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How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. So, how many times a day should you feed your German Shepherd? German Shepherds should be fed at least twice a day. Vets recommend two smaller meals instead of one large meal for healthy digestion and energy. For puppies, feed 4 meals a day up to three months old, then 3 meals a day up to six months old, before finally reducing to 2 meals a day. It is essential to stick to food schedules that are consistent for the long-term health of your German Shepherd, especially as the breed is prone to the life-threatening condition, Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus GDV , commonly known as bloat. This article will cover how often to feed a German Shepherd whether puppy or adult and how much to give your dog to keep him healthy and happy. Hey there! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. My German Shepherd Willow eating her meal Hey! As a working breed raised to herd and protect sheep, they are typically energetic, enjoy physical activity, and love having a job to do. Due to their dynamic character, they demand a high-energy diet. However, as large, deep-chested dogs, they are one of the breeds prone to bloat GDV , and vets advise against feeding one large meal a day. Twice per day is the standard, with a good few hours in between, as it allows your GSD to eat and digest his food properly. German Shepherds, like most dogs, work well when fed on a schedule. I absolutely agree with this, especially as the German Shepherd is susceptible to a sensitive stomach and is known to have more digestive problems than other breeds. However, if you have any concerns, you should speak to your vet. If you have a high-energy or working German Shepherd, such as a guard dog, assistance dog, or Police or Military dog that gets a lot of exercise, you may consider feeding little and often to prevent hunger. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Schedule German Shepherd puppies will require more frequent feedings as they expend far more energy and have smaller stomachs to hold their food. You should feed a German Shepherd puppy four meals a day between 6 and 12 weeks old. Puppies aged between 12 and 24 weeks should have three meals a day, and from 24 weeks onwards, German Shepherd puppies should be fed twice per day. Age of Puppy. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. 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On the other hand, we recommend a 42 inch crate for standard and large Goldendoodles. If you want to give your large Goldendoodle a bit more space, a 48 inch dog crate will be okay. As long as you have enough space, it would be fine to give them a little more space. Top Picks: Best Goldendoodle Dog Crates It was a rather difficult task filtering out so many wonderful dog crates that are perfect for Goldendoodle. We recommend this crate not just for Doodles, but for nearly every dog breed. Plus, tens of thousands of happy customers love it! Best Features Midwest Homes does a fantastic job because they focus on dog safety. If you have a pup that likes to chew their crate, this is perfect. In addition, all the corners of the crate are rounded. Goldendoodles are quite energetic, so this is a pretty important feature. One of the best features of the iCrate is the standard divider panel. Especially with the large variation, Goldendoodles grow quickly and a lot. A panel lets you adjust the space of the crate according to the current size of your Doodle. Sometimes, too much space for a little pup can cause even more anxiety. So, this is pretty important if you plan to get the 42 or 48 inch crate. Fortunately, the iCrate is built with a collapsible design. The removable plastic tray allows you to easily slide out the bottom of the crate to clean up — hassle free! Your Goldendoodle is likely to make a mess, so this feature saves a lot of time. Double doors are a great option because it allows multiple access points to your Doodle. For such a large crate, this will definitely be useful. If we had to nitpick, we would like to see thicker wiring on the frame of the crate. Still, she likes the collapsible feature. Dan says the iCrate was super easy to set up and take down. He bought a 42 inch for his 55 pound Doodle. His favorite part is the incredibly sturdy and hard plastic on the bottom removable tray. She loves how easy it is to assemble by herself! As expected from the tech giant, the Amazon Basics Dog Crate is a fantastic crate with all the options we love. Best Features The Amazon Basics dog crate is one of the best crate on the internet, for good reason. Like with the iCrate, the Amazon Basics uses a dual slide bolt lock for secure your Goldendoodle. It also comes with a removable plastic tray, which allows you to quickly clean up the crate. In the event your Goldendoodle has an accident, simply slide out the bottom, wipe it down and slide it back in. One of the best features we like with the Amazon Basics is the divider panel. Having such a big crate, multiple entrances gives you easier access to your dog and whatever you decide to put in the crate. If you want to put away your crate, no need to worry! Whether you want to store away your crate or move it to another location, this feature comes in handy. As a result, they have the same limitations and cons. We would have liked to see thicker frames and wiring on the Amazon Basics. For more information about the Amazon Basics dog crate, check it out at Amazon. What Goldendoodle Owners are Saying Roger bought a 36 inch for his Goldendoodle puppy to begin crate training. At first, he admits he was a little wary because of how cheap this crate costed. He loves how the divider panel can be adjusted as his dog grows bigger. Hinges are smooth and the latches are secure. Roger even mentioned that the metal clamps on the joints seem to be high quality! Rossy bought a 42 inch for her 55 pound Goldendoodle. Her favorite part of the crate is how easy she was able to take our the bottom plastic tray to clean out any accidents. We love this dog crate for a lot of reasons, mainly because of the affordable price. But with a slightly cheaper price, it lacks some important features that we like. Best Features The New World metal dog crate is crafted with high quality metal that makes it ultra lightweight and durable. Like the other options, the New World metal dog crate also comes in a collapsible design. All quality dog crates will come with a removable plastic tray. This feature is essential and fortunately, the New World crate comes with this. The New World metal dog crate comes with dual slide bolt latches. Good luck to your dog trying to escape this one. Double doors is a great option for such a large dog crate. It gives you easier access to your Doodle and whatever you decide to put inside chew toys, bowls, etc. The Cons The biggest downside to the New World dog crate is the lack of a standard divider panel. Goldendoodles can grow fairly quickly within the first year of their existence. Also, we would have liked thicker wiring for the frame of this crate. If you want to learn more about the New World dog crate, you can check it out at Amazon. What Goldendoodle Owners are Saying Kip says that this does the job. His only complaint was that the top latch sticks just a bit. By herself, it only took 2 minutes to set this up — it just folds right up. These dogs love people and are subject to separation anxiety when you leave the house. Fortunately, a crate cover can help. In addition, a crate cover provides extra security and comfort for your Goldendoodle. This reduces anxiety and stress. In fact, crate covers are recommended by veterinarians for dogs that experience some form of anxiety. Best Features This crate cover is compatible with all the recommended dog crates on this list. Using hook and loop tabs, you can secure the flaps to the edges of the crate. When it gets a little too dirty, just toss it in any standard machine washer. It also comes with a one-year warranty! Do you use any of these dog crates for your Goldendoodle? If so, let us know what you think in the comments section below. And if you would recommend another dog crate for a Doodle, leave a link below! Post navigation. Nobody goes to the market to buy a baby shoe without first knowing the size. The same applies to crate size for Goldendoodle. You will need a measuring tape to measure your Goldendoodle accurately. This is critical because it will enable you to determine the accurate crate size. To assure its comfort, add four inches to whatever measurement you get. Find out how tall your Goldendoodle is by taking their measurement. If you measure the height, you can ensure it relaxes in the crate without bumping its head. Determine the ideal Goldendoodle crate size. If you need more space, you can always pick up a size, but be aware that a smaller Goldendoodle may be able to squeeze between larger crates. How to Crate Train a Goldendoodle A growing dog can learn a lot from being trained to use a crate. Most people, though, lose hope after a few days. We would like to help you get past this problem. In this area, you will learn how to train a Goldendoodle puppy to use a crate. Remember, it can be a complicated process but with time, everything will go smoothly. Step One: Determine the Crate Size To successfully crate train a Goldendoodle puppy, the first step is to choose the right crate size. You do not want a crate that is too big, or your puppy will pee and poop in it. You also do not want a kennel with small crates because they can be uncomfortable. Entice them with something that they love — chew toys. For the first few days, you should have training goodies on hand, and when you are away, you should have special treats and engaging toys. The ideal items are chew toys like KONG toys or beloved toys that your puppy only gets while you are away. Giving your puppy goodies while teaching them is the objective here and giving them something entertaining to do while you are gone. You will see faster results if you make crate training your Goldendoodle dog enjoyable. Step Three: Understand Your Goldendoodles Getting a Goldendoodle puppy familiar with a crate is the next step in crate training them. Place your dog box in a room with lots of visitors. The living room or another place where your puppy will spend most of his time. In addition to the previous step, you can include a few toys—but not the prized ones—and a couple of throw blankets to make it feel cozy. Keep the crate door open, and if your puppy enters the crate voluntarily, reward them with a treat and compliment them on a job well done. Your dog will quickly realize that getting into the crate is good. You should give in even if they come in and out often to obtain treats. With the help of this positive reinforcement, your Goldendoodle puppy will learn that when he enters, pleasant things will happen to him. Step Four: Use Play Fetch to Keep Your Goldendoodles active A game of fetch may help your puppy enter the crate on his own if he is having trouble doing so. In the same room as the kennel, start by playing a game of fetch with his favorite toy. Throw the toy into the crate after some back and forth. At first, your puppy could seem a little wary, but that is okay. Tell him it is ok and encourage him gently. Give your puppy a treat and praise when it goes in to grab the toy. They will soon overcome their anxiety about the intimidating large metal item and enter independently. Then you can resume rewarding them every time they come in by themselves. Step Five: Feeding Your Goldendoodle Feeding your dog in the crate is another tactic to introduce them to the idea of crate training. Give your puppy the crate command after preparing their supper. After doing this for a few days, you should tell it the proper order so that they enter the crate before receiving food. A constructive technique to show them that the crate is not a frightening or punishing place is to conduct all everyday activities there. Step Six: Do not rush things — Start small It is time to let your puppy out of the crate now that they know it is fun and a way to receive treats. However, you should not just toss them in and call it a day. To begin with, go slowly. Take care of all their requirements first, including eating, drinking, using the restroom, and taking off their collars. Give your puppy a treat and a special toy before putting him in the crate. Walk out the door to give your dog the impression that you are leaving the house. Nevertheless, start with 5 minutes, do not go any longer. Every Goldendoodle should have access to a room where they can rest, feel protected, and find shelter. This is the ideal use for a crate! The crate your puppy is in will serve as their bedroom. It provides them with a private sanctuary where they can unwind. A crate also serves several functions that can benefit both you and your Doodle. Crate training is beneficial because it teaches your Goldendoodle to regulate its urine and bowel movements, which can help with potty training. Dogs will typically try their best not to soil the area where they sleep. They will want to keep their crate as tidy as they can as a result. Puppies will inevitably make mistakes over time. As a result, be careful to check on your puppy frequently while in the crate so you can clean up after them. When dogs get used to their kennel, they frequently enter it to relax or sleep. This is comparable to what dogs do while searching for a dugout or den in the wild. Finally, a crate can help prevent teething in your Doodle. As their teeth erupt, Goldendoodle puppies frequently chew on numerous objects. You can teach them that it is improper to chew on your clothing, shoes, or other personal objects by educating them to only bite on chew toys when they are in the crate. What to Avoid when Crate Training? Having learned how to crate train a Goldendoodle puppy, you need to know certain things to avoid. While it sounds straightforward to train your Goldendoodle, a few things might go wrong during the first several months of training. This might undo all the progress you have achieved for months. Here are some things to avoid at all costs if you want your puppy to pick things up quickly. Invading their Space Invading the place is the first mistake that individuals make. This crate is still a learning tool for your puppy. Additionally, you want it to have a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for your pet. You should let your puppy be if he is sleeping, eating, or exploring things in the crate. Using the crate to punish your Goldendoodle Using the crate as a punishment tool for your pet can also undermine crate training. Do not use a crate as a timeout if your dog destroys your favorite pair of shoes or has an accident in the house. Every time you leave the house, your dog will think he has done something wrong if you use the crate as a punishment tool. Because your puppy is oblivious to his mistakes when you leave, it may even develop separation anxiety in the future. Saying goodbyes and farewell to your doodle Most times, people do not consider how they say goodbyes when crate training a Goldendoodle. Your pet might get anxious once you talk a lot about leaving. Your puppy will learn that your departure is terrible through your tearful farewells. In addition, your puppy experiences anxiety while waiting for you to get home from work. As a result, you will want to remain calm during each situation. Give your dog the crate command and walk away imperturbably, as if you were just brushing your teeth. Also, take care of business first when you get home. They will be pleased, but they will soon need to go pee. You can greet them when you return by playing a nice game. A pet can get uncomfortable and even suffocate in a too small crate, while a too big crate can prevent the creature from feeling snug. Even a wider crate will tempt the dog to rest in the corner and relieve himself on the opposite side. The best way to get a comfortable crate size for Goldendoodle puppy is to measure it. It is the best technique that will also save you cost and space. Then add four inches to the measurement from the base of the tail to the tip of the nose. It is preferable to provide the Goldendoodle with a larger crate so they can stand up and spin around easily without bumping their heads. The Doodle can lie down on any side by putting its paws out in front of them. In addition, finding the proper crate size for a Goldendoodle puppy is more difficult than for an adult Goldendoodle. Fortunately, there is a recommended crate size for standard Goldendoodle puppy. Crates should be the following sizes for Goldendoodles: 42 inches Goldendoodle dog crate size is suitable for a standard Goldendoodle. Choose 36 inches Goldendoodle crate size for the miniature Goldendoodle since it is big enough to accommodate it. Overall, consider a large crate with a divider for your Goldendoodle since it will enable the necessary room for your puppy to grow. Simply take out the partition once it reaches adulthood. Goldendoodle and Appropriate Size of Crate Goldendoodles are a new breed of dog that came about when golden retrievers and poodles were bred together. Nevertheless, the type and size of your Goldendoodle will depend on the size of the parents and the breeds crossed with. Here is a rundown of the Goldendoodle size and their equivalent crate size. Mini Goldendoodle The average adult weight and height of miniature Goldendoodles are 15—35 pounds and 13—17 inches, respectively. You require a crate size for mini Goldendoodle puppy to be at least thirty inches for these mini breeds that are toy-poodle mixes. Medium Goldendoodle Medium Goldendoodles weigh 35 to 50 pounds on average as adults and stand 17 to 21 inches tall. Although the weight and height of medium Goldendoodles can vary slightly the crate size for medium Goldendoodle puppy is at least 36 inches. Standard Goldendoodle Standard Goldendoodles will mature to an adult weight of 50 to 75 pounds and a height of 