silver labrador puppies washington state

If you want to know when German Shepherds stop teething or how long a German Shepherd teething lasts, check this article. You will find out information about the different German Shepherd teething stages and their corresponding German Shepherd teething age. We will also tell you about the common teething signs and symptoms and tips on how to handle puppy teething. Familiarize yourself with the stages so that you can know how to deal with teething. Early Stages: German Shepherd puppies are born without teeth. They begin getting teeth around 6 to 8 weeks of age. The incisors come first. Next is the canine teeth and the last is the premolars. Milk Teeth: The last premolar comes out between 8 to 12 weeks old. That time your GSD already has 28 milk teeth. Take your puppy to the vet so he can check if all the primary teeth have erupted. Falling Out: When your puppy is between 12 to 16 weeks of age, he starts losing baby teeth. His incisors begin to fall out. Then the canines follow and the last are the premolars. Your vet may perform dental extraction to maintain oral health. Adult Teeth: How many adult teeth do a German Shepherd have? It means a German Shepherd usually stops teething when he reaches the age of 8 months. Take your puppy to the vet so he can check if there are misalignment problems. He does this to ease the pain associated with teething. Missing teeth: For your German Shepherd puppy to grow his adult teeth, he must first lose his baby teeth. Bleeding or swollen gums: A bit of blood can come out when a tooth is dislodged. Excessive drooling: Frequent excessive drooling can be messy but this happens when your puppy is teething. Physical distress: Your German Shepherd puppy might refuse to eat which results in weight loss. He may also lose interest in playing. He might have diarrhea if he chews inappropriate objects. He may even have a low-grade fever. If this happens, consult your vet so he can prescribe some medicines to relieve the pain. Consequences of Violations The change of teeth in the German Shepherd begins at the height of the active growth period. From the age of 14 weeks, the puppy rapidly mostly, intermittently increases in size. Its muscular skeleton is formed, the paws grow, and the chest and skull bones extend. Tiny fragile puppy teeth are replaced with impressive strong fangs. This stage usually ends simultaneously with the appearance of a full set of molars. Further development of the dog occurs at a slower pace. Correct Bite in a German Shepherd The dental system plays a huge role in the show career of a Shepherd dog. Any non-compliance with the standard , such as undershot or overshot bites, will prevent them from obtaining the champion title, despite the excellent exterior and outstanding working characteristics. A bite is a form of closing the jaws. The German Shepherd teeth, resembling scissors, are considered the norm: the incisors of the upper jaw cover the incisors of the lower one. By 2 months, properly developing Shepherds already have a standard scissor-like bite. All puppies are born toothless. Within the process of growth , baby milk teeth appear first. They are necessary for the correct formation of jaw bones. At the age of one and a half months already, the Shepherd puppy has a complete set of teeth, consisting of 14 items on each jaw. The temporary elements of the dentition are divided into incisors, canines fangs , and premolars. The puppy does not have chewing teeth; they appear only by the age of six months. If molars erupt along with baby teeth, it means that they will never be replaced. Dogs with such a defect are excluded from the breeding program. In total, 28 milk teeth should grow before the change. However, deviations in quantity are permissible, both for less and for fewer items. This is not a sign that the puppy will remain edentulous for life. The problem is more likely to resolve on its own over age. How many teeth should an adult Shepherd have? The answer is exactly 42 items. The absence of any element other than a small premolar is not allowed. Though, there are exceptions to this rule. During protective guard training or too active games, there are frequent cases of damage to the integrity of the teeth under the influence of external factors. Therefore, if documents confirm the traumatic nature of the tooth absence, the show score should not be lowered. However, if any experts in incomplete teeth problems do not want to go deeper into the matter, the dog will receive a low score in the ring. First, there is a gradual disappearance of the tooth roots. At the same time, the permanent tooth begins to grow along the canal left by the baby tooth. The fangs and incisors no longer hold tightly in the jaw. They become loose and fall out naturally. Itching in the gums. The puppy may begin to gnaw on furniture or shoes. This is a natural reaction to the discomfort caused by teething. It is recommended to acquire special toys for chewing or to treat the puppy with beef moss or beef tendon bones. Decreased activity. The change of teeth in a Shepherd dog provokes a weakening of the auricles. This phenomenon is caused by the fact that all the reserves of the body go to the formation and growth of new elements of the dental system. Ear drop. The ear cartilage becomes soft, ceases to maintain its shape, and the ears which were confidently and steadily standing up only yesterday, sadly drop down. This phenomenon should not cause concern to owners. The ears will rise on their own in a few months. Intestinal disorders. If the change of teeth in German Shepherd puppies is accompanied by loss of appetite, apathy, drowsiness, or an acute pain symptom, these may be signs of a viral disease. It is worth taking such a puppy to the vet. Change of Teeth: How to Cope with It General recommendations to owners for this period are: hold the puppy back from physical activity; reduce the time of walks and training sessions; hold your pet back from constriction games. When new fangs are being cut in dogs, it is very easy to spoil the bite by accidentally shifting the growing tooth into the wrong position. Additional Nutrition During the Change of Teeth During this period, puppies eating natural food and economy-class feeds are supplemented with mineral nutrition with calcium, phosphorus, and fluorine. If the puppy is fed with dry premium and super-premium class feeds, supplements are included in the diet only on the advice of a veterinarian or breeder. An excess of calcium, as well as its deficiency, can cause an allergic reaction or lead to bone and joint diseases. The incisors grow first. Approximately, it lasts at the age of 3. Then, the turn of the fangs comes. They should be expected at the age from 5 to 7 months. Simultaneously with the fangs, chewing teeth molars appear. Premolars fall out at the age of months. Dogs of large breeds usually tolerate teeth changing faster and easier than small breeds. Therefore, at the age of 8 months, the teeth of a Shepherd dog should completely change. If permanent canines and molars have not yet grown by the age of 9 months, this may indicate a pathology that requires medical intervention. Difficulties The main problem the owners may face during this period include: Process slowdown. The reason may be the poor development of chewing muscles, lack of calcium and phosphorus in the body, a previous disease, or a genetic predisposition. Two fangs. Simultaneously, 2 fangs grow in one place — a permanent and baby one. This happens because the tooth root did not dissolve in time. In such cases, it is required to contact the veterinarian as soon as possible and remove the interfering tooth. It is not recommended to do it yourself. After that, a full-fledged surgical operation may be needed. To resolve the problem that has appeared and take action on time, you need to regularly examine the mouth, while the puppy is changing its teeth. Consequences of Violations The consequences of improper development of the chewing system include not only abnormal teeth setting and a deformed bite. These are caries lesions, early enamel destruction, teeth tartar formation, and others that worsen the life quality of the animal. The German Shepherd teeth are the true pride of the breed and a formidable weapon. The force of jaw compression at the time of the bite can reach kg lbs , and only a few dogs surpass Shepherd dogs in this indicator. For the dog to demonstrate its working characteristics and win the ring, proper care is needed for its teeth. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Aug 9, Share Teething represents a major landmark for your German Shepherd puppy, but the process can be very annoying since it often results in destroyed shoes, furnishings, and other items around your home. German Shepherd puppies start teething whenever their puppy teeth start to grow in. Once the puppy is around six months old, most of their puppy teeth will fall out and all of their adult teeth will come in replacement. At this point, your German Shepherd will likely stop teething. Just like human babies, German Shepherd puppies are born without teeth. Once the puppy reaches three weeks old, it may start to grow in its milk teeth. All of its puppy teeth, including puppy canines and incisors, should be grown in by the end of the 8th week. At this point, your German Shepherd will likely start teething, though it might start teething slightly sooner. One of the first signs that your German Shepherd puppy is teething is finding small amounts of blood on your carpet or dog toys. This is a completely normal event because the blood is often due to the loose baby teeth or the baby teeth falling out completely. Make sure not to give your German Shepherd rawhide chews because these chews are dangerous for dogs and often lead to choking, especially in puppies. Special toys specifically made for teething puppies are best. During the teething time, German Shepherds are very likely to become destructive. Provide your German Shepherd a whole lot of exercise and additional toys to keep them entertained. Not only will this keep their minds off the teething process, but it will prevent them from destroying your home. Here are some signs that your German Shepherd is beginning to teeth: Small baby teeth are emerging and can be found on the floor, in a toy, or in the food bowl. There are small blood spots on your carpet or on toys. Your puppy is drooling a lot more than usual. You notice your puppy chewing more than usual. Your puppy may act like it is in slight pain and have a slight fever. Teeth look misaligned. If you notice one or more of these events happening, your German Shepherd is likely teething. The best thing you can do is provide your dog teething toys and a lot of exercise. Aside from that, allow nature to do its job by letting the teeth fall and the adult teeth to come in. Teething is a common occurrence in many baby animals, but you might not be sure why they teeth and chew up things in the first place. Whenever those baby teeth start to grow in, the process can be painful since the teeth have to come through the gums. The pain continues as baby teeth fall out and adult teeth replace them. German Shepherd puppies, as well as other babies, will teeth in order to ease the pain. It normally takes about three months or 12 weeks for your German Shepherd to lose all of its baby teeth. During this time, its 28 baby teeth will fall out and 32 adult teeth will grow in instead. Although the exact amount of time it takes for German Shepherds to stop teething varies from dog to dog, most puppies stop teething whenever they are between seven and eight months old. Some German Shepherds may stop teething as early as six months , but the seven month mark is much more likely. Protect Your Home During the teething process, your dog is likely to become destructive from all its chewing. Make sure to pick up shoes and other items that your dog might chew up. Even if the dog is trained , its sore teeth and gums will lead it to chew up things as pain relief. The dog is likely in a lot of pain because of the teething process. Final Thoughts German Shepherd puppies will start teething whenever they are a few weeks old. Teething will become a popular occurrence around your home until your dog is at least six months old, but teething can last an additional two months. Even though teething can be annoying for us, remember to be patient and understanding with your dog. After all, your German Shepherd puppy is likely in a lot of pain. Try to help the teething process by investing in good teething toys and dog-proofing your home for the time being. It will take a German Shepherd puppy between 4 and 6 months to complete teething. During this time, you want to have your veterinarian check your puppy for any dental issues. Surgery may be required if his bite needs to be corrected, which is meant to help with any potential eating issues in the future. If your puppy is teething, he will start to chew more frequently on his chew toys. A German Shepherd puppy needs to lose his baby teeth before his adult teeth can take form. If your puppy is teething, you may start to notice that he is missing teeth, or you may find a missing tooth around your home. Another sign that your puppy may be teething is if he has bleeding or swollen gums. You may even see some blood if his baby teeth are falling out. You may also see some blood traces on his chew toys. If your puppy is drooling more than normal, this may be another sign that he is teething. Your German Shepherd puppy may even show signs of physical distress, which can include weight loss if he refuses to eat, and becoming uninterested in playtime. He could also experience diarrhea due to chewing on foreign objects, and could also develop a fever. In these situations, it may be necessary to consult your vet. The good thing is, this period lasts for a relatively short period. The teething process starts when the first baby teeth emerge, which will occur during the first month. By six or seven weeks, you can expect your puppy to have 28 teeth instead of the 42 they will have as adults. German Shepherd puppies will start to see adult teeth between six and eight weeks, as they begin to lose their baby teeth. This part of the teething stage is painful for puppies, with chewing being the primary form of seeking relief. Although when the adult teeth settle into the jawbone, there may be some more discomfort. They will be able to determine if any teeth need to be removed to make room for adult teeth. During the time your puppy is teething, it will need sufficient stimulation. You can also give your puppy chew treats — there are a number of safe, high-quality ones that act as both a toy and food. These chew treats will also help to prevent your puppy from destroying your furniture! Another way to help teething puppies is to make ice cubes from chicken, beef, or vegetable broth. Frozen baby carrots also work well. There are also a number of puppy teething gels on the market that can give your German Shepherd puppy relief, but be sure to choose a teething gel that is safe and natural. They may include ingredients like chamomile, clove oils, and peppermint. Rawhide is another inexpensive and popular option. Chewing rawhide will also help your puppy develop strong jaws. However, it is important to supervise your puppy when he is chewing on rawhide, since choking is possible. Dogs that ingest a lot of rawhide can develop gastrointestinal issues, and some rawhides are not edible, so read the labels carefully. Clinically proven to reduce tartar build up Cleans plaque and tarter between teeth, all the way down to the gum line Includes 4-Packs of three different flavors: 32 original, 12 fresh, 18 Beef Check Price Other ways to help ease the pain of teething Flavored and treat-based toys provide a lot of fun for puppies. One of the best things about these types of toys is that they will keep your puppy busier for that much longer. Puppy teething sticks have a rubber surface that helps soothe achy gums and teeth. Most of these sticks feature grooves that help clean teeth more effectively. You might also consider bones for your young German Shepherd to chew on. However, make sure you use beef marrow bones, instead of pork, chicken, or turkey bones. Non-beef bones can splinter too easily and cause serious injury. Dental bones can also be helpful for your puppy. These bones help promote dental health, which is good to manage as early as possible in your dog. These bones are durable and also do not present the splintering hazard that other bones do. One of the outcomes of using the right teething products should be having a puppy focused on something other than their mouth pain. The more controlled their mouth pain, the more your puppy can concentrate on obedience training. German Shepherd puppies may develop the habit of biting and nipping when teething. It may seem cute, but it is important to nip that behavior in the bud since it can become a habit that continues well into adulthood. Most puppies learn bite inhibition before you bring them home, as these puppies are used to playing with their siblings and biting each other all day. As they play with each other, they learn the bite tolerance levels of their siblings. If you have a lower pain tolerance than a puppy, you will have to teach them what yours is. Your puppy will start to associate biting with the end of you playing with him and him receiving attention from you. Do this every time he bites and nips. Then, put your thumb under his tongue, and put your index finger under his chin. He will feel discomfort, and if you do this consistently, he will associate biting with discomfort. Pull away and pinch your puppy on the neck. Do this consistently, and he will associate biting with pinching. Since puppies typically become wary of strangers at 18 months of age, it is important to start socialization as soon as possible. You can try puppy playgroups and dog parks — this socialization will help them learn how to play nicely with others. When you are training him, do not allow him to chew on your hands. However, remember to reward good behavior. If your puppy is listening to you, reward him with a treat for learning something new, and make sure you always have enough treats on hand! As he gets better with the training, food treats can be replaced with cuddles. What should I do if my German Shepherd chews something inappropriate? Punishment is not the way to correct bad behavior. Physical punishment and yelling should be avoided. Catching the dog in the act is the key to making discipline work effectively. If you scold the dog after the fact, they will not understand why they got into trouble. Quick diversion with a more appropriate chew toy works better. One of the advantages of using diversion as a technique is that it teaches the puppy what to do, instead of only showing them what not to do. Positive training methods have a more significant overall effect on your puppy. A common mistake that many people make is believing that training must be halted during the teething stages. Puppies can and should be trained during this time. However, training will give your puppy a needed diversion that will hopefully keep the chewing under control. Even if you train the puppy during teething, they will understand what is and is not appropriate behavior. This is key to a well-adjusted puppy. The age where a puppy is still teething is a perfect time to do crate training. One of the best things about crate training is that it is an excellent way to get them acclimated to their own sleeping space, helping you reach two goals at once. Also be sure to keep dangerous foods for dogs like chocolate and grapes well hidden. If your German Shepherd is past the normal teething stage but is still chewing, anti-chew sprays can come in handy. These sprays will make whatever object the dog is chewing taste very unpleasant, allowing the sprays to serve as deterrents. Jubilant Pups emphasizes the importance of giving a teething German Shepherd puppy sufficient exercise to help avoid needless destruction. An example would be 15 minutes for a three-month-old puppy. The advantage of twice-daily play sessions is making sure your puppy gets their exercise, without becoming too exhausted. You want your puppy calm, but not sick from overexertion. Even though teething puppies will do a lot of chewing, sufficient exercise will help curb the worst behavior. Your puppy will be better-behaved overall, and less likely to chew inappropriately. Nervous energy is behind a lot of undesirable behaviors like nuisance chewing. A more relaxed puppy is less likely to take out their frustration through chewing and other unwanted behaviors. The period between the puppy initially losing their baby teeth and getting adult teeth will be one of the most challenging times where behavior is concerned. Try your best to remain patient with your puppy during this time. Once your puppy has reached the age where adult teeth are settling in, start playing fetch with your dog. This is a perfect way to bond with your German Shepherd puppy through play. Some of the benefits of fetch as an activity include increased stamina, endurance, and better-developed muscles. Your puppy will likely look forward to it. Even when German Shepherd Dogs still have puppy teeth, they can be very sharp and cause painful bites. Daily brushing prevents tooth decay and other oral problems in puppy teeth. Choose a dog toothpaste when brushing as human toothpaste may upset his stomach. Keep regular appointments with your vet so they can keep track of the oral health of your dog. Feeding your dog a healthy diet will also help to keep his teeth healthy. You can ask for dog food recommendations at your local pet store to promote oral health. German Shepherd Gums Typically, the german shepherd dogs have a bluish or black tongue along with grey or black-pigmented gums. The black spot is melanin, a natural pigment. If this happens, take your german shepherds to your vet as soon as possible. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the German Shepherds gums, which develops when the plaque is not removed and causes the gums to be inflamed so the gums bleed easily. Periodontitis is a German Shepherds gum disease that affects not only the gums but also other tissues around the teeth. This will result in bone loss. Even though it is a phase of relatively short duration, a teething puppy can leave a lot of destruction in their wake. However, the more you know about the teething stages, the better you can help your puppy to adjust. Regardless of how frustrating it can be to live with a teething puppy, knowing when and how quickly they will go through the stages makes everything easier. German Shepherd puppies will go through four stages of teething. When your German Shepherd puppy is born, it will have no teeth, just like a human baby. They will start to grow in their baby teeth when they reach about six weeks old, maybe seven or eight depending on the puppy. By this point, your German Shepherd puppy will have up to 28 teeth. At the week mark, your puppy will start losing their baby teeth to get ready for their adult teeth to grow in. By the time they are eight months old, your German Shepherd puppy should have grown in all 42 of their adult teeth. What can you give a teething German Shepherd? You may have noticed that your puppy has started chewing everything they can get their paws on, and this is most likely due to teething. Ice cubes are also a cheap and easily accessible solution. Or, let them sit and chew on a block of ice, this will keep them occupied while calming their gums. You can also purchase puppy teething gel that contains soothing ingredients such as clove oils, peppermint and chamomile. Recommended reading:. Related posts German Shepherd puppy teething stages German Shepherd puppies start teething when their baby milk teeth fall out and their adult teeth start growing in. During your German Shepherd puppy teething stages, you can expect small blood stains or spots on his or her toys. You may even find his or her small loose teeth on your floor or carpet. But, when do German Shepherds start teething, and when do German Shepherds stop teething? Here are the German Shepherd teeth stages. Save Big On Dog Essentials! Welcome to our pack! German Shepherd puppy teeth start growing between 2 to 3 weeks old Like humans, German Shepherd puppies are also born without any teeth. Around the 2 weeks mark or 14 days, the German Shepherd baby teeth or puppy milk teeth will start to come in. This is around the same time they start to open their eyes. When the puppy teeth start pushing through their gums, they can be sharp. Your German Shepherd puppy has different types of canine teeth. They are: Incisors Front teeth. Canine teeth When canine teeth grow in, dogs can start eating solid foods. Pre-molars After around 6 weeks, pre-molars stop coming through. These are also the exact orders that the puppy baby teeth will come through. Your German Shepherd puppies will have grown all 28 puppy milk teeth by the time they reach 8 weeks old. German Shepherd puppies start teething and growing adult teeth from 12 weeks old onwards When do German Shepherd puppies lose their teeth? So, when do German Shepherds lose their puppy teeth? When do German Shepherds lose their baby teeth? Nine to ten weeks after their baby teeth have grown in, their adult teeth will start to push through as well. At this point, your German Shepherd puppies should be 12 weeks 3 months old and they should have a total of 28 puppy teeth with 32 adult teeth expected to come through next. As they prepare for the adult teeth to grow in, the puppy milk teeth start to fall out. So at 12 weeks old, the German Shepherd puppies will begin the teething stage and the 32 adult teeth will replace their puppy milk teeth. When do German Shepherds stop teething? The teething stage will begin from month 3 to when the puppies reach 7 to 8 months old so that is a 4 to 5 months timeframe between when the teething stage to when it ends. Some puppies could complete the teething phase before they reach 7 to 8 months old, while other puppies could take longer. How long do German Shepherds teethe for: Up to 20 to 24 weeks For the most part, many German Shepherd puppies will have stopped teething by the time