the best puppy food for german shepherd

the best puppy food for german shepherd

A good breeder should have the best interests of their puppies at heart while also being able to provide you with all the information that you need. A dog breeder and a prospect owner talks about dog adoption. Here are some tips for finding a reliable Goldendoodle breeder. These health clearances will tell you if the parents of your pup have been tested for potential genetic diseases. Be wary of any breeders who cannot produce these documents, as this may be an indication that they are not taking proper care of their animals. Experience When looking for a Goldendoodle breeder, it is important to consider their experience. Ask questions about how long they have been breeding dogs, what type of training they provide, and what their overall goals are in breeding Goldendoodles. You want to make sure that the breeder is knowledgeable and passionate about the breed and has a genuine interest in ensuring that each puppy is placed in a loving home. Reputation Reputation is key when it comes to finding a Goldendoodle breeder. If possible, visit the kennel in person so that you can get an idea of the general atmosphere and how well the puppies are taken care of before making your final decision on which one to choose. With their F1B puppies bred from an F1 Goldendoodle and a pure standard Poodle, you will not be disappointed! A Goldendoodle puppy looks up By selecting a Goldendoodle, you gain the benefits of both breeds while avoiding pesky shedding. In addition, these puppies are raised in an environment full of love, playtime, and companionship to ensure proper socialization with their peers as well as your family! Plus, they live in a spacious house with indoor and outdoor areas for unlimited hours of fun. While in-person visits are highly recommended, we also offer Skype and FaceTime sessions so you can get a closer look at our Goldendoodle puppies here in New Jersey. They even provide pickup or delivery options to those within the region and beyond, with an accompanying puppy nanny for safe transport! These puppies have already begun to develop into lovable family members in their current home and are ready for you to bring them into yours! Contact Details:. Goldendoodle Overview Goldendoodle Puppies For Sale Goldendoodles are sweet-tempered and loving animals that love people and other animals. They make excellent family pets and love bouncing around in the yard as much as snuggling up for a cuddle. As a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle, these dogs are athletic, loyal and very smart. Colors also vary, with golden and apricot being the most popular. Goldendoodles also come in a range of coat patterns, including brindle, merle and phantom. Labradoodle Overview Labradoodle Puppies For Sale Labradoodles came into prominence in the s as the ideal puppy for an individual who required a hypoallergenic service dog. A savvy breeder decided to cross a low-shedding poodle with a Labrador retriever, and the rest is history. Fully grown labradoodles weigh around 88 pounds and come in a range of different colors, including white, cream, apricot, chocolate and black. Their coat comes in three types: straight, wavy and curly. They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stop them from getting bored, and early socialization as pups are essential to healthy, happy adulthood. Their willingness to please and low prey drive make them an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. Cockapoo Overview Cockapoo Puppies For Sale Cockapoos were one of the original designer dogs, with the birth of the dog breed taking place sometime in the s. Fully grown toy cockapoos weigh less than 12 pounds, mini cockapoos weigh between 13 and 18 pounds as adult dogs and maxi cockapoos reach a maximum weight over 19 pounds. They have adorable soulful eyes, a compact, sturdy body and a shaggy, wavy coat. When your pup graduates, the trainer will personally deliver them to your door and walk you through basic obedience commands in person. This helps keep them safe from incidents involving strangers, such as jumping up on adults or children. It makes going out for walks infinitely more fun and enjoyable for you and your pet. On-leash training helps your dog understand how to behave while out for walks with you. Dogs love going for walks, and reconnecting with nature is a major benefit of dog ownership, so it should be a highlight of both your days. Questions about Goldendoodle puppies for sale in New Jersey? We have answers. What is an overview of Goldendoodle puppies for sale in New Jersey. When it comes to shedding and allergies, no breed comes close to the convenience of our Doodles. Soft, Cuddly, Cute Our dogs are dangerously cute! Not only are Doodles adorable to begin with, but we also breed our pups to be even more photogenic than your average Goldendoodle. Goldendoodles are the perfect companion because they love doing whatever you love doing—whenever. Extremely Intelligent From heel to sit to file my taxes, your bright Doodle puppy will never cease to amaze you. These dogs are fun and rewarding to train, all thanks to their special heritage that includes both the eager-to-please Golden Retriever and the ultra-smart Poodle. The Uptown Family We treat our dogs like family—a family that you join the second you take home one of our Goldendoodles. To help your Doodle reach its full potential, we also offer awesome food, effective supplements and great training aids geared towards your new pup. Perfect Family Pet Want a friendly dog your kids will love? An energetic pup who can tag along on all your adventures? At Uptown, you have more choices than you can shake a stick at. Our Doodles come in lots of coat colors and patterns, plus four different sizes that range from teeny tiny to big, huggable teddy bear. We want to sell the happiest, healthiest dogs possible.

Now that you know some of the best German Shepherd breeders in New Jersey, you must be wondering how much you will need to pay for a good puppy from a reputable breeder. The price of the German Shepherd Puppy can vary depending on several factors, including the breeder, the location, lineage, and their purpose in life. If you are getting a dog from a high-end breeder with a prestigious line of German Shepherds, you will of course need to pay a much higher price. As this dog breed is extremely intelligent and useful in many disciplines of working life, they are not usually purchased as pets, so you will have to expect to pay a little bit more, as their price increases because of this. Also, the price of a puppy will significantly rise if the breeder has done all the health tests and has each certificate to prove this. These dogs are less likely to suffer from any health conditions later in life, and are therefore, much more expensive. On the other hand, if you are looking to buy a service or police dog, then you can expect to pay a lot. Even though they can be really pricey, these dogs are worth it, believe me — their intelligence, capabilities, great temperament, and companionship make up for the money invested. We have done this research and compiled all this important information in order to help you choose a perfect breeder that will provide you with the best possible puppy. We hate to see our readers regret their decision of getting a puppy, just because they ran into a breeder that does not care about his dogs and clients. A true lover of dogs will never let their pups end up with just anyone, but will make sure that the potential buyer actually loves owning dogs and has the appropriate conditions for raising such a dog. On the other hand, a reputable breeder will also make sure that all his puppy parents are in perfect health, so the future puppies will also be healthy and happy. These are just some of the things you need to be careful of when looking for a German Shepherd breeder. Once you have that little fur pup with you at home, I am sure that you will forget all the stress and time spent in the process of searching for the right one, and he or she will bring light and happiness into your life. Related Content:. Darya is a deep Rich black and Red that is very social with people and animals. Darya is Excellent in large crowds and very alert to her surroundings. Check out her certified pedigree. Mash is absolutely beautiful with her thick bone structure and her willingness to please. Mash is energetic in all that she does, especially when you see her during her protection work. Mash is extremely social; excellent with kids. Mash has been raised in a home with kids. She easily handles going thru stores or being at your office. Mash is currently trained at the Body Guard Level. Mash is excelling towards The Executive Family Protector. He is very social and a complete gentleman with people, kids and other dogs. He is Excelent in the house travels Great. His obedience is solid with Great recalls. His protection is Powerful just like him. Patton is the Ultimate K9, your first and last line of Defense!! Rea has great nerves and strength, she excels in all that she does. Rea is very social, excellent with kids, great in large crowds and with other pets. Rea will make a Great family Guardian. For more information please contact Bobby at or bobby metrok9. Bruno is extremely social and has been well socialized with children and other pets. Bruno has been raised in a very busy home that is on-the-go all the time with carpooling and going to practices. He rides great in the car and is a perfect gentleman. Bruno is currently being trained to a level 1 and is excelling in all aspects. His obedience is coming Strong and attentive, his bite work is confident with full grips in his bites. Warrior is very social Good with kids and other pets. His obedience is very happy and energetic always willing to please. When working him in Bite work his Bark is very strong and deep with a bite that backs it up being always full and Strong. Warrior has a strong demeanor and structure, people always ask before approaching, but once you give him the OK command He accepts anyone. Warrior will make the ultimate Family Protector and the sky is the limit for his training. Call Bobby at or email at bobby metrok9. Xamu can keep competing in the Sport or be your Executive K9, to Protect your family and home. Xamu obedience is energetic while his Protection is powerful with full grips. Xamu has great nerves, he is very social with people and kids, also very good with other dogs. Xamu presence alone will intimidate any intruder or deter the unwanted guest. He is the complete package!!! Champ can keep competing in the Sport or be your Executive K9, to Protect your family and home. Champs obedience is energetic while his Protection is powerful with full grips. Champ has great nerves, he is very social with people and kids, also very good with other dogs. Champs presence alone will intimidate any intruder or deter the unwanted guest. Please contact Bobby for more information. Check out his pedigree. Prince is a Son of Gary Vom Huhngrab. He is the the total package weather you are looking for a top Competitor, Looking to turn your Breeding program up or looking for that high Executive K9 to Protect your estate and Family. Prince has nervous of Steel Great with kids and other pets, excellent in any situation, his appearance alone will stop anyone in there tracks before it escalates, But if need be Prince will protect till the end. Click below for certified pedigree. Contact Bobby for more information. Please contact Bobby at or email bobby metrok9. Lulu is very well mannered and social, he is Good in crowds and loves to work. Lulu has a Great Obedience with excellent drives who is always willing to please his handler. Lulu has a full mouth Grip in his bite work and is extremely calm and confident. Lulu is currently on the path of getting his Schutzhund BH and 1, but is also doing bite suite work with Multiple attackers. Lulu with all his drives, temperament and willingness, will make the Ultimate K9 partner or The President Family Protector for your home and family. For more info please call Bobby or email bobby metrok9. He is crate trained house broken, has basic and Advanced obedience and protection. Max is very social, gentle with kids, and excellent with other animals. Max has lived in a home and has traveled extensively in cars, busses, trains and even boats. He easily handles going thru stores or being at your office. Max already went thru and passed his AKC puppy S. Max can be brought to you with one of our master trainers for a 3 day training course. Prices vary depending on location. For any other questions please call Bobby at or email bobby metrok9. You can check out her daughter Reagan from the last litter, also on our YouTube channel you can see her son Duke. Taylor is also perfectly mannered and excellent with kids and other animals. If there are any other questions please call Bobby at .He is Superior in every way from his beautiful black and Red coat to his heavy bone structure. Dillinger is very social with everyone from little kids to visiting people at the local nursing home, he loves the attention. Dillinger will make the ultimate Family Protector and the sky is the limit for his training. Dillinger can be brought to you by one of our master trainers for a 3 day training course, Prices vary depending on location. Lucas is all business and needs time to warm up to you but after that he is very loving and willing to do what ever you want. Lucas would do excellent guarding your yard or building, he would also be an Extreme personal protection K9, He would without a doubt take a bullet for his owners. Lucas is clean in a house and crates up easily , he has basic obedience and personal protection. For more information call Bobby at or email bobby metrok9. Thena is a lot of fun to work with always having a positive and willing attitude. Thena is very social and loving, excellent with kids. Thena is has everything it takes to be your next family Protector. Thena is AKC registered. If you have any other questions please, call Bobby at or email bobby metrok9. Sarabie was used in are breeding program, she has raised 2 litters. Sarabie was raised I n a home with little kids and a male Shepherd. She shows all the perfect drives and manners, that you would look for in a your perfect Family protector. Sarabie is very sweet and easily handled. Please call Bobby at or email; bobby metrok9. He is Superior in every way from his beautiful coat to his heavy bone structure. Axel is very social with everyone from little kids to visiting people at the local nursing home, he loves the attention. Axels obedience and protection is strong and very loyal to the handler, with his strong demeanor and structure people always ask before approaching, but once you give him the OK command He accepts anyone. Axel will make the ultimate Family Protector and the sky is the limit for his training. Axel can be brought to you by one of our master trainers for a 3 day training course, Prices vary depending on location. Larro can keep competing in the Sport or be your Executive K9, to Protect your family and home. Larro has great nerves, he is very social with people and kids, also very good with female dogs. Gynna is very social excellent with people and kids, stable nervous, nothing startles her. She is sweet, lovable but always keeping an eye on her surroundings. Call Bobby for more information. Reagan Reagan is a year old Black Sable female with red under coat. She is absolutely beautiful with her thick bone structure and her beautiful head. Reagan is commonly mistaken for a male, especially when you see her during her protection work. Reagan is extremely social; excellent with kids and all dogs. Reagan has been raised in a home and has traveled extensively in cars, busses, trains and even boats. Reagan is currently trained at the Executive Family Protector level with a few extra skillsets. Reagan is excelling towards The Presidential Family Protector. Reagan is also going for her pet therapy and AKC Good citizenship certificates. Reagan can be brought to you with one of our master trainers for a 3 day training course. Bama has been raised in a home which has been on-the-go with a carpooling to all practices. Bama is currently with one of our top trainers at college. He is living off campus in a frat house and keeps a level head with all the commotion that goes on in that busy house. Bama is trained to a level 1 at this current time but is excelling towards his level 2 degree. Bama can be brought to you with one of our master trainers for a 3 day training course. Please call Bobby at or email bobby metrok9. He is big boned and at 16 weeks weighed in at a whopping 46lbs. Jersey is well mannered crate trained, house broken and rides excellent in the car. Jersey is very social, good with kids and other dogs. Jersey has all his shots and is AKC registered. If you have have any other questions or would like to leave a deposit call Bobby at or email bobby metrok9. Koba Koba is a beautiful Black sable he is crate trained and has basic obedience and manners. Koba is also started in personal protection. There are many option moving forward with Koba we are moving forward with his training and are goals going forward will be the Presidential Executive Family Protector. Koba is breed from Storm and Clyde. Check out their siblings from the previous litter, Duke and Reagan. Koba has all his shots and is AKC registered. If you have any other questions or would like to leave a deposit call Bobby or email bobby metrok9. Leona is crate trained house broken, has her basic obedience and the start of protection work. Leona is very social, gentle with kids, and excellent with other animals. Leona has lived in a home and has traveled extensively in cars, busses, trains and even boats. Leona already went thru and passed her AKC puppy S. Leona can be brought to you with one of our master trainers for a 3 day training course. Barca excels in everything she does from her explicit manners to excelling in her obedience and the start of her protection. Barca is excellent with kids, there is NO limits to what she can do. Call or email Bobby , bobby metrok9. Thunder is a very social and is excellent with kids and other dogs. Her playful disposition makes for a great babysitter, while her calming demeanor will keep everyone at ease knowing she is part of the family. Thunder is currently trained to a level 1 and is going strong towards the next levels. Her positive attitude and her willingness to please will make her a great addition to a family on-the-go. Thunder can be delivered to you by one of our master trainers for a nominal fee. Price varies depending on location. For any other questions please call Bobby at or email; bobby metrok9. Bahus is very social with people , kids and other dogs, Bahus does excellent in large crowds and travels great. Please contact Bobby at or bobby metrok9. Check out Bahus pedigree here. Additional Services Offered. The sire is Aurum Vom Haus Gierla, when people meet him their response is always the same WOW, he is Gorgeous and his presence is known when he comes out, very confident and strong. Aurums puppies will make the perfect Family Companion and more. All puppies are AKC registered, they will come with up to date shot records a Health Certificate from a Licensed Veterinary also a voucher for your next office visit at our Veterinarian. Puppies are Guaranteed hips, Health and Temperament. Lastly a 3 month Group training class at are facility comes with every puppy. Jora and Aurum puppies born April 21, We have available 2 males, 2 females. This is a repeat breeding. After seeing the results after the first breeding we did it again. These puppies can be placed in a home or can go into high competition like Schutzhund or be your next Police K9. Call or text Bobby at .Pictures where taken 1 week after birth and you can see already there beautiful rich coats. These puppies will make the perfect Family Companion and more. They will be Excellent home protectors and Family Guardians. Puppies will be AKC registered they will come with there first set of shots, a health certificate from a licensed Veterinarian also Guaranteed Hips, Health and temperament, and a 3 month Group training class at our facility. They are black Sables. Puppies will be AKC registered they will come with there first set of shots, also Guaranteed Hips, Health and temperament, and a 3 month Group training class. Imported from our kennel in Europe. Puppies will be AKC registered they will come with there shots including Rabies, also Guaranteed Hips, Health and temperament, and a 3 month Group training class. Contact Us Today! German Shepherds for sale in New Jersey Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving New Jersey with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of New Jersey. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Included within the cost of our puppies are: Lifetime health guarantee contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers of New Jersey that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in NJ! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in N. We like to think we've made a lot of people in New Jersey happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. He is beautiful, well tempered, intelligent, and already making all of our hearts melt. We would highly recommend the Regis Regal for anyone looking for a German Shepherd pup. As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. For the complete list please see our German Shepherd Breeders page. When looking for a German Shepherd pup, there are a few things you should take into account before making your purchase. When purchasing a German Shepherd puppy, be prepared to make a long-term commitment to taking care of your new family member. They will require regular exercise, plenty of socialization, and training. With proper care, your GSD will be by your side for many years to come. Reputable breeders are more than happy to show you where the dog was born, raised, and even introduce you to its parents. As part of your purchase agreement with a breeder, make sure there is some sort of guarantees included on the health of the pup for up to 1 year after making your purchase. This warranty will ensure you can take your pup to the vet if any health problems do arise in the future. Visit Your New Jersey German Shepherd Breeder in Person Before handing over your money, you should be allowed to visit with the puppies and their parents. If everything looks good and the breeder is reputable, take the time to ask them as many questions as you can about the pup, its parents, and how it has been raised. This will help you get a sense of what to expect in the years ahead. A responsible German Shepherd breeder will be more than happy to answer any and all of your questions and provide additional information beyond what is covered in this article. They should make you feel confident that you are making the right decision in purchasing one of their puppies. Reputable breeders typically want to ensure their pups go home and stay home with the right family so may be hesitant about giving out too much information over the phone or the internet. References will also give you an idea of what you should expect if you decide to purchase a dog from your new breeder. By talking to them and seeing how they interact with their dog, it will give you an idea of what life is really like living with one of these loyal companions. Meeting with past customers will also help you get a sense of whether the breeder is reputable or not. If everything looks good, take the time to ask your breeder for specific contact information from these families so you can reach out to them on your own. This will give you an idea of what questions to ask and what to look for when meeting with potential dog owners. This means they should be taking them for yearly check-ups and vaccines, grooming them regularly, and feeding them high-quality dog food that meets all their nutritional needs. The best place to get your dog is from a breeder who has an established relationship with a veterinarian they use on a regular basis. A good professional will be able to answer any questions you have about taking care of your dog and what it takes to keep them healthy throughout its life. Look Out for The Signs of An Unethical German Shepherd Dog Breeder in New Jersey Unfortunately, not all breeders are ethical and some may try to take advantage of your lack of knowledge or willingness to ask the right questions. There are plenty of them out there, you just need to be patient and do your research. This can include anything from congenital defects to health issues that may arise as the dog gets older. This will prevent them from getting out and exploring on their own. A Word on Crate Training You may want to consider crate training as your German Shepherd pup gets older as it can be a very effective tool for potty training and teaching them their boundaries. However, if not used properly, this method could actually cause more harm than good. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter.