22 inches or more. There are several times when you should put your Goldendoodle puppy in a crate. It also makes them feel better. However, when is it necessary to use a crate? First, put your pet in the crate when you are not around to watch them. So, if you need to go to work or take care of the yard, just put your Goldendoodle in a crate. Nevertheless, do not forget to feed or give them other things they need. Therefore, you can keep them safe and prevent damage to the house. Another time to get a crate is when you observe your puppy getting extremely excited. In this situation, you need to place them inside the crate pending when they cool down. Nevertheless, you should not use a crate to punish them. To make them feel secure, you can provide chew toys to keep them active. Furthermore, if you are traveling to another city, you can get a crate for your puppy. Putting the pet in a crate for a long walk keeps them safe and makes it easy for you to carry the pet. Lastly, putting a new puppy in a crate can be helpful, especially if you already have an older pet. Goldendoodle puppies are highly active, and their noise can bother other pets. Therefore, a crate will give the older pet a break and protect the puppy. The most important thing to remember is that Goldendoodles should not be crated for more than five hours per day. If not, there may be many complications. For instance, Goldendoodles, who thrive in social situations, are happy dogs. In addition, you should not kennel a Goldendoodle if it has separation anxiety because doing so will worsen the situation. Broken teeth or chipped claws are other significant symptoms that the pet was not kept in the crate. This suggests that the Doodle is unhappy in the crate and is attempting to get out. If you see such actions, you should also consult the veterinarian. Finally, you should not crate the Doodle if the vet advises against it due to health problems like arthritis or inflamed joints. To provide the dog with a blissful experience, buying the correct size cage and crate training are helpful processes. Remember, your pet should not fear the crate. How to Clean Your Goldendoodle Crate? Dogs usually keep their crates clean, which is one of the many fascinating things about them. But after a while, even a clean crate can start to smell bad. Take all the blankets and toys out of the crate. Throw the mats into the washer. Disinfect the toys or throw them in the washer with the blankets if they can handle them. Use a hand-held bath or a microfiber cloth washed in clean water to clean the crate. Put one tablespoon of soft dish soap per gallon of warm water in a bucket. Clean the metal by rinsing the cloth in warm soapy water. Use a brush to get rid of rust or dirt that has built up. Make sure you remove all the soap because dish soap can make dogs sick. Use a disinfectant by sprinkling it on and wiping it off with a sponge. Look up with your pet store about cleaning products that are safe for pets. Spray the metal crate liberally with the acid solution after filling a spray bottle with it. After around 15 minutes, rinse the acid solution with regular water if the vinegar smells repulsive. Use a washcloth to soak up all the water, so the metal does not rust. When the crate is dry, your pet can go back in. We suggest getting a inch dog crate for a Miniature Goldendoodle. On the other hand, for standard and large Goldendoodles, we recommend a inch crate. A inch dog crate will be fine if you want to give your big Goldendoodle a little more room. A inch dog crate is the best size for a Miniature Goldendoodle. You can also use other crate size if it provides the needed space for your doodle. Because standard Goldendoodles are a big breed, you will need a big crate—at least 36 to 42 inches wide for a pound Goldendoodle. Leave the Doodle in the crate for a few hours in the beginning. However, never keep a puppy or adult Goldendoodle in a crate for longer than five hours. In addition, ensure you use the crate size for eight-week-old Goldendoodle rather than choosing a smaller one. Your Goldendoodle puppy should not be in the crate for more than 4 hours. If they wait too long, they will start to feel anxious, angry, and distant, which are all signs of depression. An adult can spend the night in the crate if they go to the bathroom before and after. Conclusion The crate size for Goldendoodle you choose will depend on several factors. However, following the correct Goldendoodle dog crate size chart, you should get the perfect one for your puppy. However, it is important to buy a good crate since your puppy might use it for a long time. Nevertheless, knowing the crate size for your Goldendoodle is not enough as you need to learn how to clean it if you want your pet to stay comfortable and healthy. Related Posts. These crates are durable and lighter weight than the metal kind so they may offer a middle-of-the-road approach for some people. Although not very pleasant to look at, they are tried and true and are used by animal shelters and provide a safe, secure place for your dog to stay. A crate can take up a lot of space if you intend to purchase one that cannot be folded and put away. A medium wire crate may take up a space of 30 inches in length by 20 inches in width. This is a good solution if you have a large house and plenty of space but if you live in a small apartment or a small home, you may be better off with a more portable solution. The same can be said about a wooden crate. A wooden crate could be left out at all times and double as a toy box or a safe place for your dog to go during a storm or other stressful times. Our Mini Goldendoodle sleeping in her crate Many people use crates in different ways. Our dog only spent a limited amount of time in hers. We used it when she was a puppy for training and our dog also was kept inside it when we were gone during the day. As she grew out of the puppy stage and was house trained, she was pretty much done with her crate. We used a crate as a safe place for our mini Doodle to stay in while she was learning the rules of our household. On the other hand, some people use a crate for the entire life of their dog. Some dogs feel safe in their crate and continue to use them throughout their lives when their owner is gone. Once you know how often you intend to use your crate for your dog, this will help you determine the best crate option for your needs. She got right in it when we brought her home as if she knew she was supposed to. It was clear to us that she already knew what a crate was and at 7 weeks old, she considered it a safe place. She enjoyed it much of her young life and we always tried to make it a happy place for her. We made it comfortable and kept toys in it. We also gave her treats to eat while she was in it so that she would associate getting treats with being in her crate. As she grew older, she no longer wanted to be in her crate and this is understandable. If you want your dog to have a good experience with their crate, the following tips may help. Give your dog treats when they are in their crate. Sometimes she would even play with them inside the crate. Make sure it has a nice thick crate pad and other comfortable items such as blankets, pillows, etc. Use it only for positive reinforcement. Avoid putting your dog into their crate as a form of punishment. This is one sure-fire way to teach your dog to dislike their crate. A crate can be a great place for your dog to spend time. Just make sure that you have chosen a crate that is properly sized and treat it as a happy place. Your dog should grow to feel safe and comfortable with it. Bottom Line The type of crate you purchase for your mini Goldendoodle comes down to personal preference. Any type of crate will do the trick as long as it is properly sized. Our mini Goldendoodle had many years of enjoyment out of her crate. There was a time when she loved to be in it and felt safe and secure. We chose her crate based on the size we thought she would grow into and because of that, still have the same crate and can use it should the need arise. If you are choosing a crate, keep your dog in mind and purchase a crate that you feel will best serve their needs. Dan Collins Not only am I a dog or pet lover, but an animal lover. My Goldendoodle has opened my eyes to how special animals can be and I am proud to be her dad. I write about Doodles and share my knowledge and experience of owning a mini Goldendoodle for 16 years. Recent Content. It doesn't look like fancy furniture, but it can fit into your home and act as a coffee table or side table. When I was assembling it, I got a bit confused as the walls "can" be attached in several ways, so look out for that. But you can't really mess it up so no worries. It's very sturdy and has plenty of space for a Goldendoodle, Bailey was comfortable in it. It has two access doors, one at the front and one on the side. The doors are quite safe and secure so there were no escapes on our watch! It's also very easy to clean which is great. The same goes for this crate too, if your dog is a heavy chewer and very determined to escape, it won't hold forever. But for normal wear and tear, this is a great crate. It includes a memory foam crate pad, a washable faux fur pad cover, a waterproof pad liner, a U- Shaped faux fur foam bolster and a faux fur crate cover, all of which feel great and fit perfectly into the crate. I really recommend this kit if you're looking to make your Goldendoodle even more comfortable while in its crate! When it comes to choosing a dog crate for your goldendoodle, you are bombarded with so many options, it is very hard to choose. Later, we will look at the different types of crates and what makes each type of crate a good choice for goldendoodles. Make sure the crate is big enough for your dog to comfortably stand up and turn around in. Construction: Look for crates made with durable materials that are easy to clean. The last thing you want is for your goldendoodle to escape or chew through its crate. Your Goldendodles Sleeping Positions: Goldendoodles can sleep in a variety of positions, from curling up in a ball to sprawled out on their back. Consider the size and shape of the crate to make sure it is comfortable for your pup no matter how they like to snooze. Travel: Do you plan on taking your goldendoodle with you when you travel? If so, look for crates that are lightweight and easy to transport. Pros and Cons of Each Type of Crates There is a wide range of crates made for goldendoodles, however not all are created equal. Let's look at each type of crate and what their pros and cons are to help you make the best decision for your pup. Wooden Crates The main benefits of a wooden dog crate are that they are far sturdier than your regular plastic crates and they fit in well with just about any home decor. Wooden crates can come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours which allows you to choose the best one for your Goldendoodle. Most comes with removable bottom, so it makes them easy to clean. They also require more maintenance if your goldendoodle is a scratcher, as they can damage the wood. If your dog tends to chew on the crate while being crated, I wouldn't recommend a wooden crate as they can get splinters and hurt your pup's mouth. Plastic Crates The pros of plastic crates are that they're lightweight and easy to move around. Plus, there are a ton of great colors and sizes for you to choose from. Most of these plastic crates are airline approved, which makes them great if you will be traveling with your pup. They also offer more privacy for your pup as they are made from more solid materials and can block out distractions. The cons of plastic crates are that they are less aesthetic looking and if your dog feels stressed if isolated, this type of crate can make them feel even more so. Soft-Sided Crates The main advantage of soft-sided crates is that they weigh much less than any other crates and they are foldable, making them perfect for travelling or even storage. Since they are made of a softer material than other crates, your Goldendoodle can feel more secure and comfortable in them. They also offer more ventilation usually through mesh windows. The downside is that they are much less durable than the other types of crates, so your pup will be able to chews through them if left alone for too long. The downside is that these type of crates are less durable than the other types, so it's not recommended for chewers or dogs that like to scratch. Most wire crates come with a divider which is perfect for puppies as it means you can adjust the size of the crate as your Goldendoodle grows. They are also foldable, which means they are great for travelling and storage. Also, because it's so open, it offers less insulation and privacy for your pup. But, you can easily fix that with dog crate kits or covers. Airline-Approved Dog Crates Airline-Approve Dog Crates are usually hand-carry crates that are made to fit perfectly on most airline regulations. The advantage of these types of crates is that they afford comfort, security and convenience while flying. They are usually made of hard plastic with steel wire doors and they are quite durable. However, since they are smaller, they are not suitable for large breeds and can be a bit uncomfortable for your pup. So I would only recommend using this type of crate if you have a mini goldendoodle. Furniture-Style Dog Crates If you have a constant place for your goldendoodles crate, the furniture-style dog crate might be the right choice for you. These types of crates are usually made of wood and look like a piece of furniture, making them blend in nicely with your home decor. Don't let the luxurious look fool you, they are durable and easy to assemble. The downside is that they are heavier and more expensive than the other types of crates, so you will have to be careful not to damage it if you ever need to move it around. Crate training your Goldendoodle puppy should start as soon as possible. The earlier you begin crate training, the easier it will be for them to get used to it. Start by introducing the crate in a positive way with treats and toys. Make sure they have plenty of space inside and are comfortable. Never push your dog into the crate and then close the door on them Too many dog owners make this mistake. This process shouldn't be forced, the crate should be a safe place for them to stay in. For the next couple of days, leave the dog crate door open and let your dog go in and out as they please. Once your Goldendoodle has been comfortable with the crate, start closing the door for short periods of time. A few minutes at a time and then gradually increase the amount of time. Make sure to leave some treats and toys inside the crate before closing the door that way your goldendoodle puppy can associate this place with something fun. Once your goldendoodle is fine with being crated, you can leave the room for a few minutes and then come back. If the pup is still relaxed, you can leave the room for longer. Remember to always be consistent with crate training your Goldendoodle puppy and never use it as a punishment! Conclusion Now you have a better idea of the best type of crates for your Goldendoodle, as well as when and how to start crate training them. Remember to never use the dog crate as a punishment and always make sure that your pup is comfortable with it by introducing them in a positive way. The most important thing is to have patience and consistency during this process, so you can ensure that your Goldendoodle will be happy in their new home away from home. Good luck! Check Price This one also comes in a variety of sizes, so it can work for your Goldendoodle no matter what size or age they are. The iCrate comes with single-door or double-door options, as well as a divider panel that is excellent for growing puppies. This crate is incredibly secure, as it has slide-bolt latches, rounded corners, and a durable finish. Plus, it easily folds for travel and storage. The iCrate also comes with a removable plastic tray to make for easy clean-up. However, keep in mind that the latch may be simple for your dog to figure out how to unlatch and escape from the crate. The divider panel is also known to be challenging to put in place and remove. Additional Crate Products to Purchase Now that you may have a crate purchased, you may need some additional products to give your Goldendoodle the best possible experience with it. As we mentioned throughout this article, dividers can be incredibly helpful for making your crate the correct size for your puppy as he or she is growing. The perfect divider panels ca n be found here. Check Price Dog Bed To make your dog crate as comfortable as possible for your Goldendoodle, you will want to purchase a high quality dog bed to stay inside of it, especially if you crate your dog overnight or for longer periods. Not just for comfort, this can help with their joints long term, too. While you may be tempted to just use a blanket, dogs are more likely to chew them up. Not only will you be out a blanket, but your dog will have learned a new destructive behavior. Dog beds made from tough fabric will last longer. This dog bed from MidWest Homes, found here, is the perfect option. Check Price It comes in a variety of size options, so you will be able to find the ideal choice for your fur baby. It is also machine-washable, so you will easily be able to clean it if your pup has an accident in the crate! All dogs should have space where they can feel safe, rest, and have shelter. A crate is perfect for this! It gives them somewhere to escape and relax that is entirely their own. Besides, a crate has multiple purposes that can help better serve both you and your Doodle. One way that crate training is beneficial is because it can assist with potty training by teaching your Goldendoodle to control their bladder and bowels. By nature, dogs will generally do their best not to soil the space that they sleep in. Because of this, they will want to keep their crate as clean as possible. Of course, puppies