they reach 6 months or 24 weeks old. Every dog is different and the dental development stages vary for each dog. While the puppy milk teeth push through easily, the same can not be said of the adult teeth. It takes time for the German Shepherd adult teeth to push through and grow. It will take the molars to grow in. This is pretty abnormal, but can still happen. At this point, your German Shepherd dogs should have a total of 42 shiny, white, and strong adult teeth. When do German Shepherd puppies start teething? When German Shepherd puppies start teething, there are plenty of signs to let you know that they are teething. You might know from your puppies chewing on furniture, shoes, and everything they can get ahold of. Bloodstains or blood spots on the toys Teething can be both uncomfortable and painful for your little German Shepherd pup. To get through that pain or as a way of relieving that pain, your puppy may chew their toys more. Chewing also helps them cope with the pain. We highly recommend buying some chew toys to keep them biting on the toys and not the valuable items in your house. Frequent drooling During this time, your puppy may drool more than usual. Behavioral change due to pain of teething Due to the pain, frequent gum irritation, and discomfort, your German Shepherd puppy may act out. The adult teeth are growing in and they are relatively larger so it will disrupt the gums a little. Teeth are misaligned Some baby teeth will remain in place as the adult teeth push their way through. Thus, some teeth will be misaligned. This may seem weird, but the baby milk teeth will fall out before your pup knows it. Mild fever Like our kids, our German Shepherd puppies can also get a mild fever when they are teething. This is absolutely normal. We highly recommend that German Shepherd puppies chew on teething toys when their adult teeth are coming in. This can be your most expensive shoes, purse, sofa, tables, blankets, beds, and more! Make sure the toys are strong and durable, not soft or stuffed. The hard and durable chew toys will allow your German Shepherd puppies to satisfy their chewing and provide them soft and sore gums with much-needed relief. When our dogs were puppies and going through the teething stage, we gave them these teething toys and we believe these are great teething toys for German Shepherd puppies too. What we like about these teething toys is that they can also work as a treat too. Your German Shepherd puppies will enjoy getting their teeth on this. Before we used to give these to our pups, we put them in the fridge first. This makes the toy very cold and is a great way to numb the sore and inflamed gums. Best of all, you can add treats or put peanut butter inside the toy to mentally stimulate your pups. Just like us, they have baby teeth, and German Shepherds really are no different; be prepared, because German Shepherds will teethe… hard. I have a very clear memory of when we got our first ever dog. During the puppy months we would find tiny teeth on the floor which would come out as he chewed everything in sight to relieve his sore teeth and gums. This chewing is a huge part of the teething process but is something you can make easier for your German Shepherd puppy to contend with. Today I want to share everything I have learned about why German Shepherds teethe, at what age they lose their baby or milk teeth, what to expect as an owner, and how to help them… plus ways to stop them chewing your furniture! My intention is for this to be the only guide you would ever need to read about the dental development of your German Shepherd. This is completely normal during the teething phases. But when should you expect this to start and then finally stop? German Shepherd puppy baby teeth start coming through — between 2 and 3 weeks old German Shepherds are born without teeth. The 2-week point in their life is a massive time in their growth and becoming the German Shepherds we know and love. Of course, most German Shepherd owners will never get to see this phase in their dental development stage as German Shepherd puppies should not be leaving their mother until they are at least 8 weeks old. Canine teeth at which point they can start on solid foods. Pre-molars stop coming through after about 6 weeks. By 8 weeks of age, your German Shepherd should have grown all of its 28 milk teeth. German Shepherd starts teething and growing adult teeth — 12 weeks of age onwards The next stage of dental development is the teething phase. When do German Shepherds lose their baby teeth? German Shepherd puppies will lose their baby teeth at around 3 months or 12 weeks old. This the age at which German Shepherds start to teeth as they lose the milk teeth which fall out. There are 28 baby teeth in total, and surprisingly, 32 adult teeth which will grow through in the place of the milk teeth. German Shepherd teething age will vary, but typically starts at 3 months. German Shepherd puppies stop teething — 7 to 8 months of age When do German Shepherds stop teething? German Shepherd puppies will typically stop teething at around 7 to 8 months old. German Shepherd adult teeth take a lot longer to grow and push through compared to their baby milk teeth. The molars at the back are the ones that are particularly stubborn. At the very latest, your 8-month-old German Shepherd puppy should have stopped teething. Anything after that age would be unusual, but still not unheard of. Most German Shepherds will now have all 42 adult teeth. Signs of teething in German Shepherd puppies As you might have already experienced with your German Shepherd puppy, the first sign of teething is them chewing everything in sight. Small baby teeth: One of the more obvious signs is finding their cute little teeth. They might be on the floor, embedded in a toy, or near a food bowl. Blood spots on toys: As German Shepherds teethe, they will chew on their toys to relieve the pain. This can result in blood when baby teethe come out or gums are irritated. Lots of drooling: Teething puppies can drool, so expect to see more saliva than usual coming from their mouths. Even more chewing: When German Shepherds teethe, they need to relieve the pain and the best way to do this is by chewing. Give them chew toys and keep them away from anything that you value! Sore gums: Teething German Shepherds will get inflamed and red gums. They will look really sore, because the larger adult teeth are pushing up through. Change in behavior: Your German Shepherd puppy will be in pain from time to time and might even be irritable. Try to distract them with teething toys and lots of attention. Mild fever: If you have ever had kids, you will know that they can get a little hot when teething. German Shepherd puppies are the same. Misaligned teeth: As the adult teeth come through, they might not always push a baby tooth. Your German Shepherd might have a bit of a redneck look at the two teeth sit together until the milk tooth falls out. Recommended German Shepherd teething toys All puppies need something to chew on when new teeth are coming through. They will try to chew your shoes, furniture… pretty much anything. To help your German Shepherd puppy when teething, instead invest in some teething toys that are hard and durable enough to give their gums relief. There are two teething toys we used with our own puppy which always worked a treat. Not only is a great for German Shepherds to get their teeth around, but you can also put treats inside of it to mentally challenge them as well. What we also used to do was place ours in the freezer before letting our teething puppy have. That way it was really nice and cold and helped to soothe his sore gums. My second recommendation is the Nylabone dog chew on Amazon. This is how much they will end up chewing it! How to stop your German Shepherd puppy chewing when teething Once those milk teeth start to fall out, your German Shepherd puppy will want to get his or her teeth around anything to give much needed pain relief. You might have to hide things, reduce their access to certain rooms, and keep a close eye on them. Chew proof your home: You might need to install stair gates to restrict access to certain rooms where your prized furniture is located. You might have to move things above their height. Nothing is safe from a teething German Shepherd puppy! Give them frozen treats: As well as chew toys, a piece of frozen carrot or an ice cube can really help to soothe their sore gums. Keep them exercised: German Shepherds that have energy to burn will chew more than those that are tired out. Give your German Shepherd puppy a couple of walks a day and provide plenty of indoor play time too. Keep them entertained: Bored German Shepherds tend to be destructive. Get their toys out to keep them mentally challenged and distracted whilst teething. Puppies can cause utter devastation whilst teething. You just need to look at how chewed the corner of our wooden dining room table was during the teething phase. German Shepherd teething can last a while and your furniture will know it! What other owners say I am part many different German Shepherd social media groups, and recently asked people about their own experiences with their own puppies and teething. Bored German Shepherds will start chewing your things when they teethe. Nylabone and Kong Toys are two of my faves. Bully sticks and Himalayan cheese sticks are good. We also use real bones from the meat department at our local store, frozen so they last longer, and our dogs love them. If your German Shepherd is teething and eats dry food try and soften the biscuits as chewing hard food can be a big turn off put for them as their gums can be quite sensitive. Puppies crave different things at different times and are learning what their teeth can do in addition to the teething that they are going through. I recommend 20 different teething toys and rotate them. They hate the smell and it will stop them chewing your stuff. And give him chews. It is boredom that makes them chew more than anything. Just put a knot in each end and wet them, then freeze them! He loved it and still just loves playing with tea towels now at nearly 2 years old. Would recommend putting the tea towel in a food bag when freezing. How much pain they are will vary from puppy to puppy — our own dog had quite mild teething pain from what we could tell, but it depends on the dog. But, almost all of them will chew. You can expect to see little teeth on the floor or stuck into things they have chewed on, plus those little blood spots I mentioned. At this time of their dental development, your German Shepherd puppy will need your love and support, plenty of chewable toys, patience, and understanding. You might also like… If you enjoyed this guide to German Shepherd teething ages and how long it all lasts, then you might also like these other German Shepherd puppy related articles:.

The American Bulldog has been in our family for generations, ever since my grandfather owned one. The Olde English Bulldogges have been a big part of our lives since .Here at Cold Spring Kennel we put a lot of time, pride and joy into all our dogs and puppies. We strive to produce a healthy all around, family raised, well socialized American Bulldog and Olde English Bulldogge that anyone would be proud to own. We prefer this so that each puppy gets the proper amount of time, attention, socialization, and love that they need and deserve during their puppy stage. All our puppies when they leave Cold Spring Kennel will be UTD on all their vaccinations, wormings, and well started if not house broken depending on thier age. Each pup will have a one yr. Genetic Health Guarantee. Please contact us thru here or give us a call: , if you wish to be put on the Cold Spring Kennel waiting-contact list for any of our Up-Coming litters. Please check out "Our Dogs" page for full pedigree information on each dog. Please feel free to contact us for more information about our dogs and the availability of puppies for sale. He would benefit from living in a quiet neighbourhood, with a fenced backyard, that does not have a lot of car or foot traffic as he can be reactive to people and dogs that come close to him. He is a sweet boy that likes to cuddle and does have some mild separation anxiety as he loves being around his people. He would do best enrolled in training classes to make him the best dog that he can be. Foster update: His separation anxiety is much better. I can leave him for 3 hours at a time and he just rests in my room. He is still reactive towards other dogs, but he listens to me more when I pull him away from triggers. He is hardly exposed to any new people but he does seem less reactive towards people we come across on walks he is easier to distract. I'm working on impulse control exercises with him at home. He's very receptive and is learning very quickly. He really is a very sweet dog that loves the people he trusts. He's one of the most affectionate dogs I have met and definitely one of the most cuddly ones. He loves nature and will thrive in a peaceful, green environment with space for him to run around and just be a dog.

English Boodle Video Temperament Considered one of the gentlest, friendliest, and most social dogs, the boodles are compatible with kids as well as other household pets. Because of their family-oriented nature, they not only enjoy the company of their owners but also exhibit equally good behavior towards other members of the family. Although they usually remain calm and quiet, prolonged loneliness and boredom may induce destructive behavior, accompanied by incessant barking. Since they are naturally attentive, they make good watchdogs alerting their families of an impending danger. Care Exercise Unlike a few other breeds, the boodle dog has a variable need, as far as its activity level is concerned. In general, this dog is suitable for apartment life, and it loves spending time indoors as much as playing outdoors. Securely leashed walks as well as off-lead playing sessions on a regular basis will keep your dog fit and happy. Occasional clipping or trimming is also required, but consulting a professional groomer is recommended in this regard. Bathing with a gentle shampoo should be done once in a while to maintain its soft and silky curls as well as to keep away skin infections. Health Problems Although it is not known to suffer from any severe genetic problems, your boodle may have some other health concerns including PRA, epilepsy, skin infections, and heart diseases. If you see any abnormal or uncharacteristic behavior in your pet, you should call the vet immediately. Training First-time owners will find it difficult to train this dog since it may show occasional stubbornness that can only be dealt with firm, fair, patient, and consistent training methods. Since it does not respond to heavy-handed training methods, make sure you avoid them. The boodle puppies should be taught to obey basic instructions like lie down, sit, and stay. Normal house training including crate and socialization training should be given at a young age to make it more gentle, affectionate, and family-oriented. Feeding Food sources rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fats should be given to the young dogs for their growth. You can give your pet quality dry dog food regularly in amounts ranging from one and a half to two and a half cups. Interesting Facts These dogs are not bothered by hot or cold temperatures and can survive in every climate. The adult boodles do not have the same abundance of energy as seen in the puppies. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Lifespan Sociability The English Boodle is a fun dog to own, but there is a lot to know before adopting one. You should know exactly what to expect once you bring your new pooch home for the first time. This combination can be challenging at times but is also almost always rewarding when all is said and done. This beautiful mixed breed also goes by the names Bullydoodle, Bully Poo, Bulldogdoodle, and Bulldogpoo. It will bark when someone comes to the door but quickly accept the visitors once welcomed inside. The English Boodle has an inherent willingness to please and loves attention, so owners will usually find their dogs standing right by their side. Most English Boodles are very energetic when they are young and need lots of outdoor exploration and playtime. As they get older, these dogs tend to slow down and mellow out a little, even though they will never entirely lose their spunkiness. Are These Dogs Good for Families? These dogs will spend all day playing in the yard with kids young and old. This mixed breed is tolerant of things like ear tugs and rough-housing, and gentle enough to learn how to walk on a leash with even younger kids. They thrive in multi-pet households that may include dogs, cats, or a combination of both. But these dogs will also enjoy their lives as an only pet if they get plenty of human attention. You should know how to take specific care of an English Boodle before you even consider adopting one so you know exactly what will be expected of you. This mixed breed can eat up to 3 cups of food each day, depending on their size and activity level. Treats can be used to supplement meals after an active adventure. This exercise can be in the form of walking, hiking , agility practice, and even indoor play with training toys. But even later in life, you can expect your English Boodle to accompany you on daily walks and occasional camping trips. The stubbornness of the English Boodle can interfere with the effectiveness of your training, so it is important to be patient yet firm while teaching your pup new commands and tricks. This breed does well when it comes to agility training. Daily brushing is a necessity to keep mats from developing and knots from forming. Some English Boodles have such long coats that they need to be trimmed on a regular basis. Regular baths will keep the coat from getting smelly over time. Minor Conditions. A post shared by Pepper mydoggiepepper Appearance Boodle puppies differ in size, shape, and features, depending on the genes they inherit from their parents. Height and weight Since English Boodles are a mix of these two breeds, their size and weight will vary depending on which parent breeds they take after more. They are usually small or medium-sized dogs, standing between 12 and 16 inches tall. Their weight can range from 15 to 50 pounds, and they have a stocky and boxy body, regardless of their size. Coat When it comes to coat types, a Bulldog Poodle mix can take after either parent breed or be a mix of both. Their coat can be short-to-medium in length, and curly, wavy, or straight in texture. A Boodle puppy may be red, fawn, black, or white. Some puppies may also develop gray, silver, or blue coats. The shades will differ, and the coat may be solid, with a single color, or have brindle patterns in two or more colors. Personality and temperament An English or French Bulldog Poodle mix dog can make a great family pet because of its playful personality. These dogs are loyal companions for children, though you should be careful when a large Bulldog Poodle mix is around a toddler. They are also great around other pets! English Bulldog English Bulldogs are known for their kind, easy-going, and loving nature. Despite their sometimes intimidating appearance, English Bulldogs are not aggressive and can even become friends with strangers. Keep in mind that English Bulldogs require regular exercise and grooming to stay healthy and happy. They may not be the most active dogs, but they still need daily walks and playtime. Also, their wrinkles need to be cleaned regularly to prevent skin irritation and infections. Overall, the English Bulldog is a fun dog breed that pet lovers all over the world adore! Poodle The Poodle is an intelligent, sophisticated, playful, and obedient dog. These dogs absolutely love to interact with humans and are playful with their family members. Their eagerness to please their humans, combined with their intelligence, makes them quick learners who can easily pick up tricks and training. However, they are also known for being emotional and sensitive dogs. Experienced dog owners understand the importance of exposing Poodles to various experiences to prevent them from becoming hypersensitive, which can lead to anxiety. English Boodle Alert English Boodle dogs are highly alert and have a keen sense of hearing. They make excellent watchdogs and will bark to alert their owners of any potential danger. Neither the Poodle or the English Bulldog is a confrontational dog. Affectionate English Boodle dogs are known for their affectionate and loving nature. They love a good cuddle and adore being around their family members. Social English Boodle dogs are highly social and enjoy the company of their owners and other pets. That being said, they may need a bit more time to get the hang of obedience training. Playful English Boodle dogs are highly energetic and love to play. They are great at entertaining themselves but also love playing with children and other animals! They are playful and enjoy games like fetch, hide and seek, and tug-of-war. Poodles, on the other hand, remain high-energy dogs well into older age. English Boodles have medium levels of energy and need daily exercise to tire them out. Think daily walks, jogs, and playing fetch in the park. Diet English Bulldogs tend to overeat and become overweight, and so can the English Boodle. Grooming These adorable pups require a lot of grooming to keep their coats in good shape. As low-to-no-shedding dogs, they need regular brushing and combing to prevent tangles and mats. Price English Boodle puppies are challenging to find. As I mentioned earlier, most of the time these dogs are in shelters and not from breeders. Health issues English Boodles may face some of the same health problems that their parent breeds face. Skin Fold Dermatitis: a condition where the folds of skin on the face, neck, and tail can become infected and inflamed, leading to itchiness, redness, and odor. You can keep your English Boodle healthy by taking regular trips to the vet—when necessary—feeding your dog high-quality dog food, and giving them enough exercise. Lifespan The average lifespan of Poodles is around years, while the average lifespan of English Bulldogs is around years. However, we can assume that a healthy English Boodle can live to be the same age as its parents. Final Words The English Boodle dog is a mixed breed with a low shedding coat and a friendly personality. This designer dog is rare and hard to find, and you might only find them in shelters and rescues. With proper care and attention, an English Boodle can make a wonderful addition to any household. Have you ever met an English Boodle? Let us know what it was like in the comments! Amazon Associates Program This article may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchase. The cost is not inflated to account for the commission earned. Veterinary Disclaimer: travellingwithadog. Please consult your vet for any questions you have regarding your pets health. She has years of experience fostering dogs and has helped find homes for a variety of different breeds, both large and small! Learn more about her here. Red, tan, gray, black, and combinations of these colors Suitable for: Temperament: Friendly, gentle, affectionate, gets along with other pets, occasionally stubborn As a bonus, mixing in the overall healthier Poodle genes usually helps to decrease some of the admittedly concerning health problems of the Bulldog. English Boodles also boast a low-shedding coat, thanks to their Poodle parentage. Boodles are loving friends to all they meet, human or animal. Gentle and affectionate, they are wonderful family dogs. Read on to learn more about the amazing English Boodle! Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. However, it is important to remember that every dog is unique, and the personality of an English Bulldog and Poodle mix may vary based on individual temperament and upbringing. In terms of physical appearance, English Bulldog and Poodle mixes may have a short, stocky build like the bulldog, with a curly, low-shedding coat like the poodle. They may also have wrinkled skin, a wide head, and a muscular physique, similar to the bulldog. Again, because Boodles are a mix of two breeds, there will be some variation between individual dogs. However, both English Bulldogs and Poodles are generally very friendly, loving, and affectionate dogs. Your English Boodle will most likely display these same traits. English Boodles are very social dogs who crave lots of attention. They want to be with their people as much as possible and might develop anxiety if left alone frequently. English Boodles are usually smart and eager to please. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They do well with children of all ages. If your English Boodle is on the smaller side, supervise them with rowdy kids and make sure your kids know how to play correctly with a dog to prevent any injury. Properly socializing your Boodle puppy with kids and other people will help them grow into a calm, accepting family pet. English Boodles are a very social, attention-seeking breed. They are a good choice for families who can spend plenty of quality time with their dog. Boodles very much want to be included in family life and may develop separation anxiety if they are left to themselves too often. Good-natured English Boodles generally get along quite well with other pets. You can help ensure this is the case by taking care to socialize Boodle puppies with dogs, cats, and other pets as soon as it is safe to do so. If you bring an adult English Boodle into your existing fur family, make sure to properly introduce your new Boodle to the other dogs and supervise interactions with cats and other pets as everyone gets used to each other. Here is some more detailed information about the health and general care of English Boodles to help you make an informed decision. In that case, your veterinarian can help you figure out the best food to feed. Make sure to feed your English Boodle the right food for their stage of life whether a puppy, adult, or senior dog. This is especially important for Boodles because their activity levels change a lot between puppy and adulthood. Bulldogs are prone to being overweight and can have a lot of health problems as a result. If your Boodle takes after their Bulldog parent, weight could become a problem for them as well. English Boodle puppies are very energetic and will need lots of play and walks on their daily schedule. As they move into adulthood, Boodles will become more mellow. Adult Boodles will still need daily exercise to stay fit but not to the same level they did as puppies. They can quickly become overheated and can suffer from heatstroke. Be careful exercising your Boodle in the heat if they take after their Bulldog parent more than the Poodle. Poodles are one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs and are very eager to learn, a trait often passed on to English Boodles as well. Positive training methods with plenty of rewards usually work very well for Boodles. When a Bulldog decides not to do something, it can take a lot of persuasion to change their mind! Continue patiently but firmly teaching with positive reinforcement. If you are having trouble, your veterinarian can suggest training resources to help you and may also be able to recommend good local dog training classes. Some Boodles have short fur like a Bulldog while others have a longer wavy or curly coat. If your Boodle takes after their Poodle parent more, you may need to plan on regular trips to the groomer for a trim as well. Also, make sure to keep their nails clipped and brush their teeth regularly. However, because there is no way to predict exactly how the Poodle and Bulldog genetics are going to mix, Boodles could be prone to any inherited health conditions that impact either breed. Minor Conditions. What is an American Bulldoodle? This Doodle breed is also sometimes known as an American Boodle. Offspring from crossing an American Bulldog and a Poodle results in a family-friendly, energetic dog and an overall great companion. Read on to learn more about the American Bulldog and Poodle breeds. History of the Parent Breeds The following is a look at the traits of both breeds to help you get an idea of what you can expect from a combination of the two. Owners of American Bulldogs love that their dogs can go out hunting, help bring down game, or work the farm, then come home and lie quietly in front of the fireplace. These dogs are also content to be playthings for children and are protective without being aggressive. They also make excellent guard dogs. The American Bulldogs are a loyal and loving breed that brings delight to their owners. American Bulldogs are a heavily muscled breed, which means proper nutrition is essential to help them stay healthy and strong. All dogs are omnivores, but some require a high-protein diet, while others do well on a varied diet. American Bulldog standing in a field. The physical characteristics of the American Bulldog are different from its English counterpart due to the separation from the original bloodlines. An English Bulldog tends to have short legs and a pugnacious appearance, commonly referred to as a fireplug physique. There are two main types of American Bulldog with some variations thereof. The Johnson American Bulldog is close in appearance to the English variety but has longer legs and tends to be a little taller and more slender than its English counterpart. In contrast, the Scott or Standard American Bulldog is taller, sleeker, and has a longer muzzle by and large. All boxers are classified as a brachycephalic breed due to their short muzzles and pushed-in faces. Johnson American Bulldog The Johnson American Bulldog is built like a brick house with broad shoulders and stance, powerful hindquarters, a thick, muscular body, and a boxy head with a short muzzle. They frequently have an underbite that thrusts their lower jaw out and allows their lower teeth to show. Johnson American Bulldog owners love the breed for their low-maintenance needs. They like to get up and go now and again, but their default mental state is that of a mellow, pleasant dog. Providing a Johnson bulldog with regular exercise is a good idea to avoid obesity and keep the joints mobile. Scotts are taller and leaner in build. They are also higher in energy. Poodle Poodle The Poodle has a reputation for being a frou-frou breed due to its popularity among the wealthy. The Poodle was initially developed as a hunting and water dog with the stamina and speed to go after the game or collect it. Dogs that exhibited silky and curly coats were selected for breeding as it was easier to groom and maintain. However, a Poodle needs regular exercise to burn off its energy and help it stay in shape. They also need frequent brushing to keep their hair coat in good condition and regular visits to the groomer to keep their coats manageable. Appearance of the American Bulldoodle The American Bulldog and Poodle have different physiques, coat types, heights, and mental traits, but they work well as a hybrid despite their physiological differences. Offspring from the combination of a Poodle with an American Bulldoodle tend to combine features of both parents or favor one over the other. One of the main reasons why Poodles are crossed with other breeds is to bring together desirable traits, including the hypoallergenic coat that the Poodle is famous for. Coat type The most common coat type is a curly coat with fine hair, although it tends to be shorter and denser. Coat colors Coat colors vary greatly because an American Bulldog can exhibit multiple colors and patterns. No one coat color dominates among hybrid offspring. Poodles range in size from miniature to standard, while the Johnson American Bulldog reaches as high as 28 inches at the shoulder. The Scott American Bulldog reaches about 24 inches in height. Are you looking to buy or adopt an English Boodle? Want to know more about its characteristics and whether it is the right pet for you? Then read on, this guide is for you! Bulldog Poodle mixes are a cross or hybrid dog breed obtained through the mating of a Standard or Miniature Poodle with an English Bulldog. To learn about their origins, let us briefly study the parent breeds. English Bulldog English Bulldogs were bred for the gory sport of bull-baiting. Later on, the bloody sport was banned and the breed almost became extinct. Thankfully, the efforts of some Bulldog lovers revived it back. The breed remains one of the most popular dog breeds and two American Presidents and several celebrities have been its proud owners. Poodle Poodles are available in three sizes which are recognised by the AKC. These are Miniature, Toy, and Standard Poodles. The Poodle breed was first developed in Germany to assist duck hunters to retrieve fowl from the water. Today, they are considered among the most trainable dog breeds and consistently rank in the list of the top 10 most intelligent dogs. Poodles are ideal for crossing and creating designer dog sets because of their intelligence, sweet nature, hypoallergenic coats, and also their high-trainability. They also have great longevity. When combined with the English Bulldog which is known for its loving nature and calm disposition, you get a sweet dog that is willing to take on any training challenges. The Poodle also helps overcome the structural issues brachycephalic noses of the English Bulldog, creating a healthy designer breed. English Boodles have a distinguished look unlike other Doodle breeds hybrid dogs having one Poodle parent. They are small-to-medium-sized dogs and their size depends on the Poodle variety the breeder uses in their breeding program. English Boodles usually measure between inches .Many of these dogs are white, black, fawn, tan, or brindle-coloured. English Boodles could inherit the short legs and tail of the Bulldog or they might develop the slender build and curly coat of the Poodle. In short; there can be a lot of variation in these dogs since there is no set standard. Being hybrid dogs, they are not recognised by the traditional clubs that set these standards. If you want a smaller non-shedding dog, you can always ask the breeder for puppies obtained by breeding an F1 first generation Boodle back to a Toy or Mini Poodle. Fewer Poodle genes will result in a thick, short coat like the English Bulldog. Are Boodles Hypoallergenic? There is no yes or no answer to the question — is the English Boodle hypoallergenic? The answer depends on complex canine genetics. In the case of the English Bulldog, its coat sheds seasonally and it is not hypoallergenic. Therefore, a first-generation or F1-English Boodle puppy cross of purebred English Bulldog and purebred Poodle may or may not be hypoallergenic as it could have genes of both parents. However, if you have an F1-B generation English Boodle puppy a first generation English Boodle crossed back to a Poodle , then the chances are that their puppies will shed a lot less. A Word of Caution About Hypoallergenic Doodle Dogs The reason why Doodles became so popular in the first place is that they were marketed as hypoallergenic dogs. Poodles and Poodle crossbreeds generally shed little, which, in turn, reduces the amount of dander released in your home. The dander is what is responsible for itchy eyes and runny noses that allergy sufferers are familiar with. So, if you have pet allergies, you might want to test out a few dogs you can be around, without feeling sick. The best breeders conduct DNA tests for shedding genes and only breed dogs that shed minimally. This too can reduce your chances of suffering from dog allergy symptoms. English Boodles get their intelligence from their Poodle genes and eagerness to please, and their loving, calm and affectionate natures from their English Bulldog parent. English Boodles are the epitome of sweetness. They get along well with everyone and work well in any type of home. They are a pleasure to be around. They love being a part of the family activities and will make everyone smile with their silly antics. English Boodles are also calm and cuddly. Unlike the English Bulldog which has restrictions on the amount of exercise it can get owning to its brachycephalic nose, the Boodle can go for long walks and play for prolonged periods. They are gentle and friendly dogs that will make great companions for kids. However, their need to be around people and their overly-friendly nature means that they are not great as guard dogs. Also, if left alone for too long, they tend to develop separation anxiety. This can lead to destructive habits if the dog is not trained. However, it also comes with a downside. These dogs need plenty of mental stimulation. They also need you to come up with innovative ways of training them as Bulldogs can be stubborn. Therefore, a Boodle owner will have to think of creative ways to engage with their pet. Play-based training that utilises positive reinforcement is the best training method for poodle crossbreeds. Boodles mostly do well with other pets but will need some socialisation. Once they are socialised, they will welcome the company of another pet — including pets like cats. If not trained in the skill of independence , they are likely to need someone to keep them company. Once you opt to bring home an English Boodle, you will want to become active. These dogs need at least twice-daily walks of minutes along with a game of fetch indoors or in the yard. But exercise it you must, because, without it, these pups can get bored, depressed, and destructive. Finally, if you are still on the fence about whether the English Boodle is right for you, then understand that these companion dogs will brighten your life. They are family-friendly dogs and when you buy one from a good breeder, it also might shed less and keep your home free of pet fur. If you have decided you want a dog, then the English Boodle can be an excellent choice. How Much is an English Boodle? The price of the English Bulldog-Poodle mix is not fixed. Your English Boodle needs a certain blend of nutrients which most commercial dog foods and homemade raw foods can provide. Your vet nutritionist can guide you in this matter. The best dog food for English Boodles is the one that contains real meat as the first ingredient. It is also free from fillers, grains, colours, etc. Your Boodle puppy will need at least meals a day while an adult dog will need 2 meals a day. Make sure that you purchase your puppy from an ethical breeder. This way, you can ensure that the genetic issues seen in the parent breeds are eliminated. The lifespan of English Boodles is years. Subscribe for poodle mix breed information, exclusive offers and access to our community of reputable breeders. Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this.

Find more Bulldog puppies for sale in closest states: Washington , Idaho , Nevada , Utah , Montana , Wyoming If you have never owned a Bulldog before, or are interested in reading more information, check out our Bulldog Dog Breed Information page. Latest Dog Articles Dog in the house Dog - a real one, with the advent of each person whose life is changed. Someone enjoys wonderful moments spent with the animal, someone eventually get tired of careful care of them. Anyway, the pet will always meet his master with eyes filled with love an How to take care of a rising puppy If you have a puppy of a small breed, it will be easier to take care of it. You will need a comb and a small brush. If your four-month puppy has already overgrown grown-up pet dogs and continues to grow rapidly, now while walking you have to handle its to First commands for training dogs Training a dog is a very responsible thing. During first weeks talk with your dog calmly and softly. Whatever are his faults blame yourself, but not him. You are his master who has to foresee everything. Little puppy could be so scared by loud and dreadfu People train dogs to improve their natural skills and abilities, but not all dog trainers do it righta and that subsequently causes an unacceptable result. Actually, dogs are full-fledged members of Grooming is hygienic care of pets necessary for any dog. Some dogs need bathing, combing, cleaning ears and eyes but others need more. Dogs of some breeds need haircut. It's because of hygienic and aesthetic requirements. View Our Available Puppies! They are also known as F1b pups-meaning a 2nd generation Beabull puppy. We usually have a few Unique Colored Beabull Puppies! In each litter of beabull pups, we are usually blessed with a few unique Lilac or Lilac Merle colored puppies in each litter. These puppies are unique and highly sought after. Our adult beabulls typically weigh between pounds once they are adults. They usually reach an average height of inches at the shoulders. The life expectancy of a beabull is normally years of age. Our second-generation beabulls are usually smaller in size than a purebred English Bulldog and have a lot of added benefits and genetic advantages over registered English bulldogs. They usually have a longer muzzle that allows them to breathe better than the snub nose of the bulldog. Giving your beabull regular baths will help keep their coats clean and shiny. So if you live near Medford Oregon and are looking for a healthy and beautiful beabull puppy then check out are available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some beabull pups that have been adopted.

Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. By Barri J. Morrison, DVM on Jun. Today, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are in the herding breed group, which means they are high-energy and love having a job or an outlet for regular exercise. They are known for their confidence, loyalty, and bravery, as well as their ability to thrive with expert levels of dog training and obedience. German Shepherds are commonly used as working dogs in the military and police for patrolling, bomb sniffing, and search and rescue. This large dog breed has an average weight ranging from 65—90 pounds. They are typically 22—26 inches tall with a life expectancy of 10—12 years. Caring for a German Shepherd German Shepherds are incredibly active dogs that require intense training and regular exercise to keep them out of trouble physically and mentally. They are best for active families and experienced pet parents. Socialization and consistent training will be essential when a German Shepherd is a puppy. This will help them to grow out of unruly behaviors such as nipping and jumping. German Shepherds have a double coat that sheds a lot. They will also typically go through a molting, which is a period of excessive shedding, one to two times a year. German Shepherd Health Issues While German Shepherds have a long life expectancy for a large breed dog, they are prone to several health problems. A trustworthy breeder will screen both male and female dogs being bred for health conditions such as degenerative myelopathy and hip and elbow dysplasia. German Shepherds commonly also get gastric dilation and volvulus GDV , commonly known as bloat, as well as cancer, allergies, heart disease, and a few other conditions. Pet parents of German Shepherds should be highly educated on the symptoms to look for, as early detection is the key to a good prognosis for any serious condition. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a neurologic disorder that affects the spinal cord, slowly causing paralysis of the back legs. Early signs of degenerative myelopathy include weakness in the hind end and difficulty standing up. Watch your dog carefully for signs of pain and discomfort that come on gradually rather than suddenly. Check their claws at least once a month to watch for signs of uneven wear which would indicate a subtle lameness. There is no treatment for this condition, but physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and protect their ability to use their legs. While there is no cure, you can test for this condition using a DNA-based blood test submitted to the University of Florida or the University of Missouri. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is a degenerative joint disease that can cause lifelong pain in the front limbs. Hip dysplasia is another degenerative joint disease that affects the hind end. Clinical signs include limping, decreased range of motion, and other signs of pain—especially later in life, as arthritis sets in because of this disease process. The treatment for all degenerative joint diseases includes weight loss, reduced activity, joint protection supplements, anti-inflammatory and pain medications, or surgery. Cancer Cancer can develop in German Shepherds at any age, but usually occurs later in life. Common cancers include hemangiosarcoma and bone, lung, and intestinal cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that is most often detected in blood-rich organs such as the spleen and the heart. The signs of hemangiosarcoma are usually related to internal bleeding, with symptoms such as weakness, white or pale gums, trouble breathing, a distended abdomen, and collapse. Other signs are usually nonspecific and indicate overall malaise, including lethargy, panting, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. Depending on the extent of the cancer, treatment plans can include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Bloat Gastric Dilation and Volvulus Bloat, or gastric dilation and volvulus GDV is a sudden life-threatening condition when the stomach enlarges with gas bloat and then twists upon itself GDV. This happens commonly in deep-chested, large-breed dogs such as German Shepherds. To limit the risk of GDV, German Shepherds should wait at least 30 minutes to one hour after eating to resume exercising. Another way to help prevent your German Shepherd from developing a life-threatening GDV would be via gastropexy. A gastropexy permanently attaches the stomach to the inside body wall. This fixation of the stomach prevents the stomach from being able to twist upon itself. Allergies Allergies in German Shepherds can be first seen with symptoms such as itchy skin, skin infections , ear infections , or digestive upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. A thorough medical history and physical examination, diagnostic testing of skin and ears, blood work, and fecal tests are warranted if you suspect that your dog has allergies. Allergies in dogs can be treated by avoiding the cause and the allergen and managing the symptoms that exist with diet therapy and medications. Heart Disease Heart disease, specifically DCM dilated cardiomyopathy , valvular disease, and heart murmurs, can be common in German Shepherds. A special diet should also be considered to restrict sodium intake and to increase the amount of certain amino acids to promote heart health. Dogs with significant heart disease should not be pushed to exercise beyond their limits. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI is a digestive health issue that occurs when the cells of the pancreas do not produce enzymes and hormones normally. The most common symptom is weight loss, despite your pet having a ravenous appetite. Other symptoms of EPI include soft stool or diarrhea; excessive gas; desire to eat feces and other unusual objects; flaky skin; or rough coat. Once the pancreas is damaged to the point that symptoms of EPI develop, you must give your dog pancreatic enzyme supplements and other treatments for the rest of their life. Nevertheless, with proper management, your dog can still live a happy life with this condition. Pannus Pannus, or superficial keratitis, is an immune-mediated painful eye condition that can cause blindness if not managed properly. It occurs more often in dogs that live at high altitudes, those with increased exposure to UV light, and in areas with severe air pollution. Keeping dogs indoors during the sunniest part of the day, providing a doghouse shelter, or trying a specialty pair of doggie sunglasses like Rex Specs may prove very helpful in preventing this issue. Most of these conditions have a genetic component and can be avoid by good breeding and preventive screening practices. They require a high-quality, age-appropriate diet to meet their nutritional needs. These diets are usually labeled puppy, adult, or senior. Offering table food and animal bones should be avoided, as they can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia, and they also have a much higher fat content than dog food. High-fat foods can also cause pancreatitis. How Much to Feed a German Shepherd In general, puppies should be fed 3—4 times per day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day. How much you feed is determined by the specific food your German Shepherd eats. You can ask your veterinarian, follow the package instructions, or contact the dog food manufacturer, as AAFCO-approved diets have veterinary nutritionists who help determine these requirements. There are some theories that German Shepherds that are fed smaller, more frequent meals have a lower incidence of bloat and stomach problems. How to Feed a German Shepherd Although there is a genetic component, science shows that rapid long bone growth in puppies such as German Shepherds and other large- and giant-breed dogs contributes to development of joint and bone conditions. Rapid bone growth is suspected to be caused by overfeeding and calcium supplementation. German Shepherds that are fed free-choice or overfed are at higher risk of rapid bone growth. Maintaining lean body weight will also help to decrease the rate of bone growth. Calcium supplements and adult dog foods rich in calcium should never be given to German Shepherd puppies under 6 months of age, as they cannot absorb calcium appropriately when they are that young. Conditions caused by rapid long bone growth and excess calcium supplementation can include: Hip and elbow dysplasia Osteochondrosis dissecans of the shoulder, knee, wrists, and ankles. This is improper growth and blood supply in a joint, which requires surgery to prevent osteoarthritis from developing. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy HOD. This is inflammation of the bone under the growth plate; it can cause severe joint swelling, pain, fever, anorexia, lameness, and not wanting to move. This is an inflammation of the long bones and associated blood vessels. Joint swelling is uncommon, but the symptoms are similar to HOD. MSM has all-natural anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids high-quality fish oil are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties as well when given at appropriate doses. Research shows that reducing inflammation helps to control pain associated with osteoarthritis , which is a common problem in dogs with joint issues. Probiotics Probiotics such as Purina Calming Care can be helpful not just for digestive issues, but with minor behavioral issues as well. Digestive enzymes come in powdered form to assist dogs who have pancreatic issues, such as German Shepherds with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Other vitamin and mineral supplements are generally not needed for healthy puppies and adults, as they get all they need from their AAFCO-approved diet daily. The breed is considered to be smart and easy to train. They are known to be gentle family dogs and loyal protectors of those they trust. This loyalty can make German Shepherds seem more standoffish around strangers. It does take them some time to gain the trust of other people and other pets. German Shepherds are a very active and athletic breed that require a ton of exercise for both their physical and mental health. Without exercise they will develop unfavorable behaviors, due to irritation and pent-up energy. Controlled leash walks and supervised free play in safe, fenced-in areas should be started when they are puppies. Keeping a German Shepherd on a leash at all times when in public places is a good rule of thumb, as even the most well-trained dog can be distracted and not follow regular commands, leading to a possible confrontation. These results should be provided to a pet parent by the breeder of the German Shepherd before the dog is purchased. Not all temperament and behavioral issues are evident in a growing puppy, and it is impossible to predict whether a dog will be free of these problems. Find a trustworthy breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible. German Shepherd Behavior German Shepherds, like other herding dogs, tend to be on the nippy side. They have very powerful jaws, and unfortunately, they frequently bite. Most aggressive German Shepherds are aggressive because of their owners. The German Shepherd dog is a pack animal. They need you to be the leader of the pack, providing structure and guidance. The key to success is consistency and practice; you will get the behavior you reward. German Shepherds from working lines have an extremely strong drive to work and may be more dog than most people can or want to handle. German Shepherds are very smart companions and exceptional workers. This helps you build the right foundation for your puppy to evolve into a well-adapted and well-mannered adult dog. Conversely, when your dog barks at you to pet them, do not start petting them until they sit down and quietly wait for you to do so. Soon they will learn that they get what they desire without the excessive, unnecessary behavior. German Shepherds thrive on consistency, positive reinforcement, and a reward system, such as a treats or toys to help strengthen the human-animal bond. They become very bonded to all members of the family and will be willing to participate in many family activities. Fun Activities for German Shepherd Herding. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Since German shepherds are large, active dogs and are known to have hips that give out, it's important to make sure they have good nutrition throughout their lives. Make sure to buy healthy food that is not full of filler ingredients. For example, make sure you are feeding a quality food that contains animal protein and doesn't use corn for protein. You can feed your German shepherd dry or wet food, or a combination of both. If you choose to feed your German shepherd homemade meals, it's important to talk to your veterinarian about what they need to include. This will help ensure that the dog will get a balanced diet. Try to resist giving your dog table scraps, especially if it is begging for them. People food can be unhealthy for the dog and can impact its interest in its healthy food. As your dog ages, it will have different nutritional needs. Feed your dog a food that is designed for its specific age, such as a puppy food when it very young, an adult food when it is in middle age, and senior food when it is in old age. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source There are also specific formulas you may need to consider at some point, for example, special foods for large breeds or weight control food for overweight dogs. Talk to your vet about what food will work best for your dog. Because your vet will understand your specific dog's health issues, they may want it to get specific nutritional needs met. Instead, mix the foods together, gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old food over the course of several weeks. Look at the packaging of the food to determine the suggested serving size. This should be based on the size and age of your dog. You can also talk to your veterinarian about how much they think your dog should be eating. It is best to divide your German shepherd's daily food into 2 or more smaller meals. Giving smaller meals helps to minimize the risk of bloat, which is a life-threatening swelling of the abdomen. Go to source When you feed your dog several times a day, your dog will need to relieve themselves shortly after each meal. Never exercise a German shepherd right after they eat since this could increase the risk of bloating. In addition to feeding it healthy food, the snacks you feed your German shepherd can have an impact on its health. Pick low calorie treats that are satisfying for dogs, including crunchy vegetables and kibble in a feeding toy that slows the dog's consumption down. Dogs can drink a lot of water every day and it's important that they do to prevent dehydration. Fill up its bowl with clean water every day and leave it where your dog has access to it. Also, check up on the bowl throughout the day, if possible, to make sure there is plenty of water available. However, German shepherds should drink small amounts of water throughout the day, instead of drinking a large amount at one time. Gradually hydrating throughout the day will ensure that the dog doesn't get bloat. Dehydration can be a threat to your dog's health. Signs that it might be dehydrated and needs more water include excessive panting, loss of appetite, and dry nose or gums. If you see these symptoms, give your dog water immediately. Go to source Advertisement. German Shepherd dogs are known for their athletic capabilities, intelligence, and loyalty, making them one of India's most sought after breeds. Dog lovers are enamoured by the German shepherd's majestic appearance, intellect and guarding abilities. If you have decided or have recently become a German Shepherd's parent, you should be grateful to have such a loving and loyal companion who will stand by you no matter what in the years to come. However, parenting a German Shepherd is not an easy feat. Multiple factors need to be taken into consideration before you are confident that you will be able to provide for the needs of this dog. Parenting a German Shepherd is a highly gratifying affair, but the first step is choosing your puppy and caring for it. It needs to be planned out carefully to ensure that you and your dog spend all your days enjoying maximum satisfaction. This article will run you down through all the crucial decisions and actions that must be taken, starting from whether you should parent a German Shepherd, all the way to how you can care for your puppy. Is a German Shepherd is right for you? Before answering this question, it is imperative to check if parenting any German Shepherd is right for you to begin with. This breed is a very demanding one. It requires plentiful exercise to remain physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate playtime and activity, dogs of this breed can become destructive. So the question here is, do you have the facilities required to give your German shepherd this level of exercise? Do you have a yard, a park or a lawn near you where you can exercise your dog? Do you have the time to take them out on frequent walks? German Shepherds are usually suitable for people who engage in high-intensity sports such as running and bicycling. Will you be able to engage in such activities for the benefit of your dog as well as you? Similarly, German Shepherds are highly sociable animals and thrive in interactive environments. They need other dogs or people around them most of the time. Does your daily routine allow you to be near your dog for long periods of time? If you plan to leave your German shepherd at home for hours a day while you are working, this breed may not be suitable for you. Dogs of this breed are also prone to excessive shedding, and you need to be ready to find a lot of dog fur all around you. Being a large breed, feeding and taking care of these dogs are time and money intensive. They live long lives and can suffer from health problems too, and thus, caring for them can be an expensive affair. Thus, these are some of the questions that need to be answered to gauge whether a German Shepherd is indeed right for you to begin with. With these conditions in place, this breed may not be ideal for first-time dog parents. Coming to the type of German Shepherd that is right for you, this breed can be classified into two categories - work line type and show line type dogs. The differentiation is based on the heritage of the dogs of this breed and the purpose for which they were bred. Show lines were mainly bred for their look, colour and body type. Work Lines were primarily bred for their health and personality rather than to look a certain way. The line you choose depends on what you really want to be doing with your German shepherd. Work lines should be chosen if you seek a family pet or want some type of function to be performed because this type is known for its trainability, knowledge and skill. However, if you are more concerned with your dog's appearance, then going after show lines might be more appropriate. It must be mentioned, though, that it is possible to find show line dogs with the same characteristics as work line dogs and vice versa if they have been bred by individuals who are concerned with their appearance as well as health. Beyond work and show lines, age is another essential factor to consider. A good breeder would not offer puppies that are lesser than 8 weeks old as they still require their mother's milk as well as other social skills. Puppies who have received this from their mothers will be less likely to engage in destructive and unruly behaviour. First and foremost, verify that the puppy's parents have good health and desirable temperaments. Then examine the puppy in terms of health and hygiene by checking the eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, paws, etc. Study the gait of your puppy; it should be even. With German Shepherds, in particular, it is vital that you choose a pup that does not have undesirable traits. Visit the breeder at least four to five times before making a decision. Choosing a pup from the litter that is neither the timidest nor the most dominant would be wise if you want a bit of both traits. A German Shepherd puppy that is well built, energetic and sociable would be ideal. Next, to gauge the temperament of a puppy you want to select, you could perform a few simple tests, such as making eye contact with them. If they hold contact, it reflects confidence. It might be a sign of nervousness and anxiety if it looks away. Clapping your hands is another simple test. If the puppy runs away, it can be judged as timid, but it can signify that the pup wants to be friends if it approaches you. Similarly, other tests include calling the puppy to pet it, introducing it to a new toy, making a sudden noise, lifting the puppy and holding it above your head, or grabbing its paw. The reaction of puppies to such actions can provide much-needed insight into a puppy's temperament and help prospective dog parents make the right choice. On the one hand, if you prefer a dog that isn't prone to undermining your authority, it would be sensible to choose a moderately submissive puppy. On the other hand, if you want a dog for protection, it would be wise to choose a tough, trainable, and courageous puppy. After four to five visits, it would be possible for you to judge correctly - the personality and various character traits of the puppy you're interested in. As German Shepherds have highly individual personalities, you might bond more with one German Shepherd than the other. Lastly, before making a final decision, it is always good to ask the breeder for their opinion, as good breeders often have vital information about their puppies and can provide valuable insight into their characteristics and temperaments, thereby ensuring that you exactly find what you are looking for. Bringing Your German Shepherd Puppy Home Once you have established a rapport with a puppy and have made up your mind about becoming a dog parent, or a dog parent to another puppy, take a friend or companion with you who can help you clean up if your puppy is carsick. If you intend on making your puppy comfortable in a crate, give the crate to the breeder a few days before you bring the puppy home so that the breeder can help it acclimatize itself to the crate. The first day at home will be a traumatic experience for your puppy as it is away from its family. Thus, ensure that your puppy has a place to be comfortable and relaxed, with an adequate amount of food and water. It would be wise to spend some time exclusively with your puppy initially, such as an extended weekend plan so that your bond can grow. Be sure to collect your puppy's adoption contract and veterinary records. Furthermore, find out the exact kind of food that the breeder was giving the puppy you just adopted. Giving your pup entirely different food during the first few days can be traumatic for them. With their unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds, your home and car can frighten your puppy, leading it to stress out and get anxious. Anticipate this and give your pup some time to adjust to the new environment. The first few days can be demanding as a dog parent because you need to adapt to changes in your schedule with the arrival of your puppy. Similarly, the puppy, too, can cry, whine or get overly affectionate, which can be regarded as coping mechanisms to deal with the sudden change in environment. During this time, make sure you don't scold your puppy or be overly affectionate either. Before bringing your newly adopted puppy home, it is essential for you to puppy-proof your home! Go down on all fours and check for sharp objects, hazardous materials, or any other dangerous substance that your puppy might end up chewing or swallowing. Cover your electrical outlets as well. Stock your home with food that your puppy has been eating while under the breeder's care. Keep an adequate amount of food and water, water bowls, treats, and grooming tools such as brushes, shampoos for puppies and nail clippers. Cleaning detergent for stains and smells will also come in handy in case of any accidents. Decide on that area of the house that will be where your puppy spends most of its time. This step is crucial as constantly changing your puppy's place can lead to disruptive sleep patterns and cause stress. German Shepherds, being extremely active, will tend to run across your halls, and in such cases, an accident or two are bound to happen. In such cases, it would be a good idea to restrict your dog's movements to areas that can be cleaned easily. Furthermore, German Shepherds have sharp claws and can ruin expensive hardwood floors, so it would be wise to keep them away from such flooring. As mentioned previously, your puppy will be nervous during the first few days. Frequent bathroom breaks will be a necessity for your pup, and thus, keep an area designated just for this purpose. Also, let your dog run around the house and acquaint itself with its surroundings. If your dog is chewing or biting furniture in a puppy-proofed home, you could offer a toy as a distraction. If you have children, teach them how to properly handle your puppy without being too rough. If you have other pets, give your pup a chance to meet and acknowledge them. Be careful while introducing your puppy to other puppies and grown dogs. However, most dogs are not aggressive with puppies, so it is doubtful that you will face problems on this front. Between eight and sixteen weeks of age, Puppies require plenty of clean water to drink and many meals a day. They also have small bladders and hence, will urinate often. Since they expend a lot of energy during the day, they will take several naps. It would be recommended to begin a daily routine for your pup and stick to it. Since German Shepherds require a lot of physical activity, taking them out in the mornings and evenings for an adequate amount of time religiously would be necessary. The faster you get your pup accustomed to a routine, the more beneficial it is to better sleeping schedules and better mental and physical health. When you begin house training your dog, be sure to praise them when they relieve themselves in designated areas but refrain from punishing them if they fail to do so. Remember that your home is a new environment for them, and thus, it will take a while to house train them. Training Your German Shepherd Puppy. Training your dog from the day they come home is very important. Clear rules should be set that should not be broken. For example, if you do not want your dog to get on the bed, do not let them come on the bed ever. Allowing them sometimes and then not other times gets confusing for your dog, and they may not be able to learn the desired behaviour effectively. Training your puppy can be divided into two stages, each with different objectives. The first stage of training needs to take place when your pup is between eight to sixteen weeks of age. In this period, socialization, house training and crate training goals must be accomplished. The second stage of training needs to occur when your puppy is three months of age until about 9 months. The main objectives of this training phase are obedience training, impulse control, and recall. From 8 - 16 weeks Goal: Socialization German shepherds are very protective of their owners. This makes it essential to make them see that other individuals are not necessarily threats. This period is critical to expose your puppy to different people in non-threatening situations. This can help them grow more confident around strangers instead of becoming hostile. Socialization creates a strong foundation for the rest of your puppy's training. One example of socialization comes from the grooming requirements of this breed. German Shepherds need to be groomed regularly so that they don't shed a lot. Thus, introducing them to groomers at a young age and to tools like blow dryers and nail clippers can help achieve this goal of adapting to social environments. Furthermore, to improve their mental development, expose your puppy to new sights, sounds and smells to help their confidence improve. Goal: Crate Training Training your puppy to sleep or stay in a crate can be difficult at first as they might face separation anxiety. Crate training is necessary if you prefer sleeping alone or washing the utensils in the kitchen and need your puppy to stay in one place for a couple of minutes. Patience is key to achieving this goal. Help them get over their separation anxiety with the help of treats and toys. You can also use your crate for feeding purposes to help your pup get more acclimated to it. Goal: House Training A strict schedule can help get your dog house trained. When your pup is around 8 weeks old, it should be taken outside for a bathroom break every two hours or so. At 12 weeks, it should be taken every 3 hours and around 16 weeks, every 4 hours or so. Begin teaching your puppy how to eliminate on cue by looking for signs such as sniffing the floor or circling a particular spot, or going to an area where it has made a mess before. Using a command to push your puppy to go outside to relieve itself can be helpful. Remember to praise your pup when it obeys such actions. From 3 - 9 Months Goal: Obedience Training German Speherds are acutely intellectual and have a commendable work ethic. Training that has begun early and consistently can help your puppy's best traits and features emerge with time. Dogs of this breed are excellent at obeying commands, and you can begin this type of training by teaching basic commands such as stay, down, and up. They can even be trained to walk on a leash easily during this period. Goal: Recall When obedience training is done right, the goal of recalling or successfully calling your puppy to come to you becomes relatively easier. Achieving recall takes patience and practice. It should be done diligently and on a daily basis, using treats and toys as incentives. Achieving this goal can come in handy during emergency situations as well. Goal: Impulse Control German Shepherds are highly susceptible to boredom, often resulting in excessive and inappropriate chewing, barking, chasing, etc. They also have a tendency to chase down cars and even cats. Such impulses need to be controlled as they can otherwise lead to destructive and problematic behaviour. Training for impulse control simply means getting your puppy to pay attention to you when required. You can begin such type of training by getting your puppy to sit before eating or using commands during playtime, which makes them focus on your voice only. Treats and toys could be attractive incentives to encourage your pup to respond positively to commands. Feeding Your German Shepherd Puppy. Remember to follow the breeder's diet in the initial days and gradually change this diet to incorporate different foods. Milk should not be given to puppies at this age as it can cause diarrhoea. Puppies need to be given food rich in protein, calcium and fats as they are still growing. Their food needs to be higher in calories when compared to the food given to a grown dog. When you give your puppy a food bowl, give it a specific window of time to finish eating, such as 10 or 15 minutes. After this period, remove the bowl. This will help your pup understand that it has to eat during a specific period of time only, which is a valuable component of obedience training. Between 4 to 6 months of age, you can start feeding your puppy increased portions of food four times a day. Foods such as meat and vegetables would be ideal. Treats should only be resorted to during training and not as actual food for mealtimes. Make sure to never give leftover human food to puppies as they contain spices, salt, sugar and so on, which are very unhealthy for dogs. FAQs: Are german shepherd puppies hard to take care of? Not just german shepherds, all puppies are hard to take care of initially. This is because it is exactly like getting a newborn baby home. There will be sleepless nights, vet visits, training, creating and sticking to routines and so on. However, these efforts will eventually pay off, because once your pup is trained, they will be socialized and can adapt to your lifestyle easily. How many times should a german shepherd puppy eat a day? For up to four months, puppies should be fed three to four times a day. Post this period, gradually reduce the number of times your pup is fed. After eight to nine months, two meals a day will suffice. Where should my german shepherd sleep? German shepherds are highly sociable animals and should not be left alone for too long. Puppies should be trained to sleep in a crate or share the bed with you if you so desire. As they grow older, they can be allowed to sleep in a crate, or in an area specially designed for them. What are the best foods for german shepherd puppies? Like other puppies, they too require meals that are high in protein, grain-free, rich in good quality fats without any chemicals, artificial additives etc. Is it okay to feed a german Shephard 3 times a day? Up to eight to nine months of age, it is okay to feed your German Shepherd three times a day. However, feeding them twice a day is more than enough beyond this age. The amount of food ultimately depends on your dog's age, size, weight, and levels of physical activity. When do german shepherd puppies stop biting and jumping? It is perfectly normal for your puppy to constantly bite, chew, or jump for the first four to six months. However, while teething is normal, you must redirect your puppy to chew on toys and other things that are appropriate instead of household furniture. Do not wait to think issues will be resolved after months. Get professional help from day 1 to teach your pup the right behaviours. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are amazing dogs with perfect guiding skills and prominent intellect. If you have decided to get one for your home, be sure that you will obtain an obedient, loyal, and reliable friend. However, you need to know the main principles of German Shepherd puppy care to understand how to raise your dog healthy, energetic, and well-trained. Consider whether this dog breed is for you. Home conditions play a great role, so ensure that your GS puppy will feel great at your home. Consider such things as feeding , house training, socializing, exercising, playing, bedding, teaching obedience, grooming, and medical treatment. This guide will help you to find out more about this fascinating breed and how to deal with it with less effort. German Shepherd Puppy Care Starts with the First Minutes You can select your German Shepherd either as a puppy from a reputable breeder or as an adult dog in a dog shelter. Remember that your relationships with your fluffy friend start with the very first minutes of your acquaintance. Bringing a Puppy Home Suppose you have chosen a puppy from a breeder. Now, the first task is to bring it home. Bring someone with you to facilitate the task. You can use a puppy crate. So, ask your breeder to introduce the puppy to it several days before you take it home. However, taking a young puppy from its mother and siblings is always a big stress. Do your best to reduce it. If it is purebred, you may need a copy of a pedigree certificate. It is important if you want your dog to participate in shows. If you take the puppy home in a car, try to reduce the stress from new odors and experiences by letting it explore the inside of a vehicle to get used to it for a while before you drive. The puppy can start whining, so you may want to put it on your lap. However, puppies usually feel carsick and frightened, so they may make a mess. If your trip is long, you may stop and let your puppy stretch and relieve itself. You have already prepared it for a new tenant. This preparation should involve taking away all electrical wires, dangerous materials, tiny and sharp items, and everything your puppy can chew or swallow. You will also need chew toys, and a good cleaning detergent because accidents can happen during the first days. Learn the basics of how to care for a German Shepherd puppy before you bring it home. You may need to know how to arrange an area for sleeping , playing, and relieving. Start with introducing your little one to the potty place outside, and then bring it inside. Your doggy needs to get used to its new home first. So, let it explore the room meant for its stay first. If your puppy starts chewing furniture or house items, give it a chewing toy. Your new friend wants to see a pack leader in you, so it is essential to take this role from the very first minute. You can do it right now because further on it may try to challenge this role. Speak calmly but firmly, call the puppy by its name, and encourage it. If you have young kids, explain to them how to deal with the doggy. Introduce other pets to it. If you have a cat, it is likely not to care much about the puppy. Your cat will just sit and observe. Though, if you have other dogs, they may show a sort of aggression. So, you may need a muzzle for your dog at first to protect the puppy. When you see that they start getting on well, you may take off the muzzle. After that, you can feed your pup. Offer it some food that it is used to. After eating, take the doggy outside for relief. Wait for minutes and then take it back inside. Young puppies need to be fed several times per day, and they should have a lot of drinking water in a separate bowl. It may be the start of house training. However, accidents may happen, so do not scold or punish it. You also need to take your pup outside after every playing session. Try not to feed the doggy before it goes to bed, or you will have a sleepless night. Your puppy needs a special place for bedding. It may be a crate or some mat in a designated part of the room. Your little dog will go to it as soon as it wants to take a nap when it understands that it is its bedding. The First Night at Home Is Challenging The first night in a new place is a challenging and stressful experience for a puppy. It may start crying and whining because it is a pack animal and its instincts prompt it that staying alone is hazardous. So, you need to be in contact with your little one all the time. Avoid giving it food or drink immediately before going to bed because it will end in a mess in the room. Play with the pup for a while to make sure it is tired and ready to sleep. Take it outside before sleep and praise it if it is successful in doing its job. It will be difficult to eliminate this habit in the future. The best way is using the crate. Though, keep the crate not far from you to keep an eye on the pup. You can put it in your bedroom for the first night to make it feel comfortable. Give the puppy a treat before placing it into a crate. The puppy may want to potty at night, so take it out every three hours. You may need to take it out just once during the first nine months of age. You should offer optimal conditions for health, well-being, and daily activities. Month One Breeders are usually fully responsible for the care of a puppy during its first month. There is a strong risk of infections from adult animals and people that can lead to death. The mother is responsible for hygiene. At the age of 3- 6 weeks , breeders should carry out the first deworming. If there is a risk of infections, the puppies should receive their first preventive vaccination. More about 6 week old GSD puppy care. Month Two At this age, a puppy can have its new owner. Weaning from a mother is always significant stress, so if you take the puppy from the breeder, try to distract it with toys and continuous communication. When at home, the doggy needs a determined place for living. The ideal option is to keep it in an enclosed space with a special booth. When you want to keep the dog in a kennel, use straw or hay for its bedding. You can leave your pet unattended for a while during this time, but not for a long time to avoid stress. Moreover, it can start gnawing on something dangerous, get poisoned, and die. Do hair brushing times a week. Do not bathe the puppy before the vaccination. Even adult German Shepherds should not be washed more than 3 times per year. If there is a need for more frequent washing, do not use shampoo. Clean the ears and teeth 1 or 2 times per month. Monitor the eyes. If some redness or tearing appears, contact the vet. Vaccinate your puppy against plague, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus enteritis, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis at this age. Do deworming 2 weeks before the vaccination. Observe a 3-week quarantine after the first vaccination before walking outside. Do not bathe the puppy, change its diet, or do much exercise during this time. More about 2 month old GSD puppy care. Months Three-Six The puppy grows quickly during this time. Its limbs become longer, and the doggy is getting stronger. Start regular walking with the puppy. The first walks should be no more than 5 minutes, but at the age of 4 months , you can walk with it for minutes already. Up to 6 months, it is advisable to walk times a day, but when the puppy gets older, 2 long walks are enough. Take your puppy outside in your arms for the first walks, and then offer it moderate runs and games. Take care of its musculoskeletal system from the first months. The second vaccination is needed at the age of 3 months , and the next one is after the change of teeth. The teeth change at months, so the ears may drop down during this period because of a lack of calcium. As a breed, however, German Shepherds often show these other traits: Easily bored if not given something to do, which may lead to barking or chewing Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog Overprotective of family and territory if not socialized properly Can have an unstable temperament if not bred properly, including excessive barking, hyperactivity, or aggression Suspicious of strangers Prone to a number of health problems She is a faithful companion that can excel at most anything. With early socialization and confident leadership, she is a cheerful and dependable addition to any family. The German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany in .The German Shepherd has consistently been one of the most popular breeds in the United States since the early s with a rise in fame then attributed to canine film stars Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart. GSDs are favored working dogs because of their strength, intelligence, versatility, and obedient natures. The German Shepherd is unmatched in her devotion and courage. She is eager to serve a greater cause with her human companions. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Shepherd. By knowing about health concerns specific to German Shepherd Dogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in German Shepherd Dogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for German Shepherd Dogs. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your GSD looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your German Shepherd is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections German Shepherd Dogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in German Shepherd Dogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. The Vida Veterinary Care doctors will also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Shepherd is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. This means your Shepherd is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Digestive Disorders Several inherited conditions can cause recurring vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss in your Shepherd. These conditions include pancreatic or intestinal disease, food sensitivities, and food allergies. Some of these problems may begin very early in life. To help prevent these conditions, feed only a high-quality pet food we can help you choose the right diet and, most importantly, avoid snacks and table food. The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific digestive disorders your pet may encounter. Bleeding Disorders Your breed is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test, as we may not know your pet has this disorder until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency The pancreas has two major functions: regulating blood sugar and helping digest food. Digestive enzymes are produced by the exocrine part of the pancreas. GSDs are at an increased risk of having too few digestive enzymes, a disorder called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This causes inadequate digestion and absorption of nutrients leading to weight loss; foul-smelling, greasy diarrhea; and a dry and flaky coat due to his inability to absorb dietary fats. Lifelong dietary supplementation of digestive enzymes is an effective therapy. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. The disease is caused when the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing the disc to press on the spinal cord. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump or go up stairs, is reluctant to move around, has a hunched back, cries out, or refuses to eat or go potty, he is likely in severe pain. He may even experience sudden paralysis—he may drag his back feet or be unable to get up or use his back legs. Call us or an emergency clinic immediately! For less severe cases, rest and medication may resolve the problem. And as with so many other diseases, weight control helps reduce the risk of IVDD. You should also provide ramps or steps for your pet from puppyhood on to prevent your dog from stressing his back by jumping on and off of the furniture. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Growing Shepherds can suffer from a painful inflammation of the long bones in the legs called eosinophilic panosteitis, or pano or eo-pan for short. It usually starts around six to ten months of age and shifts from leg to leg. Panosteitis usually causes no permanent damage, but requires pain medication. If your dog has this condition and develops an abnormal gait to compensate for the sore leg s , rehabilitation exercises may be required. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and German Shepherd Dogs are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Heart Disease German Shepherd Dogs are prone to multiple types of heart disease , which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control also go a long way in preventing heart disease. Unfortunately, German Shepherd Dogs can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Shepherds. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. In affected breeds, inflammatory cells infiltrate the cornea the clear part of the eye , which then darkens with exposure to ultraviolet light, and may lead to complete blindness. Doggie sunglasses are also an option to help reduce sun exposure. Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your GSD will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific cancers your pet may encounter. This is a common problem in dogs, and your Shepherd is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite, and reduced activity level followed later by a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss. Treatment usually includes oral medications and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, causes a wobbly, drunken gait in affected pets. Wobbler disease is the result of a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck that pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. When pinched, the nerves do not send signals to the brain as they should causing the pet to be unable to feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice with wobbler disease are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Treatment options include medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery. It affects GSDs more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs, eventually suffering from paralysis in his hindquarters, which also leads to incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture , and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but German Shepherds have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Anal Gland Problems German Shepherds are prone to a painful, longterm condition in which the area around the anus becomes inflamed or develops sores. Signs include bleeding, constipation, licking of the area, smelly discharge around the rectum, and straining or apparent pain when defecating. This condition can be difficult to treat and requires lifelong medications, prescription food, and sometimes even surgery. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Taking Care of Your German Shepherd Dog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your GSD live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. German Shepherd Dogs generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She has a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a fenced yard is a must. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your German Shepherd Dog needs help.

At what age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? As larger dogs, Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to reach their full weight. Most Golden Retrievers will be close to their adult height and weight around a year of age but may need one more year to fill out their chest fully. A six-month-old male Golden Retriever will weigh between 35 to 45 pounds, while their female counterpart will weigh around 30 to 35 pounds at the same age. As for their height, most Golden Retrievers will still need another three to six months to reach their adult height. At this age, they will likely be a few inches away from their adult height, which ranges from .Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on bonding with your pet, puppy-proofing your home, training, microchips, and more! How much bigger will my Golden Retriever get? There are a few ways you can estimate how much bigger your Golden Retriever will get. If they are less than a year old, they still need more time to reach their full adult size. Many Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to completely fill out, though their weight at one year old is usually close to their full adult weight. A puppy is rarely larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you a general idea of their maximum weight. If their paws still look large or oversized next to their body and legs, they are probably still filling out and have some growing left to do, as this is a classic sign of adolescence in canines. What is the size of a full-grown Golden Retriever? As adults, Golden Retrievers will appear overall symmetrical and have a powerful body hidden beneath beautiful, golden fur. Golden Retrievers are stunning, sunny dogs that easily steal our hearts. Unfortunately, as a purebred dog breed, they are more susceptible to genetic diseases, which can compromise their lifespan and quality of life. However, many genetic disorders can be treated or prevented with regular veterinary care. Remember that prevention is almost always easier and less expensive than treatment. Your veterinarian may recommend a large-breed growth food to your Golden Retriever puppy to support their growth rate which can help prevent or decrease the severity of hip dysplasia in adulthood. According to the Veterinary Centers of America , Golden Retrievers are also more prone to gaining excess weight. Golden Retrievers are also susceptible to various genetic health disorders, such as oral tumors and aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is most commonly found in large, purebred dogs, including Golden Retrievers, and occurs when the aortic valves to the heart narrow. Aortic stenosis causes the body to struggle to pump blood through the valve, creating additional stress on the body. If untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to muscle failure and even fatality. However, veterinarians can treat many genetic diseases like aortic stenosis and oral tumors through surgery and medication. Even with proper prevention and wellness care, necessary veterinary visits can be expensive, with many treatments costing thousands of dollars. Out of over 20, pet parents surveyed , only .The last thing you should be focused on when the worst happens is how to finance a needed surgery or treatment for your beloved pet. This is where pet insurance comes in. Just like people, dogs are living longer lives and will need additional veterinary care to maintain a happy quality of life. Let pet insurance help you with these costs should the worst happen to your dog. Wellness plans are also available as an add-on to help with the ongoing costs of regular veterinary care , like x-rays and exams. Act now and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your Golden Retriever is covered should anything happen. Compare top Golden Retriever pet insurance plans side-by-side with Pawlicy Advisor today! Key Takeaways On average, male Golden Retrievers weigh pounds and females weigh pounds. At full height, Goldens stand between .Although puppies groww extremely fast, the Golden Retriever breed can take as long as 2 years to reach full maturity. Owners should keep an eye on their Golden Retriever's diet because they are very prone to obesity. Pet insurance helps cover the cost of care necessary to give your Goldie a happy, healthy life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. The first vaccination for your Golden takes place between 6 to 8 weeks. Since everything is new to your pup, he might be timid and get easily scared. Golden puppies just left their source of security and are away from their littermates and mother for the first time. Bring your pup out to relieve him after every meal. Divide it into four small meals throughout the day. This is also the recommended age to start training. Housebreaking is especially important to avoid bad habits from developing. If you want him to be friendly to all, socialization at this age is also essential. This will help him grow familiar with strange sights, smells, and sounds. For the diet, stick to feeding him four small meals a day with the same amount mentioned for 7-week Goldens. After the vaccines, keep your Golden pup away from other pets for at least two weeks. Golden Retriever at 3 months This allows them to have full immunity, especially against the fatal parvovirus. They are becoming more curious, and you might have a problem with biting. Stay calm and teach him gently but firmly that he is not allowed to chew on you or anything else, except his chew toy. You can also acclimate him to grooming. Get him used to being combed and his paws handled. Introduce him to the blowdryer and praise him when he stays calm. You can start to be more serious about training. Spread 2 cups of kibble over the day, and cut one meal out by the end of the week. He should also be picking up basic commands. If your pup is quick to learn, kick it up a notch by teaching him a few tricks. Golden Retriever at 5 months Offer some chew toys that you can cool in the fridge to alleviate him discomfort. You may also start exercising him for 20 minutes a day, as this is the stage where he should show excitement for the outdoors. Swimming, fetch, and walking are great to start things off. Some Goldens are potty-trained around the 4-month mark, although accidents might still occur. He will have the body of an adult, but the legs and tail of a puppy. Golden Retriever at 6 months Also, his nose and ears will grow faster, so you end up with a goofy-looking pup. You need to be careful with him for the next six months because this is when they are most vulnerable to developing hip dysplasia. Avoid long walks, going down the stairs, and stopping suddenly while running. The pressure from those activities might cause joints to deform. Your Golden may also start to display signs of sexual maturity in the next few months, if not neutered or spayed. Some of them never grow out of it and will stay young at heart into their old age. To be sure he is free from hip dysplasia, have him checked by the vet when he is two years old. When do Golden Retrievers stop growing? Golden Retrievers grow the fastest between 3 to 6 months of age. Around the six-month mark, their growth starts to taper off. This will prevent him from reaching his full potential. If left untreated, it can cause lasting damage to their bones, muscles, immune system, skin, and digestive system. Being ill for an extended period might also affect his development. Your puppy may be stunted due to malnutrition. Dangers of stunted or accelerated growth Some people prefer bigger Goldens, but some like them small, like Mini Golden Retrievers. This might lead to under or over-feeding, neither of which is ideal. Accelerated growth can cause hip or elbow dysplasia. It can also be responsible for bone disease and arthritis. Stunted Golden puppies, whether by illness or under-feeding, are generally weaker, and make them susceptible to falling sick. What is the best age to spay or neuter your pup? You can spay Golden Retriever puppies as early as 8 weeks old, but any time before they reach sexual maturity is preferred, which is around one year old. This will prevent undesirable behaviors such as marking, territorial behavior, or a fixation with toys. All of which are hard to correct when they manifest. For breeds that are predisposed to hip dysplasia, vets recommend spaying around the 6-month mark. Will neutering or spaying your Golden pup affect his or her growth? Yes, fixing a Golden before they reach sexual maturity generally causes your dog to grow bigger. This is because sex hormones suppress growth hormones. Without growth inhibition, your Golden will continue to grow. Aside from joint problems, there are also a few issues connected to spaying or neutering. They can become more prone to some forms of cancer. Some dogs also experience a change in behavior after the operation. The lack of estrogen can make female dogs more aggressive. Male dogs may also experience an increase in fearfulness. Sexual maturity usually occurs in Golden around 8 to 12 months. This gives you ample time to decide whether to sterilize or not. How heavy is a newborn Golden Retriever puppy? But, puppies as small as 10 oz at birth have been recorded. They usually leave their mom at 10 lbs. Also, bigger litters generally have smaller puppies, but they should all catch up by their 8th week. How to identify an overweight Golden Retriever? Use your eyes and hands to assess if your Golden is overweight or not. A survey in showed that .While it might look cute or funny, overweight dogs actually have shorter lifespans. Being excessively chubby shaves off two years and causes health issues. Do Golden Retriever types have different growth rates? Show dogs are often heavier than working dogs. Aside from other factors we mentioned, a nutritious diet and an active lifestyle will help keep your Golden healthy and happy. Remember, their final size will vary from one another, depending on variation and pedigree. When is a Golden Retriever Full Grown? Goldens are a large breed, and like other such breeds, Golden Retrievers grow until they reach their full height and weight. This process typically occurs between the ages of one to two years old, or 18 to 24 months; however, there is some variation in how fast each dog grows during this period due to both genetic factors and environmental ones, like diet or exercise level. Use our weight chart to help keep an eye on how your Golden puppy develops as she grows. Is Your Golden Retriever Healthy? Golden Retrievers are beautiful, friendly dogs that will steal your heart with their cute antics. That said, many disorders that adult Golden Retrievers have are treatable or preventable through regular vet care. Preventative care, along with a pet insurance policy, is an ideal combination to give your Golden a long, happy life. Some of the most common medical conditions that Golden Retrievers are susceptible to developing are: Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia Golden Retrievers are prone to develop hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which are common orthopedic issues seen in many other large dog breeds. The canine hip and elbow rotate smoothly within its socket joint, which holds them together with powerful ligaments. When these areas degrade due to wear and tear caused by poor alignment or injury, excessive stress and uneven bone wear are placed on the attached ligaments, leading to lameness, stiffness, arthritis, and pain. When your dog suffers from dysplasia, simple tasks like jumping into the car or climbing stairs can be difficult. A vet can assess the severity with imaging technology and prescribe relief for any present symptoms, allowing the dog to return to activities as usual. Skin allergies and conditions Golden Retrievers are at risk for various skin problems, including allergic reactions and parasites. They also require more care than other breeds to keep their coats clean due to the deep undercoat that insulates against cold weather. Keep an eye out for any allergies your pup might have towards certain items in their environment, as well as molds and dust, which could trigger reactions on contact-sensitive areas like ears or paws. This breed is also prone to various skin conditions, including granulomas a type of non-cancerous tumor , sebaceous cysts, and lipomas. Cancer The cancer rate among Golden Retrievers is sadly all too common. Golden Retrievers are also often diagnosed with other cancers, including lymphosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and mastocytoma. Heart disease and respiratory issues Golden Retrievers are at risk for various conditions that affect the heart, lungs, and circulation. This disease has severe effects, including death if not treated immediately. If you notice any signs like lethargy or weakness along with difficulty breathing, then see a veterinarian right away as your dog might be suffering from issues caused by SAS. Protect your Golden retriever puppy with pet insurance. You might not be able to control the genes passed down to your Golden Retriever puppy from generation to generation. What if your dog develops cancer or heart issues? The veterinary costs can add up pretty quickly without proper pet insurance coverage. A quality policy will cover a significant portion of all emergency procedures and medication costs. Get Quotes for Your Cat Charitable Giving With every pet insurance policy we generate, we do our bit to help less fortunate animals across Canada and the U. Popular Articles. By Tom Massey Mar 02, Adopting a golden retriever is one of the best decisions you can make. These loving dogs are constantly praised for their gentle and calm, yet playful nature, making them perfect dogs for all walks of life and types of families. So when you do finally bring your Golden Retriever puppy home, you want to do everything you can to give them a long and healthy life for years to come. This is a wide range, so keep in mind that the weight of your Retriever will vary depending on genetic factors and sex. For example, female Golden Retrievers will weigh closer to 55 pounds while Golden Retriever males are heavier and will weigh closer to 75 pounds. Females also typically reach their full size by their first birthday, while males may continue growing through their second year. You can usually tell the size males and females will be based on what their parents look like, which is why Snowy Pines encourages meeting the parents or browsing through their photos and biographies online. Then, calculate 1. What to Expect: This age is crucial for mother-puppy bonding since he will depend on his mother for food, cleaning, and socialization. Image Source Weeks months Golden Retriever Male Weight: Between 8 to 12 weeks, your male puppy will average between 10 to 22 pounds. Golden Retriever Female Weight: Although females will grow to be smaller than males, they are typically around the same weight at this age group. The puppies become very playful, curious, and discover their voices little by little. Introductory training like house training is essential. Socialization is also important, which is why Snowy Pines ensures that all puppies stay with their littermates until adoption. For female puppies, 6 months is a little over the halfway point to their full-size, and males are essentially smaller versions of their adult bodies. Remember, at this age, you can multiply by two to determine their adult weight! What to Expect: Socialization is still crucial at this age, and more intense training can also begin. The puppy should also be kept in happy and safe environments, as any exposure to something fearful at this age may impact him long-term. This is entirely normal: Think of your puppy as a teenager who is going through adolescence and waiting for the rest of his body to catch up. They may get territorial and challenge you and other pets for dominance. Most Golden Retrievers will be fully grown by 24 months old, although this varies. Golden Retriever Female Weight: In most cases, females are finished growing before 16 to 24 months. Whatever their nature is like at the to month mark is likely what it will be throughout their adult life. They are loyal, friendly, and calm, making them the perfect companion for small and large families alike. However, Goldens are susceptible to certain illnesses and diseases that are common in bigger breeds that are typically caused by overfeeding, stunted or accelerated growth, and genetic issues. One of the most common diseases that goldens experience is Osteochondritis dissecans OCD. OCD is a developmental disease that affects large-breed dogs because of the accelerated growth they experience. It is an inflammatory condition that causes abnormal cartilage development on the end of a bone in the joint. This can lead to joint problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia which commonly appears in the elbow, hip, and knee. Image Source The good news is that, although larger breeds like golden retrievers are prone to joint issues like this, you may be able to help prevent it through proper practice. OCD is a specific disease that is more common in dogs that receive too much energy and calcium in their diets. Other common factors are genetics, rapid growth, and hormonal factors. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, and all that extra weight can leave your puppy with skeletal abnormalities that put too much weight on joints. Another way to avoid accidentally stunted or accelerated growth is to ensure your golden retriever puppy is getting fed appropriately and receiving the right amount of calories. Image Source Months Between 2 and 4 months old, your puppy should eat 4 times per day with 2 ounces per meal. This will add up to 7 to 9 ounces per day, depending on how much he willingly eats. Keep him on puppy food through his first year before switching to young adult food. They must receive regular exercise every day. However, this depends on their age. As previously covered, the more your puppy grows, the more susceptible to common diseases like joint problems. Breeders with years of experience, like the team at Snowy Pines, work hard to keep pure bloodlines so that all of the parents and their litters are as healthy as they can be, which helps guarantee a lifetime full of happiness without any issue. Share on. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! Golden Retriever Male Puppy Growth Chart lb and kg Keep in mind that minor differences are not a cause for alarm: it is not compulsory for your pup to weigh the listed amount. However, if your puppy has a very low weight, you will know that you should check with your veterinarian. As a new owner of Golden Retriever Puppy, you will be surprised to know that handling of puppies can boost their growth. Not only does it promote proper weight gain, but it can also affect development in other areas. Introduction In Comparing the puppies who were handled with those who did not show that the puppies that were being held opened their eyes and ears and had their hair grow faster and they even had better motor development. You may want to know how your puppy compares to another Golden Retriever. Or are you worried that your dog growth is not on the right path? In studying Golden Retriever growth charts, it is clear that most pups gain weight between 5 and 10 percent per week. Keep in mind that a lot of factors can affect the growth rate of a puppy. One size doesn't fit all Not all puppies will follow the growth chart at an exact speed. There can be a lot of diverse reasons for this. The growth chart can alert you should there be significant differences. However, even good owners can have skinny dogs. The Golden Retriever growth charts can alert you to the common causes of slow growth. Occasionally it comes down to a change in the dog diet. Ensure your dog likes his food and that he eats frequently. Request your veterinarian to rule out worms or any other condition. In the meantime, rest assured knowing that most puppies do well when they are raised by a loving and caring owner who has a good relationship with a trusted veterinarian and spends a lot of pleasant time with the puppy. To ascertain if your puppy is large, small, or average-sized for his or her age, you will first find the correct chart based on the sex of your puppy. Scroll down until you locate your puppy's age on the left side of the table. Then compare your dog weight with each column subsequently to that age. To predict the future heights and weights of your dog growth for a period of time. If your dog weight is always in the average range, you can scroll down the average column to estimate how large your puppies maybe as an adult. The same applies to other columns too. Remember, this is just an estimate. Not all goldens will grow to the same size and at the same rate. The size of the parents is always a good indicator of whether your dog will be above or below average in size. However, while natural variation is nothing to worry about, stunted growth or accelerated growth is. If a golden retriever puppy is malnourished or suffering from an unidentified medical condition usually hookworm or ringworm , their natural growth can be compromised. This can lead to serious medical issues in later life, as it can leave them with weak bones, weak muscles, and a weak immune system, as well as a tendency to develop both skin and digestive issues. Growing too quickly, largely as a result of overfeeding, can also pose a major health risk. As well as leading to obesity, carrying too much weight at the development stage can leave your golden retriever with skeletal abnormalities, hip dysplasia, and osteochondrosis , a condition that affects the joints. With these tips, you will help fight off those genetic health disorders as well. Appropriate Diet Start off by speaking to your vet for guidance on foods to use for the different life stages. At the very least, you will need a nutritionally complete and balanced diet made for large breeds. Good food will help your pup gain the right amount of weight, look healthy, and have enough energy. Proper exercise will build their muscle and bone strength, prevent obesity, increase their agility, stop destructive behavior, and help them release pent-up energy. Vaccines will help to prevent infectious diseases such as hepatitis, parvovirus, rabies, and distemper, all of which could affect the growth and overall health of your puppy. This will be a plus for her overall health. It would also be great to have your vet do routine health checks on your puppy. This way, no issue will go unnoticed, and treatment can be administered early for better outcomes. A shiny coat and bright eyes are a plus. Alternatively, if you notice rapid weight gain or loss, unusual bumps and lumps on their skin, digestive issues, changes in behavior, and visual or hearing complications, take your dog to the vet right away. Compared to other breeds, Golden Retrievers, especially females, grow pretty quickly. Males could take up to 18 months to achieve the same milestone. However, both will still need an additional year to fill out the chest fully. Adult height, on the other hand, will be reached between 9 and 12 months. As always, females will get there a bit faster than males. You can get a rough idea of how big your golden retriever will grow by first studying the parents. Take note of the size that both of the parents and previous litters have had. Rarely will a puppy grow larger than its parents, so the measurements you gather will give you a better idea of how tall and heavy your golden retriever will get. Full-grown, healthy, male golden retrievers have a height of between 22 and 24 inches while the females are 20 to 22 inches tall. In terms of height and body structure, the Canadian golden retriever has no rival. Spaying and neutering specifically affect the development of bones and also ligament and tendon strength. In fact, some studies report higher incidences of cranial cruciate ligament tears and hip dysplasia among golden retrievers that went through this procedure. Therefore, consult your vet when deciding if and when to spay or neuter your dog. The weight of your golden retriever is a good indication of their healthy development. While male and female Goldens will have different weights and show goldens tend to be heavier than working goldens, overall, they should be hitting the weights listed in the growth and weight chart above. If your dog is not hitting these milestones, consult your vet about malnutrition, possibly caused by worms, and excessive golden retriever growth, which is often the result of overfeeding. If you feel like your pooch is missing any of them, again, it is time to consult your vet. In general, good nutrition and a loving home is a recipe for a happy and healthy golden retriever. If you want to know more about your golden retriever, you can do a DNA test, too. You can choose one of the tests below:.

Contact Can French Bulldogs be left alone? Plus 6 Essential Tips No pet owner likes walking in the house to find overturned and chewed furniture, clawed doors, tattered clothes, and your neighbors complaining about your dog barking and whining for hours in your absence. Does your Frenchie get distressed when you are about to leave the house? Does he go crazy when you come back home? If so then probably your Frenchie is suffering from separation anxiety which results in devastating and destructive behaviors in dogs. It is common for dogs to suffer from separation anxiety. However, some breeds are at high risk and French Bulldogs are one of them. So, can French bulldogs be left alone? French bulldogs detest being left alone at home and are prone to separation anxiety. But simple steps such as establishing a routine, crate training, a good diet, and daily physical activity will help to relax the nerves when alone. If your Frenchie has separation anxiety, he most common symptoms of this disorder include: Excessive vocalization House soiling And destructive behavior. It is more than whining and a serious condition. A doting pet owner would never want to stay away from their fluffy companion for long. However, in our busy lives, it becomes impractical to keep our canine friends with us all the time. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to calm an anxious Frenchie and help them stay at home happily. Are French Bulldogs Clingy? French Bulldogs are the happiest in the company of their owners and can suffer from intense separation anxiety when left alone. Some French Bulldogs can be clingy and follow their owners around wherever they go. They are also called velcro dogs and want to be by your side all the time. This behavior can be attributed to the fact that French bulldogs were originally bred to be toy versions of English bulldogs and were made more dependent on their owners. French bulldogs would mainly work side by side with their owners. Boredom and lack of physical and mental exercise can also make your Frenchie leap up to you as they see you as their primary source of entertainment. Sometimes dogs become clingy when their pet parents give them constant attention which can consequently make them fearful of being alone. However, clinginess can become a problem if it progresses to separation anxiety. If you are someone who spends a lot of time away from home then your Frenchie will not be the right pet for you. They will not be happy sitting around at home alone all day! Signs of Separation Anxiety in French Bulldogs Some of the classic signs of separation anxiety are: Restless behavior Accidents in the house — urinating and defecating Excessive howling and barking when you are gone Pawing to get attention Chewing shoes, clothes or carpets Excessive drooling and panting Becoming anxious when you are about to leave If you see one or more signs in your French Bulldog then that means your dog is suffering from separation anxiety. Difference between Isolation Distress and Separation Anxiety Isolation distress means that your dog hates being left alone and any human or a canine companion would do to keep them company. However, separation anxiety means that the dog is hyper attached to one person and shows stress behaviors when that person is absent even when other humans or pets are present. The problem behavior must be correctly identified before starting to implement any behavior modification techniques. Some French Bulldogs lean towards displaying one of these anxiety disorders or a combination of the two. French Bulldogs are emotionally intelligent and get super anxious when left alone. Untreated anxiety can lead to depression which could result in other illnesses in them. You will have to consult a pet behaviorist to allay the symptoms and to nip the problem in the bud. French Bulldogs are people-dogs and need constant human care and attention. It is okay to leave your Frenchie alone for a few hours but long extended hours can be very stressful to them and can lead to a lot of behavioral issues. A French Bulldog should not be left alone at home for more than 4 to 8 hours even when you have left enough food, water and they have access to a place to relieve themselves. It can be utterly frustrating to come home to destruction and upsetting to see your Frenchie in such distress. Luckily, you can make the process easy for your canine friend in just a few steps. Interactive Puzzles and Toys Puzzle toys are a great way of keeping your French Bulldog entertained for long and give them the much needed mental stimulation. Puzzle toys can mitigate separation anxiety and boredom in dogs. Puzzle toys do not require a lot of movement and can still provide mental stimulation for pets especially the seniors with mobility issues. Interactive toys can help to give your Frenchie a problem and a task to figure out and helps them keep themselves engaged and happy during the time you are away. Establish a Safety Cue A safety cue can be an action or word that you can use every time you leave the house that tells your Frenchie that you will be back. Your Frenchie will start associating these cues with your short absences. If you have to be away for a few hours and your dog knows that you are coming back then they will not become anxious. Therefore, it is important to associate these safety cues with your practiced departures and shorter absences. A safety cue could be a radio, TV , a dog toy one that does not have a dangerous filling and cannot be ripped. You can use these cues during practice sessions. However, remember not to use these cues for a period of time that is longer than they can endure or the value of safety cue will be lost. If your French bulldog engages in destructive chewing while you are gone then giving them a chewing object as a safety cue will be a good idea. Just like other pets, French bulldogs do need stimulation through different kinds of activities to give them added joy and to enrich their lives. Before you leave the house, you can take your French bulldog for a short walk or play a game of fetch indoors. French bulldogs can easily overheat so you need to watch out for excessive panting. By tiring them out you may find that your Frenchie may end up sleeping for long periods when you leave them. Lack of physical and mental stimulation can leave your French bulldog wanting to do something. Idle paws will always lead to unwanted behavior. Investing time in your dog through physical and mental exercise is the only way to help them expend their energy, build confidence, ward off boredom, and stay at home alone. Training Preparation is the key to leaving your French Bulldog alone at home. You can start the training by giving them some time alone. If your Frenchie follows you around everywhere then first ask them to stay in one place while you leave for a short time. If your dog can tolerate this then try leaving the house for some time and then come back. If you are about to leave the house and you notice your Frenchie panicking, try to ignore it so that they get used to it. Repeat this every day. When you arrive home also refrain from giving a warm welcome immediately at the door. This behavior will communicate to your dog that coming home is normal and not a special event. Do not give your French bulldog treats every time you walk in the house. Your dog should learn that there are moments during the day when they could be left alone. Interactive Pet Cameras If your canine companion becomes stressed when left alone you can get a two-way communicator and treat dispenser with cameras which can let you see your pooch wherever you are and also allow you to interact with them. You can even dispense treats to your Frenchie, which can help take away some of the emotional pain they feel when they are home alone. These smart two-way communication devices help you keep a tab on your furry friends with just a push of a button on your smartphones. A dog sitter can keep your French bulldog company while you are away at work. They can take your French bulldog out for a small walk and even give day training. Your Frenchie may not be anxious and frustrated out of malice for you. They are worried about their survival without you being there to protect them. Remember when you are bringing a Frenchie home you are committing to a long-term relationship. Make sure you have enough time to dedicate to your four-legged new family member. Whether you have a busy life, work fulltime, or part-time, there are many creative ways to ensure the needs of your Frenchie are met. Providing an enriching environment and some positive reinforcement can make your Frenchie learn to be by himself and enhance their quality of life. Our Frenchies give us unbelievable attention and we owe them ours in return! Post Views: 1, French Bulldog Puppies Two hours is the limit a day. Having to stay home alone is unfamiliar to them. Peeing more and getting separation anxiety are common symptoms. Adult French Bulldogs Is capable of being left alone approximately 4 to 6 hours each day. They are accustomed to being left at home alone. Depending on the situation. Is your elderly French Bulldog suffering from health problems? Is it necessary for them to urinate more often, for example? How long can I leave my french Bulldog alone? It is difficult to know how your dog is doing when you leave. They will experience stress, anxiety, and barking problems. Decide The Location For our dog. Factors To Take Into Consideration The size of their bladder and their control Duration of your absence There is a yard available Situations weather-wise Destructive practices, whether or not there are any A crate can provide both security and comfort for a French Bulldog. Your Frenchie must have access to water and a comfortable bed in their crate when left alone at home. French Bulldogs tend to sleep most of the time when you are not around, making it more suitable for less active pets. If you have to leave your French Bulldog alone for an extended period, make sure you make it up to them when you return. Your home is also protected from doggie damage if you use crates. Keeping them comfortable may require bladder training. You are protecting your French Bulldog from the elements and potential predators and reducing their chances of escaping by keeping them indoors and confined to a single room. Meanwhile, it will be necessary for your French Bulldog to have a good bladder control litter box to prevent accidents all over the room or house. Dogs are happiest when left home alone in the backyard, where they can roam freely, go to the toilet without fear, and get plenty of fresh air. The downside is bad weather, fleas, ticks, and predators, in addition to the possibility of escaping. Make sure they have shelter and water and that the yard is secure. The best situation for your French Bulldog will depend on what you think is best for them. Little French Dog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Teaching Alone Time You can start by confining your French Bulldog in the confinement area with a chew toy or another constructive activity, then quietly walk out of the room. Praise and treat them immediately upon your return. Each time, increase the length of your absence slowly. At first, even one to two minutes might seem too long for your Frenchie, but over a build, too much longer periods. Che periodically over the next three or four days on your French Bulldog as time increases. You can reward them with a treat and some low-key praise if they are quiet and calm before leaving. Keep an eye on them without making too much noise. Crying during confinement indicates you have either begun training before your French Bulldog has learned to associate their environment with good things or that you have left them alone too long. Otherwise, you will teach them that whining opens doors and earns your attention. Reduce the time they spend in confinement to what they can handle and gradually increase it. It can be disastrous to leave your French Bulldog alone in their area with nothing to do. Instead, you should provide constructive activities whenever they are in their containment area. They will learn to be happy on their own by doing this. A food-stuffed chew toy is a perfect activity to keep a young Frenchie interested in chewing and being distracted. It is perfectly fine to use toys like Kongs since the food inside the toy reinforces the chewing behavior. Radios and TVs are also great ways to provide companionship for French Bulldogs left alone. This can obfuscate distressing noises such as honking cars or garbage trucks. Allow your dog to spend more time alone each day. You should assess how long you can leave them alone before they need to go toilet by taking note of toilet habits. Dogs often feel more comfortable in a small space. When you leave, crates and single rooms can keep your French Bulldog safe while you are gone. Make sure to place the crate in a familiar, comfortable place where the dog will not be exposed to the sun and be warm. Only create your French Bulldog if they are used to it. Make sure you remove all items you do not want to be broken or chewed on if they get a little out of control. Protect Your Most Your Frenchie Family Member You need a system in place so that French Bulldog is safe when you are not at ho Keep any dangerous items out of reach of your Frenchie and carefully dog-proof your home. In case of an emergency or if you cannot reach home immediately, you should have a backup plan. Doggie Daycare If you do not like creating your French Bulldog for long hours or leaving them alone at home while you work all day, then maybe doggie daycare is an idea. It offers several benefits to make life easier and a safe and stimulating environment for you, Frenchie. Relieve separation anxiety It is possible for a pet to become bored or suffer from separation anxiety when you leave them for hours at a time. Consequently, you may find chewed-up shoes or pillows when you come home from work. Separation anxiety can be relieved, and dog daycare cancels out boredom. They become more comfortable when they meet new people and pets, which reduces stress, aggression, and skittish behavior. Your French Bulldog is safe. We must admit; that sometimes, our naughty angels are prone to jumping over the fence or escaping from their crates. While you are at work, what can you do to keep your dog safe? October 21, Can French Bulldogs be left alone? This is a question all pet owners have. However French Bulldogs are a little different. These friendly little pups really do not like being away from their owners and that is why we love them so much! French Bulldogs are a small dog breed that are loveable, playful, and loyal. The being loyal part is why they do not enjoy being left alone. This has become a problem for me since I started going back to work. Augie was very happy when the stay at home order was in place and I was working from home. Now that I have gone back to the office I am trying to get Augie used to some at home time. I once heard someone say that Frenchies are velcro dogs. It is funny I never really thought about it until I heard it used and then I thought, Yeah ok I think that fits! Augie tends to follow me around the house, everywhere I go, so does he. Frenchies are ok to be left home for short periods of time but typically if they are spending more than a few hours at home alone they can develop separation anxiety. If your dog is experiencing any of the following symptoms then your French Bulldog may be developing separation anxiety. Of course there is no exact answer to this and each dog is different but as long as you spend some time allowing the stay at home routine to be made will give you more stretches of time that your pup can be left alone. Age needs to be considered as a factor too. Clearly a French Bulldog puppy will not be able to hold it longer than 4 hours. There is that old saying that a dog will not