seligman golden retriever puppies

seligman golden retriever puppies

Loves to chase his tail and pesky flies, he is a soft-at-heart pup who has a Big character. A change in our circumstances unfortunately means we are unable to keep him although we would most dearly love to. A loving home for him is needed. He's had a health check from the vet and comes from healthy and well-tempered parents. Absolutely loves his food so will be able to train fully. He understands pointing to indicate a direction for him. House trained, microchipped and wormed. He is good at being protective over guarding the household and is not in the slightest territorial over food or toys. He will allow you to take a bone or food off him with ease. He loves to play ball more than anything, and loves walks, long grass, new scents, chewing on moon bones and chicken. This lovely pup needs a sizeable garden and ideally, someone who is used to similar breeds and has time to train him fully. He has great potential. He would be ideal for flyball. He can jump up - he is only a puppy so can be trained - and will certainly grow up into a big, handsome dog. He has excellent parentage. He is a stunning boy and whenever we go out always attracts compliments. A good choice if you're looking for a good-natured furry friend that will be your loyal companion and protector for years to come, He is very loveable characterful boy with a great personality and a goofy soul who just wants to play. Replies to msgs after 7pm .This is Denver who is actually a Scottie. His collar had become embedded in his neck, his body so infected that it stunk and pus excluded from all orifices. He was a stud dog from a puppy farm. He was lucky as he was handed over to a rescue - most aren't they are either shot or hit over the head. Daisy was 4. She lived her life as a tool to make money from. She never knew a home, a special family or a fireside. She had litter after litter, but when her weight dropped, her breathing was laboured, she could have no more pups, she was given to a rescue to home. It was decided immediately that she must see the vet. She sat in the waiting room for her turn to come and was cuddled, probably for the first time in her short life. She went into the vets' room, he listened to her heart, it was laboured, her belly swollen with fluid, all too far gone for help. She sat not able to stand any longer, the decision was made, she gave her paw while being cuddled. The vet nurse found the vein and the vet injected the yellow fluid to send her to sleep forever. Her living hell was over, we can only hope that a better place awaits her. For those people who paid hundreds of pounds for her puppies, they will probably have inherited the same heart condition from their mother and will live very short lives!! This one proved useless for breeding so was dispensed with. She would only crawl on her belly to start with, but now waggy and confident and so gentle. Rotty bitch gone past her sell by date so she was thrown out on the street by the breeder - thin, little coat and eyes that wept with pus. She has now had a successful eye operation that was done to restore her vision and stop the constant infection where her eyelashes grew in and rubbed relentlessly on her eyes. Her hair has grown back, and her loving nature is coming though. Worn out useless boxer unable to raise a litter as no desire to keep on living. This Labrador is just 18 months old though he looks .Poor dog didn't make the grade as a stud dog. He is blind in one eye because the breeders left an ulcer in his eye untreated which burst. He is with kind people who are trying to help him forget the last 18 mths but he is still very traumatised. Time may be a great healer but it won't give him his eyesight back. Some of the saddest dogs are the x puppy farm stud dogs. They have never known the kindness of a home or been for a walk, they do not even have the pleasure of the company of other dogs but live a life of isolation -scared of almost everything. This mastiff has had a rotten life and he will not be easy to rehome as he is so large. Breeding bitches, worn out bodies, no muscle tone and many with large mammary tumours. Living in dirty cells with up to 20 others, no human company or kindness, no playtime or long walks. Many have never seen the light of day. Puppies past their cute stage so dealers won't buy them - what will be their fate?!!!! If you buy a puppy from a dealer or a puppy farm, you may be making a very expensive mistake not to mention encouraging these people to breed more sick, unhealthy puppies. Think of the suffering of these poor helpless dogs. Ahh - the cute little puppy that was advertised for sale in the paper. The implications of not buying from a reputable breeder This is Minnie one of the hundreds of german shepherd puppies for sale in the UK who is just 10 months old and since just a few months old has suffered from severe hip dysplasia which has caused her pain, discomfort and disability. Although a little sweetheart, Minnie is not a great example of the German Shepherd breed being very small and underweight as well as having health problems. She has recently undergone surgery to correct problems with her left hip and at some point in the future, she may require total hip replacement on the right side. Puppies for sale! Think very carefully before deciding to buy that puppy. Why not consider taking a rescue dog instead, most rescues in the UK are full and desperate for kind loving homes. Hundreds of dogs are destroyed every week by the dog pounds because enough homes cannot be found for the increasing number of unwanted and unloved dogs. Much kinder for dogs than encouraging or lining the pockets of those who breed dogs for money with no thought to what they are breeding and little regard to the pain and suffering caused as a result of their greed. If there is no demand, the puppy farmers and irresponsible breeders will be put out of business. If you decide that you would prefer to buy a puppy please note that we are not prepared to recommend breeders but we would give the following advice. The kennel Club will give you a list of breeders on request. However this will not be an indication that these are reputable breeders, it will just be a list of breeders that register puppies with the KC. You should at least be able to see the mother of the puppies. Please note that the conditions in these puppy farms are horrendous with dogs kept in appalling conditions, some never seeing the light of day. Please do not encourage this trade. Parents of the puppies should be hip scored. Reputable breeders will breed with consideration not only for looks but also for good health but most importantly good temperament. When you get your puppy, remember that the German Shepherd is a working breed and will require training and socialisation. It will pay dividends later if you find a good training class for your new puppy. Insure your puppy, veterinary treatment is very expensive. German Shepherd Dog Breeders Think very carefully - the horrors of puppy farming!! We have some lovely older german shepherds looking for homes. Please don't be put off taking an older dog, they are more settled need less exercise and will be loyal companions. Many GSD's now live to 14 years. Please help us by making a donation so that we can help re home more unwanted German Shepherd Dogs. We also accept Paypal payments - just click on the Paypal button below. Please help support the rescue Please help us by making a donation so that we can help re home more unwanted German Shepherd Dogs. Thank you.

To protect you. To protect itself. Understanding why the Bernedoodle does what it does and doing what is needed is the first step to developing an understanding bond with your precious dog. Reason What you can do Was left alone Bernedoodles have high anxiety and sensitivity. When left alone they get anxious and thus they bark. Leave a calming sound on for them. Keep a light on. Place the dog by the window so it can look around. Boredom When it finds that it has nothing else to do, it just barks. Give your Bernedoodle some toys that keep him occupied, or just play with them. Excitement Bernedoodles get very excited when they see their owner or anything they like. Just ignore the dog until it settles down. Guests are coming over Bernedoodles are serious about their territory and they are not comfortable with strangers in it. Train them for socializing. Reward them when they do not bark. People walking by They are just concerned about any kind of danger. Slow socialization is the key here. Loud Noises As they are highly sensitive, they have trouble with loud startling noises. Leave them alone when they eat or drink. To protect themselves As they are serious about their territory, they get defensive when someone enters it. Especially when they eat or drink. To protect you They are protective and sensitive to their owners. Assure them there is no danger. Pat them, a lot. It is not possible to know right away which is the cause behind the barking. Take your time to look around and observe what is happening. You can proceed to solve the problem once you have figured out the problem. Training a Bernedoodle Not to Bark Not just a Bernedoodle, training any dog to bark less requires consistent effort. The well-behaved dog and the fewer barks you get at the end make an effort worthwhile. Whenever it manages to stop barking, reward it. In this way, your dog will be conditioned to follow the commands. A few more methods you can follow are: Step 1: Ignore the Barks If your Bernedoodle has been barking for a while, just ignore them. Do not even look at the dog. Only give them attention when they stop barking. Just your attention that you had been keeping away will be enough as a reward. So, when a dog stops barking, reward them with lots of attention, sometimes treat too. Follow the Previous Steps Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs, and they want your attention. Therefore, they begin to understand what is happening, and that brings good news for you. While many trainers may use or recommend punishment when a dog barks- it is best to stick something as easy as taking the attention away. You do not have to give them physical punishment while something so harmless works so well on these innocent creatures. How Often Do Bernedoodles Bark If you were worried about how often your Bernedoodle will bark- you see, it depends on the training. The sooner you begin training the dog, the faster you will get the results. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Frequently Asked Questions: Are bernedoodles barkers? Bernedoodles are barkers, which they genetically inherit. Several factors can trigger their barking. If you can avoid those factors, you can turn them into a non-barking dog. They have other characteristics too, but nothing is so troublesome than barking. For example, Bernedoodles can start barking amid your party or guests and make them feel awkward. They mostly bark at kids, which can terrify the kids. Though they have the most authoritative barks, proper training and care can stop these barks. Moreover, Bernedoodles also have peaceful demeanors, meaning that you can make them never use their barks. As a result, they forget to bark. Thus, various situations can affect their barking. Do mini bernedoodles bark a lot? Mini Bernedoodles do bark a lot, like big ones. The exciting factor is you can distinguish between the adult and mini Bernedoodle barking. For example, the big Bernedoodles have a gruff barking voice, which can be reverberant in your house. On the other hand, the little ones throw a high pitch barking sound. However, mini Bernedoodles can sometimes bark more than adults. Barking is more if they learn barking recently. Being small, they can also get triggered by subtle factors. How often do bernedoodles bark? Bernedoodles bark mostly at night because that is the time when everyone is asleep, and they start feeling alone. This separation can increase their barking more. So, when they see them first, they start barking at them, making the guest feel alien. If you set them beside the window or by the door, they can begin to bark at the footsteps and presence of anyone. Such situations are embarrassing to you as an owner; however, mingling with more people can decrease their barking. Thus, you can figure out several solutions. Moreover, Bernedoodles can bark if your home is empty because, as mentioned before, they dislike being alone. Except that, Bernedoodles bark often if not trained specially. If you know the specific reasons, it will be easier for you to avoid them. Thus, your bernedoodles will not bark. The three reasons why Bernedoodles bark a lot are: Separation Anxiety: Bernedoodles love to be around familiar faces. After that, if you suddenly go for a trip or leave for the office, these can make the bernedoodles feel separate. As a way of expressing their loneliness, they start barking out loud in the empty house. Exposure to unfamiliar faces: While Bernedoodles are fond of humans, they take time to get accustomed to new faces. During this adjustment procedure, those new faces play a crucial role in making them bark. Unfamiliar faces can scare them sometimes. To avoid those new faces, they commence barking. The new people can be horrible from their perspective. This is also their way of getting rid of the new people since none appreciates or adores a barking dog. Unlike other reasons, the quiet environment works as a positive influence for them. While their surroundings are calm, they can hear their voice more, which they relish greatly. So, they bark more. Besides, this barking is also a way of showing their dominance and presence in the empty house. Is it possible to train a bernedoodle not to bark? It is possible to train a Bernedoodle to bark. You can potty train them effectively. Most people think barking dogs are obstinate dogs, which is wrong. Bernedoodles are easy to train dogs because they are clever breeds. And they can learn and act quickly on the training. In addition, Bernedoodles are also docile. So, training them will not run yourself ragged. How to train a bernedoodle not to bark? Training a Bernedoodle can be tricky and fun at the same time. However, appropriate training can turn them into a quiet dog. This calmness, along with their puffy hair, can add to their cuteness. You have to follow the methods described below while training them: Surrounding by toys: Since bernedoodles have separation attacks, you have to find a path for making them feel crowded. And that is crowding them with toys. You can give them rubber balls which they can chew, especially if they are puppies. Additionally, the fetch games can also keep them preoccupied. Taking for walks: This is a very effective way for your dog to get used to new faces without feeling anxious. After they adjust to the toy environment, you should take them outside for walks. When they walk, they constantly meet new people and can socialize. Once you grow a social behavior within them, their barking will automatically reduce. Keeping satisfied with foods: While learning the above methods, they require more food. Their taste of food may also change. So, it is very important that they are not hungry and happy with their food. Rather than seeing it as a training, you can view it as a pastime with your doggo, which will be beneficial to both you and your Bernedoodles. Are Bernedoodles loud? Bernedoodles are not loud as they bark discontinuously. For example, mini bernedoodles have a high pitched bark which can be irritating. On the contrary, big size Bernedoodle got profound barks, and the loudness may change depending on this fact. Moreover, Bernedoodles are not one of the dogs that bark at a stretch. They bark with breaks within their energy levels, but they can bark noisily if they are too nervous or scared. Do bernedoodles make good pets? Bernedoodles make good pets. They are loyal, trainable, witty and slightly goofy dogs. From feeding to potty, they show a disciplined attitude. Bernedoodles are perfect for taming. Their only issue is their barking which you can stop by training them accurately with patience. Therefore, you should take them in front of people from a young age for socializing. Having the assurance that they are fantastic pets, you should give them ample time for getting acclimated to your house and family members. Do dogs get tired of barking? Barking takes a lot of energy from the dogs. However, the dogs always love to bark. They can bark continuously and never get tired, especially Beagles and German Shepherds. You can exclude the Bernedoodles from this list since they are not barking dogs. One reason behind not getting tired is that barking is one of the highlighted traits of dogs. They obtain this habit naturally and never feel weary. How do I teach my dog to be quiet? Teach your dog to be quiet by giving them proper care and attention. Most dogs are noisy at the beginning; however, they become obedient as you train them. You can also follow the steps below. Repeat the steps for a couple of days. Then, you can use these techniques and make them shut up. Bernedoodles are adorable pets, no doubt. At the same time, they bark very much. But barking is just a minor issue, which you can solve by giving them attention and training. You have to take care of the Bernedoodle. While your life is busy, it is not hard to pull time for your dog. May you spend the happiest life with your Bernedoodle. Frequently Asked Questions:. Start early and use plenty of positive reinforcements. They will be more happy and confident if they understand that you are in charge. Mini Bernedoodle pups are intelligent, and they will quickly learn what is expected of them. Here are a at home training tips for Mini Bernedoodles — there are also many good resources online. This will be home to your MiniBernedoodle pup when they sleep or when you are away. Make sure the crate is big enough that your pup can comfortably lie down, sit, and stand up. Place some comfortable rags or mattresses for them to sleep on and lure them inside with their favorite toys. Every time they pop into the crate willingly, give them a treat or play with them to show your appreciation. Many pups come to see their crate as a safe place to go when they want to rest or need a break. Potty Training One of the most challenging parts of the training is teaching your MiniBernedoodle pup to do their job at the right place. You will need to be patient and use many positive reinforcements while showing them the right place to do their business. Take the puppy out first thing in the morning and after every time that they eat, drink, or play. Make sure you reward them when they poo or pee at the proper place. Socializing You need to start socializing your mini doodle puppy as soon as possible. Although these puppies are quite even-tempered, they can also be anxious around strangers. To avoid unpleasantness later on, when guests come around, start training your pup to socialize when they are still babies. You have to train your pup to socialize with not just humans but with other dogs as well. Many people tend to think that dogs get along with dogs. Frequent walks and visits to doggy daycare and dog parks are great training tools. The more they see and interact with other pups and people the better their social skills will be. A well-behaved, friendly dog is a pleasure to be around since they are safe and loved by all. Barking Training Another problem you might face with your Bernedoodle pup is barking — this is their way of expressing themselved. The will most often do this for food, when they need to go outside, to alert you of strangers, or to get your attention. Try to understand the reason behind their barking so you can find a solution. For instance, if your pup mostly barks for food, have their feed ready at their place at fixed times every day. They will quickly learn that there is a time and will wait more patiently. Again, reward them the first few times they wait patiently for the food without barking. It will help them to understand what they are expected to do. Outdoor Walks - Leash Training Start out by introducing your puppy to their harness or leash. Let her wear in around the house for short periods of time while you are playing. Teach you puppy to come to you for treats around the house when you ask them to. Progress to holding the leash and asking them to follow you for the upcoming treats. Practice inside first, then outside as they become more comfortable. Here is a great leash training article from the American Kennel Club. Discourage Nipping Puppies playing with other pups will nip out of sheer playfulness. Your Mini Bernedoodle puppy might do the same when playing with you. But you have to train them that nipping is not allowed. The point to note here is that nipping is not the same as mouthing, a typical dog trait for showing affection. The difference lies in the force. So, you have to teach your Mini Bernedoodle pup the difference between mouthing and nipping. Eventually, your pup will understand the difference between nipping and mouthing. They will learn that nipping will not get them anywhere and learn to control the amount of force they use when play-biting. Verbal Cues Every dog understands a few human words. You, too, can train your Bernedoodle pup to follow verbal cues of things that you want them to do. For instance, when potty training your pup, you may use the word potty. Just make sure you use the same word every time. When your puppy poos after you say the word reward them, to show that this is what you are asking of them. You can use similar simple words for eating, going out, playtime, treats, and so on. If you are consistent they will learn to associate the word and will follow your verbal cues. Final Words Mini Bernedoodle puppies are a pleasure to be around. They are wonderfully friendly, active, and playful family-friendly dogs. Early and proper training will head off many difficulties. You will have a fantastic companion for life whose love is irreplaceable and completely unselfish. Pleasant Creek Mini Mini Bernedoodles puppies are socialized and positive behaviors are encouraged from the start! Laura: .All dogs bark. It is one of the ways they communicate. Some bark to alert, initiate play, or tell you they are stressed. What triggers your dog to bark? Are you OK with one bark as long as they stop when told? Is your dog barking excessively? Before you can stop the barking, you need to decipher why your dog barks in the first place. Your job is to figure out why he does it and if it is bothersome, do something about it! If you know what motivates your dog to bark, be creative and think of ways to change that motivation. By preventing the barking, you no longer have an unwanted behavior to work on. Instead, you have shaped your dog into giving you the behavior you like - nice quiet behavior. I don't mind if my dog barks to alert me someone is at my house. I actually appreciate it. I don't however like my dog to continually bark. One bark is enough. To teach "QUIET", use your puppies trigger to get him to bark, such as ringing the door bell or knocking on the door, etc. As soon as he barks say, "QUIET" and wave a yummy treat in front of his nose to capture his attention and divert it off the barking trigger. Wait for two seconds of silence then mark, "YES" and give a treat. Finally, repeat but wait for 10 seconds of silence before marking, "YES" and treating. We want to make sure your puppy gets rewarded for the silence cue and he knows it. Repeat several times at each interval before pushing to the next, being sure your puppy is successful quiet for the given amount of time desired! Work up to a minute of silence! These dogs are pups with a purpose. So how do the traits of both breeds show up in Bernedoodles? Bernedoodles have many of the same characteristics as their parent breeds. Traits that are commonly associated with these gorgeous teddy bear-like dogs include loyalty, intelligence, and enthusiasm. And all of these are true. The balance of the poodle and Bernese mountain dog create a loveable and loyal, yet goofy, friend. Are Bernedoodles barkers? Dogs are barkers. All of them. With very few exceptions. They express themselves as individual creatures with thoughts and feelings. Bernedoodles bark, but not ad nauseum. What Bernedoodles lack in bark they certainly make up for with cuddles. Possibly due to their poodle ancestry, they require a lot of attention which could manifest as jumping up on you or the couch to get just what they want. Keep in mind that even though they might not bark frequently, Bernedoodles still want attention or might need something. Bernedoodles bore relatively easily and, if left to their own devices, can get into trouble. This quality has been passed down to Bernedoodles. Look out for excessive barking or other aggressive behaviors which could indicate trouble. You want to make sure that your doodle is getting enough time, attention, and of course, food. Do Bernedoodles chew on things? They are an active breed. Especially if this behavior gets your attention. The Bernedoodle is an interactive dog if there ever was one. This could lead to them chewing on different items. The best way to prevent this behavior is with patience and time. Please note that they can backslide without the proper attention. The most important thing to consider when it comes to Bernedoodles is grooming. If your pups fur gets matted with dirt and grime, they will gnaw and lick to clean themselves. We all want to prevent any unnecessary trips to the vet. How great are Bernedoodles with children? We wrote about which doodle breeds get along best with kids here. As we mentioned before, the Bernese mountain dog was bred to help and protect those in need. The Bernedoodle is no different. They will bond within months of being homed with your little ones. Actually, they bond so well with their family that it can be incredibly difficult to re-home an adult Bernedoodle. Many Bernedoodles have been raised and trained as therapy dogs. Between their protective nature and fluffy coat of fur that is soft to the touch, they can calm even the most mischievous child. If your toddlers and teens want to prance in the backyard, a Bernedoodle can match them step for step. That being said, while a fully grown Bernedoodle can take a little bit of a tussle, the smaller mini or medium Bernedoodles will need a little more finesse — especially as puppies. If addressed early with human children and dogs, they should be able to play with each other without any issue. Plus, a teddy bear on four legs that they get to hang out with day in and day out? Yes, please! Anything else I should know? Training Bernedoodles is key. Due to their curious and energetic nature, the Bernedoodle can be a little on the difficult side to teach. However, these tiny revolts can be addressed with time, patience and understanding. If you do decide to have one of our Bernedoodle family members join your home, we do offer an exquisite Puppy Preschool. This can last four, eight, or twelve weeks. Check out that information here. Also, they love food. They will need to eat about four times a day when fully grown. If we might have not answered all of your questions in this piece or if you still want to learn more about training and other temperament specifics about Bernedoodles, we have you covered. Click here for more details. Loyal and energetic, these dogs will return your love and affection tenfold if you take the time to train and parent your Bernedoodle well. View this article to find out how they stack up against other Doodle breeds.