are bound to have an accident here and there. So, make sure that you stay around as often as possible when your puppy is in the crate to clean up after them. This is similar to what dogs do out in the wild, looking for a dugout or den. Goldendoodle puppies tend to chew on various objects as their teeth are growing in. When You Should Crate Now you may be wondering, when is the best time to crate train a dog? One time to keep your dog in their crate is when you are unable to supervise them. For example, if you need to do yard work, you can put your dog in his or her crate while you do so to keep them safe. Another excellent time to put your Goldendoodle in his or her crate is when they need to calm down from being too excited. Keep in mind, though, that you should not act like this is a punishment. You want to teach your dog to enjoy being in their crate — not be afraid of it. Try not to let your anger be a factor at all. Give them a toy to play with for about five minutes to calm them down, and let them out afterward to see if it helps. If not, you can repeat the process until they are calmer. A loose dog in the car can be dangerous, so keeping them in the crate can help keep them — and other passengers — safe and calm. It also will limit distractions. For more information about driving with a dog, check out this article from DogTime. Typically, Goldendoodle puppies will be energetic, and this may be overwhelming for an older dog. Having a crate can give the older dog a break and keep your puppy safe. You can alternate which dog stays in the crate until they are more used to each other. For starters, a general rule of thumb is not to leave your Goldendoodles in their crate for over five hours. The exception to this would be overnight, of course. There are a few reasons for this. Goldendoodles are an incredibly social breed and need social interaction to stay happy. If they are left in their crate for too long or too frequently, then they may begin to develop behavior issues or even depression. I know what you might be thinking at this point — what if I have to work all day? In this case, come home for lunch, if at all possible, to let your dog out for a little bit. This will just worsen their condition and make them more stressed out. They are most likely doing everything that they can to escape. If you see any of this behavior in your Goldendoodle, consult with your vet to find out what your best options are. You should also refrain from crating your Doodle if the vet tells you not to due to medical reasons, such as inflamed joints or arthritis. Overall, do your best to make the crate a positive experience for your Goldendoodle. Here are some additional steps to take before crating your dog to ensure the best possible experience: Take your dog for a walk — this helps get out their energy and release their bladder Spend time with them — Goldendoodles are very social and have a lot of energy Final Thoughts And, there you have it. Although you may have some struggles at first getting your Goldendoodle to adapt to a crate, we can almost guarantee that your Goldendoodle will end up getting accustomed to and maybe even loving! You just have to give it time and lots of patience and maybe a few treats. Best of luck! Includes interior fleece padding for comfort and security Self-locking zippers for superior security CONS Not suitable for airline travel 9. The Zoovilla crate comes in three sizes to accommodate different dog breeds, including Goldendoodles. The smart white panels cover a wire dog crate, creating a nice piece of interior furniture that looks great in any room. You can store personal items or ornaments on top of the crate, just as you would with a regular cupboard, and your canine companion snoozes in comfort beneath. The crate comes with a plastic tray that can be removed for cleaning purposes. Crate training has benefits for dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors. We recommend that you start crate training your Goldendoodle puppy as soon as you get him home. In fact, many reputable Goldendoodle breeders begin the first stages of crate training their puppies before the pups go to their new homes, giving you a head start. Dogs are instinctively reluctant to soil their sleeping areas, so a crate helps a young puppy to learn to hold, strengthening the bowel and bladder muscles. That makes house training your puppy much easier for you and your furbaby. Puppies can be overwhelmed in new surroundings in a busy household, and a crate provides a place of safety and security where your little guy can sleep and chill out when he wants to. A Place Of Safety A cozy crate can help your dog to self-soothe and handle anxiety during stressful situations, such as thunderstorms or fireworks. Loyal dogs, such as Goldendoodles, can be territorial and clingy. So, providing those animals with a crate to protect rather than having your pet feel that he has to defend your entire home can make it easier for your Doodle to relax, helping to prevent separation anxiety. Keep It Clean! Goldendoodles love to spend time outdoors, enjoying hiking, hunting , and especially swimming excursions with their owners. Crate training can help to confine your dog in transit and again when you arrive home until you get a chance to clean him up. That saves dirty paw prints all over your Easy Transport Many Goldendoodle owners enjoy taking their furry friends on road trips with them. Crate training makes long journeys much safer and pleasant for both dogs and humans, as the dog will settle down to sleep without distracting the driver. Senior Goldendoodles Senior Goldendoodles can sometimes develop health conditions that cause problems such as incontinence or poor mobility. At that point in their lives, senior pups appreciate a special place to take frequent naps and rest their joints. In Emergencies In emergency situations, crate training can be invaluable. If you need to evacuate your family and your pet quickly and efficiently, having a crate-trained dog can save crucial time. In a chaotic situation, your dog will be less likely to run away and get injured or lost. Also, in areas where extreme weather conditions occur regularly, dogs must be restrained in a crate to accompany their owners in shelters. Goldendoodles come in a range of different sizes, so you need to buy the right size of crate for your dog. Puppies should not have sufficient space to curl up in one corner of the crate and pee in another. Ideally, your pet should be able to stand upright, turn around, lie down, and sit down in his crate. Choose a type of crate that has a removable plastic tray in case of accidents. Space To Grow Goldendoodles are typically not fully grown until they reach between .Remember that your puppy will grow as he matures. The best way to avoid having to buy multiple crates is to choose one that has divider panels. That way, you can extend the crate when you need to. Stretch Or Snuggle? Some dogs like to sprawl flat out and stretch their legs, taking up as much space as possible. Other pups prefer to snuggle up, using the sides of the crate to lean against to provide a feeling of security. What size crate for a Miniature Goldendoodle? The right size crate for a Miniature Goldendoodle is around a two-foot crate that comes built-in with a divider. It is helpful as you just put the divider in the crate so your Miniature Goldendoodle will be able to use it from puppyhood until he becomes an adult. The key here is not to give too much room in the crate to a small pup as he might use it for potty time. Some Miniature Goldendoodles will require a smaller crate, some will require a bigger crate. However, it is essential to select a crate that will fit your Miniature Goldendoodle for its adult-sized body, not only its puppy body. If you are not sure how big your Miniature Goldendoodle will grow, it might be smart to wait until your pup turns 1 year and gets to its full size. If you choose to crate train your Miniature Goldendoodle from an early age, you might end up getting two different crates. I waited for my Miniature Goldendoodle to turn 8 months and then bought him a crate. I waited this long just so I could get a clear picture of how big my dog was going to be. When selecting a crate for your Miniature Goldendoodle, it is very important to know that they should have space to move around. Your Miniature Goldendoodle should be able to stand up and turn around inside the crate. A small crate for an adult-sized Miniature Goldendoodle will definetly not be comfortable and might affect their overall health. Too large of a crate might cause more trouble for Miniature Goldendoodles that suffer from separation anxiety. No dog likes to use the place where they rest as a bathroom. Determining the crate size for a Miniature Goldendoodle is not the only thing that you need to consider when selecting a crate. As a pet parent, you must consider the type of crate, material, and bedding. These choices should be made depending on how long will your Miniature Goldendoodle stay in the crate, and where the crate will be located. Miniature Goldendoodles are small to medium-sized mixed dogs, but their size can depend on the two dogs combined. The size of the parents will determine the size of the Miniature Goldendoodle. My point is, there is no way to precisely determine the size of your Miniature Goldendoodle while he is still a pup. That is why I suggest you get a two-foot crate with a divider. That way, when your puppy is still young, you can use the divider leaving him an area big enough for him. As he grows older and bigger, you just move the divider leaving him more and more space to move around. A friend of mine bought two crates for his Miniature Goldendoodle. The first one he used until his pup turned 9 months and then he switched to a two-foot crate. He could have saved money if he knew that there were crates with a divider built-in. Is it safe to use a crate for my Miniature Goldendoodle? It is perfectly safe to use a crate for your Miniature Goldendoodle. Moreover, with proper crate training, your Miniature Goldendoodle will have his own place where he can relax and sleep after a long day of activities. Did you know that crates can be used as an emotional, mental, or physical break from the stresses of life? I look at crates as a safe haven for dogs. My Miniature Goldendoodle just loves when my mom drops by at our house. Then, when she leaves, he is so devastated and always ends up getting into trouble. This is when crates come in handy. Crating your Miniature Goldendoodle whenever your mom, dad, or neighbor comes to visit you will keep their behavior under control and also provide them with a safe place where they can relieve stress. The crate for your Miniature Goldendoodle is a comfortable place, the same like our bedroom is to us, humans. If we take the size and the material of the crate into consideration, we can choose the best crate for our Miniature Goldendoodles. The key here is to choose the appropriate size, high-quality material of the crate itself, and the most comfortable fabric for the bedding. Why do Miniature Goldendoodles need a crate? Miniature Goldendoodles need a crate because they need a safe place to hide whenever life is too stressful and difficult. They are very emotional dogs and can easily get overwhelmed when you go to work, or when the house is filled with people. Having a crate means that your Miniature Goldendoodle can get away from the distractions and deal with the stress. A crate is also a very comfortable place to sleep. It is also their own place and their safe haven. This must be respected by everyone in the house, including your children and other pets. No one should be inside the crate or use it for whatever reason. What are the benefits of having a crate? There are many benefits to crate training a Miniature Goldendoodle. Most importantly, those benefits are both for the parent and the dog. The most important benefit is providing safety for the Miniature Goldendoodle. A crate is a place of refuge and a safe place to hide when life gets complicated. Regardless of what age and size your Miniature Goldendoodle is, you still need a crate. Crate training your Miniature Goldendoodle will discourage it from using the house as a bathroom. How do I ensure that the crate is a positive and happy place for my Miniature Goldendoodle? The best way to ensure that the crate that you bought is a safe and happy place for your Miniature Goldendoodle is to make it as comfortable as possible. The key is to provide a stress-free area with privacy, great bedding, and food and water nearby. I call my crate a 5-star hotel for dogs. When crate training your Miniature Goldendoodle , make sure to place inside some of your clothing with your scent on it. The next thing that you want inside the crate is lots of toys. Finish off by providing the best possible bedding for your dog. Go for a happy and positive ambient. Do not send your Miniature Goldendoodle to the crate as a punishment, ever. If not, wait until they are asleep and carefully move them inside. Do this a few times if you can before closing the door. If they learn this is the way to get out, then future attempts at settling them down are doomed to fail. Repeat this again and again, increasing the time they are left inside each time until they are comfortable being there all night if that is the goal. Once you have established a routine, you should stick to it — remember that dogs need consistency in their training. For further advice on potty training your pup, check out our dedicated article on this subject here. The desired outcome of crate training is that the crate becomes a place that your dog willingly chooses to go. If your dog develops negative feelings towards their crate, they will likely not overcome them. Instead, do everything in your power to ensure that crate time is a positive experience for your pet. If you use it as a type of prison whenever you want them out the way, this will not be the case. If you ever do want to use it for this reason — say you have a non-dog-loving visitor — be cunning about it. The best crate for your Goldendoodle will depend on all manner of things from their size to their sleeping preferences to their personality, not to mention how and when you plan to use it and whether you value ultimate functionality over looks or vice versa. Are Goldendoodles tough to crate train? In terms of getting your Doodle to understand what the crate is for, crate training is not difficult. Yet, prying these ultra-sociable animals from your side might be a little tougher to manage. The earlier you get to, and the more consistent you are with it, the easier it will be for both of you. In selecting a suitable crate size for your Dood, you will need to measure them head to foot and nose to tail. Then add at least four inches to allow them room to move. Which type of crate should I get for a Mini Goldendoodle? Depending on the height and weight of your Mini Goldendoodle, they will require at least a inch crate to be able to spend time comfortably inside it. For younger and mouthy dogs, wire or plastic crates will be a better option than material ones. For dogs that are happy in the crate, soft-sided crates are more attractive and functional. A crate is a great place for them to have a little alone time and can also be incredibly useful when taking your pup to the vet or otherwise out in the car. There are a few crucial things to consider when picking out the best crate for your Goldendoodle. Hopefully, the information here proves useful in helping you to do just that. What crate do you use with your Doodle? Let us know in the comments below!