Greetings from the Wysongs! As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. And, Jonathan actually arrived early here in Auburn Maine! I was waiting right at my sliding glass doors when he texted me! What a great guy. She is so, so smart! Talks back! She's such a Blessing!!!! I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I was the one, who a couple of years ago had cancer, and you gave me my deposit back. And you didn't have to. God Bless You. I am over joyed with this gorgeous, crazy, silly girl!!! I love her so much! Thank you, so very much! Kathleen Byron Kathy! In fact all the vets I have every gone to think she is most healthiest and beautiful coat of any bulldog they have seen. She is now 11 years old, a little arthritis, maybe starting dementia, but could be eyes. I am taking her to eye specialist on Tuesday. I just wanted to let you know we love her and thank you for having such great puppies to pick from. He was obviously well loved and cared for. He's gorgeous, smart and confident. We've had him for 2 days and he's adjusted perfectly. She has a very friendly temperament and loves attention. Not only was Sugarplum Bulldog's process extremely organized from the moment of deposit to our visit to the farm, but it was also very thorough. We were able to get everything we needed, his food, his crate, vitamins, and the best health tips to keep Finn healthy and active. He has not had any health issues and transitioned so easily into our home, going potty outside, and interacting with other dogs belonging to our extended family and friends. Morgan helped us to select the best fit temperament pup for our lifestyle. I would recommend Sugarplum Bulldogs to anyone and plan on returning when we decide to introduce a second bully to our home. He is a wonderful addition to our family and has brought us a lot of love and joy. This breed is known for health issues but Morgan helped answer all our questions and gives you a complete take home folder with all instructions on diet, hygiene care, vaccines, health records, and her 1 year guarantee paper etc etc. Morgan is professional and you can tell she cares a lot about the puppies. The day we picked up our little boy she sat down with us and reviewed all care instructions and gave us a puppy care bag with food, a leash, harness, toys etc etc. Morgan made the process of buying our first family dog very comfortable and with confidence. My little fur boy is healthy and any concerns I can easily ask and contact his Grandma Morgan because Grandmas know best! Awesome quality breeding smaller in size and excellent bloodlines. Morgan is awesome and is very knowledgeable about the breed and supportive to bully owners. .Thanks Morgan we love Bentley! Fluff Puff Husky Boy is no everyday dog. His appearance is certainly striking: bright blue eyes, a short, squashed muzzle and an almost feathery white coat with flashes of pink. But his looks, perhaps, are not the most surprising thing about him. Reared in Chelmsford, Essex, Fluff Puff was recently sold to a Texas breeder to work — we believe — as a stud dog. And the price paid? That's if we take his breeder, Diego Sanchez — whose breeding outfit Dezinerbullz is licensed by his local council in Maldon — at his word. In video footage, Sanchez, a Colombian national, is seen delivering Fluff Puff to his new American owner at a luxury London flat. Fluff Puff was then flown to Houston: it was, according to Sanchez, a historic moment. Yet perhaps the most heartbreaking example of 'extreme breeding' that we have seen in our investigations is Robertson's bulldog Major Playa pictured. It is, frankly, a terrible sight: a canine mutant. Multiple heavy rolls of skin obscure the face and muzzle of this unfortunate dog, which is panting terribly In a separate post online, Sanchez boasted that Fluff Puff was 'unique. For he is a 'Frankenpup': and a stud at that, capable of siring a long line of puppies bearing his own highly unusual physical characteristics. In Britain and America, there is a craze for French bulldogs — now the second most popular breed here despite the litany of health problems they often suffer. According to The Kennel Club, demand for French bulldogs has soared by 1, per cent in the past decade. Diego Sanchez's legal breeding business shows that vast amounts of money can be made on designer dogs. For many people, a typical 'Frenchie' is not enough. Unscrupulous breeders are therefore concocting ever-weirder specimens in canine 'fertility clinics': artificially inseminating dogs and delivering the puppies by caesarean section, as the bitches' narrow pelvises mean they cannot deliver naturally. The result is dogs bred as fashion accessories, often appearing in 'gangsta' videos on social media, carried around by scantily clad women while the male breeders drive expensive sports cars and emerge from helicopters. French bulldogs that are either 'hairless' or — as in Fluff Puff's case — have particularly soft and downy fur carry the highest prices. A cross between a French bulldog and a husky, Fluff Puff stands to make his new owner a fortune. The profits from 'Frankenpups' are staggering — as the Daily Mail can reveal after a lengthy investigation. In poorly regulated clinics across Britain, they are being bred for ever more bizarre physical characteristics: completely flat faces that leave them gasping to breathe, rolls of skin that render them half-blind and unable to blink properly, and baldness that leaves them prone to sunburn, skin cancer and other ailments. Some are selected for the fashionable shades of their coats: now in vogue are 'pink', 'platinum', 'isabella' a washed-out beige and 'merle', an almost patterned appearance. Vets warn that dogs with merle coats often suffer from serious genetic defects, especially deafness. Only last week, the experts said that the fad for pugs to have bulging eyes, folds of skin and flat faces is causing them to suffer terribly. Pugs are more than 50 times at risk of serious breathing problems than other breeds and are far more likely to be afflicted by health problems including agonising eye ulcers and dermatitis. Yet many Frankenpups make the suffering of pugs look easy. Too often, these dogs die painfully and young of excruciating congenital diseases. The dog, which struggled to breathe, was flown to the U. It had to be put down aged just 16 months. They are endorsed on Facebook by the troubled former EastEnders actress Danniella Westbrook, an on-off cocaine addict. As a stud, Fluff Puff would be expected to cost considerably more. Sanchez is licensed by Maldon Council to breed up to 50 puppies a year. Records at Companies House show that his firm, Dezinerbullz, was compulsorily struck off in February, although it continues to advertise dogs online. In , Sanchez's business partner, Susan Bello-Pearson, was found guilty of 12 offences of supplying and possessing unauthorised veterinary medicines. A spokesman for Maldon Council told the Mail that the council had no power to withdraw the breeding licence as a result of this conviction. For all his boasting on Facebook about his 'special' dog, Mr Sanchez refused to speak to the Mail or answer any of our questions. Yet others are prepared to speak out against the Frankenpups industry. British Veterinary Association BVA president Justine Shotton, told us: 'Dogs bred to have certain characteristics, such as being hairless, having more skin wrinkles or faces that are even flatter than normal, may look 'cute' or unique. But these poor dogs may have a lifetime of suffering ahead. A report from the animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation found that these clinics, run by unqualified practitioners, are regularly performing highly dangerous procedures on unfortunate dogs. In almost all cases, artificial insemination is being used to breed dogs that would otherwise be unable to mate, while hormones taken from pigs are used illegally to boost litter sizes and increase profits. The clinics are getting away with murder — they are making so much money. So what kind of people are drawn into the murky world of breeding Frankenpups? Earlier this year, Britain saw its first litter of 'hairless' French bulldogs — which experts believe is a cross between a French bulldog and a Chinese crested dog, a naturally hairless breed 'They are breeding these poor dogs with terrible health problems often in conditions that are completely illegal and dangerous. Some of the clinics are run by rank amateurs with no training and no veterinary knowledge at all. Earlier this year, Britain saw its first litter of 'hairless' French bulldogs — which experts believe is a cross between a French bulldog and a Chinese crested dog, a naturally hairless breed. In the macho world of bulldog-breeding, this was big news. The litter was apparently masterminded by breeders Paul Robertson and Gari Ferrari, both based in Scotland but who are believed to have worked with a network of UK-wide breeders. The Mail understands that this group is connected with a breeder in China who operates close to the border with North Korea. Ferrari and Robertson are the alleged 'brains' behind a hairless bulldog they have produced and have named 'Gari Baldy' — a pun on the 19th-century Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi. The two men do not come across as pleasant individuals. Robertson's online publicity material includes the words 'Gangster' as well as a picture of the notorious Kray twins, who terrorised London in the s. One of his stud dogs, an English bulldog, is even called 'Mr Kray'. In February, Robertson announced on Facebook that 'the first litter of hairless French Bulldog [sic] in the UK has finally arrived safely. Download our guide! We offer standard and fluffy Award- winning Award-winning bloodline, guaranteed health Every TomKings parent dog has passed a rigorous selection and examination process before we started our elite breeding program to build the healthiest and most Frenchie-authentic gene pool for our TomKings Frenchies. All of our adult dogs and puppies get the highest quality food and supplements to ensure immaculate health, and they are checked by our vet on a weekly basis. Our purebred French bulldogs come with a TomKings Health Guarantee, that is valid against all genetic illnesses. Instead, we treat all of our Frenchies as family members , let them roam freely in our vast green garden and rest with us in our house. Our Frenchie puppies can play as much as they want and we raise them by teaching all the good manners among dogs and people, including children. Maternal love 12 weeks of maternal love and professional care Spending 3 whole months after birth with their caring mother and siblings ensures that TomKings puppies develop a healthy dog-personality and a well-balanced nature. Before joining their new families in the USA and elsewhere, our Frenchies get all the puppy vaccinations, are dewormed and treated against parasites. They travel in a temperature-controlled and pressurized room not stacked on top of suitcases , and they are watched all along the flight. During layovers, the puppies are taken off the plane and placed in a pet hotel, where they are given fresh food, water and lots of pampering. They are sweeter than any airport scenes in romantic movies. Feel free to reach out to us any time with your questions or to share your joy: we answer you immediately 16 hours a day.

Rabies Vaccine Rabies is a viral infection caused by a virus secreted in the saliva. According to the Humane Society , because the infection affects the nervous system, most rabid animals behave abnormally. When should puppies get rabies shots? Generally speaking, puppies should get their first rabies shot around 16 weeks of age and again between years old. Rabies Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every 3 years Non-core Vaccines Non-core vaccines are important, but they are considered optional for dogs with less risk of infection. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on lifestyle and where you live or travel. Bordetella Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium associated with respiratory disease in dogs and is known to cause the most severe form of kennel cough. Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, congestion, etc. Some veterinarians may recommend Bordetella as a core vaccine for puppies based on their living environment, especially for social dogs who spend time in areas where they might come into contact with the bacteria like the dog park, boarding facilities, or doggy daycare. The vaccination can be given orally, intranasally, or by injection. Bordetella Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every year Leptospira Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by infection of the genus Leptospira, which are found in water and soil. The zoonotic disease spreads easily from animals to humans and is more common in warm climate areas with high annual rainfall; the Leptospira vaccine may be considered core in these areas. Signs of leptospirosis may include shivering, fever, muscle tenderness, increased thirst, dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, kidney failure, liver failure, etc. Leptospira Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 3rd shot: 1 year Booster: every year There is also a 5-way vaccine known as DHLPP, which is a combination vaccine of distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvo. Lyme disease Lyme disease is caused by infection with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The most common symptoms in dogs include loss of appetite, lameness, joint swelling, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. More serious cases can also develop kidney complications. The Lyme disease vaccine is highly recommended for dogs that live in or frequently travel to areas known for Lyme disease, as well as those living in areas with a high risk of tick exposure. Lyme Vaccination Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 2nd shot: weeks later Booster: every year Canine Influenza Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a contagious viral infection affecting dogs. The virus is spread through aerosols or droplets containing respiratory secretions from barking, sneezing, and coughing. Dogs in close contact with infected dogs in places like daycare facilities, groomers, and kennels are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. CIV causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs, with the most common clinical sign being a cough that persists for up to 21 days. Vaccines are available for both H3N2 and H3N8 canine influenza. A bivalent vaccine offering protection against both strains is available as well. Dogs become infected when they swallow the parasite that may be present in water or other substances that have been soiled with feces leading to the disease Giardiasis. Giardia in dogs usually causes diarrhea, weight loss, or even death. Giardia is an available vaccine for puppies 8 weeks of age and older for 6 months of immunity against giardiasis. Most common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Young dogs are at a high risk of contracting the disease, so the vaccine is highly recommended for puppies under eight weeks. Rattlesnake vaccine A rattlesnake vaccine can help dogs build antibodies to rattlesnake venom from bites that are often deadly and severely painful to dogs. The antibodies work to neutralize the venom, thereby significantly extending the window of time you have to take your dog to the emergency room , increasing their odds of survival. Protect yourself from heartbreak without breaking the bank. Compare quotes to find the best deal for your budget. After that, puppies should receive a series of vaccines every two to four weeks until actual protein can be achieved between the ages of 6 and 20 weeks old. Your vet will determine a safe vaccine schedule for your puppy based on their weight, health, age, etc. Some pet parents prefer getting multiple puppy shots in one vet visit to minimize stress on their pet, whereas others prefer to spread the shots out to reduce possible side effects and soreness — talk to your vet to create a safe vaccine schedule that works for you and your puppy. Rabies depends on local laws but is usually given by the time your dog reaches 3 to 6 months old. When should puppies have all their shots by? Most vets prefer giving the final DHPP shot at 16 weeks or later; however, new recommendations suggest up to 20 weeks out. When do puppies need booster shots? Abstaining from booster shots can put your puppy at risk. However, not all vaccines require yearly boosters. DHPP vaccine booster: every two weeks for a total of three sets, then every three years Lepto, Canine influenza, and Lyme disease vaccine booster: one month after the initial series, then annually Bordetella booster: 1 year or every 6 months where there is a concern Rabies booster: every 1 to 3 years after the initial round, depending on state laws Puppy Vaccine Schedule There are several types of puppy shots your pet might get in their first year. In addition to a deworming schedule, your vet will suggest a vaccination schedule for puppies based on their age, environment, and medical history. Most vets recommend this general timeline for first-year puppy shots: weeks of age Between 6- and 8-weeks-old, puppies get their first shot of the DHPP distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus vaccine. They might also receive their first round of vaccinations for Bordetella and Lyme disease. Leptospira Lepto is a common puppy vaccination administered around this time frame. They'll also get their first rabies vaccine depending on state-mandated vaccine schedules for puppies, as well as a second shot of the Lepto vaccine if applicable. Boosters Every Years Puppies will need a booster shot for all vaccines at age 1. Dogs need booster vaccinations for Bordetella, Lepto, Lyme, and Giardia annually receiving their first immunization as an adult. The vaccination schedule for DHPP and rabies is every 3 years, but check your local laws and defer to your veterinarian's advice to ensure your pet stays free of disease. How much are puppy shots? Non-essential vaccines your vet may recommend will also increase the price. Note that puppy shots cost more or less depending on several different factors, including your location. For instance, vets in crowded urban areas tend to charge more than vets in smaller towns and rural areas. Also keep in mind that you'll need to budget for booster shots in one- or three-year intervals to ensure your pet stays protected from disease. Fortunately, vaccines for dogs are less expensive than first-year puppy shots because boosters are administered in one dose every few years, as opposed to multiple doses every few weeks. All puppies need to get the core vaccines, i. Your veterinarian will consider the risk factors and advise you on which vaccines are best for your puppy during the first vet visit. No, but both vaccines for puppies are often combined in one shot. Distemper and parvovirus are two different illnesses that are potentially fatal if not treated quickly. What is the 5-in-1 shot for puppies? Do puppies need 3 or 4 sets of shots? It depends on their age; vets may recommend a shorter puppy vaccination schedule for dogs over 16 weeks old and not yet fully vaccinated. How many shots do puppies need before going outside? A titer test is a blood test showing whether your puppy has antibodies for a particular illness. The test can be used to determine the effectiveness of a vaccine and help determine if or which booster vaccines your dog needs. Most doggy daycares and boarding facilities do not accept a titer test in lieu of a puppy vaccination record. When should puppies get dewormed? Because worms are very common in puppies, veterinarians recommend deworming them for the first time when they're two to three weeks old. Is there a heartworm vaccine for puppies? Preventatives can either be administered as monthly medication or every six months by injection. How can you save money on puppy shots? One way to save money on puppy vaccines is by visiting a low-cost vaccination clinic. These clinics typically offer packages that combine a bundle of vaccinations into a lower price point, but also offer individual options if your dog is due for a specific vaccine. Another way to save money on puppy shots is by purchasing a pet wellness plan through a pet insurance provider. 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. Titers measure antibody levels in the blood through laboratory analysis or by in-clinic antibody test kits. The results come in the form of positive there are protective levels of the antibody against the virus or negative there are not protective levels of antibody against the virus in the blood. The memory cells file away the information from the virus, so it can respond so subsequent exposure before symptoms appear. Lack of distinction between the two kinds of responses may be why some practitioners think titers can suddenly disappear. A positive titer test result in an unvaccinated, but healthy dog or cat suggests prior exposure to and recovery from infection. And it means that the dog or cat now has protective immunity. A positive titer test result in a previously vaccinated dog or cat correlates well with protective immunity. A negative titer test result in a previously vaccinated dog or cat must be interpreted on the basis of age and prior vaccination history. It can mean the animal is protected with the help of memory cells, or it can mean he or she is susceptible to infection. If your dog has had a previous positive titer, then this is a good indication that there are protective memory cells present. Full laboratory titer testing is often costly and might take several days for results. Fortunately, two companies now offer in-clinic antibody titer test kits to veterinarians that are much more affordable and super quick — you can get results in as little as 15 to 20 minutes. TiterCHEK , manufactured by Synbiotics Corporation, offers testing for canine distemper and canine parvovirus with results shown as positive or negative. VacciCheck , manufactured by Biogal Galed Laboratories, offers testing for canine adenovirus, canine distemper, canine parvovirus, feline calicivirus FCV , feline herpesvirus FHV and feline parvovirus with results shown as negative, low positive, significant positive or high positive. Keep in mind that these test kits have been correlated through gold standard lab tests such as virus neutralization VN or hemagglutination inhibition HI , or challenge testing results. Animal vaccines are licensed based on challenge — considered the only true test of protective immunity — where unvaccinated animals are infected with a virus to manifest clinical illness and vaccinated animals remain healthy. This correlation is done in order to be able to accurately represent a defined threshold of antibody. Today, in-clinic titer test kits for canine distemper, canine parvovirus, canine adenovirus and feline parvovirus correlate well with gold standard tests. So when these in-clinic tests are performed properly, it means that a positive test result demonstrates the dog or cat does have protective levels of antibody against the virus. To date, a rabies virus antibody titer cannot be interpreted as an index of immunity in lieu of revaccination. Some dogs do not need every vaccine. This decision is between you and your veterinarian. Always discuss puppy vaccinations at your regularly scheduled appointments. That said, here is a generally accepted guideline of the puppy vaccination schedule for the first year. You also need to learn more about vaccines before deciding what is best for your baby. Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder. Adenovirus type 1 canine hepatitis Adenovirus type 2 kennel cough Lyme disease Bordetella Leptospirosis, and Parainfluenza. While a young puppy or French Bulldog is still small and has not completed the core vaccinations, it would be best to keep them away from kennels, dog parks, or spaces and places where they could contract various illnesses that they have not yet formed any immunity to. At what age should my French Bulldog be vaccinated? The age at which you should get your French Bulldog vaccinated will vary depending on which vaccine it is and may come in doses rather than a single shot. A puppy as young as six weeks can begin a series of shots for distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus type 1 for hepatitis, adenovirus type 2 for kennel cough, parainfluenza, and Bordetella optional. At 16 weeks or three months, your French Bulldog should receive its first rabies shot, although some may vaccinate for rabies as early as 12 weeks. The rabies vaccination can be done in a single shot or dose and is often regulated by the state the age at which your French Bulldog should be vaccinated. If you choose to vaccinate your French Bulldog for Lyme disease, this can be done at week nine and require two doses to complete, two to four weeks apart. At eight weeks old, you may choose to vaccinate your puppy for Leptospirosis. The Leptospirosis vaccine must also be completed in two doses two to four weeks apart. A vaccine is available for Canine Influenza and can be administered at weeks, and is also completed in two doses two to four weeks apart. What is the purpose of the main vaccinations? These vaccines are crucial barriers to protecting your French Bulldog from very serious diseases and infections that could endanger their lives and other dogs or wildlife. While many are aware of rabies and its destructive nature to dogs due to the lack of a cure, familiarity with the other core vaccines and their purpose is not as common. Distemper is a serious, extremely contagious, and often fatal disease in dogs that is very much like rabies. The disease can cause coughing, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite in your French Bulldog. Seizures are common, and a common initial symptom is a puss-like discharge in their eyes. Adenovirus type 1 protects your dog from infectious canine hepatitis, which is not unlike human hepatitis, a disease that attacks the liver. Adenovirus type 2 helps prevent kennel cough, an acute respiratory infection in dogs that causes coughing and sneezing, much like a cold in humans. Parvovirus in canines is an extremely contagious infection that causes vomiting, fever, nausea, and bloody diarrhea. Parainfluenza is another highly contagious infection that acts as respiratory disease, causing cough and canine cough. Much like a human virus, parainfluenza can cause a cough, sneezing, a fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, and Kennel Cough are often accompanied by some bacterial infections such as Bordetella. For this reason, many dog owners choose to vaccinate their dogs for Bordetella along with the core vaccines. The most common side effect of vaccination in your French Bulldog or puppy will likely be feeling sore or lethargic. Most puppies and dogs are back to normal energy and behavior within a couple of days. Sometimes small lumps or bumps that may be sensitive to touch can be found at the injection site of vaccination. New ways to implement vaccines, such as the Bordetella spray vaccine, were developed to create immunities in the first place where a dog might develop or be prone to infection from the disease, may have the adverse effect of causing your French Bulldog to have the sniffles or sneeze. Very serious reactions, such as anaphylaxis or infections and abscesses at the site of vaccine infection, are exceedingly rare. Adverse reactions of this degree often occur within hours of vaccination, and your veterinarian should be contacted and seen immediately to treat these issues. What should I expect from the veterinarian? The veterinarian will do a full-scale physical examination of your puppy, checking weight, temperature, and lymph nodes, then do a brief behavioral observation allowing your pup to walk around the room. Your veterinarian should explain the vaccination schedule for your puppy, appropriate to its age and any previous vaccination history. Then the veterinarian will administer the shots as necessary in a relatively quick and mostly painless process. Vaccinations for your French Bulldog or French Bulldog puppy will vary depending upon what veterinarian services your dog. If you got your French Bulldog or French Bulldog puppy from a shelter, it is more than likely that the shelter has already paid for and administered the necessary vaccines for your dog. Should I vaccinate my French Bulldog every year? Most vaccine schedules propose that dog owners bring their pets and dogs in for a booster shot at least once a year. The core vaccination shots for distemper, adenovirus types 1 and 2, parvovirus, and parainfluenza should be taken one year after initial series completion. Once the vaccination has been administered in this timeline, the best practice is to administer a booster once every three years. After the first year of a successful Rabies shot administration, most dogs are eligible to get the three-year rabies shot, a dosage that will only require a booster every three years. Non-core vaccinations are optional but are often recommended boosters of one year if dog owners choose to get them. Your local veterinarian or canine care provider will be able to walk you through the process, ensuring the best practices are followed for your French Bulldog. Vaccinations are a key component of canine health for your beloved French Bulldog and will help your French Bulldog or puppy live their healthiest, longest, and most enjoyable life. While there are some mild reactions and side effects to dog and puppy vaccination, more likely than not, these issues will resolve in a short period and will be well worth the initial discomfort your French Bulldog might feel. However, there are recommended guidelines you need to consider around what point your puppy is with their vaccinations and injections. When can a puppy go outside for walks? The first lot of vaccinations should be done around the 6-week mark, with the second injections happening at around 12 weeks of age. Puppies can go outside for walks 2 weeks after their final set of vaccinations. The second injection typically occurs at 12 weeks old, meaning your puppy can go outside when they are around 16 weeks of age. Can puppies go out in the garden before injections? Puppies can go in the garden before their vaccination injections. Un-vaccinated dogs pose a health risk to puppies who have yet to have their injections. Having your young puppy go out in the garden before injections is good for their development. It means that they get some fresh air and get used to the outdoors, which will make their first walk a lot less intimidating for them once that time comes. Only let your puppy socialise with dogs you already know have been vaccinated and in the safety of your backyard or garden. Once your puppy has had their initial lot of vaccinations, it is important to not skip the second set. This will help avoid them from catching any illnesses or diseases in the future. Most dogs will need booster vaccinations once a year following these two initial vaccines, although your vet will tell you if another treatment plan is more appropriate. Can my puppy go out in the garden before the second vaccination? The second lot of vaccinations can be administered once the dog is at least twelve weeks or three months old. So, in most cases, this would be 4 weeks after you bring your puppy home for the first time. Can puppies go in the garden before the second injection? Never expose your puppy to unknown dogs before they have completed all vaccinations. Once your puppy has received their second vaccinations, it is safe for them to go beyond the garden and to be taken on walks. Puppies can go out in the garden before their second vaccination, but with some caveats. What age can puppies go to kennels? If your puppy is likely to spend time at kennels in the near future, they will need an additional vaccination to protect them against kennel cough, which they can catch from other dogs. Puppies can go to kennels once they reach 12 weeks old. By this time, they will have had all of their injections and will be fully vaccinated against a range of health problems including kennel cough. It is possible to have your puppy vaccinated against kennel cough from 6 weeks old. However, kennel owners will still insist that the dog has had its full range of injections including the second set which typically occurs after 12 weeks. Can I take my dog out before vaccinations? You can take your dog out before vaccinations, but it needs to be in a controlled environment such as your own garden or backyard. What are the injections for? The vaccinations protect your puppy from a range of dangerous diseases and viruses including canine distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus. What are the risks if I take my puppy outside too early? If you take your puppy outside before they have had both injections, they will be exposed to some or all of the serious diseases cited above, giving them an increased chance of becoming infected and unwell, especially since their immune system is more vulnerable than older dogs who have missed a booster. They could catch it from interacting with an unvaccinated dog, walking in an area inhabited by certain diseases or even directly licking dangerous things outside that could not only carry a serious disease, but also be poisonous in itself. This could lead to them developing an anxious and skittish disposition during a very formative period in their lives. Behavior like this can be hard to undo and reverse. Finally, if you take your puppy on walks too early, you risk over-exercising them, which can lead to injuries and joint problems like early-onset arthritis in the future. Puppies can go outside in your garden at 12 weeks old providing they have had their injections. If you want to get your pup used to the outside world without overwhelming them or exposing them to harmful diseases, you can carry them as opposed to walking them on a lead or letting them roam of their own accord — this has the dual effect of keeping them away from harm and making them feel more safe and secure. The bottom line is this; to be completely on the safe side, puppies can go out in the garden before their injections as you have complete control over this situation. An 8-week-old puppy go out in my garden as can a week-old. You should take your new puppy to the vets anyway, for a general health check. How much should they walk after injections? Once your puppy has had their second lot of vaccinations, it is usually safe around the 14 to week mark to take them out on their first walk. However, make sure you are attuned to how much exercise your pup can manage and be careful to not overexert them. For a dog under 6 months, a ten minute walk a couple times a day is usually more than enough. A good rule of thumb to gradually increase their stamina and exercise as they grow bigger and older is to extend your walks by five minutes every month. If you have difficulties controlling your dog off-the-lead, you should contact a professional dog-trainer. Conclusion When you bring home an adorable bundle of fluff full of boundless energy and excitement, it can be tempting to launch straight into a fun and active lifestyle, with long walks and play sessions in the great outdoors. Finding the right balance between integrating your puppy into everyday life and protecting them against harmful diseases and other dangers can be especially difficult at first, but you will be able to find a way that works for both you and your pup as time goes by and you both get to know each other better. Go with your gut to find the right balance, but if you have any further doubts you can speak to your vet or a trainer to find the best way to navigate this process of introducing your puppy to the world. It is a daunting but ultimately very rewarding task! Handy Hint: Please now read my guide to walking French Bulldogs. It includes notes on walking distances, regularity, and best practices to keep things safe. You might also like…. Email Your pet wants you to read our newsletter. Then give them a treat. Sign up for product updates, offers, and learn more about The Wildest, and other Mars Petcare brands. Must be over 16 years to sign up. I'm In See our privacy statement to find out how we collect and use your data, to contact us with privacy questions or to exercise your personal data rights. The process of scheduling more than a handful of puppy shots can be dizzying. Your vet can personalize a vaccination protocol to your dog based on their age, lifestyle, and risk of contracting various diseases in the places where they spend time. Core vaccines are named as such because they prevent the most common and dangerous diseases, and if all dogs get them as they should , it can lead to herd immunity; an example of a core vaccine for dogs is the rabies vaccine. Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs. Non-Core Vaccines Non-core vaccines are not recommended for all dogs. They protect against diseases that are less common or that are only a risk for dogs that are exposed to certain environments or activities. Despite being a potent cocktail, this one requires a couple of boosters, spaced out a month apart. Non-Core Vaccines Leptospirosis This infection is caused by bacteria that can be transmitted through the urine of an infected animal usually rats , either by direct contact or contact with contaminated soil or water. Bordetella The Bordetella pathogen is the most common cause of kennel cough , which is super contagious. In fact, most kennels require it if your pup will be boarding there day or night. This one runs its course in six months, so stay up-to-date with the boosters. Similar to Bordetella above, canine flu is recommended for pups with healthy social lives dog park, daycare, etc. While less of a threat in an urban area, Lyme disease is pretty rampant in rural, wooded environments. If you live in such an area, your vet will highly recommend it. Knowing what vaccines are out there is only the beginning; you also need to know when to vaccinate puppies. How much do puppy shots cost? Some veterinarians offer vaccination packages, which lower the cost-per-shot. Related article It covers your pet so you can get that broken leg fixed — while keeping your wallet happy. Alternately, you can opt for a Titer , a blood test that measures antibodies and determines if your dog is already immune. What are the adverse reactions caused by vaccines in dogs? Pain or Swelling at the Injection Site Pain and swelling at the injection site is very common. Avoid applying pressure to the area where your pup got their shot, and let them rest up as much as they can. Firm swelling under the injection site may last longer than a few days; you should contact your veterinarian if it lasts longer than three weeks or is growing larger. Related article When the bills rack up, these resources have your back. Mild Fever Your pup also may have a mild fever. Dogs run warmer than humans; a fever for a dog is any temperature above degrees Fahrenheit. Lethargy Lethargy, including a decreased appetite, is another common symptom. Your pup may get a few more naps in that usual , have a decreased appetite , or seem depressed. What should I do if my dog misses a vaccine? If your dog misses a vaccine booster, you should contact your veterinarian right away. They can help you determine the best way to get on track. If your pup is only a few weeks late, they may be able to get the booster without a problem. If months or years have passed, your pup will likely have to restart the vaccination course to be sure they are fully protected. That said, before you leash up your pup, you should avoid taking your dog to dog parks or other areas where they may be exposed to other dogs for a few days after vaccination. Keep your dog away from other animals, such as cats and rodents, too. Contact your veterinarian right away; they can help you determine the best way to get on track. Depending on how much time has passed between vaccinations, your pup may have to restart their vaccination schedule or continue with boosters as planned. Dogs can experience pain or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, or lethargy. Puppies need three rounds of vaccines in their first year. They can then be boosted on an annual schedule. What do I need to know about immunizations for my Frenchie puppy? This information will all be in the packet you will receive when you obtain your puppy. Zoetis is a modified live virus for vaccination of healthy dogs 6 weeks of age or older as an aid in preventing canine distemper caused by canine distemper CD virus, infectious canine hepatitis ICH caused by canine adenovirus type 1 CAV-1 , respiratory disease caused by canine adenovirus type 2 CAV-2 , canine parainfluenza caused by canine parainfluenza CPI virus, and canine parvoviral enteritis caused by canine parvovirus CPV. The first vaccination that we give at 6 weeks also includes a protection against corona virus. We keep all of our puppies up-to-date on all of their immunizations and we now give them to our puppies at 6 and 9 weeks, and they should receive their 3rd DAPP vaccination at 12 weeks. Most of you will receive your new puppy at approximately 9 weeks of age and it is important that you take your Frenchie to your vet to receive the rest of the immunizations per schedule. This is only one of the reasons why it is critical to establish a good relationship with a qualified vet as soon as possible. It should be noted that there are many well renown experts in the field who feel that a yearly booster for dogs is excessive since the protection provided by the vaccination lasts several years in many cases and they feel that unnecessary vaccinations can do more harm than good, yet another good reason to establish a positive veterinary relationship. Have More Questions?

Whatever may be the reasons, once you have decided to welcome this dog into your life you need to take note of a few more things before bringing it home. You need to be prepared for letting it into your life and being happy with it. What is the price of a German Shepherd Puppy in India? While the price is one factor in choosing the right dog for you, there are several other factors that come into the picture when deciding on a dog to buy. Dog Breeders Near Me Here are some of the most fundamental factors that you need to consider before buying a German Shepherd puppy: 1. Do you have enough space for a German Shepherd? Is your house big enough for the dog? Do you have space for the dog to move around and play? This is a very crucial factor that you need to consider before getting a German Shepherd into the house. Are you committed to training your dog? Training is a crucial part of owning a dog. This is very much true when you have a German Shepherd. You have to make sure that you have the time to train your dog almost every day. This is another major commitment you have to make before buying a German Shepherd. Do you provide enough exercise to your dog? They need a lot of exercises to stay healthy. You have to make the commitment to provide enough exercise to the dog. Only then you can say that you are ready to bring a German Shepherd into your life. Can you keep it engaged? German Shepherds are intelligent and active dogs. You have to make sure that you keep them busy with some activity. Otherwise, they are going to be trouble for the entire house. There are many games that you can get your dog involved in. This will give the dog enough activity and keep it engaged for long. Do you travel often? German Shepherds are not loner types. They like to bond and connect. They do not like to be left alone. If you have a job that includes a lot of travel or long working hours, this may not be the right dog breed for you. Hope these tips help you in deciding whether or not buying a German Shepherd is the right decision for you. Do you already own a German Shepherd? If so, let us know if we missed anything from this article. We would love to know your thoughts and suggestions. You should always buy one from a reputable breeder or this can be your downfall as these animals require special care that is hard to find if you got them somewhere else. Which German Shepherd is best? They have a graceful, yet powerful movement and can be trained quite easily by any interested Dog Trainer. The other two breeds of interest to you would be the American show line or working line versions — which differ from one another in body type alone due to their breeding purposes. Is German Shepherd dangerous? The German Shepherd is a breed that has been known to be one of the most dangerous breeds. They are naturally protective and if they were not properly socialized, then it can become too aggressive with strangers. With this in mind, there have been many fatal dog attacks involving them as well as catastrophic injuries from their attack on others. One thing you should know about these dogs before owning one is how important socialization training is for any pup or rescue dog! Which German Shepherd is biggest? The King Shepherd is one of the largest dogs in existence. How can you tell if a German Shepherd is purebred? Why are German Shepherds so expensive? There are many reasons German Shepherds can be costly. Can I feed my GSD raw meat? Most people recommend it, as they contain the nutrients and vitamins needed by a German Shepherd. Raw bones should always be given to your pup too; just avoid splintering bone pieces with intestinal problems in tow. What is bad about German Shepherds? They can be clumsy and messy. Good GSD rescuers will know about these potential problems before you adopt one so make sure that your rescue has been vetted! Are German Shepherds good house dogs? What foods are bad for German Shepherds? There are lots of foods that can be toxic to German Shepherds. Chocolate, grapes and avocados top the list. If you find yourself eating macadamia nuts or walnuts while out on a walk with your best friend then chances are those will probably end up in his stomach as well; just avoid giving him any alcohol or salt for good measure though thanks to their high toxicity levels. What raw meat is best for German Shepherd? So many choices of meat! Raw meats are great for German Shepherds. Muscle meat is also an option such as pheasant or turkey breast; these sources have less fat content than other types of muscle tissue like steak which may make it more difficult for the dog to digest properly. Can German Shepherd eat rice? Rice is an excellent source of calcium, fiber, iron. However brown rice is a healthier option so look out for this when choosing the brand you feed your German Shepherd with at home or in daycare What age does a German Shepherd become aggressive? The age when German Shepherds become aggressive is usually five to six months old, but there are ways you can train them in order for the aggression that may occur as early as this time not to get out of hand. This training should be started before they reach puberty because once these guys hit their teenage years it becomes difficult if not impossible to control or change their behavior without expensive professional help. Are German Shepherds easy to train? German Shepherds are obedient and easy to train. They will listen and obey your commands, making them easier to train than other breeds of dog. What is the best age to get a German Shepherd puppy? The best age on average is between seven and eight weeks old because this is how early puppies develop their personalities and habits. Remember though, no matter what breed or size type; each puppy has individual needs so make sure not only are we picking out an energetic German Shepherd but also taking into account things like time-spending commitments with children in our family or whether allergies may affect us as well. How do I know if my German Shepherd is happy? The best way to tell if your German Shepherd is happy and loves you, is by how wiggly their bottom gets when they see or smell you. The more relaxed the body frame becomes as well can be a sign that Fido really enjoys being around his favorite human! In addition to these signs of happiness, an energetic appetite accompanied by no destructive behavior shows us that our pup has never been happier than now! How do you punish a German Shepherd? The GSD is an intelligent and energetic breed that requires consistent training. Owners should keep in mind the following tips: Reward good behavior with treats, withdraw rewards for bad behaviors, use positive reinforcement only no physical punishment , do not yell or rub their nose in dirt- this can actually make the dog worse! A German Shepherd puppy should be inquisitive, outgoing, and completely unafraid in his advances towards everything. They will also demand affection without inhibition from their owner or anybody else they meet. Are German Shepherds good with kids? When it comes to kids, German Shepherds are a breed that exudes patience and tolerance. Why German Shepherds bite their owners? One of the most common causes for a dog to bite its owner is resource guarding. Are German Shepherds indoor or outdoor dogs? German Shepherd owners know all too well that these dynamic animals require more space for themselves and their family members on top of just being outside often! Do German Shepherds bark a lot? Yes, German Shepherds do bark often! They are great dogs and really smart too but without proper training and socialization, these pups can often over-bark. Without the right guidance from their owners or other handlers such as Dog Trainers, these canine companions have been known to become very vocal animals. Is Chicken bad for German Shepherds? Feeding your GSD chicken is a great idea. Chicken and other meats are good for this breed of dog because they need lots of energy from meat to stay healthy, while also getting the nutrients needed for their bones and muscles. Is milk good for German Shepherd? Can German Shepherds eat scrambled eggs? Yes, GSDs enjoy eating raw and cooked eggs! Is a German Shepherd a good family dog? German Shepherds are loyal and obedient with a lot of energy. What do most German Shepherds die from? Despite their intelligence and long life span, the most common cause for death in this breed is either cancer or bone tumors. Do German Shepherds like to cuddle? The answer is a resounding yes! For the most part, these loyal and protective dogs enjoy being close for their owners. A few exceptions may exist- but they are rare in number