Is the Boxer Bulldog mix the best pet for your family? What is a Boxer Bulldog? But, as dog fighting ceased over the years, the American Bulldog and the Boxer developed into calm and affectionate family pets. The Boxer Bulldog mix has none of the aggression its parent breeds used to have. Bulldog Boxer crosses make excellent watch dogs as they are naturally alert, swift, and protective of their masters. This American Bulldog Boxer breed is a high-energy, curious dog that needs to always have something to do. Otherwise, they will get destructive when bored. Bulldog Boxer mixes are intelligent and athletic, and they love to play and be around their human family. What does a Boxer Bulldog mix look like? The Bulldog Boxer mix is a large dog , with a muscular body, a wide chest, and a medium-sized tail. As we mentioned above a full grown Bulloxer weighs around 70 to 90 pounds 31 to 40 kg and is about 22 to 27 inches 56 to 69 cm in height. American Bulldog crossbreeds tend to share the same stocky body. Check out the American Bulldog Pitbull Mix , for instance. Many Boxer Bulldog mixes have the signature Boxer look we all love, with a square-shaped jaw, a short muzzle, and short floppy ears. How difficult is it to take care of a Bulloxer? Caring for this crossbreed is easy. Checking and cleaning its ears once a week will also keep ear infections at bay. How do I train a Boxer Bulldog mix? Early socialization and obedience training are necessary for Boxer Bulldog puppies to grow up as happy and well-behaved dogs. Socialization prevents them from becoming overprotective and aggressive towards other people and pets. Here are a few things you need to remember when training these pups: They are intelligent and eager to please their owners. Clicker training works best for this breed. How long do Boxer Bulldogs live? Like we mentioned on the fist paragraph as well, the average Boxer Bulldog mix lifespan is 10 to 15 years. An adult Bulldog Boxer needs 3 to 4 cups of good-quality dry dog food, divided into three evenly spaced meals daily. This pooch need to be active as they can be overweight. Bulloxers need 30 to 45 minutes a day of play to maintain a good weight and maintain their muscular build. Their short muzzles and short hair make Boxer Bulldog mixes uncomfortable in cold weather, and they may also suffer from skin diseases and joint problems. How much is a Boxer Bulldog mix? Given the price of Boxer Bulldog puppies, it is important to find a good breeder should you intend to buy your own pup. If finding Boxer Bulldog breeders proves to be challenge, you may check these breeders of American Bulldogs and Boxers:. The Bulloxer is a Boxer American Bulldog mix. Breeders most likely bred the Bulloxer to have an intelligent, intimidating guard dog. Both parents come from unfortunate dogfighting pasts in 19th century Europe. The Confident American Bulldog parent Meet the white American Bulldog puppy The American Bulldog is a descendant of its English Bulldog breed , which had an unfortunate past of being bred and used for fighting and bull-baiting until these deplorable sports were banned in the s. After, breeders began turning the tables and breeding these dogs as compassionate family dogs rather than fighters. The American Bulldog dates its lineage back to 17th century America. They were probably first introduced to the United States in the s as working dogs with their immigrant owners. Females weigh pounds 27 to 36 kg , and males weigh pounds 34 — 45 kg. They stand strong at inches 50 — 64 cm , females on the shorter end of this spectrum. Their muscular stature lends to their self-confidence, as well as strength and endurance, as they were once farm-working dogs. The AKC recognizes them as a Working dog breed. The Boxer we know today most likely originated from German Bullenbeisser dogs in the s. In medieval times, these dogs hunted large game like bison and bear. Boxers have been successfully used as military dogs, therapy dogs, herding, and guard dogs. The Boxer is a fearless, protective companion who moves with both power and grace. A full-grown Boxer can weigh as much as pounds kg , with females typically weighing 15 pounds less than the male counterpart. They stand at .Their short coats are usually fawn or brindle with white markings. Their life expectancy is years. What does a Bulldog Boxer mix look like? The breed typically has short, floppy ears and a broad, jowly nose. They rock a thick chest and square head that adds to their intimidating look. Their tails are medium-length but often docked. A short muzzle with a slight underbite inherited from their Boxer parent is really the cherry on top if you ask me— it brings out their goofy, gentle side in their overall appearance. How big do these dogs get? These dogs are large, weighing in at pounds kg and stand tall at inches cm. While these are large dogs, they are adaptable to apartment living as long as they have access to a park or yard nearby and receive the proper amount of exercise. Coat and color of this crossbreed These dogs typically have short, dense coats— good news for owners on the hunt for a breed with low maintenance grooming needs. Their coats will come in colors such as white, light brown, brindle, or fawn. Since Boxers tend to have white markings along their chest and face, the Bulloxer may inherit this stylish appearance. Pros and Cons of the Boxer Bulldog personality The Gentle Guard Dog: The Pros They have an intimidating look and make excellent guard dogs as they are incredibly protective of their owners. Clicker training is an excellent choice for this breed. For a better idea of how entertaining these dogs are, check out this video of Kimble, an American Bulldog Mix with musical talent: Bulloxer or Bulldozer? They may become destructive if bored— talk about a rebellious streak! The crossbreed is susceptible to separation anxiety, which may be the cause of these behaviors. Bulldog Boxers need more than an owner; they need a boss. A Bulloxer may have more energy than it can handle. They can get super rowdy, jumping and running around. These dogs may not get along with other larger dogs, so if you have others in your household or plan on having multiple dogs in your house, this breed may not be for you. Regular teeth cleaning is essential. Ideally, this should be done every day. But begin with brushing as often as possible— some dogs hate this! Clean them out once a week with a cotton ball and dog-specific ear solution to avoid wax buildup, which can cause infection. They could easily break which can not only be quite painful but also cause infection. Playful Exercise Needs Bulloxers are energetic dogs who need minutes of active play a day to maintain their strong, athletic builds. I want to note that large-chested dogs are prone to a serious and deadly condition called bloat, usually brought on from too-quickly eating large amounts of food or too much exercise right after eating. The Food-loving Dog Diet A full grown Boxer Bulldog mix needs about cups of dry food a day, split between meals. These dogs are prone to joint issues, to make sure to pick a dog food rich with vitamins and both chondroitin and glucosamine. These dogs are prone to obesity, so stick to a strict feeding schedule and keep snacks to a minimum, with a healthy balance of food and exercise. Boxers have specific needs, so it may be best to feed a Boxer-specific diet. Are they healthy dogs? Boxers are prone to major health risks like cancer prevalent also in Bulldogs and Epilepsy. Bulldogs have their own impressive list of health risks. Bulldogs are susceptible to allergies and various skin issues, like eczema. There are plenty of loyal, healthy dogs deserving of good homes. Breeder options if you must If you absolutely must buy from a breeder, I recommend doing a great deal of research beforehand and asking the right questions— many breeders are just disguised puppy mills. Some questions to ask a potential breeder are: What are your adoption application procedures and requirements? Where do you get your dogs? What are your health screening procedures? Who is your working veterinarian? What are your follow-up procedures and requirements after adoption? What kind of follow-up resources will you offer me? How many times will you or have you bred mom and dad from this litter? And Bulloxer litter sizes are typically adorable little puppies. This is mainly due to the array of health issues from its Bulldog parent. They can weigh pounds and stand at about inches. The breed is so rare that there is little information about them, but their lifespan is years. Boxer Victorian Bulldog mix — The victorian Bulldog was specifically bred to have a healthier Bulldog breed, which turned out to be a huge success. Comment below! With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners. When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events. Leave a Comment. Known Diseases Epilepsy Definition: Dog has epilepsy if, for example, at least two epileptic seizures occur more than 24 hours apart. Kidney disease Symptoms of kidney disease in dogs: increased urination polyuria increased water intake. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth. Loss of appetite Wobbler syndrome In veterinary medicine, this is the name given to a complex of symptoms caused by nerve damage in the area of the spinal cord or spinal cord nerves in the area of the cervical spine. Cardiomyopathy In large breeds of dogs, dilated cardiomyopathy DCM is by far the most common cardiomyopathy. A mix of Boxer and American Bulldog usually has the physical characteristics of both parent breeds, including a muscular body, square head, and short coat. However, there are some differences in appearance, and some dogs may prefer one parent breed more than the other. How big do Boxers and American Bulldog mixes grow? Boxer and American Bulldog mixes are usually medium to large in size. They can weigh between 54 and 70 kg and grow up to 58cm high. How do I care for a Boxer-American Bulldog mix? Boxer and American Bulldog mixes need lots of exercise, so a daily walk or play session is a must. They also need lots of mental stimulation, so games, training and chew toys are important. Be sure to socialize your dog from a young age to avoid aggression. What health problems do Boxer and American Bulldog mixes have? Boxer and American Bulldog mixes are prone to some health problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and heart disease. They can also suffer from allergies and skin problems. Are Boxers and American Bulldog mixes good family dogs? Yes, Boxer and American Bulldog mixes can be good family dogs if properly trained and socialized. They are usually loyal and protective of their families. However, they can be aggressive towards other dogs and animals, so supervision is required. Author Sissi Author Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Since then she struts daily her steps with Loki through the world. The Beagdor Labrador-Beagle mix is a therapy dog for children and also accompanies her to schools. Secretly she fancies a French Bulldog as a second dog. Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Useful Articles. These loving dogs with a charming disposition might get destructive when separated from their family for a prolonged period. Because of their inherent alertness and courageous nature, the Boxer-American Bulldog mix is always aware of their surroundings. They can be suspicious of strangers and become aggressive to unfamiliar people only when they are perceived as threats. These dogs attain maturity slowly and may behave like boisterous puppies for some years. They are usually patient with children as well as small dogs and puppies. However, they may have trouble getting along with large adult dogs. Care Exercise Being very playful and exuberant, the Bulloxer is always active indoors. To satisfy its need for exercise and keep its muscles toned, take your pet for long walks, play fetch, or get it involved in agility, flyball, and other dog sports. Grooming As it is a light shedder, its coat does not require much grooming. Weekly brushing using a rubber grooming-mitt or bristle brush will help keep its hair under control. Bathe your Bulloxer only when needed. Trimming its nails once a month and daily brushing its teeth are some of the other grooming needs. Health Problems Although the Bulloxer is generally a healthy and physically active breed, some dogs may get affected by a few health issues. These include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, bloating, intestinal problems, heart conditions, and cancer. Training Clicker training: Since the Bulloxers might be headstrong by nature, using harsh methods to make them obey to commands could induce behavioral problems. They tend to respond better to clicker training, which is a simple method of training based on positive reinforcement techniques. Follow a click-treat-click-treat pattern so that your dog can associate the noise of the clicker with a reward. Make sure that the clicker is held out of sight. House training: Establish a regular schedule so that your Bulloxer puppy learns when to play, to eat, and to potty. Since a pup can control its bladder hours, you should take it frequently to a specific spot outside, where it can eliminate. Feeding An adult Bulloxer needs cups of dry dog food a day. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Valley Bulldog Highlights The Valley Bulldog is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Boxer or English Bulldog parents. The main colors of Valley Bulldogs are; red, tan, brindle, white, and fawn. Rarely solid, their coats typically have a blend of two or more colors. Luckily, their coats are very easy to groom. Valley Bulldogs love kids and are great playmates for active older children. They may be too rambunctious for toddlers, however, and can accidentally knock them down in play. Always supervise play time. Valley Bulldog History The Valley Bulldog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Boxer and English Bulldogs in the mid s, in Nova Scotia, Canada. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems and create an active, friendly companion dog. They continued to create Valley Bulldogs as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the Valley Bulldog breed got its start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up Valley Bulldog rescues, or check with breed-specific Boxer and English Bulldog rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. That said, as a mix between Boxer and English Bulldog parents, you can expect Valley Bulldogs to be on the medium to large side. Most weigh in at 50 to pounds and range in height from twelve to 25 inches at the shoulder. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Socialization helps ensure that your Valley Bulldog puppy grows up to be a well-rounded, outgoing, friendly dog and stays that way. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly and taking your dog to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Chopped carrots or celery make great little healthy treats. Also, you should make sure your dog is clean between the folds of their skin to keep them from getting infections. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Valley Bulls are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as small breeds are prone to dental issues. Valley Bulldog Feeding An ideal Valley Bulldog diet should be formulated for an active, medium-sized breed. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. The main colors of Valley Bulldogs are ; red, tan, brindle, white, and fawn. A good brushing per week will probably do. They may self groom and are considered a pretty clean dog. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this pup by reading about their parent breeds, the Boxer and English Bulldog. Valley Bulldog Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Valley Bulldogs because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Boxer or English Bulldog breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Both of these are highly coveted breeds, recognized by the AKC with pedigrees and papers. Also, take a look at the facilities to gauge how well the puppies have been treated. Try to meet the parents of your pup too if you can. They can tell you a lot about the future of your puppy. Boxers were originally used for dog fighting, and they even got their name from the way they swing their front paws, which looks similar to a boxer throwing punches. The Bulldog is a brave beast of a dog that was originally used in bull baiting. They were so tough that they could even take down full-sized bulls, a feat that few other creatures could accomplish. Today, both breeds have become much calmer, which is why they make such great companions and guard dogs. A lot of that toughness remains though, and it makes for very athletic dogs. They only shed lightly and need very little grooming overall. They Can Become Destructive When Bored Bulldoxers are highly athletic dogs with above-average levels of intelligence, a mixture that often results in destructive behaviors when left alone. Your Bulloxer will need some mental and physical stimulation to prevent them from getting bored. Once your Bulloxer gets bored, you might come home to find the backyard full of deep holes or your couch chewed up into a million pieces! Make sure to exercise your Bulloxer plenty and keep them mentally engaged to avoid these destructive behavior patterns. This is a very loving and loyal breed that will want to stand guard, keeping the family safe. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They know how to be gentle with smaller creatures, including the children of their family. They tend to get along very well with pets of all types, even small dogs and cats. American Bullboxer Description The Bulloxer is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Boxer and the American Bulldog. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in any of the breeds in the hybrid. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She loves to camp, hike, swim and sleep! At 6 months old he was about 65 lbs. Great personality and very smart. Too smart if you ask me. His father is a registered American Bulldog who weighs about lbs. I think he can do it! I know he makes me laugh. His dad is a lb. American Bulldog and his mom is a lb. He loves to play catch and he runs faster than any other dog at the dog park. He is very loving and has a sweet demeanor but definitely has a lot of energy and is a bit hard-headed. He is a wonderful addition to our family. He's still the fastest dog I've ever seen, and has grown to have the best personality. He watches television with us and plays with everyone friendly to him any chance he can get. All he wants out of life is the thrill of playing in the shallow waters and cuddles. All small breeds.Japanese Chin, Cockapoo and a teacup Shih Tzu. And I have 2 small kids. She is around 55 pounds or more in this picture. We just love Roxy. She is a sweetheart. She currently weighs 65 pounds. If all Bulloxers are like Roxy I don't think I would get any other type of dog again. She is so loving and kind to all of us. Its chest is broad and thick, and the head is in a square form. This hybrid has a short muzzle with a slight underbite. It can come in different colors or a combination of colors. These dogs are very energetic, playful, and loving but may also be stubborn at times. It is very loyal to and protective of its owner and will do anything to protect them from harm. You will have to show it a lot of love and affection for you to get the same from it. Although they are generally very friendly with others, you will have to train them consistently and socialize them early. If not properly socialized, they may become aggressive to those they think are threats. They enjoy playing around with their owners so it would be best to bring them out to do exercises from time to time. It needs to spend its energy on physical activities, or else they can become destructive at home. Never let them get bored or leave them all alone in your house because you might have to clean up a lot of destroyed objects when you get back. They are also prone to suffer from separation anxiety. Bulloxers are quick learners, but when your Bulloxer becomes stubborn, you will have to establish your dominance on it to make it listen to your commands. It is very strong-willed, so you have to be very confident when you are dealing with it in training. One thing you have to know about is that this hybrid often produces sounds and smell from multiple orifices on their body. Bulldog Combined with Boxer Puppies for Sale If you are sure that a Bulldog Boxer Mix is the right dog for you, then you have to find a reliable and reputable breeder. Nowadays, it is tough to find a breeder that you can fully trust. It is highly essential to get your puppy from a legitimate breeder since the way they were treated and raised to that point may have a significant impact on its personality, behavior, and as well as its health. There are thousands of breeders all over the globe, but only a few thousands of these are trustworthy. In selecting a dog breeder, you have to assess and analyze a lot of factors. You should visit their facility and see the space in which the dogs are kept in and check out what kind of food they are feeding the dogs. Try to assess the care and attention the breeders put into both the parent dogs and the puppies. You make sure that the breeders are knowledgeable about the hybrid, Boxer combined with Bulldog. There is no strict schedule that you have to follow. You only need to bathe your Bulldog Boxer when they are dirty. It is also not good to shower them often since it will affect the natural oils they have on their skin. Make sure to wipe its ears from time to time. Bulldog Combined with Boxer Health Problems Overall, a Bulloxer is quite a healthy crossbreed for its size and is not likely to suffer from many health issues. However, they are prone to obesity, which is why you have to regulate their food intake. A few Boxer Bulldog dogs have been known to develop different kinds of cancer, but it is rare for this to happen. Although they are not inclined to contracting many diseases, it is still essential to bring your pet to the vet frequently to have a general check-up. Here is a list of common canine ailments that they may suffer from throughout their lives: Hip Dysplasia — This is a common occurrence in dogs of this size. Because they are heavy, their joints have a tougher job in supporting their bodies. This condition will bring your pet a lot of pain, which is why you can opt for your Bulloxer to get surgery to correct it. Bloat — The cause of this disease is unknown. As soon as your Bulloxer exhibits symptoms such as shortness of breath, bring him to the vet immediately. Epilepsy — This term is used to describe multiple episodes of seizures. The most common cause of seizure in a dog is idiopathic epilepsy, which is usually a genetical predisposition, but there is no exact cause known. Your pet may not feel pain during an epileptic episode but will feel confused and may panic. Try to observe your dog, and if it has more than one seizure per month, then you have to get treatment from a veterinarian. Boxer Bulldog Mix Food Requirements The Boxer Bulldog is a larger than average dog, and it will require three to four cups of dry dog food daily. Try to avoid feeding your pet one big meal and instead divide the amount of dog food into two separate meals because Bulloxers are prone to bloating. Make sure that you give it dog food of high quality and one that contains all the nutrients it will need in a day. Remember to check all the ingredients in the dog food before purchasing them. Choose the product that has nutritional additives such as vitamins and minerals to keep your pet healthy. Since this crossbreed is likely to suffer from joint issues and pain, try to find food that has chondroitin and glucosamine. Do not buy products that contain unknown meat-meals or byproducts and those that contain various unnecessary additives like dyes. These dyes usually trigger food allergies of the dogs. It also contains different kinds of healthy fruits and vegetables such as pear, spinach, green, carrots, and blueberries. Nulo Adult Salmon and Peas This dog food has deboned salmon, turkey meal, and chicken meal as its protein source. This product leaves out any ingredient that may trigger allergies. It also does not have any grains, corn, wheat gluten, soy, artificial additives, colors, or flavors. It provides a balanced diet for all dogs. Also, it does not contain any soy or fillers, such as grain and gluten. You would not have to worry about your dog missing any nutrition because this dog food has all the nutritious ingredients that a Bulldog Boxer needs. Bulldog Boxer Mix Exercise Requirements Because this hybrid is very playful and enthusiastic, they will become very energetic inside the house, which is why you need to allow it to spend its energy outside through physical activities such as walking, jogging, or running. It loves stimulating its brain, so try to have them go through obstacles set up in your backyard from time to time. Your Bulloxer will need at least minutes of exercise per day. Be careful not to overwork and exhaust your pet because it might have breathing problems. You can utilize different types of toys and kinds of activities. Tennis balls are one of the toys that Bulloxers enjoy playing with the most. They love running around and fetching these balls, but after a couple of times of throwing, your arm will get very worn out. This device allows you to play with your pet companion for an extended period without wearing out your muscles. Boxer combined with Bulldog dogs have no problems with playing by themselves. Although they want you to participate in their playtime, they are still happy getting preoccupied with a toy. This toy is perfect for when you are suddenly too busy to play with your furry friend physically. It is a very sturdy ball and also glows in the dark, which makes it very attractive to your Bulloxer. This product is shaped like a football and is perfect for a game of fetch. It has deep ridges, which make it easy for dogs to pick up and carry. Your pet may play with this toy in the pool since it floats in water. Also, it comes in bright colors, thus, increasing its visibility. Boxer Combined with Bulldog Training Your Boxer Bulldog Mix dog is generally quick to train since it is smart and a fast learner, but they may, at times, be stubborn. Bulloxers have an independent trait, so they will do whatever they want to do if they feel like you are less confident. When you are dealing with this hybrid, you have to establish your dominance throughout the training session. There are two essential pieces of training that you have to do with your Boxer Bulldog, namely: Clicker Training. It utilizes positive reinforcement techniques. Researchers have proven that this method works exceptionally well for Bulloxers. Because Bulldog Boxer dogs are sometimes headstrong, harsh training techniques will not work and would bring about bad behavior. You should follow a click-treat-click-treat pattern so that your dog will understand that the sound of the clicker is associated with getting a reward. Do not let the pet see your clicker. House training. You have to establish a schedule for your pet to play, eat, and to go potty. This training is essential to maintain peace inside the home. Boxer Crossed with Bulldog and Families Bulloxers are excellent family dogs because they are very affectionate and very protective of their owners. They have a high sense of awareness of their surroundings and can be aggressive when they perceive something as a threat. This piece of information is vital to those who are looking for guard dogs. They are playful and enthusiastic, which is why they will also get along with children. Usually, these dogs are very patient with kids, but you might not want to leave them alone with very small offsprings. If you ever decide on getting a Boxer Bulldog mix as your furry companion, expect to feel more warmth and happiness in your household and your life.