You make it seem like puppy ownership is as simple and trouble-free as the world presented in cute puppy pictures. We can all agree that, at birth, all puppies are too adorable for words. We can also agree that raising puppies is a weighty responsibility, and never one to be undertaken lightly. Boxer puppies are not special in this regard. These caveats out of the way, it seems like no time at all between the stages of tiny, mewling infant and the first time you get the guilty look from Boxer puppies. Out of the whelping box, straight into mischief Boxer puppies start up with impish behavior from the moment they take their first tentative steps out of the whelping box. Training and socialization are key elements to a happy life with Boxer puppies. These little guys and gals, after all, become huge and physically imposing dogs. Keep an eye on this little fellow! Boxer puppies were made for the outdoors. Being outside, running about, playing with toys, and pawing at stuff — this is a top-flight day of action and adventure for Boxer puppies. When they want a snack before dinner, though, Boxer puppies will try and get sneaky. That we have such things as cute puppy pictures, of course, owes as much to human waggery as to anything Boxer puppies get into of their own accord. Boxer puppies are well known for toting things around in their mouths. No room in the house is safe from the shenanigans of Boxer puppies. Did you remember to close the bathroom door? Have fun re-rolling the toilet paper! Boxer puppies are eager, excitable, and enthusiastic friends to dog owners who are ready and willing to put in the work that training requires. Is it possible to sit Boxer puppies next to flowers and not have them inspire confidence, ease, and a sense of pervading calm? Sure, this brindle Boxer puppy seems contented, seated next to a little garden pinwheel, but be careful not to let her sit idle for too long. Boxer puppies need stimulation and interaction, so make sure she has toys to play with and things to occupy her mind! Boxer puppies love to play. Growing into solid, well-built dogs, they never really lose the joy and excitement that comes along with meeting new friends. Are your Boxer puppies naughty or nice? Every dog is different; each has her own personality and tendencies. Much depends on us, as dog owners, to train and socialize them in order to corral their wilder instincts. Do you have any experience with Boxer puppies? Share your experiences with Boxers at every stage of life in the comments! A little cuckoo in the best way. These are a few ways that parents of Boxer puppies might describe their pooches. The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds for good reason. Those adorable looks are backed up by big personalities. Do you think a Boxer puppy is right for you? Brush up on your facts about Boxer puppies before you adopt! That can make quite a mess! Boxers are known for their puppy-at-heart attitude that shines through their young adult years. Be sure to give your Boxer puppy plenty of space to exercise and play, and teach them how to settle down if need be. This stubbornness also can carry over into aggression. Some Boxers can get rough with dogs of the same size and sex. Be sure to socialize your Boxer pup early and often and set up expectations early to avoid too much drama. Your Boxer puppy will have tons of energy, but as they age, the need for snuggles and downtime will start to balance out with the need for play. Boxer puppy sitting in grass Boxer puppy looking up at camera Boxer puppy looking at camera Boxer puppy running Boxer puppy Boxer puppy lying in grass. I think he's about 7 years old, but I'm not sure. Jordan is a very special dog. Like a lot of dogs, Jordan was rescued from a very bad situation. He was extremely emaciated, he had no hair, covered in parasites, and extremely afraid of everything. He could barely walk when I got him. I have owned him for about 7 months now, and he has all his hair back too much, actually , has gained a lot of weight, is MUCH happier, but most importantly he is no longer afraid of people. With spending a ton of time with his socialization , training , and guidance , he is now a well-balanced dog. I don't exactly know what happened to him before me, but it doesn't matter anymore, anyway. Jordan did have all sorts of bad behaviors at first due to his neglect which included: excessive barking, digging, pulling, jumping, etc. Typical "bad dog" behavior. But with all the walks and adventures we go on he is not only well-balanced, but truly happy. I am his "Guardian Angel. He gives hugs and kisses. He is my suction-cup when we are outside together; he has to be by me always. I love it! He is happiest when the whole family is out in the backyard playing together. He is very much a part of our family, even stays inside now, after some time housetraining. He was never aggressive toward anything or anyone. He loves his "girlfriend"! My other Boxer Baby Girl who also is a rescue. She was rescued at 2 years old and is now a whopping 8 years old. A few months after losing another rescue of mine I was really considering adopting another dog because I needed some form of protection living in a rough neighborhood. One day, while I was sitting in my living room my neighbor knocked on my door, "Hey, there's a Boxer outside running around crazy, and the owner doesn't want it. OK, I will take a look! I saw that happy face and that wiggly butt, I was in love! I said yes! Little did I know what I was getting myself into. This dog was an absolute nightmare, lol! At first she barged out of every door, broke every collar, leash, chain, tie-out cable we bought! She was horrified of so many things. She had separation anxiety really bad, so bad she made herself bleed to get out. After a very long and bumpy road we finally accomplished what I dreamed: "the perfect dog. She is so well-behaved and excellent mannered. She even stops on a dime if I tell her to. She is my everything! I have taught her a lot, but not as much as she has taught me. She taught me patience, understanding, love, devotion, and so much more. She has won the hearts of everyone she has met AND has even made a dog lover out of the people who were "scared" of dogs or "hated" dogs. I take her everywhere with me. She loves her bath time, especially playing "torro" with the towel during drying time! She hugs me, and she gives me the gentlest kisses. She has no aggression toward anything or anyone, she loves everything! This dog is my entire world. She always rests her head on my lap and gives me those soulful puppy dog eyes. Unlike any other dogs I've ever had she and I communicate mentally or something. She and I just know what each other want. Before I got her she had never been out other than a quick potty break on a 4-foot lead. She also had been through a lot of owners. She's great inside now, though! With all that work she's perfect inside! I can leave a whole plate of food on the floor for hours while I'm not in the room and she won't touch it. No accidents, never chewed on anything, very quiet. She's my angel. Her favorite activity would be eating. She's loves food. This is a dog who has taught me to be strong, all good things are worth fighting for, never give up, and you never get the dog you want, always the dog you need. I cannot say I follow his methods, because I have been training my dogs this same way before I ever heard of him. I also train therapy dogs, and guide dogs. Not certified, or anything. I rescue dogs and train them to help those who don't want to go through the certified Therapy Dog Associations for such reasons as waiting lists. I thank god for Cesar, though, because he is one of the few proving that Pit Bulls can be rehabilitated, and showing the world everything they need to know to save their dog's life. My love for Baby Girl made me fall in love with Boxers period, which led me into rescuing another Boxer, so I guess in a way she's saved two lives. Just like me. She's been through a lot, and has come very far. Most important thing she didn't give up on me, either. So, this photo is a dedication to Baby Girl so the entire world can hear Baby Girl's message of never giving up on your dog, because they will never give up on you. Thank you for the strength, you have given me Baby Girl, and I hope together we can save lives: the lives of dogs. She's a Boxer in every sense of the word. Callie the Boxer full grown getting some sun though the window blinds. He is pictured with Abby left who is 3 years old and 68 pounds 32 kg. Boss is a Boxer from working lines and Abby is from North American show lines. See the difference? Our stock photo library contains a vast collection of images featuring these adorable canines. Our collection boasts everything from playful puppies to majestic adult dogs, and they come in a range of styles, including black and white, color, and more. When selecting an image, it's important to consider the purpose of your project. For example, if you're creating a website or social media platform aimed at promoting boxer dog fitness, you may want to use images of active dogs running or playing. Alternatively, if you're creating a blog post or article about the breed's history, an image of a statue or painting could be a good fit. No matter what the purpose of your project, our boxer dog images are sure to fit your needs. 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They're not just cute and lovable; they're also expressive and full of character, making them perfect for a wide range of projects. Take your project to the next level with our boxer dog images, and you'll definitely make a lasting impression. Nothing Beats Authenticity When choosing the perfect photo for your project, you want to make sure that it's authentic and reflects the desired tone and mood. Our boxer dog images are real photographs of these lovable dogs, meaning you can trust that they are genuine and free of any awkward or stiff poses that sometimes come with posed photoshoots. With our boxer dog images, you'll get pictures that genuinely reflect the breed's personality, making them ideal for projects that require authentic, natural-looking visuals. Conclusion Our boxer dog images offer endless possibilities, designed to suit projects of all kinds. 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Check them out on Amazon here. To learn more about what to feed your golden retriever puppy, check out this article here. Brush Golden retrievers are obviously very fluffy and need to be brushed often. Check this brush out on Amazon here. Check it out on Amazon here. Chew Toy Check it out on Chewy here he had the size small. Plush Toy This is a plush, squeaky toy that will keep your puppy busy for hours. Interactive Toy Interactive toys allow you to play and bond with your puppy, and are great for teaching or reinforcing commands like drop it, sit and stay. Bonus Items The above list is for the bare necessities of what your puppy will need to get started. Below are some extra things that, although are not necessary, have come in pretty handy. Food Storage Container This is great for keeping food fresh and in a convenient place. Since we get the pound bag of food, we get this container that holds 42 pounds of food. Note that this container does not come with a scooper, so we recommend one like this that has measurements on it. Check out the storage container on Amazon here. Exercise Pen Exercise pens are great for confining your puppy to a smaller area while giving them more space to run around in than a crate. Using a combination of baby gates, exercise pens, and the crate will help you keep them safe while also keeping them from chewing up the house. Get this baby gate from Amazon here. Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook Getting everything you need will help you physically prepare for your puppy, but you also need to mentally prepare for your puppy. This book will help you know exactly what to do before you bring your puppy home, how to handle the first month which is the toughest month! Get the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook here. That means get their crate set up, have their food and water bowls in their designated places, and have a few welcome home toys set out to help your new pup have a great experience in your home right away. Find a veterinarian. Locate the nearest emergency animal hospital. Find both the nearest hospital, and the nearest 24 hour hospital. Find a puppy kindergarten class. If you ask any trainer, breeder, or veterinarian how to have a well-behaved pup, nearly all of them will recommend joining a puppy kindergarten class. The socialization aspect alone is worth it. Puppy-proof your house and yard. Get down on your hands and knees to see what your puppy will be seeing remember this: whatever can be chewed will be chewed , and make sure there are no puppy-sized holes that they could escape through in your backyard. For more tips on how to raise your new golden retriever puppy, check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Life With Your Golden Retriever Puppy Although this might seem like a pretty big list, if you have it all when you bring your puppy home with you, it will make the transition time that much easier. Take lots of pictures and videos! Have a question about any of these items? Let us know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is getting a puppy and needs to see this list, please share this with them! Related articles:. Food bowl There are endless options of food and water bowls. In addition, the bowl can prevent gagging, choking, vomiting, indigestion, bloat, GDV, and malabsorption. If you already have a dog bowl, you can simply add a slow feeder insert. Water bowl Ellie has an 8-cup YETI water bow l to keep her water cold for more extended periods and a 4-cup bowl for food. YETI allows you to customize each bowl with a name, initials, or image. Great as a gift! They help prevent your puppy from getting tangled up in the leash and provide better control. Make sure you check out their sizing guide for the appropriate fit. We added a crate pad for noise reduction and comfort. Crate training can be a lifesaver, and most dogs fall in love with having their own space. It is essential that the dog crate is never used as punishment — the crate must always be regarded as a safe and special retreat. Gates Puppies are curious creatures that often need boundaries. Use a gate to limit access to certain areas of your home and reduce unwanted chewing or house soiling. Introduce your dog to small sections of the house at a time. We prefer the walk-through gate for easy mobility through the house. Toys and Chews All dogs have slightly different preferences in toys, so I would start with various items to see what interests your puppy most. However, the last inch of a bully stick can be a choking hazard if swallowed. This safety device allows your pup to enjoy the benefits of long-term chews while reducing the risks of choking. I typically give it to her for 20 minutes, rinse it off, and store it in the refrigerator until the next day, which prevents bacteria growth. Note you probably want to keep it separate from your food. By Susan B. Barnes Susan B. Barnes is a lifestyle, food and travel journalist who is as comfortable bicycling through Italian olive groves and sampling fermented shark in Iceland as she is taking her dog on miles-long walks and hanging out at the dog park. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on January 28, We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Though she's happy to snuggle and cuddle up with you, she's also an active dog who enjoys being outside, be that going on walks or hikes , to the dog park , or playing fetch in a fenced-in backyard. As a good dog parent, you want to be prepared for whatever adventures await the two of you, but taking a look at all of the products out there for dogs can be overwhelming. From the right collar, leash and harness setup to grooming needs, food bowls, road trip necessities, toys to burn off all that energy, plus a few goodies for the humans, this list has everything you need to take care of the most golden part of your life. Featuring a collar, leash, and waste bag dispenser, you'll be prepared for your walks and your golden will love all the compliments on how handsome she looks. This harness, with its padded chest and belly, is fully adjustable for a perfect fit with leash clips in the front and back. It comes in a variety of colors to coordinate with your dog's leash and collar, too. The adjustable height means the serving tray can grow with your golden, and the pads on the bottom prevent slipping while she eats and drinks. Place a mat under the bowls to catch any water droplets. The stainless steel bowls can be removed and popped into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Not only will she have to slow down to find the food, but she'll essentially work out a puzzle which keeps her mentally stimulated, too. Choose to purchase just the cover and fill it yourself with old pillows, towels, sheets, or clothes, or you can opt to purchase their eco-friendly fill made from plastic bottles or their memory foam insert. The extra-large size is recommended for full-grown goldens. Not only does the shampoo leave your pup fresh and clean, but it moisturizes and conditions so that after-bath brushings are tangle-free. It's terrific for dogs with sensitive skin, too. With a dense outer coat and thick undercoat, it can take some time to brush out all the layers, but this undercoat rake makes quick work of their luscious locks. One Chewy reviewer wrote that the medium-tooth rake was "so wonderful to get my two golden retrievers' undercoat combed out. Also, the gel grip is quite easy to hold on to. The non-slip handle works for both right- and left-handed users, and ensures you maintain control to avoid any mishaps. One reviewer says: "I stumbled across these supplements while trying to find some joint relief for my golden, Sandy. After only a week I already saw some improvement in her movement and she had an easier time getting up into and out of the car, which was becoming a struggle. Her coat is also looking healthier and she seems to be less itchy. Not only does this fleece-lined coat fit snugly for maximum warmth, but it's waterproof and has reflective strips to stay safe during nighttime walks and winter hikes. They can also help older dogs find traction on slippery floors. Tip: use the printable sizing guide to measure your dog's feet before ordering to ensure a perfect fit. And send us videos of your dog trying them for the first time! This seat cover is not only comfortable for your pup, but waterproof, too. When it's time to go, simply lay the cover over the seat, loop straps around the head rests, push the anchors in, and voila—you're ready to hit the road! One way to do that is to use a harness that doubles as a seat belt: simply attach the harness to the seatbelt using a carabiner, and you'll both be on your way safely and comfortably. Fill the bottle, twist on the top that doubles as a bowl, and when your golden's ready for a drink, squeeze the bottle and water will fill the bowl. Release, and the water disappears back into the bottle. Pop some treats in the holes, cover them up, and watch your pup work her magic to figure out the puzzle and find those tasty rewards. Just like a ball you use to play fetch , this one flies through the air but when she retrieves it, she'll spend some time figuring out how to get to her favorite treats inside. When your pup drops the ball into the top of the launcher, it'll throw it 10, 25, or 40 feet; choose the "random" setting to keep her guessing. Buy Now Change up your game of fetch with this fun Frisbee alternative. This flying squirrel is made of a double canvas material that is durable enough to withstand rough play, yet still agile to spin and tumble in the air, keeping your golden guessing and enticed in play. Shop now: Chuckit! The sturdy sole ensures you'll stay on your feet, and the bone-printed liner is a fun and unexpected treat. Embroidered on percent cotton canvas, and if it gets a little dirty, simply pop it into the washing machine, air dry, and it'll be back on your furniture in no time. The rubber backing prevents slipping when your guests wipe their paws before stepping inside. It's hilarious enough to be a favorite gift for any golden lover on your list, too! Perfect for the dog park, running