight. If you adopt a senior German Shepherd, he will need only 1, calories at a weight of 90 lbs. However, in most cases, owners looking for a guide to care for a German Shepherd have adopted a younger puppy. This UK study found that one disorder of GSDs recorded by vets included obesity, alongside joint issues and arthritis. I prefer going with breed-specific products made by trusted brands. You can then switch to the adult variety. Do you want to learn all about the best diet for German Shepherds? This is good because it allows you to anchor the command and familiarize your dog with the norm of going outside to go potty. German Shepherds will usually be fully house trained by six months and may only need to pee every hours. It also has the option of single or double doors. An asocial dog is a wolf to our subconscious. Your job is to promote curiosity by encouraging him to follow you around. Have tempting treats just around the corner. Egg him on to follow you by danging attractive playable objects like a tug rope. This is also a good time to start bringing home objects that the puppy is likely to witness outdoors. This builds a bridge of familiarity between the outdoors and the indoors. If you expose him to other humans during this period, including children, he becomes friendly. A German Shepherd exposed to humans at a young age is less anxious and gets treated better as a consequence. Some new dog owners make the mistake of waiting until their puppy is grown enough to go on walks then take them to meet people. By then, the pup has already built an idea of an in-group and sees all strangers as the out-group. You should carry your puppy and get him to experience different sights, sounds, smells, and noises as soon as you get him. Have friends and family pet him before he develops a biting reflex. With enough positive exposure during this stage, your pup will likely see human presence as a good thing. Stage Three: Other Dogs Your friends will want your new puppy to visit. To socialize your German Shepherd with other dogs, you need to reward him for being quiet and calm around them. Before full immunization, carry him to the dog park and let him observe the other dogs. Reward him for good behavior and speak calmly and with praise. Remove him from the situation if he growls or barks, and calm him down. Once he is calm, try again. Sufficiently Exercise Your German Shepherd Young German Shepherds are very energetic, and if they do not get a productive outlet to release their excess energy, they can become destructive. To avoid scratched furniture and chewed-up rugs, you should exercise your GSD sufficiently for his age. An adult dog will need around 2 hours of daily exercise. As a rough guide, a German Shepherd puppy needs 5 minutes of exercise twice a day for every month of age. So, an 8-week-old puppy can exercise for 10 minutes twice daily, while a three-month-old can exercise for 15 minutes twice daily. Follow this rule until the puppy is fully grown. Common mistakes to avoid when exercising the dog are: Taking a dog on walks outside before he is fully vaccinated — A puppy should not be taken out for walks until 2 weeks after the final vaccinations which are usually given between weeks .Letting the German Shepherd jump too early — Exercising a German Shepherd puppy entails being careful not to damage his growth plates. They can safely jump after they are fully grown at 18 months old. Not making exercise fun — If you treat exercise as simply that, your German Shepherd will not have fun. He can pick up on your mood, so you should make exercising enjoyable for you both. Mental exercise is easier to turn into a fun routine. From training a GSD to do party tricks to giving him fun puzzles to solve, there are many fun ways to provide mental stimulation for your German Shepherd. When your dog is bored, he might start bothering you by engaging in destructive attention-seeking behaviors. GSDs are among the smartest dog breeds, with the average dog being as intelligent as a two-year-old human. This puzzle doubles as a treat dispenser, which automates the reward mechanism. What I like about this specific product is that it comes in different levels of difficulty. With levels 1 through 4 produced by the same brand, you can reliably amp up the challenge level as your German Shepherd gets smarter. You can check out this article for some great tips on how to exercise your pup, 7 Fun Ways to Exercise a German Shepherd Puppy. During playtimes, you and your doggo are engaged in low-effort, enjoyable activities. Games are the bridge joining mental and physical exercise to constitute play. Here are some of the games you can play with your German Shepherd: Fetch — This is good for building rapport between you and your dog, improving his response time, and conditioning him for obedience. Hide and Seek — Playing hide and seek with your dog also improves his tracking skills. You train your dog to pick up a scent and follow clues. Tug of war — Playing tug of war with your German Shepherd can be a lot of fun. However, as your dog grows, you might find the game challenging once he is 90 lbs! So, bear this in mind if you play this game with your young pup. Cups and treats — This is a game where cups are turned upside down, and a treat is hidden underneath one cup. You quickly shuffle the cups changing their position, and the GSD gets a treat for pointing out the right one.