For the complete list please see our German Shepherd Breeders list by regions page. The price for a German Shepherd puppy will vary depending on the breeder. When buying a German Shepherd puppy, it is important to remember that this is not a cheap dog breed. They are an investment, but they are also one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, a German Shepherd can be an excellent addition to your family. The AKC is a national organization that registers purebred dogs and maintains a directory of reputable breeders. The NDBA is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible dog breeding practices. They maintain a directory of member breeders who meet their stringent criteria. This makes it easy to find a breeder near you who has puppies available for sale. When you contact a breeder, be sure to ask about their breeding practices. Make sure the parents have been cleared for any hereditary or congenital health conditions. You should also ask to see documentation for all vaccinations and dewormings that the puppy has received thus far. If you are serious about buying a puppy from this breeder, they should be willing to invite you into their home so that you can meet the parents of the puppy. This will give you an opportunity to see how big the parents are and how healthy they look. By meeting both the mother and father of a German Shepherd puppy, you will have peace of mind knowing that these dogs were responsibly raised by breeders who care about their breeding practices. A good breeder will be happy to provide you with contact information for previous buyers. These references can be very helpful in making your decision. Ask the reference owners how much they have enjoyed owning their German Shepherd, whether the dog has been easy to train, and if there have been any health or behavior problems. Taking the time to find a responsible German shepherd breeder in Idaho is well worth it. Not only will you end up with a healthy and well-socialized puppy, but you will also have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are supporting responsible breeding practices. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy from an Idaho breeder, you should ask the breeder if they have a good veterinarian they use. Good breeders will have a list of veterinarians they work with and will be happy to provide you with contact information. When you bring your new puppy home, it is important to get them checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible. This will ensure that your puppy is healthy and has not been exposed to any diseases. Finding a responsible German shepherd breeder in Idaho can take some effort, but it is well worth it in the end. Not only will you have a healthy and well-socialized dog, but you will also know that you are supporting responsible breeding practices. If you are not careful, you may end up buying a puppy from one of these breeders. So, how can you tell if a breeder is unethical? Here are some signs to look out for: The breeder does not health test their dogs for hereditary conditions. The breeder does not screen their puppies for genetic defects. The puppies are sold at a very young age. The breeding stock is kept in poor conditions. The breeder is not willing to provide references or contact information for previous buyers. The puppies are not well socialized. Before you buy your puppy, take some time to ask the breeder if they know of any hereditary conditions that run in the parents bloodline. A good breeder will be able to tell you whether or not their dogs are tested for these conditions. Be sure to take notice of how your potential German shepherd breeder responds when asked this question. If they cannot provide a list of health tests done on their breeding stock, it may be because they do not actually screen their dogs for hereditary problems before breeding them. Just like you would not want to be separated from your mother at birth, dogs do not either. If the breeder tells you that they sell their German Shepherd puppies when they are very young, it is a warning sign. If a breeder tries to sell you a puppy earlier than 8 weeks old, just walk away. Not only does this practice leave the dogs developmentally stunted, but it also increases the chance of serious health problems later in life. If the breeder you are talking to is reluctant to do this, it may be because they have something to hide. Take the time to call some of the references and ask them about their experience with the breeder. Were they happy with the quality of the puppies? Was the breeder willing to help with any problems that arose after purchase? If the breeder cannot provide any references, or if all of their references are family members or friends, it is best to move on. There are plenty of responsible breeders out there who would be more than happy to help you find the perfect puppy. An ethical and responsible German shepherd breeder will always be happy to provide references from past customers. This may include moving, allergies, or behavioral problems. If the breeder you are talking to will not agree to this policy, it is best to move on. They may be more interested in making a sale than in the welfare of their puppies. A good German shepherd breeder will always have the best interests of their puppies at heart. If you cannot find one that meets all of your other criteria, it is probably best to look elsewhere. All reputable breeders will take their puppies back if the buyer is unable to keep them for any reason. How to Prepare Your Home for You German Shepherd Puppy When you bring your adorable German Shepherd puppy home for the first time, it is important to make sure that your house is ready for them. Some things you will want to do include: Putting away any small objects or items that the puppy could choke on Closing off any spaces that the puppy could get stuck in, such as under a desk or in between furniture Buying a crate and puppy pads for the puppy to use when they cannot be supervised It is also important to start obedience training as soon as possible. A well-trained German Shepherd is much easier to live with than one who is allowed to run wild. Potty Training Your New German Shepherd Puppy One of the most important things to do when you get a new German Shepherd puppy is to start potty training them as soon as possible. Socializing Your New German Shepherd Puppy One of the most important aspects of raising your new German Shepherd puppy is socializing them with other people and animals. If they do not get enough socialization, they may become shy or aggressive. Some ways you can socialize your puppy include: Taking them to the park and introducing them to other dogs Introducing them to new people of all ages Taking them on car rides to different neighborhoods Visiting the pet store Meeting friends and family members who have pets Make sure to socialize your puppy as much as possible during their first few months of life. It will help ensure that they grow up into well-adjusted adults. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. We are located in the foothills of Boise, Idaho, and our breeding partner who will be whelping litters for us is located in Hood River, Oregon. In our program, we focus on producing beautiful and healthy dogs who are structurally sound and have excellent temperaments. Our breeding stock consists of the bloodlines of precious old working foundation lines from the countries of Germany, Czech Republic and Slovakia. Our dogs are descendants of the most influential and highly sought after bloodlines. Additionally, our dogs are titled and excel in venues such as Personal Protection, Dock Diving and Obedience. Our puppies come with a 2-Year Health Guarantee. And in this case, raise them. We expect stock coat sables with moderate to high drives, great off switches, super temperaments and high trainability. Puppies will be raised in a family home environment with Early Neurological Stimulation and will be started on crate training and potty training. Professional Training is available and recommended. If you would like to be put on our waiting list for one of our German Shepherd puppies, please email valorprotectiondogs gmail. We will ask you to complete an application, and we will conduct a phone interview prior to approving you for one of our puppies. Working German Shepherds are not for everyone. We ask that you please do your research in advance. Our goal is to ensure that each of our puppies is placed in loving homes where they will be well cared-for and utilized to their utmost abilities. About Us Based near Hailey, Idaho, North 40 German Shepherds selectively breeds long coat German shepherds that exemplify the loyalty, protectiveness, obedience, beauty, and intelligence this great breed is famous for. Our mission is to foster shepherds best suited for families, service, and therapy. We breed only one litter at a time in our home, with the puppies being raised from birth with constant human contact and love to best prepare them for a life of companionship. Contact us with any questions or to get added to our waiting list for upcoming litters. I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive. If you would like to be on our waiting list, please contact us and follow our Facebook page to be notified. Calico Junction, the breeder of our dam, Bella, and Evans Shepherds, the breeder of the sire of the May litter, Iconic, have litters available more often. Their websites are below. All our pups from this litter have been sold Ready to pick up July 11, .Four beautiful, healthy pups.Dam is in the video but the other GSD is not the sire, just one of our other non-breeding dogs who is great at helping the puppies socialize with other dogs. An amazing dog who will likely produce the same sort of high-quality offspring.

Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your pet's temperament, activity level and environment. If you have any questions regarding your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. Transition Instructions We recommend at least a 7 day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively. All of our dry diets are preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols, citric acid, and rosemary extract. Our canned diets are naturally preserved and sterilized during the cooking and canning process. Where do the ingredients in Royal Canin diets come from? Royal Canin is making strides towards sustainability by attempting to obtain sources of raw materials as close to each manufacturing facility as possible. In some cases, we use international suppliers, because only those suppliers can offer raw materials that comply with our quality and food safety standards. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain by-products? Royal Canin chooses ingredients because they deliver high-quality nutrients that support our customized pet food formulas. Using chicken by-product meal instead of chicken meal for example will allow Royal Canin to maintain its highly customized nutrient standards while achieving a more secure and sustainable supply. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain grains? As always, we focus on the nutrients each ingredient provides and grains can provide many important nutrients. How do you ensure Royal Canin diets are safe for my pet? Our Quality and Food Safety systems are state-of-the-art and we continue to invest heavily in new technology to make sure they remain that way. We monitor every load delivered to our plants to verify the safety and quality of the ingredients we use to make pet food. We perform tests on finished pet foods before they are shipped to our customers. How do I know which Royal Canin diet is right for my pet? Based on size, age, lifestyle, and breed, each cat or dog has unique nutritional needs. For healthy pets, use our Product Selector to find the right diet for your cat or dog. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please refer to your veterinarian for more information. Your veterinarian will consider multiple factors when recommending an appropriate diet. These highly intelligent and playful puppies have big nutritional needs as they develop into faithful watchdogs. They can benefit from the right large breed growth formula to provide immune system support and bone and joint health—as well as support digestive health—all of which is important for the breed during puppyhood. Royal Canin German Shepherd dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed puppy. Whether you call them a German Shepherd or an Alsatian, this exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated to your puppy, with the specific nutrients to help them thrive. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system and keeps their body growing strong. Highly digestible proteins and specific fibers maintain digestive health since this breed has a tendency to have poor stool quality. And glucosamine and chondroitin support healthy bones and joints as your puppy grows to be a big dog. Once your German Shepherd puppy is over 15 months old, transition them to Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult dog food for precise nutrition into their adult years. Not satisfied? Then neither are we. Just contact us for more details. Guaranteed Analysis. Home Delivery Select a variant to view product availability Royal Canin knows what makes your German Shepherd puppy magnificent is in the details. These highly intelligent and playful puppies have big nutritional needs as they develop into faithful watchdogs. They can benefit from the right large breed growth formula to provide immune system support and bone and joint health—as well as support digestive health—all of which is important for the breed during puppyhood. Royal Canin German Shepherd dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed puppy. Whether you call them a German Shepherd or an Alsatian, this exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated to your puppy, with the specific nutrients to help them thrive. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system and keeps their body growing strong. Highly digestible proteins and specific fibers maintain digestive health since this breed has a tendency to have poor stool quality. And glucosamine and chondroitin support healthy bones and joints as your puppy grows to be a big dog. Once your German Shepherd puppy is over 15 months old, transition them to Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult dog food for precise nutrition into their adult years.