errands, around the house, or really anywhere you please! The design can also be used on totes, hats, and more. However, avoid retractable leashes whenever possible: Although they seem easier during walks, retractable leashes are actually dangerous, especially for young puppies who are still getting the hang of walking on a leash. Keep your puppy on a regular leash with a maximum of six feet of space between you both. Snowy Pines recommends slip leads: Slip leads are what puppies are taught to walk on from a young age at Snowy Pines, since they give you as the walker more control over the puppy as he gets the hang of normal walks. You can also opt for an embroidered collar if your puppy seems bothered by the noise or extra weight of the dog tags. Many puppy owners choose embroidered collars since dog tags should be removed when the puppy is left alone as they can pose a hazard. You can stick with a small food and water bowl. Puppy Food Your puppy will need high-quality food to grow strong! In most cases, this means his own dog crate. A good dog crate should be large enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. You can choose a crate that expands as it grows to save money in the long run. Most of our puppies at Snowy Pines will do well in a inch wire kennel with a divider that you can remove once he gets bigger. Be sure to check out our dog bed reviews too! Remember that most toys should not be left alone with your puppy since unsupervised playtime can lead to a choking or blockage incident. Image Source Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys keep your pup mentally stimulated while they also have fun. Additionally, these interactive toys provide help with weight management, satisfy natural hunting instincts, and even relieve feelings of stress or anxiety. These toys can easily become a comfort item and help curb any potential anxiety as well. Chase Toys Golden puppies need to have regular exercise. Chase toys are simple things you can buy at any pet store, like ropes and balls, but some interactive chew toys are designed to add a little zing to your daily play routines. So, for example, if your puppy just woke up from his nap and pottied, but you need to do laundry and load the dishwasher, the exercise pen is a perfect solution. It enables your pup to enjoy safe solo playtime. Training Treats Food is a powerful reinforcer , so treats are incredibly beneficial in the early stages of puppy training. Try offering him a treat when he potties outside or uses a chew toy. Quick Tip: The treat should be small and chewy so that he can eat it fast and keep his attention on you! With the proper carpet cleaner and enzyme spray, you can quickly combat any potty mistakes anywhere in the house. Dog Shampoo and Conditioner The Retriever family has a unique, double-layered coat designed to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. It also dries quickly after becoming wet. It is such an impressive coat that it is essentially self-cleaning when it comes to dirt and debris. Pooper Scooper and Poop Bags A pooper scooper is a handy tool that many homeowners with yards find essential. Instead of bending down every time your pup goes, you can use a pooper scooper to clutch onto the waste and quickly throw it in your outside garbage bin. They are also expected as a common courtesy to other people outside. So before your English Cream Golden puppy comes home, be sure that your home, backyard, and car are puppy-safe and puppy-proofed. In the Home: Image Source Keep the toilet lid closed. Believe it or not, open toilet lids have the potential to be drowning hazards. Secure medicine and cleaning products. Keep these products high up or use childproof locks and latches on lower cabinets. Garbage should be kept lidded and secure. Lidded, secured bins are the best type of garbage cans you can have with a young puppy. Not only do you want to avoid spilled garbage, but a locked lid will prevent your puppy from getting into any potential hazards. Hide electrical cords and blind cords. Exposed electrical cords and long blind cords can prove to be fatal for curious puppies. Keep electrical cords hidden away, buy cord wraps to keep them safely covered, and be sure that your blind cords are tied high and inaccessible. Invest in a pet or baby gate. Gates can be used for doorways or staircases to keep your puppy away from certain areas of the house. In the Backyard: Be careful of plants and landscaping that may be poisonous or dangerous. Many plants are toxic to dogs , so be sure to triple-check if any are growing in your yard. Secure your yard with fencing and add gates around bodies of water. If you plan to let your puppy roam freely in your backyard, you should have complete fencing with no puppy-sized gaps around the perimeter of the property. If you have any ponds or pools, block them off with appropriate fencing to avoid accidental drowning. Keep your yard landscaped and manicured. Long grass and brushy areas can invite ticks, which can be extremely dangerous if any potential bites are not discovered early on. Generally speaking, your grass should not be higher than a couple of inches and potentially even shorter while your puppy is still young. In the Car: Image Source Move any chewable items and lock loose items in the glovebox. Confine your puppy in one area of the vehicle, like the backseat. Keeping your puppy confined to one area of the car is safe for everyone. Many puppy parents choose harness seat belts and car seats for younger dogs, while older dogs are big enough to safely sit in the back seat or trunk with cargo barriers. As your Golden Retriever gets older, you may find yourself opting for different barrier methods that will better suit his size. Kennel your puppy while in the car. Crating your puppy is the safest mode of transportation while in the car. Deciding on a Daily Routine Like children, puppies thrive on a fixed routine because an orderly one instills structure and confidence. Sticking to a schedule can also help reinforce potty training and prevent behavioral issues , like separation anxiety and barking or whining. Think of a schedule that works best for your puppy, which should include: Feeding: Pick out regular meal times and stick to them as closely as possible. Golden Retriever puppies will need three daily feedings until they are six months old. After that, stick to feeding twice a day at the same time each day. Fixed meal times will help you predict when your puppy needs to potty each day, which better ensures easier potty training. Scheduled potty breaks: Take your puppy out to the yard or on a walk to potty immediately after a meal and after they wake up to enforce a schedule that will help with house training. Playtime and exercise: Playing and mental stimulation are key to a happy puppyhood. Even though they will mellow out in personality as they become adults, Retriever puppies are high energy! Place the dog crate in a quiet part of the house since we kennel train at Snowy Pines, and it helps ensure their safety and comfort. And now is the exciting part: Your puppy is finally home! But now what? Puppy Socialization Socialization is vital for young puppies, especially between 8 to 16 weeks of age: A well-socialized puppy will grow into a happy and confident adult that feels secure in various situations. You can also invite friends and family over to meet the puppy. In this case, more is always merrier! To help your puppy feel comfortable around humans in general, expose him to different types of people when he is still young. We also recommend holding off on public settings like dog parks until your puppy is settled into his new home and routine so as to not overwhelm him. Once your puppy is vaccinated, you can consider signing him up for puppy socialization classes. These classes, alongside training courses, can help prepare your pup for a long walk or a day at doggy day camp. Training Techniques Training is just as essential as early socialization. He may become disruptive and exhibit poor behaviors like jumping on visitors, chewing on furniture, and barking incessantly, among other frustrating challenges. Your puppy may also struggle with separation anxiety. They will comprehend basic commands and learn things such as his name, housebreaking, and early manners. They will be able to take on more advanced training and commands, and they should understand what good dog manners are. This age is essential when it comes to instilling how you want him to behave through adolescence. Puppies will begin teething at this point. Your new puppy might use anything possible to exercise his teeth, so you must start teaching him not to use your hand or furniture as chew toys. Anytime your puppy chews on something undesirable, have a toy nearby to put in his mouth instead. You can also try using bitter apple spray to deter biting and chewing on household items. Be firm but loving with clear, consistent commands and minute training sessions each day. Quick Tip: Keep in mind that at this age, this is when the key socialization period ends for your puppy: From this point forward, everything your puppy has learned will influence the way he behaves around people and other animals. While this is good, this age will also be a challenge because he will try to determine his ranking in the household, which can be frustrating when hormones play a role! Although spaying and neutering are standard for most breeds around six months old, studies have found that doing so for Golden Retrievers can actually increase the risk for joint disorders. Therefore, the standard for this breed has recently changed, and many vets suggest waiting to spay or neuter until 12 to 24 months. Training can be an overwhelming process, which is why many Golden puppy owners opt for working with a dog trainer or enrolling in training classes. Snowy Pines offers three levels of training when adopting one of their golden retrievers, which can save you tons of time and frustration in the long run. At your first checkup, you can also ask about getting your puppy microchipped! Read the full disclosure here. This comprehensive list covers all the essentials, plus some added extras. Food: Every dog needs food! See our puppy food guide for recommendations. Bowls: Your puppy is going to need something to eat that food from. Something to think about. Bedding: Your pup will need a comfortable bed to call their own. You can decide whether to choose a puppy-sized one or one that they can grown into. To avoid buying more than one crate, you can get one big enough to fit your adult golden and make it puppy-sized using dividers. Brushes: Get your puppy some brushes suitable for a longer-coated dog. The sooner you get pup used to being brushed, the easier it will be in the future. Toothbrush and toothpaste: These are daily essentials in your grooming routine. Be sure to choose a dog-specific toothpaste as the human stuff can be dangerous to canines. Treats: Essential for training. Pick high-value treats for when you really want to motivate your pup. Chew toys are essential to help direct chewing away from your belongings. Tug toys, balls to play fetch and treat-dispensing toys are also nice to have. Travel harness or dog guard: To keep your dog safe in the car. These are the main things you need to think about when puppy proofing your home. Put them up high or away in their proper place. Not only will it leave you out of pocket if your pup chews something expensive, many such items are also choking hazards. Be careful of plants: Make sure you remove any plants that are poisonous to dogs , both in your house and your garden. Common offenders include foxglove, wisteria and yew. Secure medicines and cleaning products: Both medicines and cleaning products can be highly toxic to dogs if ingested. Hide electrical cords: If a puppy sinks their teeth into an electrical cord, it can prove fatal. Try not to have electrical cords running across the room or out in the open where your puppy can get to them. If needs be, you can get cord concealers, cord wraps or even pvc pipes to secure them. Planning Appropriate Puppy Socialization Socialization, with both humans and other dogs plus other animals, if your new puppy is going to be around them , is one of the most important things to think about with your new puppy. A well-socialized puppy should turn into an adult dog who interacts well with all dogs and people, which makes your life so much easier as a dog-owner. It might sound a bit over the top, but it will stop your pup from getting confused or overstimulated and it sets some ground rules for the humans involved, too. Pick out regular meal times for your puppy and try to stick to them as closely as possible. Also take your puppy out into the garden on a schedule, as this will really help with toilet training. You can also schedule in training sessions, play sessions and, when your puppy is old enough, their daily walks. Learning How To Train Your Puppy You might think that training your new dog will be intuitive when you get them home, but dog training is a skill you learn, not one you just pick up as you go along. Once your puppy is old enough, group puppy training classes are an excellent idea. Not only will you learn more about training your pup, your dog will also get to socialize with other young canines. The ideal option is to have the puppy in the back seat in a car harness and have a passenger sit next to them, who can hold, pet and comfort them on the journey home. Some people forgo the harness altogether and have a passenger simply hold the puppy, wrapped in a blanket or towel. However, before you even get your puppy into the car, you should try to get them to relieve themself first , to avoid any toilet-based accidents on the journey home. Once you get your precious pup home, all that effort and preparation will have been worth it to give your new four-legged friend the best start in life. 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You can use the information on dog.Show more How much grooming does a German Shepherd need? German Shepherds have thick coats so they shed a lot. You'll typically need to brush your short or long-haired German Shepherd a few times a week. German Shepherds may also need professional grooming. To hel.What size crate do you need for a German Shepherd? When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to: sit and stand up at their full height turn around without touching the sides lie down fully stretched out.To find out more about potential health i.Are German Shepherds easy to train? You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own personality and prior experiences. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop their own likes and dislikes and learn to respond to.Show more Are German Shepherds good with children? Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. However, there are som.Show more. We have a lifetime of experience in training, breeding, and the workability for German bloodline German shepherds. Other factors, such as coat color, also affect the pricing of GSD puppies. We want to be your connection to reputable breeders so that you can find your perfect White German Shepherd puppy for sale. German Shepherd puppies for sale from trusted breeders. This article is my German Shepherd puppy buyers guide. Find a reputable German Shepherd breeder. Tourist attractions covering an area of approximately 2 hectares is quite famous and have its own privileges. The German Shepherd Mix is not a purebred dog or a designer dog breed. This separates us from other breeders in the USA. Height: .My article, How to Buy a German Shepherd: 5 Easy Steps, will give you loads of helpful advice and tips, but here are some quick tips when choosing a puppy: Go and meet the breeder. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Our German shepherd puppies are pure bred to the highest standard, from German award-winning bloodlines. See Our Puppies Protection Dogs As one of the top German shepherd breeders and trainers in the world, we offer obedience-trained dogs, personal protection dogs, and executive class elite trained Kps. Bred to be a service and companion dog, the Shepadoodle is inherently bright, easy to train, and eager to please. Life Span. Please contact me if you are interested in a puppy. Buy your dog based on what they need to do in their lifetime. German Shepherd price in India ranges between Rs 18, to Rs 40, and can go up to Rs 80, for a double-coated dog. German Shepherds GSD are iconic dogs often associated with the police force. Shepadoodle is a designer breed of the German Shepherd and Poodle. I group them into major categories. GSDs are a versatile and highly intelligent breed capable of mastering complex obedience commands. To see our full list of plans and. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. The average cost for all German. Bred to herd sheep and help with. A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. German Shepherd puppies for sale. This puppy is mild mannered and very alert, and aware. Adult German Shepherds for Sale. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and. But, it will depend on the size of your individual GSD. Photos and c more 5 days ago on Advertigo 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 of 25 pages. They can become a cosy den for your puppy, which he will learn to associate with being safe and relaxed in. We are a family owned and operated, Colorado state licensed, AKC registered, home kennel in beautiful Conifer, Colorado. Before you begin to search for a puppy, the most important task is to make sure that the White German Shepherd matches your lifestyle and living conditions. Please note: availability for this year is extremely limited. We have one of the best German Shepherd puppies for sale! Any puppies that qualify as a German Shepherd Mix are a cross between a German Shepherd and another dog breed. German Shepherd Dog. German Shepherd Dogs can stand as high as 26 inches at the shoulder and, when viewed in outline, presents a picture of smooth, graceful curves rather than angles. We breed healthy, resilient, and. Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our for sale page at the top of the site! To see our full list of plans and pricing, visit the FAQ page, located at the bottom of this page. German Shepherd Dogs GSDs have an amazing heritage that makes them one of the most sought-after canines on the planet for multiple reasons. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. You can contact us at or or email us at vomragnar gmail. German Shepherds are dogkind's finest herding and guardian dogs. Louisiana German Shepherd Rescue. That's why every puppy for sale is given a complete nose-to-tail checkup before being delivered right to your door. Confident German Shepherds also learn commands faster than other breeds. Rocky Mountain German Shepherds. He has a sweet disposition, is not aggressive, Many of our adults are titled with advanced obedience, tracking, protection, or combinations of the three. Find your German Shepherd Dog puppy for sale. He is up to date on his vaccines and has been neutered » Read more ». Like any breed, male German Shepherds are often larger than females. A versatile, athletic, fearless, Our dogs are from the highest quality imported German bloodlines and are bred for superior temperament, beautiful conformation, excellent health, and high levels of trainability. This property is a SqM house with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Choose the sex, type, color, and coat of the GSD. Unable to retrieve search results Our technicians have been alerted. We then back that up with a full year health commitment. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. German Shepherd Protection Dogs for Sale. Currently, there are 11 official standard colors of the German Shepherd, at least according to the AKC. The miniature German Shepherd also referred to as the teacup German Shepherd has become more popular for people looking for a smaller version of the German Shepherd. German Shepherds were initially bred in Germany in the late s to herd sheep. The German Shepherd Dog is the one of the most adopted and famous breed through-out the world, popular for its intelligence, obedient behaviour, and guardian kind of instincts. A versatile, athletic, fearless, energetic, loyal and devoted companion dog, our Shepadoodle puppies for sale will bond quickly with your family and make a wonderful guard dog and companion for the young and old alike. Gentle pets and strong watch dogs, GSDs are noble, large, muscular dogs bred for their intelligence and working ability. She is spayed and up to date on shots. German Shepherd Dog Puppies for Sale. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. But used responsibly, they have heaps of advantages. German Shepherds tend to be strong-willed, intelligent, playful, and loyal. Training begins at 3 weeks of age, teaching the puppy to make eye contact. German Shepherd puppies for sale from trusted …. Ask any questions to see how knowledgeable they are, e. Located high in the Rockies at over ft. West Java Coffee is on Facebook. Dutch Shepherd Puppies For Sale. At Doggywala, we have several options of German Shepherd puppies for sale in Pune. Shepadoodle Puppies for Sale. Black German Shepherd Puppies for Sale. German Shepherd mix. The father is a Sable Working line German Shepherd his father was a police dog. The puppies are healthy and highly intelligent. Call for Current Litter Information. If you are willing to buy German Shepherd and take the adorable puppy home, we have an array of pet shops, individual sellers and breeders you can contact for purchasing the puppy. They are children's favorite and one of the best family dogs you could own. If you want a German Shepherd puppy that has great health and a beautiful appearance, your best bet is to go. Belgian Sheepdog Puppies For Sale. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Here are 5 easy steps on how to buy a German Shepherd: Know what to look for in a reputable breeder. For Sale Land 5, People tend to have mixed feelings about dog crates. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. We provide some of the best quality German Shepherd puppies for sale. German Shepherd Breeders. Shedding: Moderate Grooming: 2 Trainability: Eager to Please Height: inches male , inches female Weight: pounds male , pounds female Life Expectancy: years. The puppies are monitored around the clock and follow a very regimented schedule will send exact training schedule to the email address you. Khon Kaen Land Plots for Sale. German shepherd dogs require a decent amount of care, training, and attention but they will reward you with many years of loyalty and love as a result. At this time, your puppy will know. At PuppySpot, we know that our exclusive network of breeders produces the best dogs. The waterfall area has beautiful scenery and the air is so fresh. This is the price you can expect to budget for a German Shepherd with papers but without breeding rights nor show quality. Well, that wasn't supposed to happen. Before searching "German Shepherd puppies for sale near me", review their average cost below. In a mixed breed, you can get any mix of characteristics in the parent breeds. We offer shipping to select states and countries around the world for these trained puppies. Both Sire and Dam are extensively health tested along with being Hip and Elbow scored. Expect to pay less for a German Shepherd puppy for sale. You can get a miniature German Shepherd, and it will look like a smaller German Shepherd, but it is a mixed breed. German Shepherd Dog Facts. All dogs have a better sense of. The puppies are monitored around the clock and follow a very regimented schedule will send exact training schedule to the email address you enter above All trained german shepherd puppies are available for pickup at 14 weeks of age. Join Facebook to connect with West Java Coffee and others you may know. German Shepherd breeder in Florida. Pricing for personal protection dogs vary depending on the level of training and title. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. They are weeks old and have had their first vaccinations. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale in Pune. Consider the price and your budget. We call it our PuppySpot Promise. Baumwolle Kennel Office Hours. He has a sweet disposition, is not aggressive, is kennel » Read more ». Also, be sure to check the German Shepherd Dog-Siberian Husky Mix Dog Breeder listings in our Dog Breeder Directory, which feature upcoming dog litter announcements and current puppies for sale for that. Learn more puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation Location Color Attributes. You should be able to find adult German Shepherds at local shelters near you. Their brains, size, and loyalty make them ideal police and service dogs, but they also make great friends. But in reality, there are many more colors of these dogs. Puppy mills are where countless sick, ill-tempered German Shepherd puppies come from. Baumwolle German Shepherd Puppies. GSDs are a versatile and highly intelligent breed capable of. Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. Mills are wretched places where dogs are treated like machines, forced to produce puppy litters without rest, and kept in squalid conditions that would make your stomach turn. Gentle pets and strong watch dogs, GSDs are noble, large, muscular. But GSDs are loyal and obedient, as well. History Where are German Shepherd Dogs from? Perhaps never in the history of any breed has such concerted effort been put into improving a dog, mostly due to the formation in of the Verein fur Deutsche Scharferhunde SV, an organization in Germany devoted to overseeing the breeding of the German Shepherd. Breeders sought to develop not only a herding dog but also one that could excel at jobs requiring courage, athleticism, and intelligence. During World War I, they were the obvious choice for a war sentry. The Wolfdog was later dropped as it caused many people to fear the dogs. How big do German Shepherd Dogs get? The double-coat, with a thick undercoat that sheds twice annually, loses hair continuously but can be maintained with regular brushing one or two times weekly. What are the German Shepherd Dog colors? Black, tan, solid black and solid sable. How long do German Shepherd Dogs live? Lifespan: 10—12 years What are some German Shepherd Dogs facts and information? The German Shepherd held the number one spot in American popularity for many years. Although presently it has dropped from the top spot, the German Shepherd remains as one of the most versatile dogs ever created, serving as a police dog, war dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, narcotics- or explosives-detecting dog, show dog, pet—and even shepherd. Related Content. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking 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 barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. I personally travel to Germany and select most of my breeding dogs. I select dogs that not only have beautiful confirmation, sound hips and elbows but have wonderful temperaments for families. Most of my German Shepherds are the traditional black and red colors. I do not take deposits until the puppies are born. The puppies are selected by the age of 6 weeks of age, and allowed to go into new homes at 8 weeks of age. All of our puppies are current on vaccinations and dewormings. Each puppy come with a complete care package which includes their AKC papers, pedigrees, photos of parents, and their written health guarantee. Puppies are shown by appointment ONLY…. .Please contact Joyce Via E-mail at Germanshepherds mistyridge. We prefer email over phone call to ensure a quicker response. Please inquire early for information about the new litters. If you wait until they are eight weeks old, it may be too late to get a puppy from that particular litter. Each puppy will be excellent for show, any type of obedience, herding, agility or Schutzhund competition. With each Misty Ridge puppy purchase, Joyce provides a picture of both the sire and dam, a complete pedigree for both, a health certificate for the puppy, and an American Kennel Club registration form to register the puppy in your name as a pure bred German Shepherd. Joyce also provides a written guarantee against hip dysplasia and any congenital defects or diseases. 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Remind children to be calm and gentle. One of the healthiest things you can do for your puppy is give pup lots of love and attention lots and lots of attention. Dogs are extremely loyal by nature and are happy when they please you. Studies show that emotionally, dogs benefit from being petted by humans as mush as humans do from petting dogs. So spend time with your little companion. Melanies Gorgeousdoodles Puppies, my loving passion The first few months are very important for establishing good habits. It is always best to be prepared and read up on the best early training skills. Remember you have to train yourself and your family to be consistent! Here are some things you can do to help your Labradoodle pup feel as comfortable as possible. Teach children to always when hand feeding puppy dog a treat to do so with food in palm -of -their -hand. Many commercial foods are acceptable but be sure to choose a well-balanced one without any grians and no corn meal. Exercising doodle puppy Exercise is an important part of labradoodles overall health Puppy develops good motor skills and balance and life skills from being out and about. Playing games such as fetch challenge a puppy mentally. Remember, exercising helps puppy go poop so take a poop scoop. Rinse thoroughly and stand back — doodle will shake and shake! Grooming Brushing or combing with a wide tooth comb your Labradoodle regularly keeps his coat looking nice and it feels good to your doodle. And just as important, this is time for you puppy to bond. Important that you keep or have a groomer your doodle hair trimmed a little around their eyes, month and privates. There are lots of good book on dog training! Her website has a lot of excellent resources. Click to find link to order Virbac products for the best price. Fatigue Behavior changes loss of appetite, reluctance to engage, etc. If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet so they can perform screenings such as chest x-rays, blood tests, and an echocardiogram an ultrasound of the heart and nearby blood vessels to assess the issue. The condition can be serious if left untreated, but thankfully there are many treatment options available, such as diet therapy and medication. What To Feed a Labradoodle To live a long and happy life, Labradoodles must consume the proper amount of high-quality dog food and have access to fresh water. A balanced diet will help your pup maintain a healthy weight and avoid health conditions such as heart disease and hip dysplasia. If a pet parent is willing and able to cook for their dog, Whittenburg suggests a fresh, homemade diet that has been formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Boutique brand and grain-free foods should be avoided. That includes servings of food in the right amount that provides more than 40 nutrients that pets require in their respective life stages, including proteins, fats, carbs, and vitamins, minerals, and independent amino acids, according to the Pet Food Institute. While there is no one-size-fits-all way to feed a Labradoodle and a consultation with your vet is recommended, Whittenburg says Labradoodle puppies under 6 months old should generally be fed a minimum of three times a day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day. Unless recommended by a veterinarian, dogs fed a complete and balanced commercial food diet should not need any nutritional supplements. However, Labradoodles that are fed a homemade diet may require supplements to ensure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals necessary to thrive, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and a variety of antioxidants. Behavior and Training Tips for Labradoodles Labradoodle Personality and Temperament The high-energy, attention-seeking, intelligent Labradoodle requires frequent exercise, interaction, and play. While every Labradoodle is different, proper socialization is a must for helping your dog become a well-behaved companion. These dogs are not known to be excessive barkers, but the right amount of training and exercise is required to ensure they learn to behave appropriately. Labradoodle Training Because Labradoodles are a hybrid of two highly intelligent breeds, they are eager to please and highly trainable, according to Philippou. They can be taught to excel at everything from basic tricks like sit, stay, and roll over to running agility courses. Always use positive-reinforcement techniques, like using treats to reward good behaviors, during training. Due to their gentle and sharp-witted nature, Labradoodles can even be trained to become service dogs. Fun Activities for Labradoodles. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Limiting water in the evening will help limit your pups need to toilet in the night. However, if a crate is not used correctly, a dog can feel trapped and frustrated. Never use the crate as a punishment. Puppies under six months of age shouldn't stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time except at night. They can't control their bladders and bowels for that long. Normal Puppy Behaviours Your puppy is a baby. Jumping, nipping or biting, chewing, toileting accidents, limited attention span, grabbing objects and running off, not listening, etc. It is our job to teach our puppies how to live in our world, according to our rules, in a gentle and positive way. If you and your pup are struggling with some of these behaviours, please check out some of the resources noted below for tips on how to address them. Behavioural Issues Obedience issues and behavioural issues are not the same thing. Sometimes our pups need more one-on-one focused effort to address behavioural issues. Often the best way to deal with behavioural issues is to hire a trainer or behaviourist to come to your home for a one-on-one consult. We recommend trainers that use positive training methods. As an intelligent, trainable breed, Labradoodles do not respond well to strong aversive training. Positive reinforcement and clicker training are far more successful and fun for Labradoodles. Formal Training To best teach your pup how to live in our world, through socialization and training, it is important to understand the developmental phases of puppies. Their reaction to similar stimuli will be different depending on their stage of development. Socialization is the first step in creating a well-behaved dog. Once the pup has had a negative experience, you need to work harder to turn it into a positive experience. Present them in a way that your pup can draw confidence from you, without coddling them. Once your pup has had its second set of vaccines DAP , it can attend puppy socialization classes. It lists the situations to expose your dog to for optimal socialization. They also provide an opportunity for your dog to interact with other dogs in a controlled and supervised environment. You can find information at this link below:. Training We Recommend: A Great Beginning: We start to train and work with our puppies from the first day, socializing as well as following the suggested guidelines of the best trainers in the US. We have a well researched program of using sounds, small tasks, toys and other materials to influence and help your puppy be an easy going, fun loving, social and well trained adult. Trainers tell us that the most important time for your puppy is between 8 and 11 weeks so we work with you to understand what you can do to continue to prepare your puppy for the world. Training: We recommend training your puppy as much as possible. The best puppies know their boundaries and are taught what is expected with love and