soil where he eats and sleeps will only last as long as your puppy can hold it. I would say the most you will ever want to leave your Frenchie is 7 hours. You should also take into account if your dog does have separation anxiety. If your French Bulldog is suffering from separation anxiety you will not want to leave your pup home for more than a few hours without returning. If this is not possible for you then you may want to look into a dog sitter coming in to check on your four legged child, or doggie daycare, or if it is severe enough it may be worth having a conversation with your vet, as some medication may help calm your pup. Generally speaking you can train your Frenchie to be happy to spend some alone time at home without you. There are things that you can do to make this easier. First things first make sure that your dog knows that this is their home. This is usually done by making sure they are comfortable. This usually starts with their beds and crates. For our pooch we need to make sure the bed we choose chew proof. When Augie gets nervous he needs he chews or more like gnaws on things and his bed seems to be a good place to start. It can be soothing for dogs to gnaw on things but that can become expensive. You also may want to take a look at the style of the bed and try to get one that makes them feel secure. One that kinda cocons them inside the bed. Since French Bulldogs are so small they like the secure feeling they get from having the bed fit right around them. Lots of dogs enjoy their crates and their crates make them feel safe. This is not something we need to use a lot as Augi has come to be comfortable at home most of the time. Like with any type of crate training it is best to leave the crate out and open when you are home. You will also want to have the crate be in the room that is most used by the family. Once your frenchie has become comfortable with their crate you can feel free to move it to where you want to keep it in the house. Not all dogs or dog owners enjoy crates or crating their pup so this may not be for you but if you have an anxious Frechie you may want to look into this option as it can be a good safe option for you and your Bulldog. Toys can also give a calming effect for dogs when left home alone. Some dogs will find that they really enjoy stuffed toys either as their special companies or as something to chew and rip apart. For us we have a variety of toys for Augie to choose from. Augies toy box is always near his bed and allows for him to take any toy that he feels like playing with. Sometimes when I get back home from being out he has taken everything out and they are all over the house. Along with toys we always fill up a treat toy. Ones that takes some effort to get the treat out of. Having a treat toy can also give them something to chew on keeping their anxiety low as you leave and can sometimes tire them out. There are lots of great treat toys that can be purchased. I found these puzzle toys that hold treats for dogs and they are great. Once they master those ticks we move onto some more difficult ones but we never think to train our French Bulldogs to be left home alone. Here are some ways that you can help your puppy to be ready to stay home alone. Teach them to be alone even if you are home. Put you pup or yourself into a different room for a period of time. You can also use the crate at this time and get your pup to use their crate. Make sure to put a toy or treat with them so that they consider this time pleasant. Try not to make a big deal out of hellos and goodbyes. If you keep them as low key as you can then your Frenchie will not think that it is a big deal when you come and go. Make sure to give your dog plenty of exercise before you leave. A tired dog is more likely to sleep while you are gone. This means they will be less destructive if they are sleeping. Give your dog a treat reward before you go and also when you return. This will help your French Bulldog associate you leaving with a good thing. Make sure you do not reward bad behavior. No matter how guilty you feel about leaving make sure that if your pup is naughty while you are gone do not reward or feel bad. Make sure that your dog knows that his behavior was not ok. Yes if properly trained your French Bulldog can be left alone for periods of time. Frenchies do tend to have more separation anxiety then most dogs but with some patience and training your dogs time away from you will become more bearable. This is going to cause lots of dogs to have separation anxiety and some extra training with short times being left home alone or some alone time within the house to keep those training fresh in your Frenchies mind. As amazing lovable, intelligent, and affectionate companion French Bulldogs could be you should think about whether or not a French Bulldog is a good fit for you and your family. Want more info about French Bulldogs — check this out Share on facebook. Conclusion How long can a French Bulldog be left alone? While you can safely leave your French Bulldog home alone sometimes, it is not recommended to do so for more than four to six hours. This is because Frenchies are very loyal, very clingy dogs. If they have not gotten used to being alone, then sudden time by themselves can lead to them developing separation anxiety. Especially if you have adopted your Frenchie during the COVID pandemic, they may not be used to you being out of the house for long periods of time. In order to avoid issues with your dog developing anxiety, you should do your best not to leave them alone for too long. What if I need to leave my Frenchie alone for longer than hours? If you absolutely must leave your French Bulldog home alone for more than four to six hours, it is possible to do so safely. However, you should make every effort to train your pup to find alone time to be a relaxing experience rather than a stressful one. There are a couple of ways you can do this, but one of the easiest ways is to crate train your Frenchie. If you crate train, your Frenchie will be able to happily snooze the day away inside their crate while you are off doing whatever it is you need to do. Is crate training cruel? No, crate training is absolutely not cruel! Many people are hesitant to crate train their dogs because they believe that keeping your dog locked up is a bad thing. This is somewhat true—if you were keeping your dog locked in their crate all day every single day, then that might be a problem! However, crate training done right means that your dog will find their crate a comfort, and may even want to spend time in the crate of their own accord. Dogs like small spaces that they can consider their den, so your Frenchie will be sure to like a cozy, comfy crate space that they can retreat to when you are not home. How can I crate train my French Bulldog? Crate training your Frenchie will be a process, and it is important to do so properly. The first step to properly crate training a dog is selecting the right crate. You should make sure that the crate is large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in. Any smaller, and your dog will be too cramped; any larger, and the crate will feel too roomy. Once you have a properly sized crate, you can make it comfy for your dog by placing objects such as a cushy dog bed or blanket inside. Put a toy that your Frenchie loves inside. Then, you can start on getting your pup slowly acclimated to the crate. Make sure that your dog will associate their crate with good things: treats and relaxation. You can leave the crate open even when you are home, so that if your dog wants to go there to relax anytime they want, they will be able to. How do I know if my Frenchie has separation anxiety? If you leave your French Bulldog at home by themselves for too long or too suddenly, it is possible that your pup can develop separation anxiety. This is when they become very anxious and scared when you are not at home, and they do not know how to cope with being alone. Some signs that might indicate separation anxiety are: Excessive barking , howling or whining Pacing Potty accidents Scratching at the walls and doors It is important, however, to pay attention to when your dog is engaging in these behaviors. If they are only doing so when you are gone or getting ready to leave, then chances are that the behaviors have to do with separation anxiety. If they are regularly occurring when you are home, however, then something else may be wrong, or your Frenchie may suffer from generalized anxiety. What do I do if my Frenchie has separation anxiety? If your Frenchie happens to develop separation anxiety, there are a few things you can do to attempt to reduce the anxiety. These include crate training your pup, which we have already mentioned, or you can work to desensitize your Frenchie to being home alone. Desensitization will involve lots of patience, time, and training, but the end results will be worth it. How can I desensitize my French Bulldog to being home alone? Desensitization involves getting your dog used to the things that trigger their separation anxiety, until they are able to be left alone without being triggered into an anxious episode. This will take a lot of time and patience. To begin, you will want to get your dog used to being left alone for short periods of time, and then slowly increase the length. For example, you can give your Frenchie a puzzle toy or another treat, such as a KONG filled with peanut butter or treat paste, that will require concentration. Then, leave them alone for just enough time to finish the treat before coming back. This will begin to develop a positive association with being left alone. Continue to do this while slowly increasing the time that you are gone. Use this command, then leave the room. After a few minutes of them being alone in the room without any bad behavior, you can return to the room and reward them. Make sure that you only use positive reinforcement—never punish your Frenchie for anxious behavior. This is likely to increase the bad behavior and develop poor associations with you leaving. Lastly, you can also desensitize your Frenchie to the things that trigger their anxious episodes. For example, if your Frenchie begins to freak out every time you put your shoes on and get ready to leave the house, you can begin to teach them that putting your shoes on does not always mean that you are going to leave. Then, reward your Frenchie when they are calm. Repeat this process until your pup is comfortable with you leaving. Conclusion So, how long can a French Bulldog be left alone? In general, the answer is no longer than about four to six hours. However, a well-trained adult dog can generally hold their bladder for six to eight hours, so it is possible for you to leave your Frenchie for longer. You can crate train your Frenchie so that they have a safe space to retreat to when they are home alone. This way, they will be less likely to engage in destructive behavior and develop separation anxiety. Believe me when I tell you that Frenchies appear to be a breed that suffer with the symptoms far more than other dog breeds. Put simply; French Bulldogs do not do well alone. In this guide to French Bulldog separation anxiety I am going to give you a blueprint to follow to make things better for you and your puppy. Take a look at this video of the Furbo we made , and reasons why you should get this to help with Frenchie separation anxiety. Although it can be very distressing behavior to deal with, there are a few steps you can take to ease your Frenchie out of this destructive pattern and to help them deal with their separation anxiety and symptoms. French Bulldogs are known to be an especially clingy breed and are more susceptible to separation anxiety as a result. They have been bred to be human companions so this is not the type of dog that can be left alone at home for long periods of time. Frenchies thrive from having plenty of quality time with you and will be absolutely miserable if you work long hours and leave them alone for the majority of the day. Do French Bulldogs do well alone? If you find that your Frenchie has a meltdown every time you leave the house, there are a number of methods you can utilize to coax them away from this frame of mind. Patience and perseverance during this time is critical. You might even find that your puppy or adult dog starts to eat their own poop. Symptom 2: Barking and howling Frenchies are not loud dogs to begin with, so if they start barking and howling every time you leave the house, this is another strong indicator that they are struggling with separation anxiety. You might have seen photos of a younger Frenchie puppy on our blog. We sometimes look after her to help her owners out, and unlike Claude who can deal with being left home alone for a couple of hours, she starts to bark like crazy as soon as we leave the house for a few moments. Symptom 3: Pacing, heavy panting and drooling You may notice this type of frantic body language whenever you start getting ready to leave. This may also be accompanied by shivering and shaking. French Bulldog puppy separation anxiety starts as soon as they learn the signals for you leaving the house. I will come on to how to reduce these triggers further down the page. Symptom 4: Chewing, digging, and generally destructive behavior This is usually their attempt to try and get out of the house. Typically, you will find that their destruction will be aimed at sofas, blinds, drapes, doorways, and walls — anything that they may perceive as a way out. If you have this problem with your Frenchie, read this guide on how to stop them from chewing your house up. Find out how we dog-proofed our own garden area to stop Claude from digging up our lawn. Symptom 5: Escape attempts When distressed, your Frenchie may go to extreme attempts to escape the house in order to find you. This can even result in them hurting themselves. They would get back to see their young puppy bashing his head and teeth against the crate bars, injuring himself in the process. How to stop French Bulldog separation anxiety If you have a possessive and clingy French Bulldog on your hands, there are a number of techniques you can try to calm your Frenchie down. The key in all of this is endurance. Regardless of your approach, you will not see results straight away, but the longer you persist, the more you should see a difference. All of these methods will help you to deal with a dog who cannot be left alone for either long or short periods of time. Although it may not always be realistic, practicing a calm routine in the morning before you leave, and a calm routine when you get back should help your Frenchie with their anxiety. How to train your French Bulldog to be left alone: try to be calm when you leave your Frenchie alone at home for better results. It might make your puppy a lot happier! Avoid giving your Frenchie too much attention or making too much of a fuss. This is especially important when you get home. If you find your Frenchie excitedly greeting you back, you can certainly return their greeting with a quick pet, but it would be best to avoid too much eye contact or attention until they have calmed down. With a few simple changes to your own behavior, you should be able to leave your French Bulldog alone — but it will take time to get this discipline down to a tee. This includes things such as: Putting on a jacket and shoes. Picking up your house keys, purse, or wallet. Making a big deal out of saying goodbye to them. What you might try to do instead is get your stuff ready before you start to leave. I know one owner who will put their jacket on and pick up their keys before the eat dinner so they can be more subtle about the act of leaving the house. It might be that you have a set routine in the morning. If you do, try shaking things up a little bit. You might try picking up your keys and putting on your coat as though you were about to leave, but then doing something completely different, like making a meal or watching TV. If your Frenchie starts to become anxious as you pick up your keys and put on your jacket, perhaps you can start to use these before you take them out for a walk or playing a favorite game. Give them a comfortable and safe place I mentioned the crate method earlier. This can work with some puppies, as you might have one who is perfectly happy to sit in his crate when left at home alone with no negative consequences. Other dogs might hate being crated. The key here is to see if you can find a room or area where your Frenchie feels more at ease when you leave the house. It could even mean placing them in a specific room with the door closed, with the TV or radio on and plenty of toys to play with more on this in a moment. Try short absences at first Another method to help you if you absolutely must leave your French Bulldog at home alone all day is to try short absences first. Come back through the house door behaving completely normally before your Frenchie can start to get up to mischief without making a fuss. By trying this exercise you can start to train your Frenchie to be left alone. Important: I do not recommend getting a Frenchie if you are going to be leaving them at home alone all day or for long hours at a time. However, I appreciate there may be times when this is unavoidable. Positive reinforcement Part of the reason why Frenchies become so distressed when you leave the house is because they know that they are going to be separated from you and your affection. Some people say that your dog might even think you are never coming back! To combat the idea that your leaving the house is a negative thing, you can reserve a certain treat or a favorite toy for when you leave. It will take them a good twenty minutes to finish with this toy, and by the time they are done, it should hopefully provide enough of a distraction to keep their mind off your absence. Keep your puppy distracted and entertained As an extension of an earlier suggestion, another thing you can try is to leave your Frenchie in a room full of toys and distractions to keep them occupied throughout the day. Make sure the room is well lit and fill it with engaging toys that you know your Frenchie will love. Can French Bulldogs be left alone all day? If you can, try to reserve these toys for times when you are out of the house. This way they will have more things to positively associate with you leaving. Another tip that may help, especially if you find that your Frenchie is comforted by sound, is to leave the TV or radio on during the day. Sometimes the silence can be enough to agitate your Frenchie, so you may find this on its own can make a massive difference. By doing so, you might find that they end up sleeping for large periods when left alone. By keeping your puppy or adult dog entertained and exercised when you are at home, it will make leaving them alone a lot easier, as hopefully they will use this time to get some well-deserved rest and recuperation until you return. Handy Hint: Ever wondered how long Frenchies sleep for? Read this article about French Bulldog sleeping patterns including a recommend sleeping schedule. Doggy daycare and walking services Last summer my wife and I had a period of time where we both had to be at work from 9 until 5 each day — usually my wife is at home with Claude. To cope with this better we decided to use a dog sitting and walking service. However, it can cost quite a lot if you have to place them into full-time day care. What we did most of the time was give our trusted dog walker the keys to our house. She would come once in the morning and once in the afternoon to take Claude out for an hour to break up his day and how long he was without human companionship. You might also consider taking your Frenchie to a reliable doggy daycare service. Use a remote camera to see and talk to your puppy Another suggestion is to get one of those remote cameras that you can buy on Amazon. This can give you huge peace of mind. It has 2-way audio so you can hear them, and they can hear you plus can be hooked up to your Alexa device. The reviews on Amazon for this dog camera are excellent, and could be a great solution if you are going to be leaving your French Bulldog at home alone for longer periods of time. Professional help or medication If you find that nothing seems to be working, or if the behavior is already quite bad, you may want to enlist the help of a professional trainer and your veterinarian. As separation anxiety can be the result of medical issues, it would be worth having your Frenchie checked over to rule this out as a possibility. Your veterinarian may also choose to prescribe medication for your Frenchie if the anxiety is particularly bad. Medication should only be viewed as a short-term fix for anxiety problems. Dog tranquilizers prescribed by your vet should only be viewed as a short-term and drastic solution if you really need to alter the behavior of your Frenchie. Related questions I hope this has given you some guidance on how you can better deal with the problem of separation anxiety. Much of this behavior will exhibit itself in puppies and dogs who are left home alone, so here are some more pointers to help you decide if a Frenchie is the right dog for you. What age can you leave your French Bulldog alone? By this point he was starting to get more adult and was passing the destructive puppy-like behavior that would be most commonly associated with being left alone. It might be different with your own puppy, but the bottom line is, you should not leave a French Bulldog puppy alone at the age of 6 months. At this age they cannot hold their bladder for more than 6 hours. There have been some very rare occasions where we have had to leave the home for 7 hours, leaving Claude by himself home alone it was a family emergency. He would ignore us and give us the cold shoulder — almost like he was punishing us for leaving him alone all day. The bottom line is this; French Bulldogs are a very social breed and have been bred to be companion dogs. I would say no, French Bulldogs do not do well alone. What many people will do is have two Frenchies so they can keep each other company. I go into more detail on this in my article about French Bulldogs being better in pairs. A pair of Frenchies will hep to stimulate each other and will reduce their stress when you leave them alone. The benefits of having two Frenchies include: As social animals they can keep each other company. Pairs can act as role models for each other, particularly a puppy with an older dog. Two Frenchies can help to exercise and play with each other when you leave the home. You can leave them home alone longer if they are two of them. Which dogs have separation anxiety? Other dogs that suffer with this problem are said to be the following breeds source: Furbo. French Bulldogs are no doubt one of the sweetest breeds of dogs and make wonderful companions and pets. They can be very charming, are highly adaptable to new situations, and will never pass up the opportunity to sit quietly in your lap for hours on end. Frenchies can be more than a bit stubborn, however, and do tend to exhibit more separation anxiety than other dog breeds. For that reason, most experts recommend not leaving a French bulldog alone for more than 5 or 6 hours at a time. French bulldogs are extremely sociable animals, to be sure. For many people that would be a problem. If you travel a lot for work it could also be a problem as French bulldogs have quite a bit of separation anxiety. Frenchies will need you almost as much as a child and will take up nearly as much of your time. French bulldogs are one of the most loving and loyal dog breeds there are and make wonderful pets. Just realize going in that they are going to need a lot of attention, care, and love. You should never leave your French bulldog outside, especially during extreme weather. That includes both very hot and very cold days where their small bodies could easily overheat or freeze. French bulldogs are most definitely inside dogs and not outside dogs. Yes, of course, you can play with them outside and go for walks and things like that, but the majority of the time they should be inside. Your average Frenchie loves to romp around in the snow for a little while or splash around in a puddle. But again, just to reiterate, this is not the type of dog where you get a dog house outside and they live out there full-time. Leaving them inside when you leave, for that reason, is your best option. The answer to this question all depends on how your French bulldog was trained from a pup. For some, being unsupervised is not a problem at all while, for others, it might lead to disaster. In those cases a crate or pen would be recommended, but only if they have been trained beforehand. The thing is, one of the best qualities of a French bulldog is that they can adapt to practically any living situation. From a large farmhouse to a small apartment in the city and any size space in between, they usually have no problem at all adapting. One thing that they do tend to have, however, is separation anxiety, and for that reason, a crate or pen can sometimes be very good to have. What that means is that you will need to crate train them right from the beginning when they are puppies. The good news is that, because of the type of dog they are, most French bulldogs that are crate or pen trained well use them as a place of comfort when you leave. Some Tips on Using a Crate or Pen Train Your Frenchie The best thing for your Frenchie when you leave is to know that their pen or crate is a comfortable and safe place. For that reason, never use it to punish them for misbehaving. If their energy is because they are anxious and suffering from separation anxiety, there are products you can give them to help them stay calmer. More on those in just a sec. But, the truth is, most dogs when left alone will look for something to do, and usually something to chew on. For that reason, they should always have plenty of chew toys around when you leave. You should probably buy new ones regularly because Frenchies are whip-smart and get bored easily. Also, leaving them treats is a great idea but making it a little difficult to get the treat is even better. Below are some suggestions for toys, treat-dispensing products, and those anxiety products we talked about above.