Read on for detailed tips on when you should expect your Labradoodle to be trained and milestone ages. Did you know that back in , Labradoodles were bred by an Australian breeder Wally Conron for a blind woman whose husband had a dog allergy? Since then, Labradoodles have only grown in popularity. The average lifespan of a Labradoodle is around 10 to 14 years , and they come in three different sizes — miniature or toy, medium, and standard. Their sizes can also affect how they behave. Your Labradoodle will undergo various changes through every stage in their lives. Their five different life stages include: Puppyhood — 1 to 5 months Adolescence — 6 to 18 months Adulthood — until three years of age Middle Age — until seven years of age Old Age — the last stage; until 12 to 14 years of age. At every stage, your Labradoodle will depict different behaviors, and you will have to modify how you train them accordingly. Can Labradoodles smile? The correct training approach is to start coaching your Labradoodles from the first day when you bring them home. Compared to adult dogs, puppies are easier to train. You will have a much easier and fun time training them when and where to pee, how to socialize, how not to put everything in their mouth, how to stay away from chewing the new sofa set, etc. First 30 Days with a Labradoodle The first 30 days are an exciting time with new Labradoodles. With a crossbreed, you often have no idea what surprises are about to unfold. Your furry friend will obviously go on to explore every nook and cranny of your house. While you might feel like spending every second cuddling and playing around with them, this is the time when you should start training your dog. The sooner you begin, the more adaptable the routine becomes to the dog. When they are young, it is recommended that you initiate the process of Early Scent Introduction to amplify their senses. This will allow them to quickly identify and react to particular smells. A helpful activity is putting a leash on your Labradoodle while it walks around the house and sniffs different household objects. You can also include a few more games and habits into their routine to make them put their senses to good use. You will often find them jumping around the house and licking everyone. All their sensory organs will be heightened, so behaviors like wagging their tails and play-biting people will be common. If their erratic behavior changes are not kept in check, you might even find them baring teeth at anyone who attempts to touch their belongings or fiddle with the safe environment they are used to. Potty Training This is the age to establish a potty schedule for your puppy. Include multiple potty breaks throughout the day so that the dog knows where to go to release themselves. Train them to hold their pee in until they reach their designated point. Every time they successfully pee outside , make sure to reward them with a treat. Leash Training Leashes are going to be a life-long friend of your dogs. Make sure you introduce them to the concept of a leash right from the very beginning. It will help your Labradoodle get accustomed to the feeling of having a leash around them every time they are taken for a walk. When at home, put the leash on the dog, and let them walk around freely without pulling on it. Two Labradoodles sniff eachother out at a dog park. The puppyhood phase is about to end, and the new adulthood chapter is about to commence. By this time, they should have mastered most of the training commands and techniques so you can move on to teaching them more advanced training options. Loose leash training, clicker, and positive reinforcement training all become possible now. We must keep a strict eye on reinforcing positive behavior and obedience and redirect unwanted behavior with just as much consistency as when they were a young puppy. By this time, your dog should also be vaccinated, so they can go to a nearby park and play with other dogs. Command Training This is the stage when you start teaching your Labradoodle some basic commands. The best way to introduce it is during their mealtime. You can hold the food in your hands and use it to lure them. Identify a definite marker that you can use to communicate to your Labradoodle if they perform a particular command correctly or incorrectly. Sit with your Labradoodle on the floor and play around to try to communicate with them. Make them comfortable with your touch and sound. Find other puppies that your Labradoodle can spend time with. It is a good idea to begin socializing your puppy to help them become more comfortable with humans as well as other dogs. This will also reduce the risk of anxiety and fear, help them listen to others better, and ensure that they live a fulfilling and happy life. Regardless of what training routine you establish for your dog, make sure you only do it through positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is a reward-based training option. So, if your dog successfully performs a task or follows a command, you praise them or reward them with treats. You can use a favorite treat or a toy to encourage them to follow the command again. Avoid punishing your dog at all costs as it would instill life-long fear in them. Use puzzle toys and different mentally stimulating exercises to improve their physical and mental capabilities even simple food toys like frozen Kongs or slow feeder bowls do the trick. Our best Labradoodle name ideas. I am sure you have been planning the arrival of your Labradoodle and are excited for all the joy and happiness they are about to bring into your life. I got a puppy a few months back too, and there are a few tips I wish someone had told me about before: Have two separate bowls ready for your Labradoodle — one for food and one for water. Feed them with food specific to their breed, and make sure to replace their bowl with fresh water every day. Proper nutrition and a balanced diet are part and parcel of a good puppy training routine. You can also treat them with a toy every time they follow the commands you teach them. Invest in a comfortable dog bed. Although bedding can be expensive, your Labradoodle needs a decent place to relax. Make sure the size of the bed is appropriate, neither too big nor too small. Puppy-proof your house before the new member settles in. Keeping the electrical cords out of reach, properly latching the doors and windows to avoid risking your puppy wandering off, and designating a specific bathroom area for the puppy are some of the vital precautions you must take. It not only keeps them clean and smelling fresh but also eliminates the risk of illnesses and diseases in your dog. But they still need to be regularly groomed to avoid matting. To do this, however, you need to train your Labradoodles to be comfortable with the different grooming tools and sit still for some time. Here are a few tips on how you can do that successfully: Sensitize your Labradoodle to the sounds of different grooming equipment like nail trimmers, scissors, combs, brushes, etc. Play with their paws and make them feel comfortable. You should massage their feet and touch their nails to make them feel at ease with your touch. The more you delay grooming your dog regularly, the more complex and painful the procedure will get. Brushing becomes easy, pain-free, and you will be surprised to see your Labradoodle eventually starting to look forward to it. While doing facial trims, your dog needs to remain calm and still. To do a facial trim, gently hold their head in one hand and rest their chin on another. There are high chances your dog will be placed in a crate when attending grooming sessions at a salon. So make them accustomed to being placed inside a crate at home. You can keep their favorite toys and treats inside to make them feel more comfortable. Most of the advanced Labradoodle training options and methods are built on basic training methods. If your Labradoodle has successfully mastered basic training skills, the advanced training period will be relatively easy. If you want your dog to behave even better and learn new tricks, or get them registered as a service dog or a guide dog, or make them participate in an upcoming dog event, you can consider enrolling them in professional advanced training courses. Labradoodles, as the name suggests, are a cross between Poodles and Labradors, combining the best characteristics of both breeds. Labradoodles are bred to be friendly and loving and they are very easy to train. In terms of background, if the breeder or adoption service you got your pup from did not start any training, then you will have to start slow and be patient. A Labradoodle that has been trained and brought up well can serve as the perfect service dog, guide dog, or therapy dog. Are Labradoodles Easy To Train? Labradoodles are great companions that can fit in as easily in a large family as they can in a small one. They are easy to train, friendly, social, and intelligent. If they are trained consistently, they develop a friendly temperament and bond well with their owners. Do Labradoodles Bark Excessively? As with any other breed of dog, Labradoodles are at high risk of barking excessively if they are not adequately trained or if their day-to-day requirements are not met. A Labradoodle has a lot of energy. If the energy is not channeled in the right place through coaching, exercising, and proper stimulation, they might get stressed and anxious and bark unreasonably. A Red Miniature Labradoodle looks happy in the studio. Final Words The happiness that comes with having a Labradoodle as your companion and raising them is unmatched. However, as with any other dog, training them involves hard work and discipline. I hope this guide makes Labradoodle training easy for you. The biggest hurdle you may face when training your dog is a lack of motivation and consistency. Luckily, Labradoodles are inclined to learn from their owners quicker than other breeds. 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. But in the early days, we recommend keeping them close to you at night. It will help them feel safe and cared for — leaving their litter is quite a big step, after all. Your puppy may be unsettled and will most likely need at least one bathroom break through the night. It will all be okay in a few weeks time, though. The crate should be a cozy warm den for your puppy. Soft blankets and a cuddly toy should do the trick to help them settle. It is also a good idea to cover over the sides but keep the front uncovered so your pup can still see out. Just before bed, take your pup out for one last potty stop. With that beautiful voice of yours, gently reassure them and rest your hand in the crate so they know you are there. When your puppy wakes up in the night they definitely will at some point , listen to see if they are settling back down. Expect to be out at or am to take them straight to the loo. They will be bursting! That just about covers the first steps of Labradoodle sleep training. Very tired. But early mornings, late nights and disturbed sleep are all part of owning a puppy. As they mature emotionally and settle into their new home they will be happy in other parts of the house, and even outside of their crate. Having them in your room does not cause separation anxiety later on. Stick to a routine! Consistency is everything. It will backfire on you. Check out our guide on how to get a puppy to sleep through the night for more tips. Alone Training Labradoodles are very sociable. That can mean two things — they will always be happy to see you and that being alone can be challenging for them. This will help them feel at ease without you and also help them love their crate a little bit more too. While they are eating, go and do something close by. No need to go completely out of sight, but try not to focus on your puppy either. Labradoodles love to eat, so use this time wisely to distract them away from you. Just a few seconds is good enough in the early stages. Repeat: Practice makes perfect! Do this exercise at least once a day to build up alone time, and check out our guide to puppy separation anxiety. We expand on our little secret in our puppy potty training article. Every 30 minutes, after eating, sleeping or playing. Socialization Exercises to do This Week Early socialization is important for all puppies. It gives them confidence and teaches them to view the world in an optimistic way. Here are some puppy socialization exercises to do with your Labradoodle. Let your Labradoodle Puppy Explore the Yard The yard is a great way to introduce your puppy to the great outdoors. They will also get used to walking on different types of surfaces such as your tiled, wet lawn or open flower beds. To get them there, here is a quick exercise you can run through: Exploring different surfaces exercise Have plenty of treats ready. Only use safe surfaces, nothing too slippery. Gather surfaces such as: A piece of carpet A large tray with a thin layer of water A large piece of tin foil or cardboard, something that makes a noise. Put the surfaces out on the floor and let your puppy investigate. Let them take their time and go at their own pace. In our experience Labradoodles are quite food motivated, and you can probably use a low or medium value treat for this. You can even try to use their kibble as many will be delighted to work for their food. For more info on what rewards to use check out our article on rewards and treats. Teach your puppy their name One of the first things your puppy will learn from you is their name. Fortunately, teaching a Labradoodle puppy their name is rather simple. Pretty easy, right? Practice this a few times everyday until they start flipping their head at you every time you call their name. Make sure everyone in the family uses the same name too! Teach your puppy to sit Labradoodle training is often started by teaching them how to sit. We call this a marker word. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow with a tasty treat. Bits of smelly sausage or cheese will definitely do the trick. If this happens, try to keep it simple at first and just use their own kibble if they are motivated to work for it. Save the big guns in treat terms for when you really need it! How to do it Always begin training at home. The outside world is far too exciting at the moment, and your puppy will probably not focus on you. Stand in front of your pup with a treat in your hand and place the treat on their nose, then bring it up to your waist. Recall — How to teach your Labradoodle puppy to come back when called Your puppy should have a good grasp of their name by now, which should make recall training pretty straightforward. Pun intended. How to do it You will need plenty of those high value treats and your best cheery voice. Call your puppy only once! This is super important as you want them to learn that their name only has to be called once for them to react to it. How to do it Get your puppy excited by showing them their favorite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Once they are interested in the toy, throw it a short distance away from you. With that lovely singing voice of yours, encourage them to bring it back to you. When they do, swap the toy in their mouth for another identical toy. Repeat about 5 times and practice everyday. Get your puppy excited by showing them their favorite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Prevention of Resource Guarding This part of Labradoodle training is important — it will prevent resource guarding by teaching your puppy how to give up items willingly. Resource guarding is this thing that happens when dogs are unwilling to give up items back, or when they get protective over something from humans or other dogs. From the training tips above, preventing resource guarding always comes down to a good swapping. Resource guarding starts when we force our dogs as puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. To avoid that, resist your temptation to reach deep inside their mouths to get whatever it is they have. Ultimately, we want our puppies to be willing to give things up when we need them to. What we really mean is care, handling, health and grooming. Start by just showing them the brush and running it over them with the apartment side so they get used to the sensation minus the bristles. Hand Touch and Handling If you handle your puppy too roughly or grab at them, not only are they going to have a bit of a fright, but it could make them feel scared about being touched in the future. Use plenty of treats, and remember to stop if they walk away. Touch should be a pleasant thing not forced. Week 2 — Training your Labradoodle puppy Week 2 already! Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. Challenge Their Mind Labradoodles are highly intelligent dogs, so prevent boredom. Most dog owners know that a new puppy requires proper nutrition and daily exercise, but they often forget to challenge them mentally. This is a problem that can lead to a lot of behavior issues, from aggression and, biting to full-on destructive behavior. But perfect and precise practice is by far the best road to success. If you have to choose between making a specific exercise easier or lowering your expectations of the final result, always go for the first option. Always start at the point where your Labradoodle is able to do the exercise correctly, and then move ahead from there. Reactions towards humans, cars, other animals, and so on, aggressive behavior, growling being overly excited. The solution to all these problems starts with the ability to do nothing. Labradoodles, like humans, need to focus and use their attention to be able to learn new things. Small problems might seem just like that, small, but they have a tendency to grow larger over time. Most of the problems you might encounter during to daily walk or someplace else should be solved even before leaving your home. Perhaps your dog will eventually become tired and end up walking more slowly and what seems to be more well-mannered than you, but having a tired Labradoodle is not the same as a well-behaving Labradoodle. Have a Point of Restoration Labradoodles connect certain emotions with very specific areas. So if you are having problems with a specific behavior, and your dog ends up stressed or losing interest, try moving to a different area and training something that you know your dog is good at. This will give the Labradoodle a sense of accomplishment. Try finding a lower table or some other platform to exercise with instead. When your dog manages that, then you can return to the table that was too difficult, to begin with. It is then highly like that your dog will be able to jump onto the table, without even having to think much about it. You might have a dog that jumps onto visitors, or perhaps on your furniture. Now when opening the door, this will prevent your dog from jumping onto the visitor. Usually, it will quickly stop attempting to jump up, and then you tell it to sit down. Have your guest pet it for a short amount of time, and only as long as the dog keeps sitting. You can then start over and try this exercise several times. Labradoodles who jump on the furniture when told not to. Grab a hold on the end of the leash, and pull the dog down from the furniture. Again, start over and try multiple times until the message is clear to the dog. Put your dog on a long training leash and make sure that you have a firm grip on the other end before calling for your dog to return. When the dog returns, give it a treat or its favorite toy. Repeat this until you get a satisfactory outcome. This is also where most people start making mistakes with Labradoodle training. They are very enthusiastic about training and buying all the best products, but after the first week, they lose interest and end up letting the dog do pretty much what it wants. And if it takes you a month to get to the point where the dog returns to you even without you pulling on the leash, keep the leash on for the same amount of time before removing it, just to be sure. Make sure that you get the result you want every single time until it is certain your Labradoodle is done taking chances. Sometimes we end up training our Labradoodles for so long that they will eventually lose their motivation. And now your dog is tired and really in need of a good rest. Stop the exercise as soon as you know your dog understands the concept of what you are doing. In the Case of a Stressed Dog Go back to the point where your dog the last time felt perfectly comfortable. When a dog is stressed it will usually go back to instinctive and unwanted behavior, so it is not a good idea to only train your dog in surroundings where it is totally calm. You have to work with situations where your dog usually has a strong reaction. And then you have to work through those situations. The only way to train your Labradoodle to overcome these situations is by getting them to a point where they master it. Try doing that in a controlled environment, after you have thought your dog the most basic training. If you are hesitant at putting your dog in these situations because you fear what reaction it might show, work with it in less stressful surroundings before moving forward. Taking One Step Backwards To be able to take two steps forward. Try looking back at rule number 6. The rule applies to every single time you and your dog find yourself in a new situation. This is especially important when training your dog in that phase where it has learned something, but now it needs to be able to do it every single time without any hassle. So put the leash on until you are certain that your Labradoodle also has this new situation under control, before continuing with your exercises. As mentioned earlier your is most likely a gambler or at the very least an opportunist. Putting your dog on a leash makes it easier for you to follow through on your command, and think very carefully before commanding your Labradoodle to do anything. Never Test Your Dog Tests and exams are fine with kids going to school. But instead, be sure that you are there to lead and guide your dog as much as necessary. This is extremely important to remember. And that makes all the difference in the world to a Labradoodle just trying to find its place in this human world. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. If you put in the effort early on, then you will be rewarded with a well-mannered dog who will be a joy to spend time with for years to come. Labradoodles are intelligent, friendly, and playful, but if you let your youngster do whatever he wants and allow him to think that he is the boss, then you may well end up with a naughty, attention-seeking adult. Lack of training usually plays a big part in why the dog develops some unwanted behavior traits. If you want a dog that you can take anywhere and who will be a perfect companion, rather than a pain in the neck, then spend time early on teaching him some manners and your ground rules. You may consider seeking the help of a professional trainer, but that option may not be practical or within the budget. This way, your puppy will get to learn and socialize with other dogs at the same time. You could also watch some Labradoodle training videos on YouTube, but it should not replace training with other dogs. If you decide to train your Doodle yourself, then remember the golden rule: training should always be based on rewards and not punishment. It should be a positive learning experience for both of you. Labradoodles can be sensitive little critters, and bawling at the top of your voice or smacking should not play any part in training. Are Labradoodles Easy to Train? Labradoodles are very intelligent and generally regarded as easy to train due to their easy-going temperaments and desire to connect with and please their humans. They have curious minds, and most will thrive on training if they get the chance to exercise their grey matter with some fun. Some Labradoodles are professionally trained to a very high standard to become guide or therapy dogs. Over the years, Labradoodles, especially Australian Labradoodles , have been bred with a specific easy-going temperament in mind. Early Labradoodles were often headstrong and hyper-active, but well-bred Aussie Doodles these days usually have great personalities and fit well into family life. Like most dogs, Labradoodles are pack animals and hierarchical. They respect the pecking order and are happy when they know and are comfortable with their place in it. They need to learn their place in the pack and accept you as a pack leader. You cannot force this on a dog by shouting and hitting. It has to be established by the natural order of things like mutual consent and brought about by proper training. If your puppy is not made aware of his place in the household and the rules to abide by, then he will end up ruling you and your family. Be firm, but never aggressive with your dog. If you do it wrong then, you will either frighten him or teach him to be aggressive. Keep training short and fun, especially at the beginning. If you have adopted an older dog, you can still train him, but it is a lot harder for them to unlearn bad habits. Training Tip 2: Your voice is your most important training tool Your dog has to learn to understand your language. The tone of your voice is very important. You should command in a calm, authoritative voice without shouting. Praise the puppy in a cheerful, encouraging voice, followed by a stroke or a pat. If your dog has done something wrong, use a firm, stern voice, not a harsh scream. This rule still applies even if your Labradoodle is unresponsive at the beginning. Training Tip 3: Only give command that you can enforce Labradoodles are intelligent dogs. Training Tip 4: Train your dog gently and humanely. Use positive and motivational methods to teach your puppy. Keep training sessions upbeat, so the whole experience is enjoyable for both of you. Training Tip 5: Begin your training from home How well your dog responds to you at home affects his behavior away from home as well. Training Tip 6: One command equals one response Give your dog only one command — twice maximum — then gently enforce it. Repeating commands or nagging will make your Labradoodle tune out. It also tells him that the first few commands are a bluff. But a relationship based on fear is not a good one, and it will undermine your relationship with him. He should trust that when he hears his name, good things happen. His name should always be a word that your Doodle responds to with enthusiasm, never hesitancy or fear. If he gets lots of attention when he jumps up on you, his bad behavior gets reinforced. Training Tip Timing is critical When your puppy does something right, praise him immediately. Similarly, when he does something wrong, correct him straight away. This technique works surprisingly well. Training Tip Give your dog attention when YOU want Labradoodles are sociable creatures, and they love being with you and involved with the family. While you are training him, it is good to give your puppy lots of positive attention when he is good. But if he starts jumping up, nudging you constantly or barking for your attention, then ignore him. If you give in to his every demand, then he will begin to think that he is the boss and become more demanding. Wait a while and pat him when you want, and when he has stopped demanding your attention. Training Tip Be Consistent In terms of rules and training, treat your fluffy little Doodle pup as a grown-up. Make him abide by the rules you want him to live by as an adult. You may want to put your pup on a leash to hold his attention in the beginning. Stand facing each other and hold a treat a few inches above his head. Stroke and praise him for as long as he stays in the sitting position. Practice it in short sessions until he does it every time. After a while, he should do it just from command, without moving the treat over him. When he does, give him a treat anyway. If he jumps up on his back legs and paws while you are moving the treat, be patient, and start all over again. Another method is to put one hand on his chest and with your other hand, gently push down on his rear end until he is sitting. Give him a treat and praise, even though you have made him do it. For example, when you are putting his leash on, while you are preparing his meal, when he fetches the ball, or when he is demanding attention or getting over-excited. They do it all the time with their siblings in the litter. It is a game for them. But when they arrive at your home, they have to be taught that human body parts are not for biting. Try not to encourage play-biting. As a puppy grows and feels more confident in his surroundings, and he may become slightly more aggressive. His bites may hurt someone, especially if you have children or older people at home. Make sure to have a soft toy nearby every time you have a play session with your puppy. When he starts to chew your hand or feet, clench your fingers or toes to make it more difficult and distract him with the soft toy in your other hand. Keep the game interesting by moving the toy around or rolling it around in front of him. He may continue to chew you, but will eventually realize that the toy is far more exciting and livelier than your body parts. If he becomes over-excited or too aggressive with the toy and starts growling a lot, then stop playing with him, and walk away. If your pup is more persistent and tries to bite your legs as you walk away, thinking this is another fantastic game, stand still and ignore him. Your puppy may well jump back in amazement, surprised that he has hurt you. Train a Labradoodle Not to Jump The reason why a labradoodle jumps up onto humans is that they want to get your attention and say hello. As you are taller than him, he has to jump to get your attention. Sadly, it might not be enjoyable for your guests or other people having an unknown dog jumping on them. As a dog owner, you must stop your dog from bothering other people. You can try the below techniques to train your labradoodle not to jump: When your dog starts jumping, follow training tip 9. Do not look into his eyes and stand straight up with your arms crossed. When his paws touch the ground, pat him. Repeat the exercise until he stops jumping. If your dog is jumping on a guest, then ask your guest to turn around and ignore him. Labradoodle Crate Training Crate training is the process of teaching your pup how to behave and enjoy spending time in a crate. Along with housetraining, this is one of the first things you should do when you get a new puppy. The idea behind crate training is that dogs like to have their particular spot. This place is a Safe Haven where only they can go. It teaches them to hold it until they are let outside to potty. Crates are not for every Labradoodle, and you should NEVER use them to imprison the dog while you are out of the house all day. Doodles are not like hamsters or pet mice, which can adapt to life in a cage. But, used correctly, a crate can help to: Housetrain your dog Keep your dog safe when traveling Create a doggy bedroom or place where your Labradoodle feels safe. If you use a crate, then remember that it is NOT a prison to restrain the dog. It should only be used humanely, and time should be spent to make the puppy feel like the crate is his safe little haven. Place the crate in the corner of a room, away from cold draughts or too much heat. Labradoodles like to be near their pack so, leave him where he can hear you. Crate Training Here are some techniques that you can follow to make your puppy to accept a crate and then to want to spend time in there. He might not be very happy about going in at first, but he will be a lot easier to crate train than an adult dog Drop a few tasty treats around and then inside the crate. Keep the door open. Do not close the crate door yet. Place a chew or treat inside the crate and close the door while your pup is outside the crate. He will be desperate to get in. Open the door to let him in and praises him. Fasten a long-lasting chew inside the crate and leave the door open. Let your puppy go