compared with those who love to snuggle up next to you on the couch while watching TV or curling up at your feet as you read. German Shepherds are known for their loyalty and intelligence, but they also have a few health problems that you should be aware of before adopting. The large breed is especially prone to canine hip dysplasia which can cause crippling pain in the joints as well as difficulty walking or standing up straight. Be sure to talk with your breeder about this serious condition so you know what questions ask when interviewing dog trainers! Good GSD rescuers will also be knowledgeable on these potential issues — make sure any rescue dog has not shown symptoms or been treated while under its care by asking probing questions during interviews and research online! What age does a German Shepherd die? The average life span of a GSD is between 10 and 13 years, but about half die younger than the age of ten or beyond thirteen. Can a German Shepherd live 20 years? Proper diet and exercise can help your German Shepherd Dog stay alive longer than the normal life expectancy! Do German Shepherds prefer one person? Shepherds are loyal dogs to just one person. Training them with more people is time consuming and difficult, which goes back to their history as working animals who needed a single handler or overseer that they can bond deeply with in order to stay calm on the job. Are male or female German Shepherds more aggressive? The truth is both male and female German Shepherds are aggressive, but males tend to be more hostile. This means that a family should consider choosing a female for the role of companion over their male counterparts because they will have less chance of being injured in an attack from other animals or humans. Males can do well as guard dogs in homes with children if it has been properly trained while females excel at companionship roles without any training necessary! At what age should a German Shepherd be potty trained? Potty training a German Shepherd is one of the most important things you can do as an owner. Around this time, pups wander from their mother and learn to soil outside their sleeping areas themselves instead of being housebroken by momma dog like little humans are! Will a German Shepherd attack an intruder? A German Shepherd is a trained watchdog. These dogs can recognize intruders and will fiercely attack the intruder without hesitation. Is a German Shepherd better than a Pitbull? German Shepherds are way tougher than Pitbulls. In fact, German Shepherds have a size and weight advantage, as well as a stronger bite force. What are German Shepherds afraid of? The German Shepherds can be afraid of being left alone, or even scared by new sounds in their environment like vacuums or other animals. How long can German Shepherds be left alone? Every dog has a different temperament and needs. Will German Shepherds protect you? These dogs will go to any length possible to keep their owners safe from harm. Is a GSD a good first dog? German Shepherds are great first dogs! German Shepherds can be fantastic family pets because their intelligence makes them so easily trained. How do you know if your German Shepherd loves you? German Shepherds are typically not the type of dog that is overly demonstrative with their love. However, there may still be a few tell-tale signs your pup loves you: Your German Shepherd yawns when they see you coming home from work they want to go for a walk! What are the pros and cons of a German Shepherd? A German Shepherd is a strong and intelligent dog. They are great guard dogs due to their large size, but they also have the capacity for companionship which makes them ideal as pets in households with children or other animals. Less - The German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs , well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The outline of the German Shepherd Dog is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. The head is in proportion to the size of the body, strong without appearing coarse or fine. Gender differences are readily apparent. The German Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, willing to be approached, yet a certain level of aloofness towards strangers is acceptable. When working, the German Shepherd is alert and eager, adapting well to new tasks. Lack of confidence is a serious defect in the character of a German Shepherd. The structure of this breed was designed for efficient locomotion, particularly at the trot, so poor movement is another serious fault. History Less - The German Shepherd Dog is a relatively young breed, developed almost single-handedly in the first half of the twentieth century by a German cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz, president of the Verein far Deutsche Schaferhunde S. Using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock, von Stephanitz developed a distinctive breed in a very short period of time, due in large part to the authoritarian practices of the German dog fancy at that time. Von Stephanitz emphasized utility and intelligence in his breeding program, enabling the German Shepherd Dog to switch easily from herding duties to other fields of work, particularly military and police work. All things German were shunned and popularity slumped. After the war, however, movie star Rin-tin-tin stimulated interest in the breed again. The striking good looks of this breed, combined with its remarkable intelligence and loyalty, have made it a favorite working and companion dog. Their muscular and athletic build is capable of intimidating anybody. If you have a German Shepherd at home, you can rest assured that you and your loved ones are safe. They are extremely alert dogs that would always be on the lookout for unwanted trespassers and scare the burglars away. Great Exercising Buddies If you are looking for some motivation to get up and work out every day, getting a German Shepherd would certainly help you build a great exercise routine. Being high-energy dogs, German Shepherds require their daily dose of exercise. Moreover, they love indulging in physical activities that allow them to utilize their stamina. Whether you take them for a walk, jog, or a run, German Shepherds would always make excellent exercising buddies. All-Weather Dogs Thanks to their double coats, German Shepherds are considered to be all-weather dogs. They can survive well in all kinds of weather without facing any major issues. However, in a city like Bangalore, it is important to take a little extra care of your German Shepherd when the weather gets a bit too hot and humid. Once they get comfortable with you, they become a part of your family and would do anything for you. Their love and loyalty towards their owners are unconditional. During times of danger, a German Shepherd would not think twice before putting their life at risk to save their owner. However, the degree of loyalty would depend on the manner in which you raise them. If you shower them with love since they are puppies, German Shepherds would reciprocate the same by growing into highly loyal dogs. High Intelligence German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs. This makes it easy to train them. Being fast and curious learners, they tend to retain the tricks taught to them and learn new skills faster. However, before you train your pet, always make sure that you use a positive and reward-based approach. This would provide them with an incentive to learn without getting aggravated. It is also advisable to train a German Shepherd while they are still young to get the best results. If you need any more information about German Shepherds or want to get your queries answered about the same, we will provide you with all relevant information and assistance that would answer all your questions. Before you bring the pet home, make sure you are able to take at least a couple of hours out every day for their exercise. If you keep them inactive for a longer period of time, they would get irritable, aggressive, and obese. As their food intake is high, they need to burn the extra calories by indulging in physical activities every day. Health Problems It is always important to be well-versed with the potential health issues your German Shepherd puppy may encounter before bringing them home. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common health issues faced by the breed. German Shepherds are also susceptible to the genetic condition of epilepsy. When they end up eating a lot of the wrong items, it may result in unwanted bloating, making it difficult for your German Shepherd to breathe. Reach out to us and we will help you add a cute little member to your family! Lets Connect on We will also provide you following breeds. Important Facts about German Shepherd: German shepherd is well suited companion for family, Guarding or working dog. German Shepherd are extremely protective because of which get bad reputation of being overly-aggressive. German Shepherd love physical and mental exercise. Because of their high energy German Shepherd are always ready for action. They are very energetic, active and athletic. Additionally they have above average intelligence and trainability, when positive reinforcement training methods used. German shepherd dog are very trustful, affectionate, playful and friendly to every age group of the family. German shepherd puppies should be fed times per day and slowly reduce the feeding time to 2 increasing the quantity. That means they primarily eat meat. Even then most of the dog food brands bag ingredients are grains and other stuff to cut down the cost of manufacturing. For the best growth and controlled weight it is very important to feed meat primarily in their diet. Make sure you check the ingredients before making a choice on which dog food to purchase. Never feed German Shepherd food that contains produced meals, soy, wheat or corn. It is important to weigh your dog. A healthy and normal full grown male German Shepherd dog weighs anywhere between 30 to 45 kilograms. You can take your dog to a vet to weigh him. An adult German Shepherd requires a proper balance of water, vitamins, minerals, fats, and carbohydrates. German Shepherd puppy will need some very specific nutrients and he will need them in some very specific amounts. This will give him the best chance of growing up with a strong, healthy immune system. Plus strong and healthy bones, brain, and body systems! Feeding a German Shepherd puppy should always aim to meet these guidelines: Calcium — It will help German Shepherd to develop strong joints and bones, eyes and teeth, brain and immune system. Aim for a calcium content of no more than 1. Phosphorus — Making their joints and skeletal system form and grop properly. Phosphorus binds with calcium to do its job. If you are looking to buy a German Shepherd puppy, then you should find one from a reputable breeder. While these puppies are more expensive, a reputable breeder can guarantee the health and behavior of the puppy. These dogs are prone to genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These health issues can be avoided by genetically testing the parents, which is something reputable breeders usually do. When improperly raised puppies might have behavioral issues and can cause a lot of damage if they bite someone. A good breeder will have their dogs pass a temperament test. German Shepherd Dog Price While most dogs in shelters are adults, adopting a German Shepherd is a great way to find a dog without supporting unethical breeding. Sometimes these hardworking shepherd dogs are given up because they are very energetic. Not everyone is able to take care of a dog that needs a lot of attention and exercise. Some people buy a German Shepherd puppy without understanding the work involved in caring for this breed. Why Are They So Expensive? Breeding a healthy and well-behaved German Shepherd puppy is not easy! It is not as simple as crossing German Shepherds together. However, if you want a puppy of good temperament that is genetically healthy, there are other costs involved in the breeding and raising. This is especially important for a German Shepherd. You do not want a puppy that grows up to be aggressive or that suffers from mobility issues due to hip and elbow dysplasia. Papers A paperless German Shepherd puppy will be the cheapest. Typically breeders invest as little as possible in these pups. You get a puppy just how it is, without knowing its pedigree or background. A puppy with health certifications, temperament test results, and registration papers costs more than this. However, those papers will be beneficial not just for you, but also the puppy. This means your puppy meets the breed standard and is a purebred dog. The last thing you want is to buy a German Shepherd wolf-mix thinking it is purebred. Veterinarian Visits Reputable breeders not only genetically health test the parents, but they will also take the puppy to see a vet before 8 weeks for a basic health check. During these visits breeders will also have the puppies vaccinated, dewormed and placed on preventatives. When you buy a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, they will offer you a health guarantee. Most will also be able to provide you proof that the puppy has passed a temperament test. Training Some breeders also take the time to socialize and train their puppies. Many experienced breeders have a specialized training program that begins the process of potty training and basic obedience. This will mean you have an easier time housetraining your puppy, but you will have to pay for their efforts! These are all good signs that the puppy you are buying is of good quality. This will mean you are more likely to avoid any temperament issues or having to pay for vet visits to diagnose and treat hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloodlines Breeders who focus on breeding championship bloodlines will charge more for their puppies. A family might not need such a high-quality German Shepherd. All they need is a healthy and well-behaved puppy that will bring them years of happiness. However, there are many people who need a working dog or show dog. The most expensive dogs are those that are bred to be champions or protective and hard-working. Some breeders spend thousands of dollars just training a world class service dog. A family friendly guard dog with a protective temperament is not easy to breed consistently. Breeders have to factor in not just the genetics, but also the temperament and training. Origin The most expensive types of German Shepherds are those that are imported directly from Germany. Breeders must pay to stud and import these dogs which is not cheap. Since the German Shepherd breed originated in Germany, breeders in the US import dogs from Germany to breed puppies with a purebred lineage. Breeding in Europe is more regulated so the bloodlines are better protected. These puppies are known as European German Shepherds and are slightly different. They are smaller, have straighter backs and brighter coat colors. Some people think they look similar to a belgian malinois. Most European dogs are bred to be working dogs, while American dogs are more frequently bred for companionship. This is the same for American and German Rottweilers and American vs. European Dobermans. All of these breeder will be able to provide: Pedigree and kennel club registration. Documents that certify the puppy is free of any disease and has been checked by a veterinarian. A health warranty. Health records that guarantee the parents are genetically healthy and will not pass on elbow or hip dysplasia. These German Shepherd breeders all breed their puppies in accordance with the breed standard. None of them will sell puppies that are not registered with the American Kennel Club. Another good place to start looking for breeders is the American Kennel Club marketplace. Many of these puppies are bred to be family dogs and come with their papers. As you start looking into more well-known breeders or those that produce dogs of championship or working bloodlines, then the price of a German Shepherd starts to increase. Julia was a German Shepherd bred by the Harrison K-9 facility, highly trained in protection. She could also understand commands in three different languages. Her intelligence, as well as her ability to protect, were why she was priced so highly. Julia was bought by a billionaire businessman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rarest coat color is panda, which is why it is also the most expensive. These German Shepherds are black and white. It is a piebald pattern where the black coat is splotched with large patches of white. Some puppies can have other colors like tan, instead of white. Panda dogs are purebred, but the rarity of this mutation makes them very hard to find. There are very few breeders that sell the panda color. And he actually cost nothing! By the end of his life, Rin Tin Tin had appeared in 27 Hollywood films. Rin Tin Tin most notably helped Warner Bros. But these dogs come in more than just this classic color! There are 11 colors that are recognized by the breed standard. Check out the table below for some German Shepherd prices based on coat color. The tan color covers the chest, belly and legs. White A white puppy has a furry coat that is entirely white, allowing it to blend in with the snow. Its eyes and nose are black as coal. Black A black German Shepherd has a coat that is entirely black. Any other color would classify them as a bi-color. Blue A blue German Shepherd is not literally blue, but has a gray color with a bluish hue. Sable The sable color is one of the most common colors, but is a bit more interesting than the black and tan. The hairs of these dogs have bands of tan and black, giving them a very unique coloring. Some of the factors that contribute to this cost are: Food. Intelligent, Amiable, moderately active, Determined, Excitable Apartment Friendly Price 20, — 1,00, If you need any more information about German Shepherds or want to get your queries answered about the same, we will provide you with all relevant information and assistance that would answer all your questions. They rarely encounter health issues and they have a fairly strong immune system to keep them off a variety of health risks. When you get a German Shepherd puppy, you need not worry about the potential health risks you are likely to help them deal with. However, this does not mean that you should completely ignore their health and not pay any attention to the same. It is always advisable to make regular visits to the vet and give them all the required vaccinations on time. They are highly intelligent as a breed and have brilliant grasping powers, making them quick learners. You can rest assured that will not have to spend much time training your pet even some of the most intricate tricks and commands. They would naturally follow all your commands and learn new skills with utmost ease and precision. It is their intelligence and a powerful sense of smell that has earned German Shepherds an important position in the police department for detecting and following criminals. The Perfect Guardians When it comes to guarding dogs, there is hardly any breed that can surpass a German Shepherd. They serve as perfect guard dogs, making sure that you and your family are always safe and sound. They are often aggressive enough to scare off uninvited intruders and prevent unwanted break-ins. A German Shepherd is appreciated across the world for being the perfect watchdog and alerting the owner to the slightest sign of danger. They love playing in the water and splashing it all around them for fun. If you are willing to have a nice relaxing day at the beach, this pet would be more than willing to accompany you and add to the fun you have at the beach. Their love for water also makes German Shepherds fit for participating in water sports and games designed for dogs. This, coupled with their high intelligence helps participate in pet competitions and make you feel like a proud parent! An Obedient And Friendly Personality Although they tend to get a bit aggressive towards strangers and intruders, a German Shepherd is otherwise pretty obedient and friendly towards its owner. They have a no-nonsense personality as they do not go out of their way to get your attention and keep distracting you from your daily chores. Moreover, their friendly personality is not limited to their owners. A German Shepherd is equally playful and friendly with other pets in the house. If you are planning to bring a German Shepherd home to more pets, you will not have to worry about your new member causing any nuisance for the rest of the family. Their thick double coat helps them keep cool in summers and warm in winters. They love indulging in physical activities and exercising on a daily basis. If you need a partner to accompany you for your jogs and runs, they would gladly accompany you for your exercise and help you lose those calories! Their energetic nature makes them fond of adventures. You can always take a German Shepherd along with you on a little excursion or an adventurous trip to keep you company. Undying Loyalty Once a German Shepherd is fond of you, it will never let you land up in any trouble as long as you are in its presence. This breed is known for its undying loyalty and immense companionship with its owner. If a German Shepherd sees you in danger, it would not think twice before risking its own safety to ensure that you are safe. Reach out to us and we will help you add a cute little member to your family! Lets Connect on We will also provide you following breeds. Adopt German shepherd dogs and puppies from petsworld. German shepherds are so adaptable and intelligent that they have performed just about every job known to dogs. From his striking size to his straight ears and dark eyes, this breed of dogs has achieved a legendary status as an ideal canine. Owing to their remarkable intelligence, these dogs can perform plethora of works, such as leading the blind, detecting illicit drugs, bringing down fleeing criminals and serving in the armed forces. These loyal, energetic, and devoted canines have become quite popular among pet lovers all over the world. Further, they have excelled in almost every canine sport, including obedience, agility, tracking, rally, and of course herding. All these notable features of these dogs have increased their demand. You should always buy German shepherd from the certified pet breeders and not from pet shops or puppy mills. Always see the health certificate of their parents to minimize chances of any genetic disorder. German shepherd dog breed information General Information:. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. If you find it cute that your little German Shepherd puppy is biting your hand, think again! GSDs grow-up to become strong and muscular dogs. However, once a GSD pup grows , its biting habits are not cute at all. Trust me on this one. Little pups that bite on hands or chew on toys are doing so because they are developing teeth. Recently, we got a new addition to our GSD family, a cute male named Bobby, and surely Bobbly likes to bite everything. We did order a set of tug ropes for him and it is working. Here is the model that we ordered from Chewy. They chew on toys because their gums feel irritated and to make the pain go away, they bite and chew on things. This behavior during the teething period is very normal and not much of a problem. Another reason that GSDs bite a lot is that they did not receive proper training as pups. When people start to appreciate or encourage GS biting or nipping, they are making it develop this into a habit. Your dog will start to bite at visitors and household items. This is a problem that needs to be controlled right away or else someone will end up getting hurt. If you let your GSD bite and nip, you are letting it take over. Biting and nipping is also a play game for GSD pups. They like to bite other pups in the litter, and this is usually harmless. However, when a pup gets hurt unintentionally, it makes a loud sound. This sound is an indication for the pup that it is hurt, and it is time to stop. There are several ways you can train your pup not to bite or nip. If your pup is biting because of teething, it is not a problem. The first step is to tell your dog that biting is not acceptable. You will do this with the help of voice commands , body language, and hand signals. When you stop playing with your pup the moment it bites, it will associate no play with biting. Repeat this practice whenever your GSD bites or nips. It will help your GSD learn that biting and nipping is not appreciated. Put your other finger lightly beneath its chin. Your pup will not be able to bite you and in this uncomfortable situation, it will try to get your fingers out of its mouth. This is an effective technique that will make the puppy feel uncomfortable and it will avoid biting you. Remember, you will have to repeat this technique several times until your pup completely hates taking your hand in its mouth. Pull your hand backward and pinch your pup in the neck. Do not pinch too tightly. This will make the pup associate pinching with No, and it will soon stop biting you. Be Consistent in what You Teach If you are trying to train your dog to behave and stop biting and nipping, make sure you are doing it with consistency and repetition. While training a GSD, you will need to repeat your technique several times until it starts to learn. Your GSD needs to know that biting and nipping is not acceptable and will upset you. You will also need to become the leader of your dog, not a friend of the same level. When the dog accepts you as a leader, it starts to follow the rules you set and the commands you give. Do not let your puppy bite on your hands during the training process. Reward Good Behavior If your dog is doing well and following your orders, do not forget to offer it a treat. Food treats are a kind of reward that you offer your dog only when it learns something. Make sure you have enough treats with you when you are training your pup. This way your GSD will learn that no biting means a yummy treat. You can also sign-up for our newsletter to get an expert opinion on GSD behaviors. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! Since puppies lack the dexterity that you and I have, they use their mouths to explore the world around them. By understanding the behavior of biting itself, you can begin to see just how normal biting is in German Shepherd puppies. Just because biting is a normal behavior in a puppy does not mean we should tolerate it or promote it. Since biting is a form of communication for German Shepherd puppies, there are many things our puppies could be trying to say! So why do Shepherd pups bite? Puppies often communicate with their siblings through biting and pawing, especially when they are trying to incite a play session. Your pup may gnaw on your hand as if it were a chew toy, especially when you are a moving target. Puppies play and bite their siblings from the moment they are old enough to do so. This is why the behavior is so common, and why our Shepherd pupswill need to learn how to transition to playing with appropriate chewing options. Not only are our hands and feet tempting enough, but even more so when a puppy has a high prey drive. A prey drive is an ingrained need to chase after moving objects, whether it is appropriate or not. A swinging hand as we walk by can be extremely tempting for a growing pup, causing them to jump up and nip. If it seems like your Shepherd puppy is always biting you when you are in motion, it may be due to their high prey drive! They Are Curious As we mentioned above, German Shepherd puppies use their mouth to explore the world around them. Biting can help them examine and understand an object, and our hands and feet can fall into that category as well! If you catch your puppy gnawing on everything around your home, it may be their curiosity getting the best of them! A dog quickly learns what behavior gets a reaction, causing them to do it over and over again. Even if their bites result in a negative reaction from you, it still counts as attention. They Are Teething Similar to teething babies, a German Shepherd puppy experiences teething pain as well. If your Shepherd pup seems to find relief when chewing on objects, they may be biting you due to teething discomfort. They Are Herding You If your German Shepherd puppy is constantly biting at your ankles, they may be displaying some herding behaviors. German Shepherds are ingrained with a need to work, especially in dogs with a working bloodline. If your German Shepherd is always nipping at your feet, running to your side when you are moving, or showing signs of anxiety or frustration when you are moving around your home; it may be herding behavior. So how can you stop this normal puppy behavior? Redirect The Behavior One of the most effective ways to stop your German Shepherd puppy from biting is by redirecting the behavior. An effective distraction is a wonderful way to end the behavior without punishment, and show them how much fun the alternative to biting can be. The next time your Shepherd pup is displaying undesirable nipping, try to pull out their favorite toy. Since this will need to be a toy that your dog enjoys, be sure to offer them the option that they find most exciting. This can be a Kong toy , rope, bone, or any other chewing option that your dog loves. By doing this each time your Shepherd puppy begins to bite you, they will begin to understand that they would much rather play with an acceptable chew option. Having a variety of chew toys can alleviate their need to bite our hands and feet, and offer them the relief they seek in this uncomfortable transition. There are so many toys created for teething puppies, that it should be easy to fill your home with plenty of appropriate options. One of our favorite chew toys is the Kong Teething Binkie. Any attention can validate the behavior, causing them to make it a habit. This shows them that the behavior is unacceptable, and does not involve any harmful negative reinforcement. Our attention is important to a puppy, and they do not want to be ignored. By showing them that biting will only result in us pulling away, they will learn to ditch the undesirable behavior. Interrupt The Behavior Sometimes a Shepherd puppy needs a sharp and sudden sound to pull them out of a bad habit. By giving a quick interrupter cue ouch, yip, eek , you can pull your puppy away from the action and gain their attention. Because of this, it is so important to offer plenty of mental and physical activities throughout your home. For example, if your puppy nips at strangers each time they walk in the door, it may be best to limit their time around the guest and send them to a separate play area. Once they begin to understand that biting is unacceptable, you can refrain from using their separate play area as often. Similar to what we discussed above about being proactive, a separate play area can help them calm down and collect themselves. Once your German Shepherd puppy begins to mature and understand that biting is unacceptable, they should require less time away. Just as there are effective methods in canine training, there are counterproductive actions as well. Do Not Hit Or Yell Since biting is a normal behavior that puppies must learn to grow out of, it is not productive to hit or yell at your puppy when they bite. Doing this can show them from a young age that interaction with you results in something negative, and can hinder your training process. By using other distractions and training methods when they bite, you can turn every bite into a learning experience for your pup! This can seem like a fun game to your pup, and can actually encourage the behavior. Try your best to go limp when they bite you, and pull your attention away from the pup. By doing this, you show them that this behavior does not offer them any extra fun. Extra attention can validate their undesirable behavior, making it challenging to break. Try your best to refrain from reacting to a bite outside of your interrupter cue, and pull your attention away from your furry friend afterward. Biting is a normal behavior in puppies of all kinds. Puppies begin to bite their siblings from the moment they can move, and will continue this behavior until they learn otherwise. A biting German Shepherd puppy is to be expected, and should not result in any discouragement on your part. As long as you are following the tips we mentioned above, your puppy should shy away from this behavior in no time! Biting in puppies is not usually a sign of aggression. Mild biting is usually a form of play, and should be easily corrected. However, there are some rare cases where biting in German Shepherd puppies is a sign of something more. If your pup is displaying any snarling, growling, ears pinned back, stiff posture, or any other signs of canine aggression, your pup may be biting in reaction to fear or pain. If you are unable to make any progress within a month of implementing the tips we discussed above, it may be time to contact a dog trainer. A trainer can not only help your pup refrain from biting, but offer other obedience training as well. Final Thoughts As you can see, biting is a normal behavior for our beloved German Shepherd puppies. Be sure to review the tips we discussed above on proper canine training, and you can banish puppy biting for good! Hopefully, we will have the answers to all of your questions in this guide. But, all that cuteness quickly disappears when the biting phase starts. Puppy biting is normal in all breeds, including the German Shepherd. And, luckily, we have some great tips and tricks to minimize the painful biting period. In fact, it could have a number of causes. Here are a few of the most common reasons, in a little more detail. Teething One reason why puppies of all breeds may bite is teething. This stage often starts at around 3 or 4 months of age — only a few weeks after your puppy will arrive at their new home. Luckily, it only takes a few months for your puppy to have their full set of adult teeth. So, biting from teething is not permanent. If your puppy is biting or chewing because of teething, you may notice other symptoms like drooling, irritability, and going off their food. Boredom or Getting Attention Bored puppies may learn that biting gets some fun responses from you! Just like barking can. If your puppy has learnt that they can get some attention from you when they bite, they may do it to alleviate boredom. This can explain why puppies concentrate most of their biting on one family member — the person who gives the most fun response. Natural Play Biting is a natural part of puppy play — as much as some owners might not want to hear it! German Shepherd puppies, just like any other breed, will bite whilst they are playing with you or with other dogs. If this behavior continues into adulthood, the biting can be more problematic. Responding to Rough Play Some people like to play with German Shepherd puppies in quite a rough manner. This can include pushing them, or rolling them over. Behaviors like this can make puppies very excitable, and encourage biting during play. Encourage calm play between your family members or friends and your puppy. Herding Instincts The German Shepherd breed has a history as a herding dog. The creator of the breed, Captain Max von Stephanitz, bred the German Shepherd in an attempt to create the ultimate all-round herding breed. This was all the way back in the late s. Although the history of the breed has changed over time, from herding to working dog, their origins remain the same. Many herding dogs are prone to natural chase instincts. They may chase small children or other animals — particularly those that are making lots of noise. And, these herding behaviors can include nipping at heels. Once again, your behavior can minimize biting from this cause. Exploration Another common explanation for young German Shepherd biting is their natural curiosity. And, they may do this partly with their mouths. What you really want to know is, when will it stop? However, you can minimize the period by making a few easy changes to your behavior when biting occurs. The best ways to stop puppy biting and minimize the biting period are training and prevention. This means training your puppy to be gentle with you and other people, and taking away opportunities for your excited puppy to bite humans. You may need to go as far as to completely separate your GSD puppy from small children and people who insist on rough play with puppies. We know that this can only encourage biting. Remove Yourself Calmly If your puppy starts to bite you, during play or any other time, the best solution is to calmly and quietly remove yourself. You can use tools like baby gates to keep your German Shepherd in a puppy-safe room. In fact — your puppy will learn that biting during play or cuddles only results in you leaving, and them ending up on their own! Not only will this help to show your puppy that biting is not an acceptable part of playtime, but it can also help your own sanity to remove yourself from those sharp teeth occasionally. Think About Clothing You should also think about the type of clothing you wear around your puppy. Loose, hanging clothing can be appealing to your puppy, and provide something easy to grip on with their sharp teeth. Wear tight fitting clothing to minimize the number of things your puppy can bite at. Use Distractions If you, or young children in your household, are keen to pet your puppy without being bitten, you should make the most of distractions like treats or toys. You can hold a chew for your puppy to keep their attention and mouth distracted whilst someone pets them! Often, puppy owners only think about biting whilst their puppy is actively gnawing on them. One method is to reward them with treats when you are petting them and they are not biting you. Another is to reward them for calm behavior around the house. This way they learn that acting calmly and letting you touch them without biting will earn them good things! One popular method to stop puppy biting is to squeal, squeak, growl, or make another loud noise. Some people claim that this method replicates natural puppy play and tells your GSD when they are being too rough. For some owners, this may work. If this is the case, making a noise when your puppy bites will act as a reward, and encourage your German Shepherd puppy to bite you even more. This is one reason why puppies biting children is so common. Many children will make lots of noise, especially if a puppy bites them, which can lead to further nipping. This is similar to the method above, if used alone. This is why training has to be done in small stages — first you must teach the puppy what action you want, and then you can give the action a name, or command. Punishment Methods The best methods to stop your puppy from biting involve positive rewards for the behaviors you want. Studies on dog training and behavior have shown that punishment based methods are often associated with an increase of problematic behaviors. Punishing your puppy for biting can lead to distrust and fear from your puppy. The causes of puppy biting that we looked at earlier in this guide apply to all GSD puppies. In fact, they apply to all puppies of any breed. Biting and chewing is a normal puppy behavior, and a normal part of play. As long as you react to this behavior in the right way, it is a period that will pass. The biggest fear for most German Shepherd puppy owners is that their puppy is aggressive when it bites. German Shepherd puppy biting can be accompanied by ferocious growls or snarls. It can even draw blood. So are behaviors like snarling and growling. And, if your puppy is biting hard enough to injure you, they may not have learnt proper bite inhibition yet. This is the process where your puppy learns to be gentle with his teeth on your skin. The positive reward methods we discussed earlier in this guide are the best way to teach your puppy bite inhibition. Remove yourself calmly and quietly whenever your puppy bites. And make sure to reward any calm behavior — including when your puppy lets you pet it without biting. Speak to a Behaviorist If you think your puppy is exhibiting aggressive behaviors, such as guarding their resources, you may want to speak to a behaviorist. They will be able to look at your puppy as an individual case, and analyse their behavior properly. Do Adult German Shepherds Bite? The German Shepherd breed is known for being aggressive in some circumstances — they make popular guard dogs, and are number one candidates for working dog roles in the police and military.

We are an in home breeder of the Australian Labradoodles established in .Our goal is to produce, happy, healthy and sound Australian Labradoodle puppies with wonderful temperaments. We do extensive health testing on all of our breeding dogs, and take extra measures to promote the health and well being of our pups. We strive to produce pups that will be the perfect family companions! We have some exciting new litters planned that will be opening up shortly! If you have submitted an application at a time where there was no availability, please submit when you notice new availability. Thank you for your patience. We promise that your new puppy will definitely be worth every bit of the wait! Note: We are in the process of transitioning to this new website! Currently we are behind on responding to emails and applications so please be patient with us as we transition and upgrade our site to make it more user friendly for you! Breeding the finest quality Australian Labradoodles since Learn about our Guardian Program If you live within 30 miles of Northern Rhode Island, have a fenced in yard, and a family member who is home most of the day, we would love to hear from you! Please read about our guardian home program prior to inquiring to be sure you are eligible! Only eligible families that apply will be contacted. Please be sure to read the guardian home information page to see if you are eligible! We specialize in miniature, medium, and large medium size Australian Labradoodle puppies with beautiful allergy friendly coats in all colors with exceptional temperaments. We are blessed to have our puppies reside all over the world. For information on available puppies for sale, please be sure to visit our upcoming litters page! They live pampered lives where they are spoiled to death by their families, and have never been exposed to a kennel environment. A few of our dogs live here with us, and the majority live with their wonderful local guardian families as a forever family pet. .Our breeding dogs are social, happy, healthy, sound, and live the best lives that any dog could dream of living! While in our care, all pups receive proper veterinarian care, are up to date on all of their vaccinations, microchipped for permanent identification, and ESN prior to leaving for their forever homes. We hope you enjoy browsing our website, and look forward to hearing from you! We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near North Smithfield Rhode Island and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

Kid friendly and makes great gifts! I have yet to meet someone who has never heard of it. I have though met plenty of people who have had it but never made it themselves. This Puppy Chow Chex Mix is seriously one of those easy, practically fail proof recipes. I was first introduced to this confection at the lunch table in 7th grade. I was sitting there eating my random, most likely unhealthy lunch, with my hip, yet awkward pubescent friends. When we noticed someone eating this random food. We, being the curious filter free group we were, asked what they were eating. Their response. Puppy Chow. This then entailed a few gross looks, gasps of horror and many random thoughts flying through our brains. She quickly assured us it was a treat, not actually dog food and was called Puppy Chow. Her mom we all believed was a rock star after trying it. It was good. Not to mention, her rock star mom also let her bring it to school in her lunch. Seriously cool mom points right there. She loves the surprise and generally eats it first, leaving little time for anything of actual substance. However next time I make it, I want to freeze some individual sized portions that I can toss in my kids lunches or use as an after dinner dessert. That way it can last longer than just a few days! This Puppy Chow is great for school lunches, appetizers, party food and gifts. Everyone loves it and it is always a hit with kids! Nutrition information With only six ingredients, puppy chow muddy buddies is extremely quick and easy to whip up, making it the perfect recipe for the busy holiday season. Puppy chow ingredients This sweet snack mix is made of six super simple ingredients! The best part? You probably have all of the ingredients on hand already. All of the ingredients are staple pantry and fridge items that all have a long shelf life. Rice chex cereal makes the base of this recipe and makes this snack mix super crunchy and addicting. Semi-sweet chocolate chips. Peanut butter gets melted together with the chocolate chips and creates an amazingly creamy mixture that coats the cereal. Use smooth peanut butter — instead of chunky — to ensure even melting. Unsalted butter. Vanilla extract. Powdered sugar. Set aside. Place chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter into a large microwave safe bowl or measuring cup. Melt until smooth, then stir in vanilla extract. Pour chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir together. Stir in the powdered sugar. Tips for making puppy chow muddy buddies There are SO many recipes for puppy chow, but I promise you, my recipe is the best, because of these tips and tricks. Use the whole box of cereal. Most recipes call for 9 cups of cereal, leaving 2 cups left in the box. What the heck are you supposed to do with 2 cups of chex?! Use the whole bag of chocolate chips. More is more in this recipe. Just throw the whole bag in. Use more powdered sugar than you think necessary. Chunks are the best part. Just trust me on this one. How to store puppy chow Puppy chow can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. It does not need to be refrigerated, but some people prefer it chilled. Puppy chow recipe substitutions If you can, I highly recommend making the recipe as is. It truly is the perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, chocolate-y, peanut buttery goodness. Do I have to use semi-sweet chocolate? You can use dark chocolate or even milk chocolate, but semi-sweet is really gives you that perfect sweet, but not too sweet balance. Processed peanut butter — think Jiff or Skippy — works best, but sunflower seed butter should work as well. Butter is essential, but try using a vegan buttery spread instead. Do I need to use vanilla extract? No, you can omit it, but you will loose some of that cozy depth of flavor. I grew up calling it puppy chow but plenty of people call it muddy buddies. It depends on where you live. Other names:. Rubber spatula What are the ingredients for Puppy Chow? Crispix cereal is also a cereal you could use in this recipe, too, though the shape of the puppy chow will be different. Peanut butter — creamy and unsweetened, if possible. A lot of recipes will tell you that the sweetened, more processed kind of best for sweet recipes, but I still enjoy the natural peanut butter. Semisweet chocolate chips — you could also use milk or dark chocolate chips in place of these. In a glass measuring cup or a microwave-safe bowl, measure out the peanut butter, chocolate chips and butter. Stir until smooth. You might have to microwave it upwards of 2 minutes, just depending on your ingredients. Pour the peanut butter-chocolate mixture over the Chex. Use a rubber spatula to stir the ingredients together, coating the Chex completely. Sprinkle in the powdered sugar, and toss gently until coated. Let the chocolate mixture cool for 30 minutes. Stir them together and then serve or store until later. Pro tip! Feeding a lot of people? Double the recipe. I know this recipe makes a lot, but if your friends and family are going to nibble on it for a long while, making double the amount might be a good idea, especially if you know that they like this combination of flavors. Celebrating a holiday? Customize it! Frequently Asked Questions Why is it called puppy chow? Because it looks a little like some dog foods, which are also known as puppy chow. Is it called puppy chow or muddy buddies? Does Puppy Chow need to be refrigerated? It can be kept at room temperature for days, but it will last for a week if refrigerated. How long does Puppy Chow last in the fridge? Chex Cereal Puppy Chow will last in the refrigerator for a week. Though I dare you to make it last that long. Can I feed this to my dog? Store Chex Mix Puppy Chow at room temperature in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, it will keep for a week in the fridge. Add rainbow sprinkles for a birthday, too! Half the recipe and call it a day! Jump to Video Jump to Recipe This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy. Snack mixes are one of the best party foods. How to Make Puppy Chow You can break the process down into three easy steps. Measure your cereal into a large bowl and set aside. In 1 quart sauce pan, heat semisweet chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter over low heat stirring frequently with a spatula until melted. Remove from heat and stir in a teaspoon vanilla. Pour chocolate mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into two gallon resealable plastic bags. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag and shake until well coated. Spread over waxed or parchment paper to cool. You want each piece of chex to have an ample amount of chocolaty peanut butter sauce for the sugar to stick to. If you like your mix extra saucy try reducing the Chex amount to only cups. You can also customize it to whatever holiday candy is being sold at the time. This can also be made dairy free by using the right chocolate and a butter substitute like margarine. Sunbutter, soybutter, almond butter, and cashew Butter are great substitutes for peanut butter in this recipe. You can even use Nutella instead for extra chocolatey Puppy Chow. It can stay at room temperature for up to 10 days, or kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. However, at my house it never lasts that long! Allow it to thaw before eating. This will allow it to set and dry.