About products and suppliers: Personalized dog shaped pencil cases A personalized dog pencil case is a great way to show your business's adeem to clients, and also a great way to promote your business. Engraved pencil cases and custom pencil cases are great for small gifts or to give your customers an edge of this world. Buy dog shaped pencil cases and buy dog shaped pencil cases wholesale from Alibaba. What is dog shaped pencil case? A cute dog shaped pencil case can be used for schools, restaurants, and at the office as a gift. Find a cute dog shaped pencil case that is perfect for your customers, especially those who want to keep small pencils and their pooch at the same time as a cat-shaped pencil case. Foldable pencil bags are a great way to keep young customers motivated in their purses and pencils at home, and they are looking for a cute and shaped pencil case to keep their pencils and pensch. There are several types of pencil cases, such as a personalized pencil case, a cat pencil case, and a pencil bag, or many other items to add to your customers' pens and pencils. A personalized pencil case is a perfect gift for those customers who want to keep their pens and pencils clean, and they need a little bit of storage space for them, so be sure to stock a variety of cute and trending pencil cases from Alibaba. Related Searches:. Credit: Zipit Written by Janelle Randazza , seasoned product-tester, avid shopper, and expert gift-giver. Updated August 6, Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. It keeps them organized, and keeps all of their writing supplies in tip top shape. Snap, zipper, or roll-up tidy, these cases will keep everything in place and easy to find. Say goodbye to dried up markers, busted pencil tips and exploding pens! A high-capacity case that shows some shimmer Credit: Mibasies Shimmery cases in over 15 styles give kids lots of fun options to choose from. Boys and girls alike will enjoy the shimmery design options of these cool pouches that range in styles from unicorns to sharks. Parents will like that these cases can fit everything they need in one tidy place, with a special detachable section for pencils, a mesh pocket for storage and a wide enough space to hold a pretty sizable marker collection. An avoca-dorable pencil case Credit: Claire's A sparkly, squeezy, avocado case! This blushing avocado cutie will be the talk of the classroom, with its eye-catching sparkle and adorable design. A unicorn pencil pouch for a little magic Credit: Claire's Tug the tail to reveal the magic. Mythical, magical and ready for learning. This unicorn pencil pouch with sequins has a shimmery glitter horn and ears to match. Tug her tail to reveal your school day stash. A creeper case for the Minecraft-obsessed Credit: Soocute This creeper case is just right for the Minecraft-obsessed. This hardtop pencil case in an iconic pattern opens like a book, revealing mesh pockets, pencil slots and a hidden compartment for even more extra space. A cute pencil pouch that stands up to attention Credit: Easthill Pick just one? Speak for yourself. Here, kitty, kitty! These feline friends, with friendly faces, come in four different colors. A straightforward and classic case Credit: Easthill This understated satchel is for the super organized. For the classic kid. This is an understated case that looks pretty on the outside, and works hard on the inside. With three roomy compartments, this case is just the right size for everything that needs carrying to and from school, and it keeps things super organized. A custom case, to express their personal style Credit: Compact Design Store With so many cute options, you're sure to find a perfect match for your child's individual style. If you have a little iconoclast on your hand, a one-of-a-kind case is just what you need. These customized cases not only store all of their school supplies, they are a perfect shout-out to their individual style. A pencil sharpener and pencil case hybrid Credit: Zavota This little case looks sharp and comes with a built-in pencil sharpener. Hidden in the top is a pencil sharpener to keep things sharp. A towering case with princess power Credit: Disney Store Your kiddo will live happily ever after with this cute case. This tiny tower will rule the kiddo kingdom. This enchanting case features princesses Snow White, Mulan, Cinderella and Belle perched in their windows, ready to accompany your child to school. One thing is for certain, any kid who has this pencil case will live happily ever after. A pencil box with puppy power Credit: The Tin Box Company First day jitters will be banished when they have the puppy patrol on their side. Our family has these and can vouch that these cases are spacious and can fit an impressive amount of pens, pencils, crayons and more—they even fit a fairly sizable pencil sharpener. A wonderful bonus is these are, surprisingly, machine washable. This ferocious face will keep pen thieves on their toes. These styles are super colorful, funky, funny and quirky—and they are also machine washable. A cute panda case that gives back Credit: Yoobi This pencil case looks adorable and does good! This sweet purple panda is made of silicone and stands up for super-easy supply access. Its slim shape belies its space: It holds up to 15 pens while still managing to fit perfectly in a backpack. A case to settle all disputes Credit: Herschel A lifetime warranty guarantee that this pencil case will last. This is one of the cutest pencil pouches around. Made by Herschel, this pencil case is made with the highest quality materials that are built to last. This sustainably made zip-up case is from recycled water bottles and can be monogrammed to add a little bit of personal flair. A cute case with cuddly monsters that like to give back Credit: State Who could be scared of monsters this cute case. The backpack-like design has a cute carry loop and the case itself is made from a sturdy poly-canvas blend. For the kid or parent with a cottagecore aesthetic, this adorable bag sports a handmade style that is just as at home holding art supplies in a meadow as it is taking pencils to and from school. An Avengers-themed case to marvel over Credit: Marvel This pencil case has super hero style. Bring some super power to their school day. Spiderman, Thor, the Hulk and friends are there to make their day a little bit more powerful and a whole lot more organized. A double mesh pocket for storage and a six-pencil slip-holder make this case not only cool, but incredibly practical. A straightforward case with serious style Credit: Aiphamy The dabbing unicorn is our favorite. These bags have a sturdy zipper and are lightweight—so they look good without weighing you down.

Some of these you can help prevent, while others are out of your immediate control. If your GSD carries the genes for ears that lie down, instead of standing erect, then more than likely they will have floppy ears. This means they may have ears that never stand up and are floppy for life. Breeding Some breeders choose to pair parents that both have large, erect ears. And some buyers and owners prefer this larger style of ears for show or aesthetic purposes. But, there is some theory that breeding a German Shepherd with larger and larger ears might contribute to ears that stay flopped over. Always see the parents of the puppy you buy from the breeder on the premises to see their appearance. Physical Damage or Accidents Puppies are active and mischievous and can get into plenty of trouble. This includes physical damage or accidents that have the cartilage or muscles in their ears. If this happens their ears may suffer long-term damage and not stand up naturally on their own. So watch out for a rough play that might lead to ear damage. And, if your pup has been in an accident that hurt their ears, take them immediately to the vets. Improper and Poor Nutrition German Shepherds need balanced nutrition during crucial growing stages, including vitamins and minerals that aid in cartilage and muscle development of their ears. You should ensure your dog gets the right nutrition from the start to avoid any issues. Along with Vitamin D, calcium helps strengthen the cartilage to aid in building a strong foundation for the ears to stand up later. Neglecting Ear Cleaning Puppies still need ear cleaning when dirt and build-up are overly present. Dirty ears that become neglected can inhibit proper growth and cause discomfort for your dog, causing them to excessively scratch their ears which can cause damage. This could cause them more harm! Instead, wipe away the dirt from the skin of the ear with a warm, damp washcloth or use special ear cleaning wipes. A dog with one floppy ear and one ear upright is totally normal. Occasionally, your German Shepherd might have one floppy ear and one ear standing upright. If they are a small puppy then they are most likely growing and the one ear down still needs time to go upright naturally. These are some of the best techniques that will help their ears to stand up. They only need to sit inside the ear enough to support cartilage growth. Make sure you check for any creases or folds in their ears before moving on to the next step. Repeat in the other ear. Make a Popsicle Support Now, take the popsicle sticks and place them at the top of the foam rollers both ears should have foam rollers in them at this point. You might need another pair of hands to help with this, so ask your family or friends to help. Take the self-adhering waterproof tape and place a medium-size piece across and around the two foam rollers and popsicle sticks. This ensures even and symmetrical growth. Make a bridge across their ears instead. If your German Shepherd puppy is 9 months old and their ears still flop over, please see your vet for further assistance. When in doubt, get your vet to show you what to do for their ears. Your puppy might become annoyed with the tape on their ears, so they may need close supervision and even some distraction during the taping process. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a German Shepherd that has floppy ears and putting them at risk to have any unnecessary surgery to get their ears to stand up can cause them pain. Speak to your vet about the side effects and pain associated with ear implants. You can help prevent floppy ears in your dog by taking the appropriate steps to keep them healthy. The top ways to help a GSD with floppy ears include: 1. Feed them a high-quality food Giving your dog the proper nutrition for optimum growth is a necessity, especially when they are puppies and growing rapidly. Choose a puppy food with the correct ratio of nutrients and vitamins to ensure they get the correct building blocks for development. When you choose to give them treats, pick ones from this list of the best healthy dog treats for German Shepherd puppies. Provide them with the proper chew toys Chewing helps to strengthen the muscles that surround the ears. Or worse… Injure them. Learn to play and discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way to avoid accidental ear injuries or damage. German Shepherds with ears that are floppy are a joy to own, no matter their age! Floppy ears are adorable and give your dog even more character. Go on, and find out what makes your companion the happiest dog on the planet! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Aug 18, Share German Shepherds have a distinctive look that includes alert, erect ears. For most pups, the ear cartilage begins to harden around week 20, or when the pup is finished teething. At that point, it can take up to 20 weeks for the ears to stand up fully. This can vary by the individual, however. Like human ears, dog ears are made of cartilage. As they grow and gain nutrition, German Shepherds develop stronger and stronger cartilage to support those ears. Typically, puppies at weeks will have floppy ears that occasionally stand up but quickly fall back down. Around week 20, or 5 months, your pup is done teething and its ears will begin to harden and stand. Your vet may have some suggestions to help the process along. If your pup reaches 8 months and still has floppy ears, the chance of them standing on their own is slim. Some breeders try to breed for larger ears, leading to ears that are too heavy to stand up. If strong, alert ears are important to you, be sure to look for a pup with parents that have erect ears. If the ears sustain trauma during that time, it can cause permanent damage to the cartilage. If your puppy gets parasites, it can impact healthy development, which includes the hardening of its ear cartilage. Be sure to take your puppy to the vet regularly and have routine fecal exams to check for worms and other parasites. Your vet can recommend an appropriate deworming protocol for your growing puppy and treat parasites if they occur. However, if you want your puppy to have strong, alert ears, you can help the process along in a number of ways. In an effort to move ear development along, some owners will add supplements like calcium. Chew toys are also good for teething and keeping your puppy occupied. German Shepherds are strong, even as pups, so be sure to choose solid, durable chew toys that are safe and appropriate for your puppy. It should only be used as a last resort, however. If you use tape too early, it can hinder natural development. That said, if you wait until the seventh or eighth month, it may be too late to help. Glue the ends of the popsicle stick to the tape on both ears, horizontally. Once a week, remove the popsicle stick, foam, and tape. If the ears stand on their own, leave them. Related Reads:. It commonly occurs anywhere from eight weeks to six months. So, any German Shepherd parent would know that these adorable dogs have floppy ears when they are just puppies. However, stronger cartilage will be developed as you give them the proper nutrients. It might mostly occur as a response to your call or noise in the surrounding area. It can be a result of poor nutrition or slow development. Your German Shepherd needs abundant vitamin D, calcium, and protein. Lacking these nutrients in their diet will result in weak cartilage. Switch to better food or visit the vet for a checkup. They are still incredibly cute, anyway! If you want to ensure that you have a pooch with perky ears, make sure to look for parents with standing ears. Do all German Shepherd ears stand up? Even if you have already, you can know whether your pooch will have floppy or perky ears when it grows. It can compromise their health and adversely affect their growth, including strengthening the cartilage. Regular checkups and fecal exams can help prevent or abate that problem. Your vet can give your dog deworming medicines to see that your growing furry friend is free from parasites. Any traumatic injury to the ears can cause permanent damage and prevent the ears from growing strong enough to stand. It can be caused by a child pulling its ears and rough play among its littermates. Regularly monitor your pup and keep anyone from playing with its ears when they are in its developmental stage. But there are things you can do to help it get strong and healthy ears. These steps will also protect the ears from possible damage. Get high-quality food for your puppy to boost their development. Cheap foods usually have more fillers that contain negligible nutrients. Keep the puppy away and safe from other puppies that play bite with their ears. Educate your children and everyone else at home on how to handle the puppy carefully and gently. Giving your puppy chew toys will give their head, jaw, and surrounding muscles some exercise. It can lead to better ear development. Make sure to buy durable ones, as German Shepherd pups are stronger than you think! Clean their ears gently if you notice dirt. Keep your dog happy! A happy dog is a healthy dog. It will have fewer or no health problems if you keep the dog fit. Using the tape too early or during its growing stage can harm its natural development. However, the 7th to 8th month might be a little too late. But that may not be true for all, as some German Shepherds are just built differently. Their looks come second when you experience how good of a companion they can make. But the young ones carry cute floppy ears that eventually stand up. Some take longer. Remember that floppy ears do not affect their health negatively. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Especially during the first six months, be extra careful not to aggressively clean their ears. They will be more prone to lesions in the ear cartilage at this time. Yet it would be understandable if you are reading this and feel dismay or even horror. How can that possibly be a good thing? But understand we are not talking about doing anything harmful or invasive. The techniques you are about to read about will not harm or hurt your German Shepherd puppy at all. They will simply support the ears to grow into the upright position without having to work so hard to get there — or stay there. You want to give your pup enough time to try to do this naturally. But you also want to intervene before the cartilage in the ears starts to harden usually around seven to eight months old , leaving the ear flaps in the wrong position. You will need the following supplies: Some type of surgical tape NOT duct tape or any super-adhesive tape. Foam roller inserts or foam pipe insulation cut to size. Two plain popsicle sticks or unsharpened pencils. Wrap the surgical tape around the outside of the ear to hold the insert in place. Be prepared for your puppy to find a way to paw off this strange contraption several times before they finally get used to it and forget about it. You want to leave this in place for a week and then remove it to check the ear position. You may notice the ears start to stand a little straighter week by week. But if you see them flop over again, you need to re-tape them until they are strong enough to stand up on their own. Ear gluing Another option you can try is puppy ear gluing. This is actually not nearly as awful as it sounds and is far easier to do than the ear taping method. Another perk of puppy ear gluing over taping is that you are not going to cut off any air circulation to the inner ear canal. The key is to pick some kind of fabric glue do NOT use super glue or super-bonding glue that may not come off. What you need to do for this method is to add a dab of glue to the outside of the inner ear flap about two-thirds of the way down from the ear tip point. Then press the two ear flaps together for 30 seconds to allow the glue to set. Wherever possible, if you have multiple dogs in your household, try to keep your German Shepherd puppy from playing rough games with the other dogs. Rowdy playtime can easily cause the ears to separate. The glue will wear off on its own after a while and you can observe if the ears are able to remain upright and erect when this occurs. If you need to, keep reapplying the glue until the ears are strong and stable to remain in the correct position without glue. It may take a few weeks or longer for this to occur. Do not worry if the ears are not in a perfect position. As long as they stay upright, the inner muscles and tissues will naturally self-correct over time. Surgery Certain situations may even require surgical implants, like when ear cartilage damage occurs. Massage the Ears Massaging the ears helps by increasing blood flow to the ears, helping your form strong ear: Muscles Cartilage Chew Toys Chew toys are not only great for keeping your pup occupied, but they can also be great sources of collagen. This will help build strong ear cartilage capable of holding the ears in the upright position. Chew toys also work the ear muscles. This will strengthen the surrounding tissues. This is especially true for dogs prone to health issues, like German Shepherds. Foods rich in nutrients like calcium and glucosamine will help your dog form strong and healthy ears. These nutrients are vital for developing sturdy ear cartilage. Stimulation Dogs communicate a lot with their ears. Just think of German Shepherds that are alert and focused on something, like an odd noise they heard outside. Chances are, their ears will be standing erectly. Stimulation like this encourages the use of the ear muscles. There are two areas where you will definitely want to pay closer attention. Bath time and during playtime with other dogs. Keeping water out of the ears will reduce infections and head shaking. Using a headband is an easy way to do this, and can also prevent injuries when playing with other dogs. What causes German Shepherds to have floppy ears? The most common ones include breeding issues, teething, cartilage development issues, trauma, and poor nutrition or hygiene. Breeding Pointy German Shepherd ears are among the top distinct features of the breed. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to improper breeding practices. Teething Floppy ears are a common occurrence when the dog is teething. Developing cartilage German Shepherd puppies are born with floppy ears. As their bodies develop, their ear cartilage and muscles also develop up to the point that they are able to support the weight of the ears, keeping them upright. German Shepherd ears typically start to perk up when the dog is about 6 to 10 weeks old. They can also sometimes flop back down while the dog is teething only to stand up again. Trauma Trauma is a common reason for floppy ears in German Shepherds. Physical trauma caused by an accident or injury to the ears can cause one or both of them to drop. If you suspect trauma, visit your vet to address any wounds and prevent infection. However, their ears need to be kept clean in order to prevent infections that could cause their ears to drop. Dogs not getting enough calcium and vitamin D during puppyhood may have trouble keeping their ears up as their skeletal support structure is not developed properly. They should be well-aligned, symmetrical namely just as wide as they are tall , and carried upright. However, not all dogs will have perfectly standard ears and some may have ears that are too large, too small, too high, too low, or just ears that point in the wrong direction. In fact, there are at least 12 different German Shepherd ear shapes , each with their own distinct characteristics. German Shepherd ears will usually stand up at around 4 months of age. But this can happen as early as the 1-month mark, or as late as the 6-month mark when teething finishes. But more than anything, they tell you how the dog is feeling at any given time. The ears really are the window to the soul for not just GSDs, but all dogs. During this time, more calcium is being directed to the growing teeth, and away from the ear cartilage. When teething is over, and more calcium can be directed back to the ears, they will most likely stand back up again. This is especially true if your pup has sustained an ear injury in the past, and broke the ear cartilage as a result. German Shepherd puppies are especially prone to this during the first 6 to 8 months, since their ears are still developing. These injuries can occur during rowdy play with other dogs and people, or from excessive scratching. This will help their ears develop faster and stronger, and will help prevent ear injuries in the future. But in most cases, if you act fast enough, even the floppiest German Shepherd ears are capable of being corrected. Ear development can vary from puppy to puppy. If they stand up when the puppy is scared or excited or when they bark, you can expect to see fully erect years by the time they are six months old. Will my German Shepherd mix ears stand up? Depending on the genes they inherited, your German Shepherd mix may have erect ears or not. You can support their ear development by giving them chew toys, massaging the base of their ears, and giving them calcium and vitamin D supplements. The ear flap is the outermost ear and is often called the pinna plural is pinnae. A dog has two pinna — one for each ear. Each pinna can work independently of the other, which is part of what gives dogs such keen hearing. This is the same reason all German Shepherd puppies are born with their ears down and floppy. It takes time for the cartilage to form, thicken and then harden into the characteristic erect ear position of the German Shepherd. The ears might pop up as early as four weeks old only to flop back down around four months old. Not only is the cartilage in the outer ears still forming and hardening, but the many muscles, tendons, ligaments, and tissues that help the ears move and function are still getting coordinated as well. This is why it is wise not to get concerned about ear position or stability until after your German Shepherd puppy has finished teething. There is just too much growing going on to expect your little puppy to look like a full-grown adult dog yet. This video gives you some unique tips to help their ears get stronger and stand up without human assistance like some of the tips you read about in this article. I get a lot of emails about taping German Shepherd puppy ears. The majority of these emails come from people who are jumping the gun and worrying too much. By that, I mean their pups are 3 or 4 months old and they are starting to panic because their puppy's ears are not standing. I tell these people that they need patience, they need to wait until their pup has finished teething. I caution these people not to jump the gun and tape the dog's ears too early or in the wrong way. I know people who have screwed their dog's ears up for life by doing this. I have had puppy customers who go ballistic on me and panic. So I issue a word of caution here. With that said, the other side of the spectrum of taping ears is something that many people do not take seriously until it's too late. When ears are taped at 7 and 8 months, there is very little chance of it working. This is an unfortunate fact of life. German Shepherd puppy ears can come up between 8 weeks and 6 months. If they are not up when the dog is through teething this varies from dog to dog but in general between 16 weeks and 20 weeks of age , I tell my puppy customers to get very interested in their ears. While it's not time to panic, it is time to sit up and take notice. The first thing to do is make sure that your puppy is in good health. This means no intestinal parasites. Take a stool sample to your vet to have it analyzed. It's also important to make sure the pup is getting good quality food. We feed and recommend a raw diet but if you do feed a commercial diet, I strongly recommend researching all the options available and feeding the highest-quality food you can afford. View our list of all-natural kibble alternatives. In fact, a lot of times, a pup will have both ears up and all of a sudden, they will come back down when the pup starts to teeth. Many owners panic when this happens. But not to worry, I have never seen a pup whose ears did not go back up when this happens. If a pup does not have his ears up by 5 months, I strongly recommend that you get involved with taping your dog's ears. Use the thin white surgical tape the kind that's paper-thin and tears easily. The 3M Micropore tape, 2" wide, works well. I like to use women's hair rollers. Take the plastic out of them and just use the foam. Wrap the ear around the foam and tape them into a tight roll. In a vertical position. Take a popsicle stick and attach it to the top part of both ears. In a horizontal position. The pup is going to tear the tape or stick off the ears several times. The key is to continue to re-tape the ears. Sooner or later, the pup will forget the tape and ignore it. About once a week, take the tape off and see if the ears will stand on their own. Continue to re-tape until the ears stand. If the ears are not up by 7 or 8 months, they are not going to come up. The ears should look like this once taped. The same dog with ears now up. I have seen ears that did not stand, which in my opinion would have stood had they been taped. So this process is not something to take lightly. I also need to say that many ears will be a little weak right after taping but with time, they will strengthen. So when an ear does not stand perfectly after taping don't panic. Just have patience and see what happens. You will really not have an idea exactly what you have until the pup is 12 months old. When ears do not stand, there are ear implants that can be surgically added. I have no experience with this and do not know anything about them. If you are unlucky enough to have a dog whose ears will not stand, I would point you toward a vet that has some experience in this area. I don't think it's something that normal small animal vets know how to do well. In my opinion, too young to tape. The material to use to tape German Shepherd Ears The pup with its ears taped I prefer taping German Shepherd Dogs ears after the dog has finished teething. This usually means the dog is older than 4 - 6 months. Maybe waiting another month would have been a better idea for this puppy.