inside and spend some time eating the chew. After a while, close the crate door and feed him some treats through the mesh. At first, do it for a few seconds at a time, then gradually increase the time. If you do it too fast, he will become distressed. Slowly build up the amount of time he is in the crate. For the first few days, stay in the room, then gradually leave the room for a short time, first one minute, then three, then 10, 30 minutes, and so on. The next points are very important to make the crate training successful: Do not let the dog immediately out of the crate while he is barking, or he will think that barking is the key to opening the door to the crate. Wait until the barking or whining has stopped for at least 10 seconds before letting him out. If you do decide to use a crate, remember that a dog is NOT a caged animal. Use the crate for limited periods and only if your dog is comfortable in there. NEVER force a dog to go in and then lock him in for hours on end. From about the age of three weeks, a puppy will leave his sleeping area to go to the toilet. Therefore, you need to teach him that it is unacceptable to make a mess anywhere inside the home. It depends on how quickly your puppy learns and how persistent and patient you are. Follow these steps to speed up the potty-training process: Constant supervision is essential for the first few weeks if you want to house train your puppy quickly. This is why it is necessary to book the week off work when you bring a new puppy home. Making sure you are there to take him outside regularly. If nobody is there, he will learn to urinate or poop inside the house. Take your puppy outside to the same place every time. Dogs naturally develop a preference for going in the same spot or on the same surface -often grass. Take him to the same patch every time, so he learns this is his toilet — preferably an area in a far corner of your garden or yard. No pressure — be patient. You must allow your Doodle pup to wander around and have a good sniff before he does his duties. Stay around a short distance away instead of leaving him. Sadly, puppies are not known for their powers of concentration. They may become easily distracted, and it may take a while for them to select that perfect spot to wee pee on! Share the responsibility. Just make sure you stick to the same routines and patch of ground. Take your pup outside at the following times: As soon as he wakes — every time Shortly after each feed. Follow this labradoodle puppy care guide to help with the transition. A few things you might want to have with you when you pick up your puppy are a bottle of water, some baby wipes, and a towel or a blanket. If you are meeting your puppy at the airport, your puppy may be thirsty from the trip. We put a frozen dish of water in the crate, but it is usually long gone by the time your puppy arrives. The wipes are needed in case the puppy may have soiled the crate. The towel or blanket also, in case the puppy has soiled the crate, is for you to hold your puppy or to put in the crate. Using a Leash to Bond with Your Puppy When your puppy first arrives to your home, we suggest you keep the puppy on a leash for the first couple of days. Do your best to have the primary caregiver be the main person handling the leash. We also suggest you not have outside visitors to the home for the first couple of days. Give your puppy some time to adjust to her new family first before she meets your world. Your puppy is going to be a little confused at her new surroundings. From the beginning your puppy needs to learn that she is at the bottom, below even the youngest child. She needs to learn who her main leaders are and what the boundaries are in her new home. Labradoodles are people loving dogs! Your puppy will want to bond. Your puppy is smart and will quickly learn that the person attached at the other end of the leash is important to her. Your Labradoodle will look to you for example and comfort. She will learn that you are her source of not only example and comfort, but also food! Using the leash these first few days will help your new puppy learn who to trust and who to please. Other Advantages of Leash Training Your New Puppy Even if you are not holding onto the leash, you can control where she goes easily by stepping on the dragging leash. This is much more comfortable to a dog than having you lunge over her to get her. Keeping her on a leash also allows you to monitor where your puppy is in the house, and help her learn which rooms you would like her to be in and where she is not allowed. Lastly, having her on a leash helps her adjust to the idea of a leash so that she is ready to be trained to heel on a leash. A crate can be a useful and comforting tool or it can be an overused source of misery for your puppy. We suggest using a crate for very short periods of time during the day and for your puppy to sleep in at night. During the day there will come short periods of time where you have a task to do that requires your full attention. While your puppy is still in the house training stage, the crate can be very valuable to you. By putting your puppy in the crate for short amounts of time during the day, say an hour, maybe two, you can accomplish what you must do and also help puppy control her bladder. As soon as you let her out, immediately take her outdoors to relieve herself. Using the crate this way will encourage her to only go to the bathroom where it is appropriate to go. If your puppy is not crate trained already, you will have to work up to the hour or two hour mark. By the time your puppy arrives, she should be able to sleep around 7 hours through the night in a crate. Of course all puppies are individuals and so the time can vary. Your Golden Xpress Labradoodle puppy is used to being in a crate, but she is also used to smelling and hearing her siblings nearby. She may have adjustments to make in her new home because of this. Another factor in labradoodle puppy care is that their little tummies often get upset over the first couple of weeks in their new homes. To help her adjust to your home atmosphere and sleeping during the night, keep her crate in your bedroom at night. Keeping your hand down by the wire door is comforting to her. Responding to her cries with talking or tapping encourages your puppy to cry and whine more. Tapping on the crate lightly is ok, but not in response to her noise making. Another thing to think about with regard to labradoodle puppy care is if your puppy starts to wet her crate, you need to first check and see if her crate is too big. Generally, dogs do not relieve themselves in their sleeping places. If so, either use a smaller crate or block part off with a box. If her crate seems the right size, you may need to take out anything like blankets or soft materials. When your puppy has successfully kept her crate dry for a couple of weeks, try putting the bedding back in. Feeding Your Puppy At first, your puppy will need to be fed 3 times a day. Once they have adjusted, offer food to them all day so they learn not to gorge at meal time, and always make sure your puppy has clean, fresh water available to her. Feed your puppy in a quiet place, free from distractions. Put a good amount of food in her bowl and let her eat as much as she would like. After about 20 minutes or so, remove the food. Repeat this morning, mid-day and evening. It helps keep teeth and gums in better shape than wet food does. DO NOT feed your puppy people food. Your food does not provide the nutrition that your puppy needs. She will choose to have the people food and not eat her own. Feed your dog people food and you will have one unhealthy puppy. Just make sure you choose high quality dog treats with some nutrition. At Golden Xpress Labradoodles we give our dogs and puppies different kinds of treats: dog biscuits, dog turkey or chicken jerky. The jerky is good for a training aid around the house — to teach the puppy to come or to sit, or down. They are very intelligent and very willing to learn, and this makes them easier to train. Just remember that they are puppies so be patient. Lots of Loves Above all labradoodle puppy care requires lots of love. Make sure you pet her and hold her so she knows she belongs to your family. Labradoodles are loyal, loving dogs — give your puppy your love and she will return it tenfold. The Labradoodle is a gorgeous cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, and the Goldendoodle is an adorable mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Characteristics and traits can vary significantly because these pups are a hybrid breed, but they are usually incredibly people-focused, laid back, and playful, making Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training an enjoyable moment. Doodles make awesome pets, especially if their owners fully comprehend the importance of training from a young age. The type of adult dog breed you end up with depends a little bit on their personality and a lot on how you take care of them. Before you begin Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training, it helps to decide exactly what kind of dog you want to have. Do Plenty of Research It is vital that you have an understanding of canine learning theory because dogs learn very differently from people. A puppy does whatever it can to get what it desires the most at that moment. There are plenty of online resources that can teach you about methods to get the best out of your training. It may be helpful to consult a puppy training professional or spend some time at doggy school to get a headstart and pick up tips from experts. Your pup is a blank slate — with your guidance, they can develop the traits and learn the behaviors that you value the most. Labradoodle and Goldendoodle puppies are curious and they love exploring their new home as they make it their own. Getting it right during the early stages sets a precedent for the rest of their life. Spending as much time as you can with them helps build the foundation for a happy, confident and well-behaved dog. Form a Bond and Gain Trust With Your Doodle Before you do anything, you will need to develop a strong bond with your new pal to make sure they trust you. Try to keep your own energy as calm as possible — they bounce off you. While it may be tempting to get excited by their cuteness and mirror their enthusiasm, this makes it more difficult for them to listen to you and regulate their own behavior. Teach your furry friend what to expect from the moment they get into the home to stop them from getting confused. Use Positive Reinforcement Intimidation or fear tactics are never the best way to build a loving and secure bond between you and your fur baby. To make the most of this method, reward your pooch for good behavior and ignore bad behavior. Treats, verbal praise, and clicker training reward them for a job well done. This also helps them to make positive associations with you and training time. Everyone has their own list of priorities and yours will depend on factors such as whether you have children or other pets. Potty training is a straightforward, formulaic process that your new puppy will adapt to. A consistent routine is the key to getting them toilet trained as efficiently and effectively as possible. Let them outside at the same time each day, and take them to the same spot. In the early days, it may be difficult for them to make it all the way through the night, so try to make provisions for this stage. Select a word for them to associate with potty training and repeat it over and over whenever you take them to the toilet. Every time they do their business outside, give them lots of cuddles and praise, treat them and play one of their favorite games. There will be setbacks — getting it right takes time! If they mess in the wrong place, take them outside to their toileting spot and give them the chance to relieve themselves. We cannot emphasize the importance of praising them when they get it right enough! Crate Training Not everyone opts to crate train their puppy, but it can be useful for the earliest stages of Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training. The crate gives them a safe place they can call their own. Be sure to make the time they spend in the crate a positive experience, and never leave them in there for more hours than their age in months plus one hour. For example, a three-month-old puppy can be kept in their crate for no more than four hours. Socialization Dogs are social animals, and Goldendoodles and Labradoodles, in particular, are happiest when they spend time pleasing people and playing. However, building confidence takes effort and guidance from their pet parent. If you want to ensure they grow up to have a balanced personality, you need to expose them to plenty of dogs, people and different situations. Take them out and about as much as possible to help them become accustomed to a range of noises, sights and sounds. Bring them to a local dog park to get them used to spending time around other dogs. Manners Your adorable little pup has the potential to develop a host of bad habits, but these behaviors can be nipped in the bud. Temperament and Dealing with Small Children There are several steps to take while getting your canine cutie used to being a member of a family with children. Both pup and child will need to have clear boundaries mapped out for them so they can build mutual trust and be kind to each other. Let the child practice with a toy before they pick up or cuddle the pup. Ensure the child sits down when they play with the dog; this helps to prevent the pup from getting overexcited. Teach the child to do small tasks to help care for the dog, such as filling the bowl or helping with grooming. Knowing what to expect according to the time of day helps them to settle and feel reassured. Always wake them up at the same time, feed and walk them around the same time and do training exercises at a set time. Patience Is Everything! The best piece of advice for Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training is to have patience. Spend lots of time bonding and playing with your pooch so you can make training something fun that you both enjoy. Over 6 Months Old 8 week old Labradoodle Puppy Training At 8 weeks old your puppy has only just arrived home, so your main focus will be on helping them to settle in, bonding and starting that all important potty training process. Potty Training Your brand new puppy will need to have the opportunity to pee as much as every twenty minutes for the first few days. They will also need to pee or poop after every meal, and every big drink. Socialization Have four different sets of visitors to the house, and go to at least four busy places with the puppy in your arms. Sweet Goodbyes Puppies find it hard to be left alone, so we like to sweeten up those goodbyes with treats! Every time you need to briefly leave the room, drop a handful of kibble behind you to make it seem like a good thing for your pup. Follow me Puppies are naturally inclined to follow you at 8 weeks old, and you want to encourage that instinct. When outdoors in the backyard change direction lots, and give lots of treats and cuddles in exchange for them coming after you. Recall Blow your recall whistle we use five short pips when your puppy is running full pelt towards you. They will have started to understand that outdoors is the place to pee, and have gained a tiny bit of bladder control. But they will still need a lot of help! Socialization should still be in full swing this week, and your increasingly confident puppy will need help remembering to keep her teeth to herself. Potty Training Your puppy will still need lots of opportunity to pee outdoors in order to reduce accidents. Socialization Meeting people is really important this week. Take your puppy to four new places, and have four sets of visitors. Carry them while you are outdoors. Rewarding Eye Contact Whenever your puppy looks up at your face, pop a treat in between her paws or into her mouth. This will start to encourage her to look up at you more often, in the hopes of something scrummy. We close our treat laden palm when the puppy approaches, open it again as they back oiff and feed the treats to them with the other hand. This helps them to start learning that staying calm and keeping a little distance will get you treats quicker than biting and snatching at them. This week you might start to see those teeth come into action. Remember to remove attention from the puppy when they bite hard on your skin. At just under 3 months old your puppy will have lots of confidence, and be accidentally getting themselves into all sorts of jams unless you are really careful. The window for socialization is closing soon, so make the most of those last couple of weeks to build up their knowledge of people and the world around them. Potty Training At 10 to 12 weeks your puppy will be able to hold its bladder for maybe as long as two and a half hours during the day. If you get an accident in the house, reduce that time down again. And make a note of when your puppy pees so as not to lose track. Over these weeks try to go to two new busy places and two new sets of visitors each week. Rewarding calm behavior Now is the time to help your dog learn to relax. Every time you catch your Labradoodle puppy relaxing, pop a treat between their paws. This will encourage her to chill out even more! Introduce off leash heel position You can start to teach your dog to walk nicely next to you at this point. We begin this process by reinforcing them for standing next to you with the clicker and treats. Recall To work on your recall, whistle your puppy for running towards you as you run away. Give them lots of treats as a reward when they arrive. You can also whistle when giving meals to build up strong positive associations with this cue. Bite inhibition Labradoodle puppy biting can really ramp up at this age. Remember to remove attention when your puppy bites hard. Either standing up, or even leaving the room or popping them in their crate or playpen temporarily while they calm down. This is your final chance for socialization, and it needs to be carried out in a more relaxed way. But at least you can pop your pup on the ground now! Recall Whistle your puppy for running towards you as you walk away, rewarding them with lots of treats when they arrive. Stand with your puppy on the leash, and carry them between locations so as not to upset future heelwork progress. Introduce sit We introduce the sit at this stage, but in a very relaxed informal way. We do so indoors only, when there are no distractions. This is begun without a cue or command, by capturing the position. Potty training should be pretty established. Your goal is to encourage your dog to focus on you and to become a well mannered member of the family. Your puppy should still be given the chance to pee at least every two to three hours. As well as after meals! Changing directions Puppies are more confident at this age, so you need to keep them keen to stay near you. When outdoors in the backyard or at the dog park, keep changing direction regularly. Be unpredictable, and when they follow you back it up with lots of fuss and treats. Off leash heelwork Off leash heelwork training moves from establishing the position to taking a few steps forwards at this stage. Make sure you use lots of praise, and only practice in a familiar, boring area. And one with no distractions! Go slowly, and make sure your pup stays focussed on you. Introduce down We also introduce the down position at this age. This is done without a cue like the sit was the previous month, by capturing the position. Advancing the sit The sit advances further at this stage. Once that is well established, you can begin to very slightly increase duration and distance one by one. Adding distance, duration or distractions to things they already know. Where you get your dog used to doing as you ask them, in different locations or with distractions. Or for longer! Adding distance, duration or distractions We do this step by step, only increasing one thing at a time. So if you want your dog to sit for longer, you will do it somewhere they already happily sit and with no one else around. And thinking of adding a distraction like another dog? Then do it somewhere they are familiar with, and with that dog a long way away to begin with. On leash heelwork We love teaching heelwork off leash. It helps your dog to walk nicely next to you, without ever having the opportunity to pull. A dog that has never wandered ahead is less likely to try to do so even with a leash. Training Methods I cannot recommend positive reinforcement training enough. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dog when they do something that you want them to, by giving them something they like. Food is usually the best thing to motivate your dog with, but toys work well for some dogs too. When you use positive methods you can start training your puppy from the very first day they arrive in your home. And logical to know how far you expect a puppy to be able to have come at different developmental stages. Labradoodles are clever and focussed, but they also have a fairly high prey drive. Training is a marathon, not a sprint, and every dog takes their own time. Just remember to only move on to more challenging training situations for them when they have totally mastered the stage before. Related Articles. Labradoodle puppy care is something we can help you with! SCL has been breeding and raising Labradoodles since .Our opinion is that puppies should be raised with the sights and sounds of a typical home from day one, since it is typical homes our puppies go to. They should be exposed to as many varied sights and sounds as possible. Our puppies are born in our bedroom. A quiet and safe environment for mama to feel secure in is extremely important. A stressed mama releases stress hormones and her milk is affected, which affects babies. The stress hormones pour through the milk to babies resulting in higher stressed dogs as they mature. It is amazing how stress can negatively impact the development of puppies in so many different ways. We do not allow other dogs into the room, or other people into the room. A mama feeling a threat will quickly jump up and can unintentionally step on and harm, or kill, a newborn puppy. All of these reasons and more are why our pups are born away from the traffic of the rest of the house and in a place mama can relax in and feel safe in. We weigh them daily, check their identifying tags, change bedding, clip nails, etc. Just enough handling that they become used to us, but not so much that they are put under negative stress. Once puppies are about weeks old, we move them from our bedroom to our puppy nursery. The sights and sounds puppies are exposed to increase, but we are still able to control the degree of stress to mama and not have her and babies right in the middle of where people are coming and going through the main part of our home. Like most families, we have people in and out all the time, but we do not want mama feeling strangers are a threat, and we do not want visitors feeling they can handle puppies just because they are in the middle of our home. We control the exposure puppies have at this age and introduce them to things carefully. We want every experience to be a positive one. We want our puppies to be safe from disease and bacteria others may bring into our home. Around 4 weeks, they are introduced to a potty box, they begin eating mush, and they have much more people interaction with our family members or friends that have been taught how to properly handle a puppy, so the experience is positive for the puppy. They are exposed to a variety of musical instruments, as we are a musical family. They hear the radio, sometimes a movie on t. We begin introducing little slides and toys and rotate out daily. At about weeks of age, puppies begin being introduced to the great outdoors. We have a wonderful outdoor play yard with artificial turf, play toys, wading pools, and a variety of toys. Pups experience all sorts of new textures under foot, and have room to run and play. They are introduced to crates without doors and quickly learn to love them as a safe place. When weather does not allow for outdoor play, pups have a 12 x 12 indoor play area with much of the same types of toys and structures. During this time their exposure to outdoor things begins. Lawn mowers, goats, horses, cars, cats, chickens, etc. They are taken for walks in a puppy stroller. They visit the vet office. We increase their level of exposure as is positive for them and do everything we can to make sure they are well adjusted, relaxed, happy puppies. In general, we follow a raising and socialization program designed to slowly increase the exposure and stress to puppy as they are able to cope with it in a positive way. Our goal is to provide families with puppies that have had the best start in life that we can possibly give them. Once they leave our care, it is necessary for families to be committed to continuing this positive exposure and socialization. The next few months are just as critical as the first two. Build on the foundation we started and you will end up with one of the most rewarding experiences and relationships with your dog. This video on our YouTube channel visually walks you through all the things you need to prepare for your new puppy. What should you be doing for your puppy once he has joined your family to ensure you are providing the environment necessary to help your puppy be an outstanding companion? At Spring Creek, we are very careful to provide the appropriate socialization and experiences while raising each litter. It is up to every family to continue the careful raising of their puppy during the following critical periods after the puppy has left us. This document is a great resource for understanding what happens as a puppy develops. It is very important to understand that the risk of parvo is much less than the risk of ending up with a puppy with very serious socialization issues that result in families choosing to give up their dogs later or even have them euthanized due to extreme fear and fear aggression issues. A few of the large guide dog organizations have done studies on the risks of parvo versus the risks of poor socialization and found the risk of parvo to be extremely low compared to fear and aggression issues that resulted from well intentioned people keeping their puppies secluded and isolated until vaccinations were completed. We do not encourage keeping your pup isolated, and we DO encourage as much safe socialization as you can find with your puppy in meeting other people and other dogs. That is a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it does require a lot of work as well as require understanding what you need to allow and need to do in order to prevent problems from developing. This includes testing your children. How can you help your puppy and children get along and help your children know what is appropriate handling of a puppy? The info below is invaluable and every family with a child that wants to adopt a puppy should read these pages as well as talk about these things regularly with your children. If you are not supervising your children with your puppy, or if you are not requiring your children to handle puppy appropriately, you are almost certain to have issues develop. He grabs your pants and hangs on while growling. He growls when you try to take something from him. And, you start to wonder if he was the dominant one in the litter. You are sure you are doing everything right and that there is just something wrong with your puppy. ALL puppies growl, nip, and bite. If children are involved in your home, you should not expect a puppy to respect your child, and it will be up to YOU to supervise and make sure you intervene if a puppy growls or nips at your child. Children are not capable of correcting a puppy in an appropriate manner, and if you tell your child to correct puppy, you will likely make the problem worse. Since puppy knows your child does not have the same authority as you do, they will almost certainly react to being corrected by them and growl or nip or bite even more. They see your children as equals and they are treating them as they would another puppy in their litter. Why would you expect anything different from your puppy? He is not a stuffed animal and he does have a mind of his own. Like your teenage child, a juvenile puppy wants to explore their limits and it can be frustrating. Growling and nipping that is part of the normal communication process for a puppy CAN turn into very concerning behaviors if you do not know how to communicate with them properly. How to train properly using rewards and keeping training fun. Understand methods for correcting behavior that will not result in your puppy challenging you further. Always have a calm and confident attitude. If you have read this and are concerned you may not know how to properly deal with normal growling and nipping, then you need to get professional help involved with you and your puppy as soon as puppy is in your home. If you do not, then look for another trainer immediately. Not all are created equal and a trainer who knows what they are doing will absolutely be able to help you train your puppy, identify problems, and know how to resolve them when they come up. We personally highly recommend hiring a behaviorist to help you with training, not just a normal dog trainer. There is a BIG difference between a trainer and a behaviorist and their knowledge is extremely helpful and useful, especially when it comes to working with normal, but problematic behaviors. All foods are not created equal. Many of the ingredients used in dog foods are fillers that have been shown to be the very reason that so many pets are developing diseases that shorten their life span or make their quality of life less than desirable. Do you really want to feed your dog these foods? We have researched dog foods, and have found that there are companies using high quality, holistic ingredients. Foods that are not made with fillers and poor quality ingredients, but foods that will contribute to helping your dog live a long and healthy life. Also, the Dog Food Advisor online reviews dog foods and is an excellent resource to utilize. The cost of a quality food may initially seem high, but remember that you are feeding less than you would if you were purchasing a cheap grocery store food as their system absorbs more of the food and they eat less, which also results in smaller stools. Your dog is a loved family member and deserves to be fed a quality food that will keep him in good health for a very long time. There are a couple of foods on our recommended list for you to consider feeding your puppy. Three brands are available from privately owned local stores as well as can usually be ordered online. All the below foods are from companies that do not have recall histories, have fabulous food reviews from owners and independent dog food review sources, focus on fresh, quality ingredients, and have years of history proving their reliability, safety, and commitment to providing a quality product. We try to keep this list updated with cost breakdown, but prices vary a bit depending on where you purchase, so the prices below may be slightly different than what you find in a storefront or online store as things change constantly. Our preferred quality, all natural puppy food that does NOT contain chicken, beef, fish, wheat, corn, soy, etc. They frequently have intro discounts and if you set up a couple products on auto-ship you get free shipping! Our preferred adult dog food! Does not contain chicken, beef, fish, wheat, corn, soy, etc. When you receive a puppy from us, our recommendation is to continue feeding the food that puppy is accustomed to for at least a couple of weeks. After a few weeks, changing to another food doing a slow transition at least 7 days is completely fine. Please feed a food that does not contain the ingredients below. These are common sources of allergy, digestive, or other health issues for dogs.