It is active and a big dog German Shepherds tend to be big dogs and they can be very active. If your German Shepherd is big and it tends to be very active then it could be that it breathes fast because its body requires more oxygen naturally. However, if it is big and active but it has suddenly started to breathe faster than normal then it would be more likely that it would be due to something else. Not enough exercise German Shepherds are a breed that are supposed to be getting a lot of exercise on a daily basis. When they do not get much exercise it can cause them to develop behavioral and health issues. If yours is not getting much exercise then it could be the case that it needs more. Generally, it is recommended that German Shepherds get an hour of exercise daily. Related post: Ways to exercise your German Shepherd. Illness or injury An illness or injury could be the cause. There are many diseases that can cause dogs to breathe faster including heart problems. If yours has suddenly started breathing rapidly, it has suddenly changed its behavior and it has been showing other signs of illness or injury then it would be more likely to be due to illness or injury. If it does seem like yours might be breathing fast due to illness or injury then it would help a lot to take it to a vet. It has been active recently If your German Shepherd has just been doing exercise then it would be likely that it is breathing fast as a result of that. If it is breathing much faster than it normally does after exercise then it could be something more serious especially if it persists. If it is breathing much faster then it would be more likely to be due to things such as heatstroke or an allergic reaction. Heatstroke If your German Shepherd has been out in the sun for a while and it has started panting a lot then it could be because it has heatstroke. It would also be more likely if it is drooling more, its heart rate is very high, it has diarrhea and seizures. If it does then make sure to let it into a cool and shaded area, to give it water and to follow the advice in this article then to take it to a vet. In this case, it would help to give it access to a cool, shaded area and water. If it does seem to be showing the signs of heatstroke mentioned above then it would be important to follow the advice in the above article. Medication If your German Shepherd has started doing it after being put on medication then it could be a side effect of the medication source. This would be more likely if heavy breathing is listed as a side effect. However, it would help to make sure it is ok with your vet. Allergic reaction The cause could be that it has had an allergic reaction to something. If it has been showing signs of having an allergic reaction then it would help to take it to a vet. Things to consider There are many things that you can consider when trying to figure out why your German Shepherd has been breathing fast. If it always pants fast If your German Shepherd has always panted fast then it would be more likely to be natural especially if the vet has not found any issues on previous visits. However, it would still help to ask if the panting is normal on your next visit. If it has started panting fast suddenly then it would be more likely to be due to a more serious problem unless it has just been doing a lot of exercise. When it first started panting fast The timing of when it first started panting fast would be helpful to consider. Whereas, if it has just been running around then it would be more likely to be due to that. How to get your German Shepherd to stop breathing fast The best way for you to get your German Shepherd to stop breathing fast will depend on the cause. However, I will show you some options that you have below. Keep it cool If it has been hot outside then it would help to make sure that your German Shepherd has access to a cool and shaded area and water. It would also help to avoid exercising it during the day and to try to do it in the early morning or evening instead. Another thing that you can do to help keep it cool would be to remove its undercoat with a de-shedding brush. Give it exercise If your German Shepherd has not been getting much exercise and the vet has not found issues then it would be important to make sure that it does get exercise. You can make sure to give it exercise by walking it, playing fetch with it or getting a dog walker to do it for you. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. German Shepherd breathing fast while sleeping? Do German Shepherds Breathe Fast? German Shepherds breathe fast because they are strong and athletic dogs, they pant more frequently than other breeds. An accelerated pace of panting or breathing heavily at bedtime or cold weather could indicate medical issues such as anxiousness or cardiovascular distress. Why do German Shepherds breathe fast? During rest, a healthy dog will take between 15 and 35 breaths per minute BPM. Your dog will pant considerably faster while doing exercise. A breathing rate greater than 45 BPM, when a dog is in the resting phase, is considered unhealthy and should be investigated. To find out how many breaths per minute your dog is taking, record his chest motions for 15 seconds and multiply by four. There are several causes of heavy panting in German Shepherds. Some of them are normal physiological signs, and some show ailment. Dog size German Shepherds are large dogs that can be extremely energetic. Large German Shepherds usually breathe quickly because their size requires more oxygenation. Insufficient physical activity They may develop psychological and physiological problems if they do not receive enough workouts. There are several reasons to figure out heavy breathing in German Shepherd dogs. Numerous conditions, particularly cardiac difficulties, can drive dogs to pant excessively. If it seems that your German Shepherd is panting rapidly due to an ailment make sure a vet does an examination of your dog. Recent Activity If your German Shepherd has recently exercised, it may be breathing quickly as a natural outcome. Suppose it is trying to breathe far quicker than anticipated upon workout. Heatstroke Whenever a German Shepherd has been exposed to direct sunlight and is panting profusely, it could suffer from heatstroke. Apart from heavy breathing, other clinical indications can entail: Glasslike eyes. Temperature Dogs have different natural habitats. But they are highly adaptive! Their sweat glands are located only on their foot-pads. Their average body temperature falls within to .This may call for a life-threatening case, such as dehydration and heatstroke. These GSD, which is also called Alsatian, can tolerate both hot and cold weather as they have their standard stock coat. But not too hot nor too cold. They can survive in hot weather only if they have a place to drink cold water, and shade is accessible. But be informed that they dig up in frozen dirt during the summer season to cool themselves. Medical Condition One Veterinarian advises that if the owner tried everything already and the dog any breed still breathes or pants heavily and continuously, this may mean that they have a particular chronic health issue that needs to be treated right away. Cardiovascular conditions such as heartworm disease, heart problem, and Dilated Cardiomyopathy or Heart Disease caused by insufficient blood and oxygen pumped to the body where the heart becomes enlarged, build up fluids in the lungs, and thinner ventricular and chamber walls. For some time, observation is much needed. However, if the obvious signs or complications arise, take them already to the vet! Indigestion Have you even notice your GSD eating or biting almost anything they see! Nonetheless, these can cause reasons for indigestion or even obstruction. Your German Shepherds might have eaten something that was spoiled already. You can also say that they might have eaten big chunks of bones or objects that were stuck down to their throat. Just bring them to a real vet for a faster and effective treatment! Stress or Anxiety This might not be news to you, but German Shepperd is a social dog that can be usually found in the residential area. They are loyal and close to humans. This is also a reason why they can get separation anxiety. They breathe slowly and loudly once they experience stress or anxiety. This is because when they are left alone, they become really stressed. But only because they have this love and desire to keep their owners safe and close. How sweet! Another cause of their stress that can make them pant heavily is noise pollution. This includes the sound of fireworks, thunderstorms, heavy speakers, and basically noise everywhere! If not, this can shorten their life expectancy. What You Can Do? Let them enjoy the exciting moment in their dreams! Before getting a GSD, make sure that you know the basic facts about them and, most importantly, their medical condition. Be cautious at all times and treat them as a real family. If you observe anything unusual, researching or asking an expert is recommended, yet going to the veterinarian clinic would be the best option to choose. You should be aware of the signs that were showing heavy panting nor breathing. The normal heartbeat of dogs is between 60 to beats per minute. As for German Shepherd, the former applies. On the other hand, their average body temperature is to .Anything that made it less or exceeded is dangerous. You can also use the digital rectal thermometer. Count their heartbeats for 15 seconds, and you can multiply it four times to get the pulse per minute. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Faster breathing And so on. .In that case, you have to first and foremost limit the exposure of your dog to heat. After that, you have to consult your vet. The vet will be able to prescribe the proper treatment for heatstroke. Once you opt for that treatment, faster breathing will reduce as well. High Temperature Many times, German shepherds are also negatively impacted by the temperature outside. They might not come in direct contact with the sun. However, if the temperature is on the higher side, their breathing might become fast as well. The best way to tackle is to place them in a shaded area and provide them with plenty of water. Even then, if the faster breathing of the German shepherd does not subside, it is a good idea to contact the vet. Allergy Another cause of the faster breathing of German Shepherd is an allergic reaction. The allergic reaction can be to food, material, or other things. That is why, if you have introduced anything new to your German shepherd, that is probably resulting in faster breathing in one way or the other. If that is the cause, you have to revert to the earlier diet. Once you do so, the breathing will also come to normal. Because of Medication Side effects of medication is another reason why the breathing of your German shepherd might become faster. Certain medications can increase the heart rate of your German shepherd. When that happens, breathing will also increase. Since the cause is medicine, it is a good idea to contact your vet for a remedy. Respiratory Problems In some cases, the respiratory problem can also result in faster breathing. In that case, until you treat the cause, it will become difficult for you to stop the faster breathing of your German shepherd. I will go into the symptoms of respiratory problems below. These are the most common causes why German shepherds have faster breathing. In many cases, even when your dog is resting or sleeping, the breathing can become fast as well. Wondering why does that happens? I will highlight the same below. It has been proven in animals and humans that dreams can result in physical reactions from your body. In the dream, your dog might be chasing or playing around. In that case, the breathing of your dog will simulate that activity. Since while running, breathing becomes faster, the German shepherd may be breathing faster is because of dreaming. Unfortunately, in that case, you cannot do much. It is not a good idea to wake up your German shepherd as well. However, if that happens pretty often, you will have no other alternative but to contact your vet. Before determining whether your German shepherd is breathing fast or normal, it is essential to know the normal level. Ideally, a German Shepherd should breathe between 20 to 34 breaths per minute. Only when the rate is above that can you conclude that the German shepherd is breathing fast. As I have highlighted above, one of the causes of German Shepherd breathing fast is respiratory problems. It is essential to know the symptoms of respiratory problems to determine the cause. What are the signs of respiratory problems? Besides faster breathing, the other signs of respiratory problems include: 1. Coughing The number 1 sign is coughing. If your German shepherd is coughing regularly, that is another sign that the dog has respiratory distress. Nasal Congestion Along with faster breathing, if your dog also suffers from nasal congestion, it is clear that the dog is suffering from respiratory problems. If all these symptoms persist, it is a clear-cut indication of a respiratory problem. Intolerance To Exercise German shepherds are quite active dogs. However, the older German dogs can become intolerant to exercise. After becoming intolerant, they will suffer from respiratory problems and faster breathing if they indulge in exercise. Then, the solution is to discourage them from exercise in that case. Still, if the problem persists, you have to contact your vet. Only the vet can provide you with a treatment for the long-term solution to this problem. Panting Panting is another reason why a German Shepherd might end up breathing fast. It can result in various other respiratory problems as well. These are the symptoms of respiratory problems, along with faster breathing. If you notice any of them, you can directly point to a single cause of fast breathing. In case your dog has respiratory problems, you have to contact your vet as soon as possible. In many cases, medication might be needed. You have to keep in mind that respiratory problems will not go away with time or when you ignore them. You need to find a particular solution for them. Only once you do so you can treat them. Let me warn you; the solution is not instantaneous or easy. You might have to opt for longer-term treatment. However, you cannot ignore the respiratory problems of your dog either. That is why contacting the vet and starting the treatment as soon as possible is the only solution. Conclusion So, there are quite a few key reasons Why do german shepherds breathe so fast. Some of these reasons can be tackled on your own. Some of them require a change in the schedule of your German shepherd. However, some reasons are quite serious. In that case, the only option which you have is to contact your vet. Once you go through my guide above, it will become easier for you to pinpoint the cause. After pinpointing the cause, I have highlighted the action steps which you should take as well. In a nutshell, after going through this guide, there should be no confusion regarding the faster breathing of your German shepherd or what you should do after that. Post navigation. There are a number of reasons why a German Shepherd is breathing fast, and most of them are going to be fairly easy to manage. Typically, you are looking at a minimum of 2 hours of exercise a day for adult Shepherds, and young pups between 3 and 5 months old are typically going to need 30 — 45 minutes a day. Take a note of how long the fast breathing lasts, and if your dog gets it under control fairly quickly then, insufficient exercise might be the culprit. Heart problems can cause fast breathing and a number of diseases, so if the behavior has started fairly recently, then a vet check-up is a good idea at this time. A little time in the shade and some water should help you to see if this is the case. However, if you see signs like drooling, diarrhea, or even seizures, it could actually be a heat stroke! Signs of an allergic reaction may include hives, inflamed skin, diarrhea, and vomiting. Shepherds are very active dogs and generally on the large side, so they are going to require more oxygen when they are out and at play. Unless this behavior is very new, then there might not be a problem at all. Is Your German Shepherd Overweight? If your German Shepherd is a little on the overweight side, then a bit of fast breathing is to be expected. Reaction to New Medications May Cause Heavy Breathing If your vet has recently prescribed some new medication for your dog, then this might be the culprit. Check the side effects associated with the medication, and then you will want to contact your vet. They may be able to prescribe a different medication or a specific regimen for your dog while they are taking it. There are a number of ways to determine if your German Shepherd is breathing a bit on the fast side. One of the first things you should do is try counting their breaths while they are sleeping. This helps to give you a baseline rate with which to compare by. If your dog is breathing fast, listen for any sounds that might give a clue to the reason behind it. Wheezing, for an instant, may be a sign of allergies, and high-pitched sounds may indicate an obstruction located in the upper airway. Contact your vet if you encounter any of the following systems. If you see this, an immediate vet visit is required, and your dog will likely be placed in an oxygen chamber in order to get their breathing under control so that the source of the issue can be identified. If Your Dog Is Vomiting If your dog is panting fast and includes vomiting, you will want to contact your vet for further investigation. It could be an allergic reaction which we will detail a bit more shortly , or if it is very hot outside, then you might be seeing signs of heatstroke. A little shade and a wet towel can help you to cool down your dog, and then you will want to get in touch with your vet immediately. Sudden, Excessive Drooling Excessive drooling is another sign to watch out for. While it is one of the symptoms of heatstroke, it may also indicate an abscessed tooth that your vet will need to deal with to get your dog feeling better and breathing more normally. If You See Signs of an Allergic Reaction Signs of an allergic reaction include itching, hives, skin discoloration, and in some cases, vomiting, sneezing, and diarrhea. It could be that your dog has eaten something or may have been stung by an insect, and they are reacting to this. Your vet will be able to run some tests and confirm if this is the case. Signs of Heat Stroke Drooling, diarrhea, and seizures are all warning signs that your dog may be having a heat stroke. An X-ray and a number of tests will be required to see what is causing this distress, but this is definitely a sign that you do not want to ignore. Keep Your Dog Cool Be sure to pack plenty of water and some towels that you can get to help your Shepherd keep cool. This is important on days when it is very hot out, as these large dogs can quickly overheat if you are not careful. More Exercise Might Be the Answer If your adult Shepherd is not getting 2 hours of exercise a day, then it is a good idea to change your daily routine up for some extra trips for walking or playing outside. Shepherds are very active dogs, and so this daily exercise is an important part of keeping your dog happy and healthy. Sudden, fast breathing that was not occurring before may be caused by a number of things, and testing with your vet can help rule out any illness or injury. This is especially common with rescue animals who may have undergone trauma before you took them home. If you think that this might be the case, your vet can help you to determine the best medications and training strategies to help your dog with this. Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here to learn exactly what the course has to offer! FAQ Below, we have answers to some of the most common questions we receive regarding German Shepherds and their breathing patterns. A healthy adult Shepherd will have an average rate of 15 — 35 breaths per minute while at rest. If your Shepherd is breathing at 40 breaths per minute or higher when at rest, then you will definitely want to check with your vet to investigate and determine the cause. Why is my German Shepherd breathing fast at night? If your Shepherd is breathing fast at night, in some cases, they might just be dreaming. If the fast breathing is fairly consistent, however, this is a definite reason for a check-up with your local vet to determine what is going on. Count the beats for approximately 15 seconds and then multiply this number by 4. This should give you the number of beats per minute. For temperature, the easiest method is a thermometer treat with water-based lubricant so that you can check the inside one of their eyes. Finally, for the breathing rate, you should be able to simply count the breaths per minute, and if they are over 40 when the dog is at rest, then you should be concerned. Related Posts:. Final thoughts Heat and humidity The German shepherd is extremely sensitive to heat and humidity and will breathe and pant profusely if left tied up or confined in a hot environment. This is an involuntary reaction to heat or high temperatures, and although it may be uncomfortable for the dog, your German Shepherd cannot control his heavy breathing. Panting is also a way for the German Shepherd to cool down, which he does by evaporating water from his tongue and mouth. Their long digestive tracts allow this process to release heat slowly rather than abruptly. The heavier the coat of fur, the slower the heat dissipation process. Recovering from Exercise A dog that is exercised heavily will also pant. German shepherds are a high-energy breed and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy. If you suspect your dog is panting too heavily because of exercise, stop for a few minutes to allow the respiratory system to recover. Avoid exercising your dog too much in hot weather, and always provide plenty of fresh, clean water to drink. This will ensure your German Shepherd remains healthy and does not overheat. Stress or anxiety Breathing hard is also a common reaction in stressed or anxious dogs. This can happen when they are at the veterinary surgery, during grooming, or when faced with an unfamiliar situation. Some dogs become anxious when a stranger comes over if a certain visitor arrives, or someone goes outside of the house without them. Dogs will also pant under these circumstances if they have separation anxiety because they feel anxious about being alone in the house. In many cases, the panting will go away once the dog gets used to the person or situation causing them anxiety. One is to make sure they get plenty of exercise. A tired dog is less likely to be anxious. You can also try training your dog using positive reinforcement. This will help them feel more confident and secure in their surroundings. Long digestive tracts The cooling process takes longer for these dogs because of the length of their digestive tracts, so bony areas such as their noses are susceptible to overheating. It may also be easier for them to breathe through the mouth since it allows air to pass over larger surfaces due to the size of their noses. Experiencing pain Dogs will also pant when they are in pain, as this is a way for the body to release endorphins, which are hormones that help reduce pain. He may be experiencing pain from an injury or illness. Ingestion of Toxins Ingestion of toxins can cause dogs to pant excessively. The most common toxins dogs consume are chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic. This can be harmful and even fatal to your dog. If he ingests any of these and begins to pant heavily, take him straight to the veterinarian or animal hospital right away. Pregnancy Female german shepherds may pant heavily during pregnancy. This is because the increased blood flow and added weight can make it difficult for the dog to breathe. The puppies will also take in more oxygen than usual, so you may notice your dog panting even more when they are nursing. Heatstroke If your German Shepherd is panting heavily, this serious condition requires veterinary attention, so take your dog to the nearest clinic immediately. German shepherds are more susceptible to heatstroke than other breeds because of their large size. If your dog is panting heavily and you see that he is also vomiting, has diarrhea, or is staggering around, he may be suffering from heatstroke. Ensure that you move him to a cool environment immediately in these situations. Heart disease Some dogs pant heavily because they have heart disease. This is common in older dogs and can be caused by various problems such as a malfunctioning heart valve or an enlarged heart. Why does my German Shepherd breathe so fast while sleeping? There are several reasons why a german shepherd would breathe heavily while sleeping. One of the most common reasons is allergies. If this sounds like your dog, you should consult with your veterinarian about an allergy treatment plan that might reduce excessive breathing during sleep time. Another reason for heavy panting while sleeping is heart failure. Heart failure can cause many different symptoms, including fast breathing, coughing, and labored breathing. If your GSD is exhibiting any other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or swelling in the extremities, it is essential to take them to the vet for a check-up. The last potential reason for heavy breathing while sleeping is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a dog to stop breathing for short periods during sleep. This can be dangerous if untreated because it can lead to heart problems, seizures, and even death. If you think your dog might have sleep apnea, then you should consult with your veterinarian about getting them tested. What is the average respiration rate for German Shepherds? In general, however, the average respiration rate for german shepherds is about 30 breaths per minute. This means that a dog takes in about 30 breaths of air every minute. Why is it important to know the average respiration rate for German shepherds? Knowing the average respiration rate for german shepherds can be helpful for owners and breeders. By learning how often a dog typically breathes, people can better understand when a dog is breathing too fast or too slow and may need veterinary attention. Additionally, this information can help people select healthy dogs for breeding. Final thoughts In general, it is normal for a German shepherd to breathe hard, which should not cause concern. However, if your dog is panting excessively or breathing in an abnormal manner, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues. Vomiting Temperature above degrees Fahrenheit If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, call your vet right away. Additionally, following the below treatment steps at the first signs can help cool the dog and provide life-saving care: Treating Heatstroke in Dogs The number one way to treat heatstroke is to avoid it in the first place. Never leave your dog in a parked car, because even with the windows cracked, temperatures can get up to degrees Fahrenheit. For a dog suffering from heatstroke, you want to cool them down slowly. Make sure not to drop their temperature too quickly since that can lead to constricted blood vessels, which can cause a stroke. Give your dog cool not cold water to drink. Give him ice cubes to lick. Note: Be careful not to spray your dog with a water hose; the water left in hoses can heat to almost boiling temperatures. Much like you get wound up for a big presentation at work or excited to meet a friend, your dog also experiences such emotions. They may be thrilled to see you get home for the day or get worked up when strangers ring your doorbell. Either way, some amount of panting from excitement is expected; however, if it is frequent or constant, it may mean your dog has a more severe form of anxiety. German Shepherds may be more susceptible to anxiety as they are a hyper-vigilant dog breed. They are protective of their humans and want to be involved in all aspects of life. This mentality can lead to heightened levels of anxiety as the dog feels the need to be ever-alert. In these cases, it is possible for the owner to calm them in the short term and keep them that way. This can be done with a series of training exercises and some diet changes. Chronic Illness Some dogs may contract a chronic illness or condition that causes them to breathe more heavily than average. Heart Disease or Heart Failure Heart failure is one of the most common illness that causes panting in dogs and cats. Animals show some of the same symptoms as people when it comes to heart failure, including heavy breathing, coughing, and fatigue. Excessive thirst, hair loss, and a pot-bellied appearance can accompany heavy panting. Treatment can include medication and ACE inhibitors. Respiratory Disorders Respiratory disorders can also cause heavy breathing, such as pneumonia, laryngeal paralysis, lung tumors. Contact a vet to rule out any of these dangerous conditions. As allergies affect the respiratory system the same way as humans, your dog may need to breathe more heavily due to a histamine reaction. Typically allergies cause noisy breathing or wheezing in addition to increased breathing rate. Luckily, though, allergies can be treated with medication or the avoidance of allergic triggers. They also can mask it behind normal-seeming behavior gestures such as tail wagging or panting. However, as their guardians, it is our job to notice these changes in behavior. Accompanying panting, you may notice restlessness, anxiety, licking or scratching an area excessively, or enlarged pupils. Medication Some medications can cause shortness of breath or excessive panting in dogs. While it may seem challenging to determine the difference at first, with a little practice, it will become easy. While this practice is essential for dogs with heart failure or other preexisting conditions, it can also be useful to know for healthy animals, too. This way, you are prepared if an emergency ever arises. Most dogs take between breaths per minute, though some can be lower, which is generally not a cause for concern. Higher than 30 breaths per minute is normal if the dog is hot or winded but should not be a sustained rate. However, if they are calm and resting, this works as well. One breath consists of both a rise and a fall in chest movement, which is an indication of an inhale and exhale. Use a stopwatch, phone, or another timepiece to measure 30 seconds as you count the breaths. If you are counting the breaths of a healthy animal, do this once per day so you can establish a baseline. If your pet is ill or experiencing heart failure, your vet may recommend monitoring this every hour. This is especially the case if your dog shows other signs of hyperventilation, such as: Rapid heart rate Collapsing or fainting Weakness If this is related to a physical health issue, the vet may recommend making an appointment or emergency visit. If the panting is determined to be due to stress or anxiety, your vet may offer recommendations on how to calm your dog. How To Calm Panting In Anxious Dogs Dogs, like people, can get stressed, nervous, or anxious in unfamiliar situations or due to changes in routine. Some dogs are extra sensitive, and even one small thing being out of place like a squirrel running around in the yard can cause them to get worked up. When dogs get worked up in such fashion, it could cause them to pant heavily and often. In doing this, the owner should also remain calm so their buddy can pick up on it. In training your dog to adopt calmness, positive reinforcement is the key; this comes primarily in the form of treats but also affirmations of good behavior work as well. Just ensure your affirmations are not too enthusiastic because that could cause excitement in the dog, thus counteracting your recent training session. Yogurt in a squeeze bottle, shredded chicken, or the soft sausage-rolled dog treats are some options you can try. You can also use finding treats as a distraction from whatever is upsetting your pooch. Sniffing is a natural calming action for dogs as it allows their focus to be on something tangible. It also dedicates breaths to the sniff, which can alleviate panting. If they need encouragement, look with them, and point out the tasty treats. Practice Calming Behaviors As an owner, taking your own deep breaths can help show the dog that calm is okay. You want to encourage your dog once they stop panting, even for a moment, and provide them with a treat. Use treats and a flat, upturned palm to slowly encourage your dog to move their chin closer to your hand. Spark their interest in the mat with treats and affirmations without telling the dog to go to the mat. Since it is supposed to be a refuge for your dog, you want it to be their idea when they goes there. At first, the mat will only be out as a special treat and hidden the rest of the time. Eventually, you can leave the mat out all the time and quietly reward your pet for lying on the mat on their own. If you see your dog sleeping or relaxing, quietly place a treat nearby without saying anything. This is the time where enthusiastic praise could actually be a detriment because it will get the pup wound up again. Always call your vet if you are unsure if care is needed. A normal rate of breathing for dogs is between 10 and 35 breaths per minute, and the average dog takes about 24 breaths per minute at rest. Heavy Breathing In Puppies In general, puppies have higher respiratory rates and heart rates compared to adult dogs. A normal breathing rate for a puppy is between breaths per minute. This usually happens in the REM rapid eye movement stage of the sleep cycle, and may be accompanied by whimpers or leg movements—all of which are completely normal. In most cases, it is no cause for alarm. Your dog is breathing heavy at rest If your dog is breathing heavy at rest, it can be a red flag for a number of serious health issues. Your dog is panting with a closed or partially open mouth While panting is normal in dogs, if your dog is breathing heavily with a closed mouth or just a partially open mouth, it can be a sign of something more serious and should receive medical attention. Your dog is coughing and breathing heavy If your dog is coughing and breathing heavy, it may be a sign of chronic bronchitis or another serious respiratory issue. Your dog appears to be in distress A dog in distress may be restless, have little to no appetite, and try to hide. Your dog may show other signs of stress such as tucking the tail between the legs and ears that are pinned back rather than being relaxed. Your dog is making other noises while breathing heavy If your dog is having difficulty breathing, they may also make other noises such as snorting, wheezing, or retching. These are common symptoms associated with other respiratory conditions like chronic bronchitis. Treatment For Heavy Breathing In Dogs Treatment for heavy breathing in dogs will vary depending on the underlying cause. Your dog may need oxygen therapy to stabilize their condition and ensure they are getting enough oxygen to their organs. Take the Canine Bronchitis Assessment to see if your dog could have chronic bronchitis.