devotion. The sooner your puppy is trained the sooner it is given more freedom. Therefore, strict training results in big rewards for puppy and owner. Labradoodles are easily trained. They should be completely potty trained within 4 to 6 weeks after pick up. Most are sitting, staying, shaking paws, and retrieving by 3 months of age, many can get the newspaper and more by then with proper attention. Puppies will jump up and it takes time and consistency to break this habit early. Crate training or room training is recommended: First I will cover crate training then room training. Crate Training: First get over the fact that to you it is a cage, to them it is a safe place when they are alone, safe from outside things and noises puppies have yet to become fearless of. They view it as their cave, a place they can sleep with the peace of mind. The crate should be just big enough for them to stand up, walk in a circle, and lay down. This is a different size at 8 weeks as it is at 4 months. Therefore I like something like the Life Stages Ultima Triple Door Folding Dog Crates from Petsmart where there is an additional wall that can be adjusted to increase the crate size as the puppy grows. It should contain toys. Bedding is typically used to pee on so do not use bedding until later once the dog can easily go all night without "going". I think the crate should be in a room, a selected safe room that later when the crate is no longer used becomes the place that when visitors come over who are not "dog people", the dog would stay in while these visitors are there. The first night the crate can be in a bedroom close to people and then later moved into the safe room if you desire. Some puppies pee in their crate at first and some don't, have patience. The point of the crate is to discourage peeing for a period of time. First crate the puppy for an hour or two and at night, then gradually longer. The point is to take the dog out before it has to go to the bathroom and as time goes by it can hold it longer and longer. Never more than 4 hours except at night when at first I recommend you get up twice during the night and let the puppy out, after two days wait and let the puppy out once in the middle of the night, gradually extend the wait time an hour until finally they have gone all night. After a few months I recommend graduating to room training. Remember to remove food and water an hour or more before leaving the dog in the crate, the puppy should be let outside and empty when left in the crate. Room Training: Select a safe room that when visitors come over who are not "dog people", the dog would stay while the visitors are there. For example, an extra bathroom or utility room. It should contain a wee pad if needed and toys. Bedding is typically used to pee on so do not use bedding until later. Some puppies pee in their space at first and some don't, have patience. This is the reason for the wee pad, see "wee pad" for how this is used and gradually removed. The point of the room is to discourage peeing for a period of time and keep them out of trouble. First confine the puppy for an hour or two and at night, then gradually longer. The room should be used up to a year when you are gone and at night. The sooner the puppy is trained and you can trust them the sooner they have free roam of the house. Remember to remove food and water an hour or more before leaving the dog, the puppy should be let outside and empty when left in the room. Wee pads: We put wee pads in the utility room when the puppies move into there, the wee pad is placed to one side. They have some chemical that draws the puppies.Take them out as much as possible; the point of the wee pad is an emergency situation only. Eventually they only use the wee pads at night. I suggest the wee pad be placed close to bed, in their "room" or at the back door in case someone doesn't notice them at the door. It works like this, and please don't punish them for using the wee pad but don't congratulate them either, congratulate them when they go outside. Eventually they select to please you versus the wee pad and then they just stop using the wee pad. When it is dry for a few days take it away.Food: We recommend free food and water all day if you are home. We use the best puppy food available. We do not feed people food to our dogs ever, some things you would never imagine are actually toxic listed below. When you pick up your puppy we give you a bag of food so you can continue it or mix it with whatever you desire slowly decreasing the amount of our food over time. But understand what you are feeding your dog. To find a good food read the first 5 ingredients on the bag. Now ask the following questions: What are the protein sources? We believe the primary source should come from quality animal protein, not vegetable protein or grain. Foods that list 2 or more grains in the first 5 ingredients may have more vegetable protein than animal protein. We prefer Chicken as the main ingredient. What about grains? Two or more grains listed in the first 5 ingredients means your food may have more vegetable protein than animal protein. Grains such as soy, corn, corn gluten and wheat gluten can be difficult to digest, which means less nutrition, possible allergic reactions and more clean up. Wheat, barley, rice, corn and oats are all man-raised crops that a dog would never eat in the wild. These ingredients are not properly digested and in many situations cause a dog to show allergy symptoms. Are there by-products? Some manufacturers consider by-products inferior sources of protein and, depending on the source, they can be difficult to digest. These ingredients contain meat sources that are typically unsuitable for human consumption. What are the fat sources? Some fats are better than others. We believe the primary fat source in dog food should be animal based because animal fats contain a profile of fatty acids that are easily metabolized and thus are generally more available to the body. We use Madden pin brushes on our labradoodles and have found this brush to be excellent quality. If you catch them in play mode during the day, you will only be reinforcing that brushing time is something to get all riled up about. Nail Clipping Clipping their nails is also a good exercise to do when you find them tired out. They tend to care a lot less about things. You can start by just clipping the nails on one paw. This way your pup learns this is quick and no big deal. It also gives you the opportunity to practice this exercise 4 days in a row, rather than once and then having to wait for them to grow again. When clipping, clip just the tip of the nail where it starts to curve downward, holding the nail clippers parallel to the bottom of the paw. Be careful not to clip too much, otherwise it will hurt and the nail will bleed. Lean towards clipping little bits more often than trying to get a lot off all at once. Ear Cleaning Ear cleaning is something that labradoodles need since they have those long ears that trap and hold in moisture. Check their ears every few weeks and if you notice they look dirty, then get a cotton ball or makeup remover pad, etc. Never push anything down in the ear, you could damage the ear and cause your puppy pain. Do the other side, and finish with an ear drying powder. In fact, over bathing can harm this quality in their coat, and actually cause you to need to bathe more often. If they get dirty, let them dry and simply brush the dirt right out. It is good to get them used to getting wet though, and when you do use shampoo, we recommend a tearless shampoo specifically designed for dogs as their PH balance is different than humans. A good minute walk daily will meet this need your new family member has. Up until then, their joints are developing and jogging on pavement would not be good for their joints. However, this does not mean you have to limit their activity. Running across the yard chasing a ball at their own pace and will is good for their developing body, and talking walks through the neighborhood is an excellent way to meet their exercise needs. The coat and nails of an Australian Labradoodle require consistent maintenance and monthly grooming for them to look and feel their best. The ALAA is proud to share this essential grooming information with your pup! Grooming Your Australian Labradoodle This is a basic grooming video for an Australian Labradoodle and an accompanying manual, provided by the Australian Labradoodle Association of America. They are easily forgotten but must be trimmed like every other nail. If you do not trim them, your dog much more likely to snag them on something and tear them. A torn dewclaw is a very painful thing for your dog and often results in a trip to the vet. If you are not comfortable trimming or feel unprepared to do so, have a groomer or vet show you how. Regular cleaning and care is a must. Hair that rubs against the eye can introduce bacteria, leading to infection. Teeth Care Your dog absolutely requires good dental care. Each dog has different exercise needs, but Labradoodles generally need an hour of physical activity every day. Good options include running, playing a good game of fetch, taking a long walk, or jogging or biking with your dog. Some exercises can actually harm developing joints. When exercising your dog, remember: If your dog is still growing, do not take him or her for long jogs, and definitely do not take him or her with you for a run. Developing joints can be harmed by repetitive motion on hard surfaces. Avoid exercising in extreme heat. If you plan to take water along for you, remember that your dog will need water, too. If your dog seems tired, discontinue what you are doing and allow him or her to rest. Canine health depends on the appropriate balance of nutrients and calories sufficient for prime growth, activity level and cellular repair. Whether you decide on a dry kibble diet, a raw food diet or a combination of the two, be sure that the diet is complete and balanced. We suggest choosing food with high-quality animal proteins, whole grains and vegetables from organic sources. Avoid foods with unidentified fat or protein sources, byproducts, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, and added sweeteners. Buy healthy, and again, avoid preservatives, fillers or byproducts. Read more about dog diets and health: Whole Dog Journal provides an annual review of the best of the best dry kibble foods. For information about the different types of dog food. Fleas and Ticks Fleas and ticks are a nuisance, and if not taken care of right away, can infest and possibly kill your dog. They spread disease, cause allergic reactions and transmit blood and intestinal parasites. There are many ways to tackle fleas and ticks, and most chemical products are safe if used properly. Specialized products treat individual issues, and some products prevent and kill both fleas and ticks. One product treats for both and also prevents heartworm. A few of the most studied and well-known products: Advantage treats fleas only. Monthly topical. Frontline Plus treats fleas and ticks. Revolution treats fleas, ticks and heartworm. Sentinel treats fleas only. Monthly oral. For those who prefer holistic care, frequent bathing and manual removal of fleas and ticks can help prevent infestation of your home and yard. Use a flea comb and tick remover after each bath. Follow this labradoodle puppy care guide to help with the transition. A few things you might want to have with you when you pick up your puppy are a bottle of water, some baby wipes, and a towel or a blanket. If you are meeting your puppy at the airport, your puppy may be thirsty from the trip. We put a frozen dish of water in the crate, but it is usually long gone by the time your puppy arrives. The wipes are needed in case the puppy may have soiled the crate. The towel or blanket also, in case the puppy has soiled the crate, is for you to hold your puppy or to put in the crate. Using a Leash to Bond with Your Puppy When your puppy first arrives to your home, we suggest you keep the puppy on a leash for the first couple of days. Do your best to have the primary caregiver be the main person handling the leash. We also suggest you not have outside visitors to the home for the first couple of days. Give your puppy some time to adjust to her new family first before she meets your world. Your puppy is going to be a little confused at her new surroundings. From the beginning your puppy needs to learn that she is at the bottom, below even the youngest child. She needs to learn who her main leaders are and what the boundaries are in her new home. Labradoodles are people loving dogs! Your puppy will want to bond. Your puppy is smart and will quickly learn that the person attached at the other end of the leash is important to her. Your Labradoodle will look to you for example and comfort. She will learn that you are her source of not only example and comfort, but also food! Using the leash these first few days will help your new puppy learn who to trust and who to please. Other Advantages of Leash Training Your New Puppy Even if you are not holding onto the leash, you can control where she goes easily by stepping on the dragging leash. This is much more comfortable to a dog than having you lunge over her to get her. Keeping her on a leash also allows you to monitor where your puppy is in the house, and help her learn which rooms you would like her to be in and where she is not allowed. Lastly, having her on a leash helps her adjust to the idea of a leash so that she is ready to be trained to heel on a leash. A crate can be a useful and comforting tool or it can be an overused source of misery for your puppy. We suggest using a crate for very short periods of time during the day and for your puppy to sleep in at night. During the day there will come short periods of time where you have a task to do that requires your full attention. While your puppy is still in the house training stage, the crate can be very valuable to you. By putting your puppy in the crate for short amounts of time during the day, say an hour, maybe two, you can accomplish what you must do and also help puppy control her bladder. As soon as you let her out, immediately take her outdoors to relieve herself. Using the crate this way will encourage her to only go to the bathroom where it is appropriate to go. If your puppy is not crate trained already, you will have to work up to the hour or two hour mark. By the time your puppy arrives, she should be able to sleep around 7 hours through the night in a crate. Of course all puppies are individuals and so the time can vary. Your Golden Xpress Labradoodle puppy is used to being in a crate, but she is also used to smelling and hearing her siblings nearby. She may have adjustments to make in her new home because of this. Another factor in labradoodle puppy care is that their little tummies often get upset over the first couple of weeks in their new homes. To help her adjust to your home atmosphere and sleeping during the night, keep her crate in your bedroom at night. Keeping your hand down by the wire door is comforting to her. Responding to her cries with talking or tapping encourages your puppy to cry and whine more. Tapping on the crate lightly is ok, but not in response to her noise making. Another thing to think about with regard to labradoodle puppy care is if your puppy starts to wet her crate, you need to first check and see if her crate is too big. Generally, dogs do not relieve themselves in their sleeping places. If so, either use a smaller crate or block part off with a box. If her crate seems the right size, you may need to take out anything like blankets or soft materials. When your puppy has successfully kept her crate dry for a couple of weeks, try putting the bedding back in. Feeding Your Puppy At first, your puppy will need to be fed 3 times a day. Once they have adjusted, offer food to them all day so they learn not to gorge at meal time, and always make sure your puppy has clean, fresh water available to her. Feed your puppy in a quiet place, free from distractions. Put a good amount of food in her bowl and let her eat as much as she would like. After about 20 minutes or so, remove the food. Repeat this morning, mid-day and evening. It helps keep teeth and gums in better shape than wet food does. DO NOT feed your puppy people food. Your food does not provide the nutrition that your puppy needs. She will choose to have the people food and not eat her own. Feed your dog people food and you will have one unhealthy puppy. Just make sure you choose high quality dog treats with some nutrition. At Golden Xpress Labradoodles we give our dogs and puppies different kinds of treats: dog biscuits, dog turkey or chicken jerky. The jerky is good for a training aid around the house — to teach the puppy to come or to sit, or down. They are very intelligent and very willing to learn, and this makes them easier to train. Just remember that they are puppies so be patient. Lots of Loves Above all labradoodle puppy care requires lots of love. Make sure you pet her and hold her so she knows she belongs to your family. Labradoodles are loyal, loving dogs — give your puppy your love and she will return it tenfold. Labradoodle puppy care is something we can help you with! SCL has been breeding and raising Labradoodles since .Our opinion is that puppies should be raised with the sights and sounds of a typical home from day one, since it is typical homes our puppies go to. They should be exposed to as many varied sights and sounds as possible. Our puppies are born in our bedroom. A quiet and safe environment for mama to feel secure in is extremely important. A stressed mama releases stress hormones and her milk is affected, which affects babies. The stress hormones pour through the milk to babies resulting in higher stressed dogs as they mature. It is amazing how stress can negatively impact the development of puppies in so many different ways. We do not allow other dogs into the room, or other people into the room. A mama feeling a