Located in beautiful Southern California, we strive to breed superior quality family dogs that will not only make great companions and protectors for your family but that also represent the German Shepherd breed well with the exceptional temperament the breed is known and loved for worldwide. We breed only top German V and VA bloodlines that possess superior health and temperament through generations of hip and elbow certified and temperament tested dogs. Additionally all of our dogs are tested for Degenerative Myelopathy to be sure we are producing puppies safe from this disease. Additionally all of our dogs are DNA tested Clear for the MDR1 gene that can cause mild to severe reactions to a variety of medications. Please visit our testimonials page to read review from many of our clients through the years. Also be sure to visit our Dogs For Sale page to see retired females and males we currently have available to the right homes. Check back often as we are always updating photos of our available puppies. With keeping a small number of dogs we have time to give plenty of love and individual attention to them and the puppies when we have them. Our dogs are not kept in kennels, they live with us as part of our family, with room to roam outside on our one acre property and a warm spot inside to sleep. All puppies are raised inside our home in a clean and healthy environment. All whelpings are supervised by us and assisted as needed to ensure the best start and to protect the health of the mother and her puppies. All puppies are well socialized with small children, cats and our other dogs. Temperament is very important to us, our breeding dogs have wonderful temperaments that they pass on to their puppies. Puppies are temperament tested so that we can help you to find the perfect fit for your family and your needs. We actively show our dogs on the local, national and international level thereby striving to breed dogs of quality bloodlines and structure that adhere to the German SV standard for the German Shepherd dog. We make every effort to continue to learn and to improve our bloodlines by importing dogs of superior quality with top German VA bloodlines to bring you the highest and best quality puppy for you and your family to enjoy. Our hope as breeders is that we can provide the best quality German Shepherd puppy with an outstanding temperament that will in turn make a lasting impression on you and your family like they have in ours. I have so many customers that have been lifelong fans of the German Shepherd, that have grown up with German Shepherds and long for that companionship again with the dog of their childhood. I look forward to providing the dog of your dreams to you and your family! Call today to begin your future with a great German Shepherd Dog of your own. Call or email for an appointment to visit us and to meet our dogs and puppies. Join and learn directly from Nadelhaus founder Traci Needles, who has over 25 years of experience breeding and training German Shepherds. Over 50 videos on the following topics covering German Shepherd puppies, housebreaking, crate training, obedience, feeding, grooming, wellness, and much more. New videos to be added every month. Our customers come from all over including Sacramento, the Central Valley, the Bay Area, Southern California, and even from out of state. Not only do we breed German Shepherd puppies, we offer puppy and dog training , dog boarding , and can import fully-trained German Shepherds. What makes Nadelhaus German Shepherds different from other dog breeders? This is the breed club founded in by Max von Stephanitz, who set the standards of the German Shepherd dog breed. The quality of dogs bred to the rules of the SV is second to none. A West German dog is regulated for its sound mind and body. We focus on breeding our dogs for structure, movement, workability, trainability, hips, elbows, pigment, and coat. Our goal is to to produce the best quality German Shepherd again and again, aiming to better the breed every time we breed our dogs. What is the price to buy a Nadelhaus German Shepherd puppy? Our Puppy Application page will provide you with more information on the application, deposit, and matching process. Once you have read through these steps, you can click through to the application form and view the prices for both Nadelhaus German Shepherd puppies as well as import German Shepherd puppies. If I buy a German Shepherd puppy, can you ship it to me? If you are not able to pick your puppy up from our facility in Northern California, we can ship a puppy to you. Shipping rates vary by location and include a health certificate vet visit, transportation costs, and an airline approved crate. Contact us for shipping details. Do you sell long-haired German Shepherd puppies? Nadelhaus breeds German Shepherds puppies all year round and while the majority of puppies we sell are short coat aka short hair , we do have occasionally have long coat long hair puppies. Learn more about long-haired German Shepherds. Can I have a German Shepherd puppy or dog imported from Europe? Puppies bred at Nadelhaus sell quick and even with a deposit, there is generally a wait list for our puppies. If you are interested in skipping the wait list, consider having a puppy imported from Germany. Importing a German Shepherd puppy is a special opportunity to acquire a very beautiful dog with special bloodlines. Both the female mother and male stud are often top V and VA dogs in Germany and come from very popular and highly sought after bloodlines. If you are interested in importing a puppy, simply fill out the same puppy application and click the checkbox that you would like to import a puppy. Will my German Shepherd puppy have its shots and vaccines? All of our puppies receive their vaccinations and are de-wormed to date. They are vet checked at six weeks old. Visit akcreunite. Owners must complete their portion of the paperwork and mail in the registration to the AKC along with the proper fee. We have some puppies born to German imports, so we must mail the paperwork to owners post-purchase. How much should I feed my 8 week old German Shepherd puppy? Our article covers care from the moment you pick up your puppy at the Nadelhaus kennels, to feeding, common issues, introduction to other dogs in the home and more. Our trained driver can transport your German Shepherd to our kennels for puppy purchases, dog training or dog boarding. Trust that your German Shepherd will be transported with care: our driver is knowledgeable about the breed, trained in dog handling and transport, and our transporting service is bonded and insured. This service is exclusive to Nadelhaus purchased German Shepherds. We do not transport dogs that were not purchased or imported through Nadelhaus. Pricing below are estimates only. Our transportation services are generally limited to Northern California, but we encourage you to contact us with any inquiries for your location or for a price quote. Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. Nadelhaus breeds purebred German Shepherds year round and we also import both German Shepherd puppies and adults direct from Europe for our clients. Long-haired German Shepherds are technically called a long coat German Shepherd, while a short-haired German Shepherd is called a normal coat or stock coat German Shepherd. Dogs with either coat have the same physiological structure and both have double coats: an undercoat and a top coat. The only difference between the two is the top coat. The long haired German Shepherd will have a heavier top coat than the undercoat. The double coat of a German Shepherd is an important feature of the breed. The double coat weathers and insulates the dogs—it protects them from the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. The length of the coat of a German Shepherd has no impact on its ability as a working dog. What does a long haired German Shepherd look like? The skeleton and structure of a long-haired German Shepherd will be the same as a short-haired German Shepherd. Both dogs will have an undercoat, but the difference is that the top coat of a long-haired German Shepherd will be longer. The long coat GSD has longer and silkier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Short on the head, including the inside of the ears, on the front side of the legs, on the paws and toes, somewhat longer and more strongly covered in hair on the neck, almost forming a mane. On the back side of the legs the hair extends to the carpal joint or the hock and forms clear trousers on the back side of the haunches. Historically, German Shepherds originated in Germany and were native sheepdogs. He firmly believed that the standard of the German Shepherd breed should not include dogs with long hair. Throughout the s, long haired German Shepherds were considered unsuitable and unacceptable for breeding. It is important to note that long-haired German Shepherds are the result of natural genetic diversity and not a separate breed. Their long coats are an inherited trait that can occur when both parents carry the recessive long-hair gene. This gene manifests as a more luxurious and abundant coat, offering a striking contrast to the traditional short-haired German Shepherd appearance. The breeding of long-haired German Shepherds follows the same rigorous standards and principles as their short-haired counterparts. The focus remains on maintaining the breed's exceptional temperament, working abilities, and overall health. Over time, breeders recognized the value of long-haired German Shepherds and began selectively breeding them to maintain and enhance their unique characteristics. Through careful pairings and strategic breeding programs, the long-haired variety established itself as a distinct and cherished branch of the German Shepherd breed. How big do long-haired German Shepherds get? Long-haired German Shepherds are structurally the same as short-haired German Shepherds, therefore they can both grow to similar sizes. Males: inches tall, pounds Females: inches tall, pounds Since both German Shepherds are physiologically the same, they also have the same temperaments: loyal, intelligent, energetic, courageous and protective. German Shepherds are ranked 2 on the AKC Breed Popularity list and make for wonderful family companions and working dogs. How can I identify a long-haired German Shepherd puppy? In the photo below are two litter mates from a recent Nadelhaus litter. The puppy on the left is a long coat and the puppy on the right is a normal coat. The long coat has wispier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Long-hair female German Shepherd next to short-hair male German Shepherd. Genetically in German Shepherds, the short hair gene is dominant and the long hair gene is recessive. This means if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated, but neither carries the recessive long hair gene, then no long haired puppies can be produced. However, if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated and both carry the recessive gene, then long-haired German Shepherd puppies can be produced. Long-haired German Shepherds are considered a less common variant of the breed, adding to their allure and exclusivity. While short-haired German Shepherds dominate the breed standard, enthusiasts of long-haired Shepherds appreciate their unique beauty and elegant appearance. Due to their rarity, finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization specializing in long-haired German Shepherds may require some research and patience. However, the joy of owning one of these beautiful dogs is well worth the effort for those who appreciate their longer coats and exceptional qualities. Do long-haired German Shepherds shed more than short-haired German Shepherds? No, this is a common misconception. Although they shed less than short haired German Shepherds, their coats still require regular maintenance. They will need regular brushing and grooming, especially if you enjoy hiking or outdoor activities with your GSD. While it is a rare occurrence for a long-haired GSD to not have an undercoat, most of them do have undercoats. And just like short-haired GSDs, their undercoats will shed more or less throughout the year depending on the season. Should I trim my long haired German Shepherd's coat? The decision to trim a long haired German Shepherd comes down to personal preference, but it is not a necessity. Trimming can help make for more manageable living around the house. If you choose to trim, you can trim around the backs of the ears, on the back of the legs both front and back and then thin the bushy tail. Shaving a German Shepherd on the other hand is never recommended. Their double coats help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. What are long haired German Shepherds called? Regular brushing: Long-haired German Shepherds require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Aim for at least a few brushing sessions per week to keep their coat in good condition. Finish your brushing session with a gentle dog brush to clean up loose hairs. Bathing and drying: It's important to bathe your long-haired German Shepherd as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out all the shampoo to prevent any residue. After bathing, use a high-velocity dryer or a cool air dryer to dry their coat thoroughly, as moisture trapped in the fur can lead to skin issues. Professional grooming: Consider taking your long-haired German Shepherd to a professional groomer for occasional trimming and coat maintenance. A groomer can help keep the fur around sensitive areas, such as the paws and ears, tidy and reduce the chances of matting. Watch for seasonal shedding: Like all German Shepherds, long-haired ones will undergo shedding seasons. Be prepared for increased shedding during these times and brush your dog more frequently to remove loose hair. A de-shedding tool can be helpful in managing shedding and keeping their coat healthy. Remember, each dog is unique, and the specific care requirements may vary. Does Nadelhaus sell long haired German Shepherd puppies? Nadelhaus breeds German Shepherds puppies year round and while the majority of puppies we sell are short hair, we do have occasionally have long haired puppies. We breed all our German Shepherds in the black and red color. If you are looking for a long haired adult German Shepherd, we can also import long-haired German Shepherds direct from Europe. Contact us for more information.