the best puppy food for german shepherd - Silver Valley Labradors is a family owned kennel that is proud to offer top quality silver, charcoal, and champagne labrador retrievers. We pride ourselves on being a top quality kennel and the breeder of your new best friend and family member. All of our dogs are registered with the American Kennel Club. Please note that the light silver color is considered to be a shade of chocolate and charcoal is considered a shade of black. Therefore, silver labs are registered with the AKC as chocolate and charcoal labs are registered as black. We are located in Stanley, Virginia in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Our dogs are very athletic and LOVE to swim. They are wonderful with children and love to play catch and retrieve games. Their kind, outgoing temperament make them excellent family dogs. We have spent a great deal of time researching the pedigrees and temperaments of our dogs to ensure that we have a top quality breeding program. All puppies have been wormed and received their 6 week vaccinations before going to their forever homes. Please explore this site to learn more about our dams, sires, and puppies. Feel free to call or email us. Thank you for visiting our site. As one of the most energetic breeds, your Silver Lab puppy will always be down for exercise, play, swimming or any other outdoor activity. Playful and excitable, be prepared to remove any knick-knacks from coffee tables or end tables — this breed is notorious for knocking these over with an almost constantly wagging tail! Widely considered the sweetest tempered dog breed, your Silver Lab puppy will light up every time you walk in the room — greeting you with kisses and affection when you come home after a long day at work. Highly intelligent, these dogs can easily be trained to respond to a variety of commands — and their alert nature makes them natural guard dogs. As one of the most lovable dog breeds, your Silver Lab puppy is sure to get along with everyone — from other dogs to small children and the elderly — making the breed a perfect fit for almost anyone who has the stamina to keep up with it! Many of these conditions affect dogs in later life, though some can occur during adolescents and early adulthood. To learn more about our commitment to ethical breeding practices , read about the Keystone Puppies Health Guarantee! This hunting breed has a water-resistant or water-repellent coat that is slightly dry and oily. Unlike many short-haired breeds, Labs are outdoor dogs. They are usually able to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Silver Labrador Retrievers have short, straight coats that shed seasonally. They have a double coat — with thick, dense hair — which helps keep them warm during winter months. Their heavy coats also offer additional insulation when swimming — a favorite pastime of Labradors, Silver Labs included. With a low-maintenance coat, the Silver Labrador Retriever only needs brushed once or twice a week. Meet Silver Lab Puppies for Sale. At Happy Lab Kennels, we specialize in healthy, happy silver Labrador puppies, a variation of a chocolate lab with a gene mutation that creates their distinctive gray coat. Explore more about silver Labrador puppies for sale in NC and learn about the other great Labrador puppies we offer, including black, yellow and chocolate. The reason for this record is simple. Labs are great dogs. They have a wonderful temperament and are filled with Love to share. They seem to have one goal in mind, making Life long friends and memories. Labs are the perfect example of unconditional Love. While they do thrive on Love and attention, they require little maintenance. No long hair and curls to worry about and shedding is minimal. At Happy Lab Kennels, we focus on producing dogs that are healthy, friendly, gentle and full of love! While our dogs are mainly loving companions, they do come from hunting stock. With proper training, they would make a great hunting partner. About Happy Lab Kennels Our love for dogs has been growing for over 30 years We both grew up with a family dog, and knew we would always have a dog or two when we were older. Well, our love for dogs have been growing for over 30 years, with never having just one. Our dogs are a big part of our family. We have them spend time with us indoors, as well as, outdoors. We have them sleep inside when the weather is cold and to take a break on those very hot days. In our dog journeys, we have taken our dogs to field trials and have been active members of a K-9 Search and Rescue Team. What is A Silver Labrador? Loving companions, with the outgoing, friendly personalities Silver Labrador Puppies for Sale NC Silver labs were first created by a breeder in the early 80s and were officially recognized as a subset of the chocolate lab breed by the AKC in .While some think the unusual color comes from outside the breed, these dogs are verified by the AKC as percent Labrador retriever. Male labs grow to an average of .Our silver labrador puppies are bred as loving companions, with the outgoing, friendly personalities that have long made labs one of the most popular family dogs. These rare purebred, pedigreed pups are registered with the American Kennel Club. The Silver Labradors are registered as chocolates. Like other lab variations, silver labradors need lots of exercise. Get ready to play endless games of catch and take long walks around your neighborhood, where your pet is sure to make friends with other dogs and humans alike. These dogs respond well to training and easily adapt to new environments. They also tend to be great with children, although younger labs can be quite boisterous and may be excitable around those younger than 5. Our Other Labrador Retriever Colors Silver, chocolate, yellow, and black Labradors available for sale Black Labrador Puppies Black labs are sometimes considered the original Labrador puppies, brought to Newfoundland in the s. Because black is the dominant color gene for these dogs, they are more common than yellow, silver and chocolate labs. We offer an impressive selection of purebred chocolate labrador puppies for sale. This chocolate color comes from a gene variation on the classic black lab. Their golden hue occurs when both parents carry the gene for yellow fur rather than the dominant gene for black. Our love for dogs have been growing for over 30 years, with never having just one. Labrador Litters. Life Span Did You Know? One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they come in many colors. Silver Labrador Retrievers, or Silver Labs, are relatively new compared to the other Lab coat colors. Contrary to their Yellow, Chocolate, and Black Lab cousins, which have recorded sightings from and before, Silver Labs have only cropped up since .There was some heated debate over their authenticity, as many breeders believed the silver tint appeared from outside the breed. A diluting factor in coat color dominance traits is responsible for the silver hue — something that is also present in Charcoal and Champagne Labs as well. At any rate, Silver Labrador Retrievers are regal, loyal, and friendly Labradors that have a lot of energy and a lot of love to give! Silver Labs are curious and playful dogs. Their curiosity will often get the better of them and they may wander off in search of adventure if they are off-leash. Labrador Retrievers are known for their gentle, friendly dispositions and good natures. Well-socialized Labs tend to get along with children, other dogs, and even other pets and strangers. Because of this they make the ideal family dog and are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. Despite being one of the most active dog breeds , Silver Labrador Retrievers are highly adaptable. They prefer bigger spaces to stretch their legs and explore. As one of the sturdy dog breeds for outdoor adventures , they will often take an outside adventure over an inside one any day. But, they will also just be happy to be spending time with you. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Silver Labs are one of the most affectionate dog breeds. They are happiest when they are spending time with their favorite humans, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Silver Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, hereditary myopathy, heart disease, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. A condition called exercise-induced collapse EIC has a genetic link and can occur in young adult Labradors. Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Silver Lab puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, the Silver Labrador Retriever is at a higher risk for bloat. Silver Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds. They pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. Despite their energy and getting bored easily, they are still a great fit for dog owners of any experience level. Labrador Retrievers are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Silver Labrador Retrievers have short, water-resistant fur in two layers. Because of this dense double coat that protects them from the cold, and being one of the dog breeds that tend to love water , they may try to go for a swim regardless of the season. They shed year-round and more heavily twice a year when seasons change. Plus, your Lab will love spending the time with you. Trimming their nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long. Regularly checking ears and cleaning them as needed can help prevent ear infections. Proper dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, is important to prevent the tartar buildup that causes painful dental diseases later in life. Silver Labrador Retrievers need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for this dog. Although they are high-energy dogs, Silver Labs will tend to mellow out a little bit as they get older. Labrador Retrievers tend to have an extended puppyhood and maintain that puppy-like energy until they are around years old. Swimming is a great low-impact activity. Once your Lab puppy is cleared for more intense activity, you can try a lot of different activities with them. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Labs are also athletic and versatile dogs that tend to be a good fit for a wide range of activities. Fully-grown Silver Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Silver Labs generally live for years on average. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and search and rescue dogs. They are also commonly found working as police or military dogs. They are even one of the best dog breeds for farms! Featured Silver Labrador Retriever Article.


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the best puppy food for german shepherd - We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. After weeks of continuous nagging from my kids, I was considering adding a kitten to our household. I needed to know if this was feasible given that we have a 3-year-old Lab. So, I thought I'd share some of the research and experience I've gathered around whether or not Labradors can live with cats. It is common for Labradors and cats to live together and get along well. It is more likely to be safe to pair a cat with a Lab than most dog breeds because of their mild temperament. In fact, Labrador Retrievers made the shortlist of dog breeds that are good with cats, according to the American Kennel Club. However, anomalies can occur. It is important to understand why Labs tend to do well around cats in the event that your Lab's personality or prior environment is atypical. Additionally, there are precautions to be taken upon the first introduction that you should be aware of. We will cover all of that, below. The temperament of Labs is largely the reason that Labradors can live with cats safely. Let's take a moment and deep dive into some elements of their temperament that make it easy to understand. Labs Are Gentle Even When Hunting Labs are extremely gentle dogs, which is one of the reasons why they make great family dogs. They are usually very tolerant which makes them great around children. Additionally, Labs are usually a top choice when it comes to hunting. It is important to remember that the style of hunting they are most useful for. It does not involve aggressive behavior, nor for the Labrador to perform the actual hunt. Labs are retrievers and are most often used as bird-dogs. Their job is to help in retrieving birds that have been shot and killed or severely wounded. They were bred over time to have what are known as "soft mouths" for the purpose of not clamping down too hard on the prey during the retrieval. So even in their most "aggressive" state, they are extremely cautious and treat the retrieved prey with care. Labs Aim To Please Part of what makes a Lab such a great family pet is their constant seeking of their owners approval. If you've ever been in the situation with your Lab where you put her food down and she simply stares up at you awaiting permission to proceed, then you know what I mean. These dogs never want to do anything to upset their owners. This applies to the acceptance of cats in the home, too. There may always be some instinctual territorial temptations upon the first meeting. But, as your Lab sees and processes that you are accepting of this other animal in the home, she will typically follow suit. The challenge often becomes more of the result of curiosity. Cats tend to be uninterested in being investigated. Prior Socialization is Key Labs are very sociable and curious animals. However, if yours hasn't had much experience socializing then it It would be a good idea to work on this prior to introducing a new animal into the home. This socialization can come in different ways. One way can be one on one time in a familiar environment with a friend or family member's dog. Another could be taking your dog to a local dog park. Personally, I would recommend having some experience in both situations, and then evaluating how those interactions went. What was that experience like? Did she warm up easy to other dogs? Is she skittish? It's also important to consider socialization with other humans, too. Consider how she behaves when guests are at your home. If you have to lock her up because she gets overly excited, this points to a potential opportunity. It may be a good time to start working on improving social interactions overall. Introducing a Lab to a Cat Everything that I found while researching seemed to be in line with typical guidance for introducing two animals. There are some best practices that are not unique to Labradors, or even dogs for that matter. What may be different for you is if you've never introduced two into your home, and only have experience with other animals on the street or at a dog park. Based on what I found, I was really able to consolidate this down to 6 best practices. Those are as follows: 1. Always Be Present In the beginning, it is extremely important that you are present for each interaction. This is important psychologically for the Lab in this interaction. As stated earlier, they aim to please. Knowing that you are there and approve of the cat's presence in the home is vital to keeping them at ease. If there is any scenario that might have the potential for a bad interaction, it would be the discovery of a new and much smaller animal in the home without the presence of her Master. Neutral Location Choosing a neutral spot inside or outside at the house is also important. This reduces the chances for any territorial instincts to take over. While some of that will still be present, it would be heightened if you chose a room where a crate is typically kept. Should the living room be where significant items to the animal are kept, I wouldn't recommend that either. Generally, a kitchen or large bathroom can make a good space as long as you don't close any doors! Don't Hold the Cat! I'd like to believe this one is obvious, but cats tend to be the more skittish of the two during these first interactions. Ironically, many owners have indicated the roles reverse over the long run, though! Given this, holding the cat would not be advisable as it may result in significant injury via extremely sharp claws! Use A Leash It does seem a little unfair to say to not hold the cat, but to put a leash on the dog. However, the leash should really only be used if an indication is given that things might get out of hand. Best practice would be to allow the leash to be a bit loose. Even though your Lab is likely many times bigger than the cat, it is important that they don't feel pressured or trapped and unable to defend or escape if they feel the urge. Give the Cat Room to Escape If it is the first time the cat is being brought to the home, it would be ideal to give the cat an opportunity to explore the place first. We want him to feel comfortable with the environment and to know that safety is within reach. When scared, cats tend to go high. If there are platforms or counters that are within reach this should help. When doing this in a separate room, the door must remain open. Should this lead to the cat leaving before the introduction takes place - so be it. It will be a bad experience if he is forced against his will. You will need to keep a close eye on them during the entire time, and this will really test your refereeing skills! Like a referee in a fight, you may have to know when it is appropriate to allow them to push the limits, and when to call it. For the cat, you will likely see some swatting. If he has been declawed, then the concern of scratched eyes should be minimal and it is probably okay to allow it. This of course depends on your Lab's reaction. Lab's usually tolerate this, though it may startle them. With your Lab, sniffing and poking their snout out against the cat should be expected. This may be met with some swatting. Again, you will have to manage this carefully. Any growling or hissing are typically signs that things are heading south, and you should be prepared to take a break and come back to it later. Will a Labrador Kill a Cat? It seems fairly unlikely that a typical, purebred Labrador that has not exhibited any aggressive tendencies, would harm a cat. However, one fictitious case made the claim which shocked the world, only to later come out as untrue. Although, if a Lab has exhibited aggressive tendencies or the environment at introduction is atypical, anything is possible. After all, we are talking about animals. Regardless of an animal's natural temperament, if unique unfavorable conditions are present, then normal behavior shouldn't be expected. What Other Owners Said I checked with owners through social media platforms to see what experiences they had. For the rest, there were a few suggestions that it was challenging at first but that it ended up being okay. The vast majority indicated there were no issues from the very beginning. Additionally, vetstreet. Labs came in at 2, only behind Golden Retrievers. Conclusion Given everything learned throughout the researching process, it's safe to say that in most cases Labradors can live with cats. I no longer have concerns about Labs and cats living under the same roof, and I don't think you should either. It would be foolish not to acknowledge the possibility, though. If you do decide to co-mingle the two, be sure to follow the introduction steps to a tee! We brought home our labrador pup to her two established, indoor only, Bengal brothers. We also followed the how to-s and the advice on this site. What was most prominent for us was that it was the cats house. They are 6 and 8 years old and they have been our only pets for years. Prior to getting Harley we had a tragic attempt at rescuing a stray pup but she had to be PTS due to unmanagable mega esophagus. She only lived with us for two weeks and throughout that time she needed to be crated for most of it, due to her condition. So we knew that our cats would not FREAK out at the introduction of a dog and we also knew that they are confident but not aggressive cats. They are very well socialised. When we brought Harls home we were prepared with a baby pen and the cats spent the first few days and nights pretending she doesn't exist. She was outside during the day, and at night she was always within our eyesight. So we prevented any unpleasant situations from developing from lack of our management. Once Harls was a little older and spent more time out of her baby pen, unsupervised constantly, when in the house DH made the cats barrier that went across the door of what ever room we were all in. See picture below. This allowed the cats to get away from her without having to jump over anything, we found that that type of behaviour excited everyone in the house. Harley thought it was too good not to chase and the cats because panicky. Luckily my DH is incredibly handy and technical and he built this quickly from some cheap wood we had about the house. Because Harley was at that stage small enough to get through the hole and the hole needed to be a certain size for our "healthy" boys, DH put the temporary piece of pip across the top. I must emphasize that this worked well because of two reasons: 1 Early defensiveness was not required from the cats because we allowed them to gradually get used to Harley and her enthusiam. But I must also point out that we only tolerated so much "drama" from the cats before we told them to stop being silly. Cat people will know that cats can really over react. Same as she still sleeps in the same baby pen even though she could easily escape. She just isnt that type of pup so your pup may push "boundaries" a little more than Harls and you will have to manage that in a positive training manner. The boys have their own room and the barrier is now always across the door. It also prevents Harley from getting to their food and litterbox eeuw! In the rest of the house the three of them cohabit in mostly peace with the occasional bop on the head for Harley or hiss to remind her that she is a stinky dog. Neither cat has ever bitten or scratched her. I also need to mention that it has taken WAY more time than I thought before Harley and the boys started really being okay together. I posted a video of our oldest boy and Harls on the bed last night. It has taken about 3 months for them to be able to touch noses and walk passed Harley without behaving like she has "cooties". Our two cats are very indulged and opinionated boys, the breed is not easy to introduce new animals to and they have been very fixed in their lifestyle for a long time. They are also "jealous" over attention and stuff like toys that Harley gets and will often take her toys. Again, we are really lucky that Harley is a gentle pup. Good luck and don't lose faith, it may take a few months but hopefully you can have a peaceful household, if not best friends. This is the barrier: as you can see it has a "foot" on the one side so that it doesnt get bumped over and the other side fits into the doorway. It can stand independently, if needed but then can fall over if bumped Here our oldest boy is demonstrating. We dont have the pipe there anymore, Harleys is WAY too big to fit through now After three and a half months this is exciting to see Last night our oldest cat started making some play advances to Harley. But poor Harls is as skeptical as a lab pup can be: If I can add some last novice advise. The biggest learning point for me with Harley has been that I couldn't leave her to figure things out for herself. They know nothing. And the same with our cats. DH and I are the stable factor in all of this. So when the three of them interacted we encouraged everyone to be nice, in soft voices. With Harley watching we wouldstroke the cats and say "gently", and visa versa with the cats and Harley. We tried to model behaviour and we tried, as much as possible, to prevent situations that could lead to negative interactions, like big spaces for Harley to chase her brothers etc. Okay, now I am really done. Click to expand.Omg I love it!!! I hope ours gets that way someday. One of three only just braved coming down from the third floor. There is hope! On average, it will take a dog and a cat 2—3 weeks to start forging a friendship. But in some cases, it happens more quickly, and in rare cases, it never happens at all. Are Labs Good With Cats? For every pet owner who has a story of animosity between the family canine and the family feline, there is another pet owner whose dog and cat get along great! Intelligence, breed, and socialization all play a part in whether your dog will be able to tolerate a feline housemate. Intelligence Some dog breeds, like the Labrador, consistently score high in a type of smarts called working intelligence. Which could just as easily be called people-pleasing intelligence. These dog breeds consistently learn new commands in less than five tries and tend to obey commands at least 95 percent of the time. Your Labrador wants to please you and cooperate with you. So your training challenge will be to help your Lab see your new family cat as an extension of you, to be tolerated at the least and cherished ideally. Breed Breed is another important factor in predicting how well a dog and a cat may get along or not. Labradors have been bred for generations as retriever dogs. They do not generally hunt solo but rather will accompany a human hunter and assist with retrieving the downed prey. Their prey drive — the urge to chase anything warm and moving — is relatively low. Labs have also been selectively bred and trained not to bite down hard on what they retrieve. Rather, they have what trainers call a soft mouth. They hold objects, whether a prey animal, a ball, or a playmate, gently in their mouths to avoid doing harm. Well-bred, well-trained Labs also tend to be easygoing, family-oriented, and playful, which can work great if your new cat is a sociable breed that loves to play. The best time to introduce a cat and a dog is when they are a kitten and a puppy. This way, they both go through similar growth phases and training stages side by side and are more likely to get along as adults. Watch them around strange cats, unfamiliar humans, and any small, fast-moving wild animals. If you have let your Lab chase anything and everything, are lax with training reinforcement, and downplay overly rambunctious or aggressive behavior, you will want to address these training and socialization needs before adding a cat to your family. Labs Are Working Bred Dogs If you are caring for a Labrador for the first time or only have experience with American-bred Labs, you may not yet know there are actually two types of Labrador Retriever, the American field, gun, or working and the English bench, show, or pet. American, or working, Labradors typically have a higher natural