The poodle's bright demeanor and people-pleasing nature make him an excellent pal for humans and peacekeeper among other pets. Standard poodles are the most athletic and agile of all the poodle types , and they take quickly to training. Poodles also have the privilege of being low odor and among the least-shedding of all coated dogs. So they're pretty much perfect, right? Not so fast. The timid poodle can border on neurotic at times, and he's easily stressed out by noise and any amount of chaos or conflict. Poodles can also be time-consuming and expensive to groom. But if you can deal with these quirks, you'll be rewarded with a loyal, lively pet who loves to make you happy. Appearance Poodles are known for their curly coat, long pointed nose, and small dark eyes. They're also famously associated with one of the most ornate dog grooming styles ever—the topiary continental clip, which leaves curly pom-poms of hair carefully shaped around the joints and chest. Those unfamiliar with poodles might be surprised to find that the flamboyant continental clip is largely seen only on show dog poodles—family pet poodles usually go with the more subtle sporting clip, which is a short and fuss-free style. You'll most often find poodles with white, black, or brown coats, but they exist in a wide range of shades from apricot to silver. Miniature poodles are between 10—15 inches, and toy poodles are under 10 inches. Standard poodles can weigh between 50—70 pounds, with female dogs tending to weigh less than the male ones. The standard is the largest and strongest of all the three poodle types. Temperament Poodles are loyal, smart, and playful. And while they're friendly pups, they will bark to alert you to any noises or visitors. The breed's response to unfamiliar faces can range from friendly and engaging to shy and reserved. These highly intelligent dogs also seem to have a sense for reading their owners' body language and expressions, making them intuitive companions. Their sensitivity doesn't stop there; they're also prone to getting pretty emotional themselves. Poodles are hypersensitive pooches who can be easily startled by touch or sound, so watch out for bouts of anxiety. These happy, high-strung animals love to romp around, bounce, run, and play nearly non-stop as puppies and young dogs. But their activity levels do change with maturity, and you can expect them to calm down a bit between 18 months and 2 years of age. Standard poodles are also generally more calm than miniature and toy poodles. Living Needs Poodles need tons of exercise and opportunity for movement, so access to a spacious fenced-in yard is ideal. If you don't have a big backyard to offer your pup, make sure you make plenty of time for walks and visits to the dog park or another pet-safe open area for them to run and play. If you're a nature-lover, a poodle is a great pick. They're naturally adventurous and love the water , so they make excellent outdoor companions. Try not to spend too much time away; this curly companion thrives on time spent with his people and poodles can develop separation anxiety issues if he doesn't get enough attention. They're gentle and polite with kids , but because of their hypersensitive nature they can be easily overwhelmed by small, loud children and will need time to decompress. Poodles are better suited for families with older or no children. Similarly, if your home is often chaotic, noisy, or conflict-prone, your peaceful poodle may develop some anxiety issues. Poodles much prefer and appreciate a calm, quiet living arrangement. Care The poodle is the original "hypoallergenic" dog breed thanks to his single-layer coat that doesn't shed much though remember that no dog is percent hypoallergenic. If you or someone in your family suffers from dog allergies, a poodle could be the pup for you! But heads up: His coat, low-shedding as it may be, requires a lot of attention. And, even if they are taking the dog to a groomer, they will still need to keep up with daily needs, including brushing. Most owners have their poodle's coat cut to one short length, in a grooming style known as the sporting clip. Poodles who are left with their manes to grow need meticulous daily brushing —once their curly coats become matted, the only solution is to shave them down and start over. Unless you're taking up the clippers and teaching yourself to groom your poodle, you'll need frequent grooming appointments. It's an expense you'll want to keep in mind when considering adding a poodle to the family. Poodles are extremely active, athletic dogs who need plenty of daily exercise and love long walks. They're up for adventure and love to stay busy, so it won't be hard to keep them moving. Most poodles love to swim, and swimming can be an excellent workout for your curly cutie. They also love playing fetch and can get some of that abundant energy out chasing after balls and sticks in the backyard. Thanks to their high intelligence and people-pleasing nature, poodles are fairly easy to train and enjoy making their humans happy. Keep training upbeat and encouraging, with lots of praise and consistency to get your eager-to-please poodle in his groove. Relative to other breeds, the poodle is easy to potty train. It also often leads to a dog who enjoys learning and wants to participate in other activities," Hunter Mayer says. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate recommendations for dog food brands and ingredients, how much and how often to feed your dog , and other dietary concerns. Health Poodles have a lifespan of 12—15 years and are generally healthy dogs. Additionally, reputable breeders routinely test breeding stock for health issues, so if you're taking care to research the breeder you're working with when picking a purebred dog, you should know the dog's lineage and what health problems if any run in the family. Standard poodles are also prone to contracting Addison's disease , an issue with the adrenal glands, as well as a life-threatening condition called bloat , which is an accumulation of gas or fluid in the dog's stomach. Keeping regularly scheduled veterinary appointments will help you stay up-to-date on your pup's health and well being. History The name "poodle" most likely comes from the word pudelin, a German-language reference to the breed's fondness for water, according to the AKC. The breed originated in Germany as duck-hunting, water retrieval dogs. The flamboyant continental clip haircut style that most associate with the poodle has functional origins. Because the dogs were jumping into freezing water to retrieve their owners' hunt prey and too much heavy hair would weigh down the dog, owners would strategically clip the fur on their limbs to give them freedom of movement while swimming, leaving longer hair near the dog's organs and joints to protect them in the cold water. Courtesy of Presidential Pet Museum The poodle's friendly temperament and lovable looks eventually caught the attention of members of French nobility, and the breed soon became popular throughout Europe. Poodles' natural elegance and trainability also made them the stars of many European circus acts. The standard poodle was eventually bred down to the miniature and toy poodles we also know and love today. In fact, the poodle is the only breed with three size classifications. Fun Facts The poodle is the national dog of France despite the breed originating in Germany. The French call the breed caniche, which means "duck dog. Was this page helpful? That is one of the biggest myths in dogdom. First, ignore the silly show-ring clips. Poodles can be clipped into shorthaired, normal -looking dogs who are a snap to brush. Poodles also have the advantage of being the lightest-shedding, most hypoallergenic of all coated breeds. Second, Standard Poodles are elegant, energetic athletes who move with a light, springy gait. They excel in advanced obedience competition, where retrieving and jumping skills are required, and in agility obstacle course competitions, where they fly over and under and through the obstacles with a strength and grace that is breathtaking to watch. Even better, a good Standard Poodle is one of the smartest and most trainable of all breeds. He is a "thinking" dog who pays rapt attention to his owner, learns quickly, and responds eagerly to positive training methods. Indeed, Standard Poodles NEED some sort of mental stimulation in order to be happy -- advanced obedience classes not just basic , agility classes, or challenging games such as hide 'n seek, or fetching a variety of named toys. This intelligent breed cannot simply sit in the backyard and be ignored. Most Standard Poodles make great watchdogs and some even have mild and sensible protective instincts, but this is not an aggressive breed. Their attitude toward people varies from friendly to politely reserved. Early socialization is important to avoid excessive watchfulness or timidity. With other dogs and cats, Standard Poodles are usually peaceful and accepting. However, this breed is by no means perfect or low-maintenance. Besides the regular clipping every weeks , they need a good deal of daily exercise. Standard Poodles also need a lot of daily companionship. They suffer from loneliness and separation anxiety if left alone too much. Most Standard Poodles are "soft" and sensitive dogs, sometimes hypersensitive. If you touch them unexpectedly or startle them with a sudden loud sound, they tend to flinch. The most sensitive individuals are not good with small children. Similarly, Standard Poodles can get emotionally upset if there's too much activity or conflict or roughhousing in your household -- they prefer peace and harmony. You do have to watch your lines: some Standard Poodle lines are high-strung, nervous, even neurotic. If you want a dog who.Is medium to large, combining sturdiness and athleticism with elegance and grace Has a short curly coat that is virtually non-shedding poodles of any size are the best dog breed for people with allergies Comes in a variety of colors Is lively and playful Is one of the brightest and most attentive of all breeds, such a skilled reader of body language and expression, that he often appears telepathic Is easy to train and housebreak Is usually polite with strangers and sociable with other animals A Standard Poodle may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with.A careful search to avoid the high-strung lines Vigorous exercise requirements Exuberant jumping, romping, and bounding about, especially when young Skittishness in some lines, or when not socialized enough Emotional sensitivity to stress, tension, and loud voices Clipping the curly coat every six weeks Barking Serious potential health issues A Standard Poodle may not be right for you. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Standard Poodles have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics. If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. Books by Michele Welton "Respect Training for Puppies" or "Respect Training for Adult Dogs" is a step by step guide to help you bring out the best in your pup so you can enjoy a calm and well-behaved dog, no matter what his age. Get your book today. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today. Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. If you like poodles but you have limited space in your home and yard, get a Miniature Poodle, not a Standard. Standard Poodles do differ, from dog to dog, in how much exercise they want and need. But to keep them fit and healthy, you should be able to provide a good-sized yard where they can run, and regular play sessions at the park. Some Standard Poodles want even more opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things; otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored, which they usually express by hyperactivity, barking, and destructive chewing. It makes me sad to see these extremely intelligent and capable dogs relegated to homes where the owner just wanted a casual pet. It's a waste of a brilliant breed. I strongly encourage you to get your Standard Poodle involved in advanced obedience classes and agility obstacle course classes at your local dog club. These dogs deserve it. Young Standard Poodles up to about two years old romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including small children and infirm people. Providing enough socialization. Standoffish by nature, Standard Poodles need early exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become skittishness or suspiciousness, which are difficult to live with. Emotional sensitivity. Be honest.Are people loud or emotional? Poodles are extremely sensitive to stress and can end up literally sick to their stomachs, with digestive upsets and neurotic behaviors, if the people in their home are having family problems. Poodles are peaceful, sensitive dogs who need a peaceful, harmonious home. To keep their curly coat short and free of mats, Standard Poodles require regular brushing, plus clipping every 4 to 6 weeks. Don't like the frou-frou look of most Poodles? Just clip him to look like a normal dog, with a short coat and no pompoms. Standard Poodles are alert dogs, which can make them quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them so that it doesn't become an established habit. Serious health problems. Inbreeding is extremely high in Standard Poodles, which has led to a host of health problems becoming embedded in the gene pool. Standard Poodles are at risk for eye diseases, skin diseases, digestive diseases, immune system diseases, seizures, and more. Read more about Standard Poodle Health. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy. Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description The Standard Poodle is a medium- to large-sized dog. When groomed to show dog standards the body is meant to give off a square appearance. It is approximately the same length as the height at the withers. The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. It has a long, straight muzzle. The dark, oval-shaped eyes are set somewhat far apart and are black or brown. The ears hang close to the head and are long and flat. Both the front and back legs are in proportion with the size of the dog. The topline is level. The tail is set and carried high. It is sometimes docked to half its length or less to make the dog look more balanced. Dewclaws may be removed. The oval-shaped feet are rather small and the toes are arched. The coat is either curly or corded. While it does not make the written show standard, some breeders are breeding parti-colored Poodles. See grooming for different types of Poodle clips. Temperament The Standard Poodle is proud, graceful, noble, good-natured, enjoyable and cheerful. This highly intelligent dog is one of the most trainable breeds. Some can be trained to hunt. The Standard Poodle is generally lower energy and often calmer than the smaller varieties of Poodles, but will become high strung if you do not give it the proper amount and type of exercise. It is sensitive to the tone of one's voice and will not listen if it senses that it is stronger minded than its owner, however it will also not respond well to harsh discipline. Owners need to be calm, yet possess an air of natural authority. It are not the type of dog to live outside in a kennel, as it enjoys being with its owners and dislikes being alone. It is generally friendly toward strangers, and is excellent with children. The Standard Poodle is good with other dogs. Some can make good guard dogs. Make sure you are this dog's firm, consistent, confident pack leader , providing daily pack walks to avoid separation anxiety and other unwanted behavior issues. Height, Weight Height: 15 inches 38 cm or more. Weight: Males 45 - 70 pounds 20 - 32 kg Females 45 - 60 pounds 20 - 27 kg The sizes of the official AKC-recognized Poodle breeds are determined by height, not by weight. The Standard Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders. Health Problems A long-lived breed, Poodles are, nevertheless, subject to many genetic diseases. Runny eyes, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, which may cause blindness. Hip dysplasia and ear infections are also common. They are prone to Von Willebrand's Disease. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Prone to bloat , so it is wise to feed your Standard small meals a day, rather than one large one. Living Conditions If given enough exercise, Standard Poodles are relatively inactive indoors. They will be okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. A small yard will suffice. Exercise The Standard Poodle needs to be taken on a daily walk. Although they adore water and love to go for walks, Poodles are not demanding as far as exercise goes, so long as they get their walk in. They however, will keep in better spirits and be fitter if given regular opportunities to run and play off the leash in a safe area. The Standard retains its sporting instincts, has great stamina, and needs more activity than the smaller varieties. Life Expectancy About or more years Litter Size About puppies Grooming Extensive grooming is needed if the dog is to be shown. Poodles must be bathed regularly and clipped every six to eight weeks. Clean and check the ears frequently for wax or mites or infection and pull out hairs growing inside the ear canal. The teeth need regular scaling. Since the coat does not shed it needs to be clipped. There are several different types of Poodle clips. The most common for pet owners is an easy care clip called a "pet clip," "puppy clip" or "lamb clip," where the coat is cut short all over the body. Popular show clips are the English saddle and the Continental clip, where the rear half of the body is shaved, bracelets are left around the ankles, and pom-poms are left on the tails and hips. The AKC standard allows for a dog under a year old to be shown in a show-style puppy clip which has special requirements such as a pom-pom on the end of the tail. Other clip styles are the modified continental clip, town and country clip, kennel or utility clip, summer clip, and the Miami of bikini clip. Poodles shed little to no hair and are good for allergy sufferers. Origin The Poodle has been known throughout Western Europe for at least years and is depicted in 15th century paintings and in bas-reliefs from the 1st century. France has taken a claim on the origin, but the AKC gives the honor to Germany, where they say it was used as a water retrieval dog. Other claims have been Denmark, or the ancient Piedmont. What is certain is that the dog was a descendant of the now-extinct French Water Dog, the Barbet and possibly the Hungarian Water Hound. The name "Poodle" most likely came out of the German word "Pudel," which means "one who plays in water. They would leave hair on the leg joints to protect them from extreme cold and sharp reeds. The hunters in Germany and France used the Poodle as a gundog and as a retriever of waterfowl and to sniff out truffles laying underground in the woods. The French started using the breed as a circus performer because of the dog's high intelligence and trainability. The breed became very popular in France, which led to the common name "French Poodle," but the French people actually called the breed the "Caniche," meaning "duck dog. In the 18th century smaller poodles became popular with royal people. The three official sizes are the Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodle. They are considered one breed and are judged by the same written standard but with different size requirements. Some of the Poodle's talents include: retrieving, agility, watchdog, competitive obedience and performing tricks. Life Span Did You Know? Although the Poodle is the national dog of France, they actually originated in Germany over years ago where they were commonly used as a duck hunter. Their curly coat protected them from the elements and they were bred for their excellent swimming skills, high intelligence, and incredible retrieval skills. The Poodle comes in three sizes — Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Throughout history, this dog breed has served many purposes. From living in the lap of luxury as companions to nobility to working out in the field as a valuable hunting companion to entertaining people in circuses around the world, the Poodle is right at home. Although they are more popular as a companion dog, the Poodle still maintains their athleticism and working dog instincts. Poodles are known for their intelligence, cheerful disposition, and sensitive nature. They are versatile dogs that make great family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their sensitive nature, they tend to be a better fit for older children who understand how to approach and interact with a dog appropriately. These dogs prefer peace and harmony in the household, so very young children that are too loud or rough can stress them out. The Standard Poodle also tends to be quite energetic until they are about two years old and may be prone to knock over small children in their excitement. Standard Poodles also tend to make great watchdogs and have some protective instincts. Without proper socialization, they can become skittish, nervous, and wary of strangers. Making sure any puppy is socialized early and often helps them grow into a confident, well-rounded dog. Standard Poodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their energy level tends to make them better-suited for larger homes with room for them to run. But, they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive the exercise, mental stimulation, and affection that they need. They tend to do well in most climates. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to very hot and very cold weather. These dogs are in-tune with their owners and thrive on human companionship and affection, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Poodles are a relatively healthy dog breed, but there are some potential health concerns to be aware of. Because of their larger, barrel-chested body type, the Standard Poodle is also at risk for bloat. Responsible breeders will screen and test their stock to ensure the genetic propensity for breed-related conditions is not passed along to the puppies. Poodles are highly intelligent, sensitive, and eager to please their owners. They are highly trainable, pick up things quickly, and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Because they are sensitive and in-tune with their owners, they respond best to consistent, positive training techniques focused on rewards and praise. Poodle coats are curly or corded and come in a wide variety of colors. Although Poodles are known for their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats, their coats still require a lot of maintenance. Keeping your Poodle in a short clip can help reduce daily maintenance, but still requires regular professional grooming every four to six weeks to maintain it. A longer coat requires daily brushing in order to prevent matting in addition to professional grooming every four to six weeks. Regular professional grooming often helps with this as nail trimming should be done monthly, at least, to keep nails from growing too long. Dental care for dogs , like brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, is essential to protecting them from painful dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You, your dog, and your groomer will thank you for it! Who knows? If you ensure these experiences stay positive, they could even become a bonding time that your dog enjoys. These are high energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise and mental stimulation every day in order to be happy and healthy. They love to stay busy and may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, taking trips to the dog park , hiking with you, and more. They also tend to be a good fit for several dog sports, such as agility, dock diving, obedience, flyball, tracking, and more. A fully-grown Standard Poodle usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. They can be slightly smaller than the usual as the Standard size is denoted by being more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder. A Standard Poodle generally lives years. Featured Standard Poodle Article.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our town is a small boating and farming community within an hour of the Outer Banks. We are a true family operation I, Heather, built my program with the intention of having it become a true family operation, with great help from my children, husband, mother, her husband and my brothers. We consider ourselves an average family. My mom and I are both nurses. My mother, Tracey, lives with us and keeps our other Goldendoodles, Nani and Lilo, and her poodle, Hope. In addition, we have other poodles and goldendoodles all placed in excellent guardian homes with local families. Producing perfect family dogs is our passion I have been around animals the majority of my life ranging from household pets to livestock and am finally living my dream of breeding dogs. I chose the Goldendoodle breed because I've owned both golden retrievers and poodles. Although they are both great breeds, I believe that combining the intelligence and non-shedding characteristics of the poodle with the goofy, family-oriented golden retriever yields the perfect family dog. Each litter is born and raised inside our home What sets us apart from many other breeders is our unique Guardian Home Program , where all of our dogs and puppies are raised in a nurturing home environment with real families, and never in an outdoor kennel. Each litter is born and raised inside our home, where they are exposed to normal household noises, socialized with other dogs, and handled daily by adults and our children alike. Your puppy will be bomb proof! Our breeding dogs are always put first To honor safe and responsible breeding practices , we look at each breeding female to determine if it is better to breed back to back heat cycles or to skip a heat. We prefer to retire our females at a younger age. This helps to produce healthier litters and reduce prolonged trauma on our Doodle Mommies. We love our dogs and will always put them first. OBX Doodles proudly utilizes the following companies to health test, raise, and register our puppies and breeding dogs click on an image to learn more Building relationships with families like you When you place a deposit with us, we make ourselves readily available anytime by phone, email or in person. We try to build relationships with our adoptive and guardian families by sending one another updates with letters, pictures, and communicating through our Facebook page. We'll try to match you with a puppy that will best fit your family based on personalities and your lifestyle. Families who have already placed a deposit have a phone conference with us and use the pictures, videos and temperament description we provide to select their puppy. This meeting allows us to advise if the puppy will be a good fit for your family. We hope you'll consider us as your next breeder, and we look forward to welcoming you into the OBX Doodles family Sincerely, As a family-owned Goldendoodle breeder based in Burlington, North Carolina, we take great pride in raising our puppies right in the comfort of our own home. Our mission is to provide families with the perfect companion in the form of a healthy, happy, and well-socialized Goldendoodle puppy. Our Goldendoodles are carefully bred from health-tested parents to ensure that your new furry family member is healthy and happy. As a Goldendoodle breeder, we take pride in raising the best quality Goldendoodles with excellent health, great temperaments, and beautiful coats. Our puppies come with a lifetime health guarantee and support, and we're always here to answer any questions you may have. We provide a loving home environment for our puppies and ensure they are well-socialized with people and other pets. In addition, we are pleased to offer delivery of our Goldendoodle puppies within the United States. We understand that it can be difficult to travel long distances to pick up your new puppy, so we offer a convenient delivery service to bring your new furry family member right to your doorstep. Thank you for considering Doodles of NC for your next furry family member. We look forward to helping you find the best Goldendoodle to join your family! Why do we exclusively offer Goldendoodle puppies for sale? Their loyalty, affection and non-aggressive temperament make them great family dogs - especially families with children. With our dedication to raise the puppies in our personal home, the F-1B Goldendoodles are the perfect breed to trust around our two young daughters. What are F-1B Goldendoodles? An F-1B Goldendoodle has become very popular and is known for its friendly, loving nature paired with its hypoallergenic fur. The resulting dog has the wonderful disposition of a Golden Retriever with the almost non-existent shedding of the Poodle. Their personalities are fantastic and they are the perfect additions to our family. They spend most of their time cuddling with each other, playing in leaves, and building piles of toys. Kingsley is an amazing dog. He was practically house trained when we brought him home and he has been so loving and sweet. Our lab Patton, and Kingsley became best friends instantly. He really is an amazing dog. So smart and very easy to train. Thus began the hunt for the best non-shedding breed for our family. Albus previously named Louie is the perfect dog for us! He absolutely loves cuddles and loves to be active! The Knights are a fantastic family and we adored their dogs. We wanted to thank you again, for being so knowledgeable and helpful in the process of picking out our puppy. We would not have our best bud Ollie without you and would recommend Knight Goldendoodles to anyone who is looking for a pet. She has totally stolen our hearts to the point that I know one day we will have another one. She has the most amazing temperament. She is the calmest puppy I have ever seen, but still has lots of great puppy energy. Her personality is really fun. Her favorite things are a bone, ball, kids, her bunny toy, and dog movies…in that order. I think she has added a few years to his life…. 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 Durham North Carolina 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! You want to choose one carefully as their breeding practices will have an impact on the temperament and health of your Mini Goldendoodle puppy. Start by looking at online sources such as Google reviews, online forums, discussion groups and social media platforms to see what other people are saying about the breeder. Did they have a good experience buying from them? To take your research a bit further, you can ask Goldendoodle organizations and clubs based in your area about their opinion of the breeder you are considering to purchase from. Many Goldendoodle clubs also have their own lists of responsible breeders so they can give you additional recommendations for good Mini Goldendoodle breeders. You may also consider visiting some dog shows and events as they are a good opportunity to meet breeders in person and see their Mini Goldendoodles. You can also ask other dog owners that are showing their Mini Goldendoodles for breeder recommendations. Finally, ask potential breeders for references and consider contacting these people to ask about their experience with the breeder. Reputable breeders always prioritize the well-being of their dogs and strive for positive reviews. You should inquire about temperament and health of the Mini Goldendoodles these people purchased. Use this information to make an informed decision. All reputable Mini Goldendoodle breeders conduct them on their breeding dogs — whether they are breeding from purebred Golden Retrievers for F1 Goldendoodles and Poodles or from Goldendoodles for later generations like F2 Goldendoodles. A stipulates the health testing requirements for Goldendoodles and if the breeder is registered with G. A, you know that the breeding dogs have undergone full health testing. A heart clearance O. Ask to see documentation of these clearances before purchasing from a Mini Goldendoodle breeder. All responsible breeders should be willing to provide any health documentation. They should also be happy to answer any questions you have about their breeding program. However, if you have the opportunity to check out the facilities you should do it. Check that the kennels are clean, that they dogs and puppies have access to fresh water and also that there is not a build up of feces or urine. Comfortable living conditions: The breeder should keep their Mini Goldendoodles, Golden Retrievers and Poodles in comfortable living conditions. They should have large, comfortable kennels or dog beds and also have a decent amount of space to exercise and socialize with other dogs. Healthy breeding dogs and puppies: If you get the opportunity to meet the parents of the Mini Goldendoodle litter you are interested in, make sure they are well-tempered and also healthy. Sometimes the mother will be quite protective of her puppies so she may show signs of aggression. If you are purchasing a puppy online and getting it delivered, ask if the breeder would be happy to video call you or send videos of their Mini Goldendoodle puppies and breeding dogs to you. Ask About Socialization Mini Goldendoodle breeders should begin the socialization process before their puppies are sold. The puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of sounds, experiences, people and places so they can adjust to their new homes and adult life. Nevertheless, they should start exposing them to sounds like household appliances, provide mental stimulation with toys and games and also encourage playtime and interactions with their littermates and family. The most common ones are: Lack of registration: If a Mini Goldendoodle breeder cannot provide registration papers or other relevant documentation, it may be a sign that they are not operating a reputable breeding program. Overbreeding: Think twice about purchasing from a Mini Goldendoodle breeder who always has puppies available or offers an excessive amount of dog breeds. This may suggest that the breeder is overly focused on profit instead of the health and wellbeing of their puppies. Lack of health checks: A reputable Mini Goldendoodle breeder will conduct health clearances on their breeding dogs to ensure they are free of genetic health issues that could be passed on. If a breeder cannot provide documentation of these health checks, it may be a sign that they are not prioritizing health. Further Reading.