prey drive than their English show counterparts. However, working Labs also tend to be more consistently obedient due to the extra training required to assist human hunters. So this can work in your favor when socializing your Lab to a new pet cat. American Labs and Cats American Labs typically reach maturity faster and have a longer, more stable attention span for training tasks even during puppyhood. This can work well if you bring home a cat who enjoys playing and is outgoing and sociable like this amazing tabby — not so much if your new feline is shy, low energy, or less social. English Labs and Cats English Labs tend to stay in puppyhood longer than their American counterparts and can be more challenging to train until they grow out of this puppyhood personality. But once they do grow up, English Labs often display a more chill, sedentary personality that remains throughout life. Here, a high-energy kitty might be a good match if your English Lab is still young. But an older, couch-centric English Lab might do better with an equally chill cat. Labradors and Kittens Kittens are so adorable and cuddly, and it can be difficult to imagine anything so small and sweet could cause any real trouble. But just wait until your kitten starts growing up and teething and scratching and clawing everything in sight — including your Lab! The Best Time to Introduce Cats and Dogs If you can, the very best time to introduce a dog and a cat is when both are young and missing the company of their littermates. This shared experience of separation during a critical socialization phase of life makes a new puppy and new kitten more likely to bond right away. This can be particularly advantageous when your puppy is going to grow up to be quite large. Neither is predisposed to behave territorially or possessively. Best of all, they will likely have similar energy levels at similar life stages, making them a better match as lifelong companions. How to Introduce a Cat to a Dog When you decide to add a feline to your family, how you make the initial introductions can set you up for years of stress or success. These tips can help you set up a first meeting that is more likely to succeed: Introduce your Lab to the new cat in a place that is relatively neutral to both. Be sure your is Lab leashed and the new cat is confined safely. Keep the first meeting short — if it goes well, schedule another short one soon after. Watch for signs of personality clashes such as timidity or aggression. By Tom Massey May 18, Popular culture has created conflicting narratives about the relationship between cats and dogs. Some movies and shows claim that these animals are mortal enemies, forever determined to be rivals. But then you see films and home videos where a dog and cat become best friends, cuddling and playing together without a care. Despite the classic trope about cats and dogs hating each other, your pets could become best pals. Generally speaking, Labrador Retrievers are friendly and have a great temperament. And that naturally makes them more likely to behave well around cats, even forming a close bond. While you cannot force a relationship between your two pets, you should prepare for a smooth introduction process and increase their chances of warming up to each other and even becoming best buds. How to Pick a New Playmate Adding a new fluffy friend into the household can be stressful for pet owners. You want to keep the peace, but you know that a new dog or a cat will be confusing for your pet. Failing to prepare adequately for this pairing could be disastrous and cause high-stress levels or destructive behaviors within your home. If you already own a cat, consider their age and overall personality before bringing home a dog. An older cat who has lived alone for most of its life may not adapt to a new dog friend. Sometimes, they will even be upset if you add a new feline into the mix. If your adult cat has this personality type, you might not want to bring an additional pet home. If your cat is young, friendly to other pets, or has had a positive experience with canines in the past, they are likely to tolerate cohabitation with a dog. Choosing a friendly dog breed will increase the chances that your pets will behave well together. Pups who do not listen to your commands when running after a squirrel will likely chase cats. This will create a stressful environment for a feline, so chase-prone dogs should not be paired with cats. Are Labradors Good with Cats? Labradors are well-known for their sweet and gentle personality — these dogs love making new friends and get along fabulously with other animals. But not all Lab puppies are the same. You might want to consider purchasing a Labrador Retriever from a reputable breeder to ensure your pup has the distinct friendly and kind traits their breed is known for. If you want the best possible chance of your Labrador behaving well in a household with cats, look at the available White Labradors from Snowy Pines. These pups will enter your home with prior socialization with other dogs, animals, and humans, which will make the grand introduction easier for owners. Taking Your New Pet Home It would be best to keep your pets apart when your new addition arrives in your home. Keep each pet within a separate room for the first three to four days before the first meeting. Try feeding your pets on opposite sides of a door so that your Lab and cat can smell each other. Our furry friends love eating! Additionally, you want to let your animals take turns roaming freely around the house. This activity allows both pets to smell each other before coming face to face. You do not want your two animals to meet before they are ready. A pet owner needs to be in complete control of the meeting to prevent any chance of aggressive behavior. Fortunately, Labrador Retrievers from Snowy Pines go through lifestyle training and will know the basic commands of sit, stay, yes, and no before coming home with you. Training your Lab helps them learn healthy behaviors and ensures they are more open to new relationships with other animals and new people. At our facility, we also have potential Labrador owners complete the Perfect Puppy questionnaire. This helps us match you with a perfect dog for your family home. If you already own a cat or anticipate having a cat in the future, let us know so we can consider this factor while we match you with a Lab puppy. Create Safe Spaces for Your Lab and Cat Even the best of friends need their alone time, and our fluffy pals are no different. For cats, consider getting a cat tree that they can climb up and get away from your dog. Cats love high places where they can survey their surroundings, and a cat tower provides them a safe space to watch a dog from afar. For dogs, their crate should be their sanctuary for alone time where they can take a nap or enjoy their favorite chew toy. How to Introduce a Labrador to Cats First impressions are everything, especially when introducing your cat and dog. A bad first impression could cause fear in one of your pets, potentially damaging their relationship before it even starts. Use a neutral area of the house , like the living room, for the first meeting. If they want to remove themselves from the meeting, allow them to do so without discipline. However, Labrador Retrievers should be on a leash so that you are in control if anything goes awry. Do not use a retractable leash — not only are these leashes dangerous for dogs , but the line could also snap if your dog runs after the cat. One of the worst things you could do is hold one of your pets during the first introduction. Cats and dogs need an escape route from the room if they become frightened. You could experience deep cat scratches or witness a vicious chase around the house if one of the pets, hops out of your arms during their first meeting. Cats tend to enjoy things like catnip, treats, or soft pets. Labs will prefer attention and treats as a reward for their positive behavior. A cat who stops interacting with family members, using its litter box, or eating and drinking may feel threatened by its canine sibling. There is no specific timeframe for when cats and Labradors will begin to accept each other. If you find that your dog consistently lunges or growls at a cat while in the same room after repeated introductions, they will likely not behave favorably in a long-term arrangement. Alternatively, if your cat continuously hisses or swats at a dog, these behaviors indicate they are stressed in your home environment. The pairing of these two animals will not work well in these situations. All of your hard work with the pets will flush down the drain if they have a bad interaction outside of your presence. By following the right steps at the beginning, the chances are that everything will go smoothly, and your pets will begin to warm up to the idea of accepting their new sibling. However, this process could take months, so be patient with your pets and remember to praise them after each meeting. Conclusion Contrary to what popular media suggests, cats and dogs can absolutely live peacefully under the same roof. To encourage harmony in your home, closely monitor their interactions and designate safe spaces for each pet. Our puppies receive exclusive training sessions focused on socializing and understanding basic commands — qualities that will come in handy when introducing your pets. Get in touch today to learn about our available puppies! Share on. Are Labrador Retrievers good with cats? The key to a smooth friendship is understanding how to approach their co-existing living situation from their first introduction to living together full-time. In this article, you will learn how to make the relationship between your Labrador Retriever and cat work from their first introduction. You will learn how to introduce their relationship depending at which stage of their life each of your pets are at. You will also learn some tips and tricks that can help make the process smoother and allow you to better enjoy a pet-happy household. My Experience With Labs and Cats I have been a Labrador Retriever owner for more than ten years and a lover of the breed for even longer. I also was the proud cat mom to two siblings who were left to fend for themselves and in need of a good home. With my Lab called Bear already established in my home, I was unsure of how introducing not one but two 4-week-old kittens would go. To my pleasant surprise, my fears of a hostile pet household were put to rest after just a few short months. My Lab had not only accepted the two as part of the household but also took some of the mothering responsibilities onto herself. But my experience is not only limited to introducing my middle-aged Lab to young kittens. Being a life-long dog lover, I helped my friend who adopted a rescued Labrador Retriever and introduced him into her household, which was already dominated by her elderly male cat. While both experiences seemed to be from the opposite end of the spectrum, with different unique challenges, both ended in success. My Labrador named Bear So I am here to share with you what I had learned through my personal experience, my knowledge of Labs, and my conversations with my veterinarian to help you enjoy the same success I had when it came time for my Lab and cats to meet. When it comes to the cohabitation of cats with dogs, the situation and disposition of the animals can play a significant factor, but so can the breed of dog as well. While there are some dogs that will naturally be aggressive towards cats, Labrador Retrievers tend to do well with all forms of smaller pets. This does not mean that some incidents do not occur, but if the situation is approached in the right way, you will most likely be able to get your Lab and cat to form a friendly bond or peaceful toleration, at least. While we know the answer is yes, you may now be wondering why. The reason that Labradors can so easily cohabitate with cats largely has to do with the specific traits associated with the breed. These characteristics can reduce the chance of problems and also help to make the transition go more smoothly. They are naturally friendly Labradors are considered one of the most friendly breeds of dogs. They like to be social and get attention from both humans and other animals. Most Labs will approach other animals with curiosity instead of fear. They are happy to make a new friend whenever they can. In many cases, they are not even protective over their food, which can be good if your cat decides they want to try something new for dinner. They are easily trained Labs love to please their owners, which makes training them easier than with other breeds. Since they can be effectively trained, they can get control over their chase instinct, which can sometimes be triggered by a running cat. Having impulse control can help to make the introduction more comfortable for the cat, which can lead to a more peaceful existence. They are not aggressive While any dog can be trained to be aggressive, Labradors by nature are not. They can sometimes be high-strung depending on their mood, but rarely will attack unprovoked. This makes it a safer situation if you bring in a playful kitten. While it is possible to introduce any age cat to any age Lab, you will have greater success by introducing an older Lab to kittens or your older cat to a Lab puppy. You may be wondering, are Lab puppies good with cats? It may seem strange if you have an older, less mobile cat and a high-strung puppy, but the truth is they can get along rather well. Even though Lab puppies have a ton of energy that they are throwing around, and it may seem to stress the cat out at first, their young age makes it easy for them to learn and adapt to the situation. Why are Lab puppies good with older cats? If your older cat is dominant, a Lab puppy will pick up quite rapidly the fact that they are not at the top of the food chain in that specific household. They can learn how to give the cat space, what it likes and dislikes, and how to coexist with them in the household. Lab puppies will also be much more receptive to your guidance, not only through specific training but also through your actions. They will see that you love and respect the cat and will try to do the same in order to gain your favor. In addition to the ability to better learn and adapt to the situation, an older cat may be less intimidated by the smaller size of the puppy than they would of a full-grown Lab. Why are older Labs good with kittens? You can also find that introductions can go easier on the opposite end of the spectrum as well, by introducing an older resident Lab to young kittens. As mentioned before, Labs are not territorial animals when it comes to other pets, so even though they are established in the household already, they will not see the addition as much of a threat. Also, the size of kittens compared to the size of a full-grown Lab will definitely take any anxiety out of the situation on the part of the Lab. Another reason Labs are good with young kittens is that they are playful even when they are older. Kittens are balls of energy, and the Lab will likely respond to that energy by becoming energetic as well instead of being startled. Female Labs especially will take on mothering roles with young pets and may see young kittens as no different than a puppy that would pull at their ears and jump on their back. As for the kitten, they likely have not learned to fear dogs by this point, so the size of a full-grown dog will not intimidate them. If you start with a successful introduction, you will have a better foundation for a solid and mutually respectful relationship. There are different ways to introduce your Lab to your cat, and the method you choose will probably be dictated by the age of the pets that are meeting. The crate and leash method If you are wondering how to introduce a Lab puppy to cats, then the crate and leash method will likely work best. With this method, your cat can still exert its dominance while slowly getting used to the new addition in its living environment. Step 1 Start with your Labrador in its crate , and then bring your cat into the room. Step 2 Place the cat on the table so that they are higher than the puppy in the crate but can still see them. By being elevated, they are likely to feel less intimidated and more in command. After trying this a few times, you can move on to the leash portion. Step 3 Have your cat in the room on the table. Have your puppy in the adjacent room on a leash. Give them treats to calm down. Once the puppy is calm, bring them into the room on the leash and have them sit. Keep both of them calm and reward them with a treat. Step 4 Proceed with this exercise getting the two closer together each time until they are within a few feet of each other. Step 5 If they have shown success with this, now is the time to let them meet without the leash. Stay in the room so you can control the situation. Always make sure your cat has an escape route if they become too uncomfortable. Step 6 Once they can both be loose and stay calm in the same room with each other, they should be OK to be with each other unsupervised. The dinner method If you are introducing an older Lab to young kittens, the dinner method may give you the best success. Step 1 Start by keeping your kittens and Lab separate when eating but place their food on the opposite side of one door. This will allow each of them to associate the sounds and smell of their new roommates while engaging in a pleasant activity: eating. If your dog begins whining or scratching at the door, correct them and redirect them to continue to eat. Step 2 Then it is time for their face to face. Bring the kitten in the room in a crate and the dog on the leash. Have your dog lie down a few feet from the crate so they can now make a visual association with what they were hearing and smelling. Reward them with treats. Start with short sessions to start with and work your way up. Step 4 For the next stage, let the kitten loose in the room and keep control of your Lab on the leash, allowing the kitten to investigate without feeling threatened. If your dog acts aggressively or agitated, verbally correct them, but if they stay calm, reward them with treats. After several calm interactions, they will be ready to both be loose when supervised and eventually unsupervised. What Precautions To Take When Introducing Remember, even the sweetest pets may act aggressively when they feel threatened, and it can be hard to determine what they might consider a threatening act. Because of this, it is important to always take precautions when introducing your Lab to a cat. Always start with having one of the pets contained and have the ability to restrain at least one of them if the need arises until they have had sufficient time to get to know one another. Make sure your cat is always comfortable It is also important that your cat always has an escape route. Even the slightest discomfort can make a cat skittish, and they can attempt to flee. Instead, wait for them to calm down to try another session. Avoid introductions around children Another precaution to take is to never perform the introduction process with young kids around. Children can add to the anxiety of the situation and make it uncomfortable for the pets. There is also the chance that one of the pets could take out their aggression on the child, possibly leading to an injury. Final Thoughts Labrador Retrievers are the ideal breed if you plan to have a cat as well. Their disposition and traits make them good companions for other pets, and their social nature makes them want to seek out new friends. While some Labs and cats will become fast friends, for others, it can take longer. Be patient and take the proper steps to ensure a successful and happy household. Gotta Love Labradors Labradors make great companions when enjoying the outdoors. You may find these articles an interesting read:. I have a friend who has a Labrador and two cats. How come that these pets can live together, while born rivals. That is why I thought about writing an article about Labradors and Cats and everything there is to know about the subject. The fact is- dogs chase cats not because they are born rivals, but because of prey drive or excitement due to motion triggers. This trait in dogs come from wolves as they belong to the same canine family. It is a natural instinct they have. Prey drive is essential for an animal who is superior in the food chain for their survival. Hunter Breeds and Cats Most of the hunter dogs will chase a cat naturally due to prey drive and some healthy dogs just for fun; those who hunt for pleasure are more likely to be friends with a cat. But even when hunter breeds have been trained to live with cats. They have become excellent friends, like family, with the cats. Labradors, unlike other gundogs, were used for retrieving rather than chasing or killing prey. This habit can be easily unlearned with some training and grooming exercises together. So, yes! Labradors can be friends with Cats. Any lab can become affectionate with a cat after some training sessions, which is easy to be done at home. Friendly dog and cat resting over green grass background After being socialized and establishing a bond, you will often see them snuggling, licking, and even teasing each other by love. One friendly warning is, when they will play together, they can mess up your living room settings. Sometimes labs chasing a cat can try to hold her by mouth while playing gently. They generally do share a beautiful and unique bond after being trained. Labradors are a very tolerant dog, and he may allow cats even to eat together and also let her play with his toys. Labs are very fun-loving; he is known for having pleasuring human intelligence. The interaction will also be dependent on the nature of the cat to some extent, but labs are generally friendly with a cat after well socialized. The introduction of a Labrador with a cat is going to be very important for upcoming training sessions. During the introduction, you will get to know about the things you have to work on for making a relationship between your pets better if your Lab is not socialized with cats earlier. Initially, you may face some difficulty while introducing them to each other. Before introducing with a cat, make sure your dog knows basic etiquettes and follows your commands like sit, stand, etc. It is also important that he gets enough exercise. These methods may work initially, but in the long run, it can aggravate the behavior of your dog. Way of introduction will depend on the situations like; whether your dog is a puppy or an adult which one, cat or dog knows you best Whether a cat is an adult, or she is a kitten How to Introduce a Labrador Puppy to a Cat? If you have a puppy lab, then introduce him with a cat in a crate or puppy home. Until they are fully known to each other, never leave them alone. Labrador puppy introducing himself to a cat Always introduce your dog with the cat in your very presence. Use a leash to control the puppy if it shows different behavior or aggression. If the dog is behaving aggressively, then control them by command and for doing well, reward them with their favorite food. How to Introduce an Adult Labrador to a Cat? An adult lab should follow similar methods. If the Labrador is not acclimated to live with the feline, he will try to behave aggressively in this situation hold him by leash and command him to sit calmly. Follow this process of confronting Lab with a cat often, until you have not found them being comfortable with each other in your presence. After being socialized Lab will consider the cat as your part and he will take care of her. Let them smell each other and feel comfortable in the presence of that kind of smell. It is called nose to nose method. You can also exchange their toys for doing so. He will only act a little curious while introduction which is obvious. An adult lab weighs around 80 pounds which is many times greater than even an adult cat. A cat generally hesitates to come near adult dogs because of its size. If an adult dog is not well socialized with cats before, he will have problems getting along with the cat. Labrador puppies look similar in size to an adult cat. So, a puppy is more likely to feel comfortable with a cat. If the puppy grows up playing with cats, he will share a superb bond with his roommate after being an adult. Socializing a puppy to a cat is more comfortable than doing the same with an adult Labrador. The relation between the Lab and the cat is not only dependent on the Lab. It is also dependent on the nature of the cat. If a cat is fragile and shy, it will not tend to play with a puppy. If a cat is bold and confident, she will quickly get along with a dog. A puppy can be trained to live with any cat comfortably. You can rectify the problem of your dog earlier, and you can teach your dog accordingly. The Labrador is a fun-loving breed of dog. Naturally, he is not aggressive. Do Labradors chase cats? The roommate cat, labs sometimes chase just for playing. Chasing cats by a Labrador will be caused by various triggers. The trigger can be of any type; it can be a prey trigger, trigger due to motion and trigger of sound. Prey Trigger Talking about prey trigger, we already know that labs are called retriever hunting dogs. Like they were used to pull fishing nets for their owner or bring downed pigeons for the owner. So, they have less urge to chasing prey than other breeds. But they chase unknown cats due to motion trigger. Similarly, as it chases a moving the ball to fetch it. Moving cats seem like a small running object for them, so they chase them. The way labs chase a cat is dissimilar to the hunting dogs, who keep their feet silently and run agilely behind the prey. Labs run by barking; it proves he is not intended to kill. When a labrador reaches near a cat, he does not attack the neck, rather than he will only move near that place and wink their tail rapidly. If the cat will not be afraid and retaliate strongly, he will not even go near her. Although he has reached a cat, he is not going to bite her hard, but his size and barking are enough to make any small cat afraid. This trait of chasing and the trigger can be easily controlled by some training. Use the right training methods to control the chasing of a cat by a lab. To stop your Labrador from chasing your cat, socialize him with your cat and initially keep them separately to avoid confrontation. Pets will make your house feel livelier. Having a single pet is okay but with more than one pet, and from different kingdom will give you added responsibilities together with added fun. Cat and Dog together on a sofa What do cats and labradors need for the best living space: Labradors.