seligman golden retriever puppies - How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.


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seligman golden retriever puppies - Intestinal cancer Bacterial overgrowth If you feel that your dog may be suffering from something, do not hesitate to take them to the vet as soon as you can. If your dog is experiencing some kind of changes in his life, it can lead to changes in his appetite such as moving to a new place or even something small like changing where they eat, when they eat, or the bowl they eat in. All of that could make your dog stressed and will make them hungrier than usual but after adjusting to new changes they will come back to normal. How to handle a hungry Golden Retriever? First of all, you need to take them to the vet to make sure that they are not hungry because of a medical condition such as thyroid issues or diabetes. If they are physically fine and the real issue is just the hunger then you need to consult your vet on their actual dietary needs per day. Then you can make a schedule for them and just stick to it and only give them treats when they earn it by doing a good job. You can try one of the special bowls that have pillars in them to slow the gobbling. However, if your golden retriever is around six months old, then the problem is more likely to be with their meal and you should consider the switch to the adult dog food at this age. If you know someone who is struggling with their dog because they are always hungry, please share this article with them, it might be a helpful resource for them and I will appreciate it tons. Related Questions Why do golden retrievers eat everything? Your golden retriever could be stressed, they did not eat enough, they may be suffering from separation anxiety, or they are not getting the right nutrients in their diet, it might be one or a few of these reasons, however, you will need to train them not to eat everything they crave. Why is my dog hungry all of a sudden? Your dog could be suffering from polyphagia, which can be a result of abnormalities in the area of the brain that controls hunger, and it can be caused by a tumor, diabetes mellitus, stress, pancreatic insufficiency, trauma, parasitism, infections, and hyperadrenocorticism. Why is my senior dog always hungry? If you liked the article, you can share it using the share and pin buttons at the end of the post. If you click on a link and choose to make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. As a Golden Retriever owner, you may have noticed that your dog always seems hungry. Then, shortly, as in seconds, after eating, he goes off searching for more food. It seems no matter how much food your Golden gets, he will never turn down more. Your perpetual food-obsessed Golden Retriever may have you wondering; why are Golden Retrievers always so hungry? However, at this time, the exact cause of why Golden Retrievers are always so hungry is unknown. However, it is rare to find a Golden Retriever who is a picky eater or too skinny or underweight. No, quite the opposite. Most Golden Retrievers will quite literally eat everything and anything put in front of them. Instead, there appears to be an interplay of both genetics and environmental factors. Is There a Biological Reason? Maybe not. Researchers recently found that a gene variant in Labrador Retrievers may be at the root of why retrievers are always so hungry. The findings were published in the journal Cell Metabolism. Researchers in the UK recruited adult Labrador Retrievers to participate in the study. All the labs recruited were healthy, although they ranged from overweight to not. The researchers collected samples of drool from a selection of 33 dogs. Next, scientists sequenced the DNA for candidate genes related to obesity from the samples collected. Researchers found that one gene variant called pro-opiomelanocortin or POMC was present in about 23 percent of the Labrador Retrievers. In addition, POMC variants have shown a past relationship in other studies between appetite and satiety or feeling full. The consequence is that the more variants a dog had, the more food motivated it was. We, therefore, hypothesize that dogs carrying the POMC deletion may be more likely to be selected as assistance dogs. The St. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the breed was exported to England. However, obesity has not previously been studied in this breed. Well, not necessarily. As noted, researchers theorized that Labrador Retrievers might make good therapy and service dogs because of POMC mutation. The mutation makes Labs more food motivated and reward-based, and combined with a good temperament; it meant they were excellent candidates for training service dogs. Makes sense. But that is equally true of Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers also make excellent service dogs, are food motivated, and are highly trainable. And yes, Golden Retrievers are very much prone to obesity. It seems that both the Lab and Golden Retriever genetic cousins are food motivated, prone to weight gain, and make good therapy dogs. Then there is the issue of the FCR. As noted previously, the Flat Coat Retriever, a cousin of both the Lab and Golden, actually possesses more gene deletions than the Lab but is less prone to obesity. So why does this breed not have the same level of obesity while possessing similar food motivation? For food-driven dogs without the POMC mutation like the Golden Retriever , there may very well be other genes involved in hunger and food drive that have not yet been identified. It also seems very reasonable that other environmental factors are in play. Like many genetic traits, these environmental factors may impact if, and how much, a genetic trait expresses itself and to what degree. What About Evolution? Some experts surmise that dogs have evolved a specific set of genetic traits passed down from their wolf ancestors. That friendly wolves hung around humans and then evolved genetically and hormonally to exploit an evolutionary advantage to obtain food. When the human ancestors provided the friendly wolves with food, it was gobbled up before any other wolf could get to it. Scarcity of food and feast and famine are common amongst wolves. As a result, they may not eat every day or for long periods. The reasoning was these feast-driven traits were passed down to dogs. Equally perplexing is why these ancestral traits show themselves more in some dog breeds than others. Or what fast eating has to do with always being hungry. Factors that drive behavior cannot usually just be explained by a genetic or biological cause alone. That is because living things do not live in a vacuum but rather in a complex environment with an interplay of many factors and influences. When it comes to dogs, the environment must play a part, as no other living being has been assimilated into the human environment as much as the dog. Dogs live with us, eat with us, and sleep with us. Dogs accompany us on vacation, to the market, and pretty much go wherever we go. Dog-Owner Relationships Dogs affect how we interact and behave with them, and we, in turn, affect their behaviors as well. We have a relationship with our Golden Retrievers, and just like human families, food is often a big part of that relationship. For example, a Golden Retriever puppy may not show an overly extreme high food drive until an owner feeds him from the table on occasion. Golden Retrievers quickly learn that food often drops from the counter during food preparation. So they become adept at scouring the floor, the countertops, and tables or waiting underfoot for food morsels to fall from the heavens. So, what could easily be seen as always being hungry is simply a response to the opportunity we provide. Similarly, suppose a Golden Retriever has access to tasty human food, which most do. After all, if it smells and tastes good to us humans, it will taste good to a Golden Retriever as well, maybe even better. Just like some families show love with food, we do as well with our canine children. Golden Retrievers understand that we control the food, that our food is delicious, and consequently, they have learned how to get it from us. We Teach Them Golden Retrievers are also highly intelligent and easy to train. After all, a Golden Retriever will rapidly learn that a specific behavior means a food reward, which in turn may contribute to and reinforce their food-obsessed behavior as well. As a result, the dog gets a reward in both tasty foods and for pleasing us. Suppose parents were to give their children high-value foods to reward behavior such as doing homework and chores. Not to mention that such high-value foods taste good, and those high-value foods may also trigger the expression of a food-driven genetic trait. Humans use food to alleviate boredom, stress, and anxiety. We may need to consider that we teach our Goldens to do this to some degree also, especially considering how tuned in they are with our emotions. Final Thoughts It would be nice to ask our Golden Retriever why they are so hungry all the time. And while science does offer some interesting theories, including the role of POMC, it does not give us a definite cause. So, more research is needed, and hopefully, this future research will shed light on the why. And the reality is we may never know for sure why Golden Retrievers are always so hungry and food-obsessed. Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. Final Thoughts Why are golden retrievers always hungry? Do you want to know some of these common reasons that you must know in this regard? The very first reason why your golden retriever behaves like he is hungry because he needs more food. Commonly, a sedentary golden retriever needs between and 1, calories per day. However, for an active retriever, the range must be between 1, and 1, calories per day. Are they going through a super active stack of puppyhood? Tank into account that stage your dog is at in life and how active your dog is. Are you sure your golden retriever is getting enough food per day or not? Discuss it with your vet to get help in this regard. In some cases, you might be offering plenty of food to your golden retriever, but still, it is hungry. With the health problems golden retrievers are prone too we wanted to make sure we are putting in the freshest and most nutritious food we can. He is suffering from any illness. Another common cause why your golden retriever is always hungry can be that your dog is ill. If your dog has started behaving like this suddenly, then this would be the reason more likely. So, notice if your dog is showing any other sign of illness as well. If it seems ill, then it is always recommended to take it to the vet as soon as possible for a better diagnosis. Your golden retriever is suffering from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is another common cause why your golden retriever has started to behave; he is always hungry. In such a case avoiding your golden retriever alone for an extended period of time may help you. Even if you need to do so, then make sure to check up periodically whenever possible. Even more, you can also make your golden retriever train to be less anxious when you are not around by following the tips below: Reward it for not being anxious when you are back and repeat it multiple times. Make your golden retriever feel like you will leave by doing actions like picking up your keys. Or open up the door and go outside for some time and come back. Repeat it by staying outside for a bit longer period of time. He is bored or stressed Your golden retriever might be bored, and it tries to stimulate itself by doing things just like eating things that it should be. This dog breed is meant to get exercise daily. So it could be your dog is your food to get attention because they are bored. Stress is another common reason why golden retriever behave like they are hungry all the time. If your golden retriever has started to eat more than it should, then make sure to notice the things that can cause your dog to be stressed. Golden retrievers are opportunists naturally. It is likely for golden retrievers to be an opportunist. If your golden retriever tends to eat more food when you are not looking while preparing their food. It will be unusual only if it has started doing so suddenly or you have found anything wrong. Then it would be better to try to catch the root of this behavior as quickly as possible. Undoubtedly, golden retrievers are loving family dogs and highly energetic. It is highly important to keep them healthy and happy all the time. Rather it is the source of food. Therefore, it is highly important to ensure that the product is balanced and complete. It means the dog food must be tested for its offered nutrients essential for your golden retriever to be healthy. Golden retrievers are more obesity-prone. So, if he is demanding more food or give you feed me more tantrums, then make sure to develop a proper workout routine for him. It is recommended to let them do one hour of exercise regularly. Giving your golden retriever some distractions is important as well. Use puzzles, toys, and bones to keep him busy. Final Thoughts When my golden retriever was a puppy he went through a stage where is was starving eating up to 4 cups a day! We now realize he was just going through a growth spurt. Now he still loves food and will certainly ask for anything we are eating but he just the normal golden obsessed with food. Working with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist can also help address the underlying issue and develop the right plan. A low-quality or imbalanced diet can also lead to nutritional deficiencies. Feed your golden retriever a well-balanced diet that meets their specific dietary needs. Always look at the ingredients before buying dog food and ensure they are high-quality. Consulting a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist can help you select the proper diet for your dog. The Aging Process Is your older dog suddenly hungry all the time? As dogs age, they may not be as physically active as they used to be, which can lead to obesity. In fact, a study suggests that triglycerides a type of fat were higher in older dogs. However, some senior dogs may still exhibit an increased appetite due to reduced nutrient absorption or underlying health conditions. Other aging symptoms include increased thirst, lethargy, coughing, and smelly breath. Regular veterinary check-ups and adjusting the diet to meet the specific needs of senior dogs are a must. Medication Reaction As we discussed above, one of the side effects of certain medications is increased appetite. For example, corticosteroids anti-inflammatory , anti-seizure drugs, glucocorticoid hormones type of steroid , benzodiazepines treatment of anxiety and behavioral disorders , progestins, and antihistamines for allergies can lead to excessive hunger. They may change their medication if necessary or share useful tips with you to control their hunger. Natural Opportunists Golden retrievers are natural scavengers and opportunistic eaters, which means they may constantly search for food, even when they are not truly hungry. No wonder they are called retrievers. Their instincts can influence this behavior and may seem like an insatiable appetite to you. However, you can talk to your vet about this behavior, and they will help you address it efficiently. It could mean that she is pregnant, which can be confirmed with an ultrasound or a pregnancy test to measure her hormone levels. Due to pregnancy, she may experience an increased appetite as her body requires more energy to support the developing puppies. Research says that you should expect a gradual increase in caloric intake and body weight as the pregnancy progresses. Even lactating dogs may eat a lot to meet their high-energy needs and may return to normal when their puppies are completely weaned, which is also when puppies can leave their mother. It is essential to avoid overfeeding your dog because it can have negative consequences on their health and well-being. Following are some reasons why it is bad for your dog to overeat. Obesity Why is my overweight dog always hungry? If your dog has been overeating for quite some time now, they may have developed a habit of eating more. In addition, petMD says that overfeeding can lead to obesity and reduce the production of a hormone leptin that controls hunger. This way, your overweight dog may always be hungry. Obesity can adversely impact the health and longevity of your golden retriever and lead to diabetes, orthopedic disease, cardiorespiratory disease, urinary disorders, reproductive disorders, mammary tumors, and dermatological diseases. Digestive Issues When dogs overeat, their digestive system may struggle to handle excess food, and its efficiency also declines. This causes digestive upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Rapid or excessive eating can also increase the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV , a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists and requires immediate veterinary attention. Pancreatitis Dogs that eat a lot of fatty food in one sitting and those with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, an organ responsible for producing digestive enzymes. Pancreatitis triggers the release of these enzymes as soon as they are released in the body, leading to inflammation and severe abdominal pain. Pancreatitis requires prompt veterinary care and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Nutritional Imbalances Dogs require a balanced diet to meet their dietary needs. When dogs overeat, they may consume excessive amounts of food without getting a balanced variety of nutrients. Overeating can result in limited food variety and poor nutrient absorption, contributing to nutritional imbalances and malnutrition in dogs. You can also follow your golden retriever feeding chart approved by your vet to avoid overfeeding and their well-being. Look out for the following hunger signs exhibited by your dog. This behavior is often accompanied by intense staring, drooling, or nudging to get your attention. Dogs have a very strong sense of smell, and the aroma of food can make them eager for additional nourishment. Finishing Food Quickly If your golden retriever rushes to finish their meal quickly, it suggests they expect to be fed more by you. They may gulp down their food without taking breaks and chewing correctly or eating frantically, hoping for more food. Intense and Keen Look Golden retrievers are known for their strong bond with their owners. The intense gaze and focused attention they give you after finishing their meal suggest they are trying to communicate their hunger and hope for an extra serving You may also find your dog always hungry and panting near food, which is common in dogs to tell you they are hungry. Increased Vocalization or Whining When golden retrievers are hungry or unsatisfied with their food, they may increase their vocalizations to get your attention. They may start whining, whimpering, or barking more frequently than usual. This can include rummaging through trash cans, searching for food on countertops, or attempting to steal food from other pets if you have more in your household. They will also ask how your dog has been behaving lately or what concerns you the most. They will try to diagnose any underlying disease that may be causing their increased appetite by starting with the least-invasive procedures. They should show up any abnormalities in their health that may signal an underlying disease. Endoscopy allows direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines and can help detect abnormalities such as inflammation, ulcers, or tumors. Biopsies can also be obtained during endoscopy for further analysis. The treatment approach for increased appetite in dogs depends on the underlying cause identified by a veterinarian. If the increased appetite results from medication, it may be a temporary side effect that diminishes over time without having to discontinue it. If insatiable appetite is due to learned behavior, your vet may recommend behavioral therapy to help your dog better cope with habitual eating patterns. If your golden retriever wants to eat constantly due to stress or anxiety, your vet will diagnose the cause of stress or anxiety and help eliminate it. If a serious underlying disease is present, it must be addressed to effectively resolve the appetite problem related to it. For instance, diabetes may require insulin injections and adjustments to their diet. Parasitic infections can be treated with antibiotics. Cancer may need to be treated through a procedure deemed most effective by your vet, like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Here are also some effective ways for you to better deal with your constantly hungry golden retriever. You should completely ignore them when they show begging behavior, but ensure you never scold or be rude to them. Alternatively, you can provide them with a safe chew toy or just a few frozen fruit treats. If they behave well, you should reward them with praise, hugs, and some treats. Fiber is also ideal for maintaining a healthy weight and improving digestion. Vegetables like carrots, green beans, and pumpkin and fruits like strawberries, apples, and mangoes are good sources of fiber that can be added to their meals or used as healthy snacks. Remember not to give your golden retriever too much fiber, which may cause digestive issues. Feed Smaller, More Frequent Meals Instead of providing one or two large meals, consider feeding your dog multiple small meals throughout the day. Instead of always offering treats, engage them in activities like going for a car ride or a walk. Moreover, it is also an excellent opportunity to work on training exercises. You can help reduce their cravings while spending quality time together by providing mental and physical stimulation. Additionally, exercise is beneficial for dogs that tend to overeat. Feeding them the right amount will help prevent excessive hunger and maintain their health. Engaging your dog in physical activities such as walks, playtime, or interactive games helps distract them from their constant hunger and provides mental and physical stimulation. Physical activities can help curb their cravings out of boredom and promote overall well-being. For example, a safe puzzle toy or a vet-recommended slow-feeder bowl can prolong mealtime and satisfy them. These devices encourage slower eating and prevent gulping down food too quickly, which can contribute to a sense of constant hunger. Additionally, feeding meals in a quiet and calm environment can help minimize distractions and allow your dog to focus on their food. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Are golden retrievers prone to overeating? Golden retrievers love food, but not all of them tend to overeat. How many times should a golden retriever eat? Golden retrievers should typically eat at least twice a day, divided into morning and evening feedings. However, the specific feeding frequency and portion size may vary based on age, size, health condition, and activity level. Consulting with a vet can provide personalized recommendations for your dog. Their positive behavior should always be rewarded with praise and a few treats. Post navigation.