threat will quickly jump up and can unintentionally step on and harm, or kill, a newborn puppy. All of these reasons and more are why our pups are born away from the traffic of the rest of the house and in a place mama can relax in and feel safe in. We weigh them daily, check their identifying tags, change bedding, clip nails, etc. Just enough handling that they become used to us, but not so much that they are put under negative stress. Once puppies are about weeks old, we move them from our bedroom to our puppy nursery. The sights and sounds puppies are exposed to increase, but we are still able to control the degree of stress to mama and not have her and babies right in the middle of where people are coming and going through the main part of our home. Like most families, we have people in and out all the time, but we do not want mama feeling strangers are a threat, and we do not want visitors feeling they can handle puppies just because they are in the middle of our home. We control the exposure puppies have at this age and introduce them to things carefully. We want every experience to be a positive one. We want our puppies to be safe from disease and bacteria others may bring into our home. Around 4 weeks, they are introduced to a potty box, they begin eating mush, and they have much more people interaction with our family members or friends that have been taught how to properly handle a puppy, so the experience is positive for the puppy. They are exposed to a variety of musical instruments, as we are a musical family. They hear the radio, sometimes a movie on t. We begin introducing little slides and toys and rotate out daily. At about weeks of age, puppies begin being introduced to the great outdoors. We have a wonderful outdoor play yard with artificial turf, play toys, wading pools, and a variety of toys. Pups experience all sorts of new textures under foot, and have room to run and play. They are introduced to crates without doors and quickly learn to love them as a safe place. When weather does not allow for outdoor play, pups have a 12 x 12 indoor play area with much of the same types of toys and structures. During this time their exposure to outdoor things begins. Lawn mowers, goats, horses, cars, cats, chickens, etc. They are taken for walks in a puppy stroller. They visit the vet office. We increase their level of exposure as is positive for them and do everything we can to make sure they are well adjusted, relaxed, happy puppies. In general, we follow a raising and socialization program designed to slowly increase the exposure and stress to puppy as they are able to cope with it in a positive way. Our goal is to provide families with puppies that have had the best start in life that we can possibly give them. Once they leave our care, it is necessary for families to be committed to continuing this positive exposure and socialization. The next few months are just as critical as the first two. Build on the foundation we started and you will end up with one of the most rewarding experiences and relationships with your dog. This video on our YouTube channel visually walks you through all the things you need to prepare for your new puppy. What should you be doing for your puppy once he has joined your family to ensure you are providing the environment necessary to help your puppy be an outstanding companion? At Spring Creek, we are very careful to provide the appropriate socialization and experiences while raising each litter. It is up to every family to continue the careful raising of their puppy during the following critical periods after the puppy has left us. This document is a great resource for understanding what happens as a puppy develops. It is very important to understand that the risk of parvo is much less than the risk of ending up with a puppy with very serious socialization issues that result in families choosing to give up their dogs later or even have them euthanized due to extreme fear and fear aggression issues. A few of the large guide dog organizations have done studies on the risks of parvo versus the risks of poor socialization and found the risk of parvo to be extremely low compared to fear and aggression issues that resulted from well intentioned people keeping their puppies secluded and isolated until vaccinations were completed. We do not encourage keeping your pup isolated, and we DO encourage as much safe socialization as you can find with your puppy in meeting other people and other dogs. That is a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it does require a lot of work as well as require understanding what you need to allow and need to do in order to prevent problems from developing. This includes testing your children. How can you help your puppy and children get along and help your children know what is appropriate handling of a puppy? The info below is invaluable and every family with a child that wants to adopt a puppy should read these pages as well as talk about these things regularly with your children. If you are not supervising your children with your puppy, or if you are not requiring your children to handle puppy appropriately, you are almost certain to have issues develop. He grabs your pants and hangs on while growling. He growls when you try to take something from him. And, you start to wonder if he was the dominant one in the litter. You are sure you are doing everything right and that there is just something wrong with your puppy. ALL puppies growl, nip, and bite. If children are involved in your home, you should not expect a puppy to respect your child, and it will be up to YOU to supervise and make sure you intervene if a puppy growls or nips at your child. Children are not capable of correcting a puppy in an appropriate manner, and if you tell your child to correct puppy, you will likely make the problem worse. Since puppy knows your child does not have the same authority as you do, they will almost certainly react to being corrected by them and growl or nip or bite even more. They see your children as equals and they are treating them as they would another puppy in their litter. Why would you expect anything different from your puppy? He is not a stuffed animal and he does have a mind of his own. Like your teenage child, a juvenile puppy wants to explore their limits and it can be frustrating. Growling and nipping that is part of the normal communication process for a puppy CAN turn into very concerning behaviors if you do not know how to communicate with them properly. How to train properly using rewards and keeping training fun. Understand methods for correcting behavior that will not result in your puppy challenging you further. Always have a calm and confident attitude. If you have read this and are concerned you may not know how to properly deal with normal growling and nipping, then you need to get professional help involved with you and your puppy as soon as puppy is in your home. If you do not, then look for another trainer immediately. Not all are created equal and a trainer who knows what they are doing will absolutely be able to help you train your puppy, identify problems, and know how to resolve them when they come up. We personally highly recommend hiring a behaviorist to help you with training, not just a normal dog trainer. There is a BIG difference between a trainer and a behaviorist and their knowledge is extremely helpful and useful, especially when it comes to working with normal, but problematic behaviors. All foods are not created equal. Many of the ingredients used in dog foods are fillers that have been shown to be the very reason that so many pets are developing diseases that shorten their life span or make their quality of life less than desirable. Do you really want to feed your dog these foods? We have researched dog foods, and have found that there are companies using high quality, holistic ingredients. Foods that are not made with fillers and poor quality ingredients, but foods that will contribute to helping your dog live a long and healthy life. Also, the Dog Food Advisor online reviews dog foods and is an excellent resource to utilize. The cost of a quality food may initially seem high, but remember that you are feeding less than you would if you were purchasing a cheap grocery store food as their system absorbs more of the food and they eat less, which also results in smaller stools. Your dog is a loved family member and deserves to be fed a quality food that will keep him in good health for a very long time. There are a couple of foods on our recommended list for you to consider feeding your puppy. Three brands are available from privately owned local stores as well as can usually be ordered online. All the below foods are from companies that do not have recall histories, have fabulous food reviews from owners and independent dog food review sources, focus on fresh, quality ingredients, and have years of history proving their reliability, safety, and commitment to providing a quality product. We try to keep this list updated with cost breakdown, but prices vary a bit depending on where you purchase, so the prices below may be slightly different than what you find in a storefront or online store as things change constantly. Our preferred quality, all natural puppy food that does NOT contain chicken, beef, fish, wheat, corn, soy, etc. They frequently have intro discounts and if you set up a couple products on auto-ship you get free shipping! Our preferred adult dog food! Does not contain chicken, beef, fish, wheat, corn, soy, etc. When you receive a puppy from us, our recommendation is to continue feeding the food that puppy is accustomed to for at least a couple of weeks. After a few weeks, changing to another food doing a slow transition at least 7 days is completely fine. Please feed a food that does not contain the ingredients below. These are common sources of allergy, digestive, or other health issues for dogs.

I have a great love and passion for German Shepherds, due to their intelligence and loyalty. I have a large, close family that are helping me raise, train, show and breed the dogs I love. Tiltonhaus kennel is attached to our home so that our German Shepherds can live primarily in our home enjoying family life with us. Rotating the dogs this way gives each dog lots of quality time with us. We strive to give our dogs the environment and attention that best enhances their well being and health. We live on 10 acres of land where our dogs can run and explore, along with several secure yards and runs for outdoor activity. Tiltonhaus German Shepherd dogs enjoy family outings, such as hikes, bike rides, picnics, camping, vacations, etc. All of our German Shepherds are purebred, AKC Registered, and come from top West German champion bloodlines known for producing dogs that are not only beautiful, but have balanced temperaments and strong work ethics. Degenerative Myelopathy. Our breeding dogs have had their hips and elbows certified with either the German SV a-stamp program or through OFA, which gives us the confidence to have all of our Tiltonhaus puppies guaranteed for hips and health in writing. Our puppies are handled and socialized from birth. So we become very attached to these little pups and care about their well being. Potential buyers should be prepared to answer questions about why they want to purchase a puppy and their plans for their puppy. We recommend that your new puppy get basic obedience training to be a happy, well-adjusted dog. Tiltonhaus is family owned and operated, fully licensed business located in Deer Park, Washington 15 minutes north of Spokane, WA. Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. Nadelhaus breeds purebred German Shepherds year round and we also import both German Shepherd puppies and adults direct from Europe for our clients. Long-haired German Shepherds are technically called a long coat German Shepherd, while a short-haired German Shepherd is called a normal coat or stock coat German Shepherd. Dogs with either coat have the same physiological structure and both have double coats: an undercoat and a top coat. The only difference between the two is the top coat. The long haired German Shepherd will have a heavier top coat than the undercoat. The double coat of a German Shepherd is an important feature of the breed. The double coat weathers and insulates the dogs—it protects them from the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. The length of the coat of a German Shepherd has no impact on its ability as a working dog. What does a long haired German Shepherd look like? The skeleton and structure of a long-haired German Shepherd will be the same as a short-haired German Shepherd. Both dogs will have an undercoat, but the difference is that the top coat of a long-haired German Shepherd will be longer. The long coat GSD has longer and silkier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Short on the head, including the inside of the ears, on the front side of the legs, on the paws and toes, somewhat longer and more strongly covered in hair on the neck, almost forming a mane. On the back side of the legs the hair extends to the carpal joint or the hock and forms clear trousers on the back side of the haunches. Historically, German Shepherds originated in Germany and were native sheepdogs. He firmly believed that the standard of the German Shepherd breed should not include dogs with long hair. Throughout the s, long haired German Shepherds were considered unsuitable and unacceptable for breeding. It is important to note that long-haired German Shepherds are the result of natural genetic diversity and not a separate breed. Their long coats are an inherited trait that can occur when both parents carry the recessive long-hair gene. This gene manifests as a more luxurious and abundant coat, offering a striking contrast to the traditional short-haired German Shepherd appearance. The breeding of long-haired German Shepherds follows the same rigorous standards and principles as their short-haired counterparts. The focus remains on maintaining the breed's exceptional temperament, working abilities, and overall health. Over time, breeders recognized the value of long-haired German Shepherds and began selectively breeding them to maintain and enhance their unique characteristics. Through careful pairings and strategic breeding programs, the long-haired variety established itself as a distinct and cherished branch of the German Shepherd breed. How big do long-haired German Shepherds get? Long-haired German Shepherds are structurally the same as short-haired German Shepherds, therefore they can both grow to similar sizes. Males: inches tall, pounds Females: inches tall, pounds Since both German Shepherds are physiologically the same, they also have the same temperaments: loyal, intelligent, energetic, courageous and protective. German Shepherds are ranked 2 on the AKC Breed Popularity list and make for wonderful family companions and working dogs. How can I identify a long-haired German Shepherd puppy? In the photo below are two litter mates from a recent Nadelhaus litter. The puppy on the left is a long coat and the puppy on the right is a normal coat. The long coat has wispier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Long-hair female German Shepherd next to short-hair male German Shepherd. Genetically in German Shepherds, the short hair gene is dominant and the long hair gene is recessive. This means if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated, but neither carries the recessive long hair gene, then no long haired puppies can be produced. However, if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated and both carry the recessive gene, then long-haired German Shepherd puppies can be produced. Long-haired German Shepherds are considered a less common variant of the breed, adding to their allure and exclusivity. While short-haired German Shepherds dominate the breed standard, enthusiasts of long-haired Shepherds appreciate their unique beauty and elegant appearance. Due to their rarity, finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization specializing in long-haired German Shepherds may require some research and patience. However, the joy of owning one of these beautiful dogs is well worth the effort for those who appreciate their longer coats and exceptional qualities. Do long-haired German Shepherds shed more than short-haired German Shepherds? No, this is a common misconception. Although they shed less than short haired German Shepherds, their coats still require regular maintenance. They will need regular brushing and grooming, especially if you enjoy hiking or outdoor activities with your GSD. While it is a rare occurrence for a long-haired GSD to not have an undercoat, most of them do have undercoats. And just like short-haired GSDs, their undercoats will shed more or less throughout the year depending on the season. Should I trim my long haired German Shepherd's coat? The decision to trim a long haired German Shepherd comes down to personal preference, but it is not a necessity. Trimming can help make for more manageable living around the house. If you choose to trim, you can trim around the backs of the ears, on the back of the legs both front and back and then thin the bushy tail. Shaving a German Shepherd on the other hand is never recommended. Their double coats help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. What are long haired German Shepherds called? Regular brushing: Long-haired German Shepherds require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Aim for at least a few brushing sessions per week to keep their coat in good condition. Finish your brushing session with a gentle dog brush to clean up loose hairs. Bathing and drying: It's important to bathe your long-haired German Shepherd as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out all the shampoo to prevent any residue. After bathing, use a high-velocity dryer or a cool air dryer to dry their coat thoroughly, as moisture trapped in the fur can lead to skin issues. Professional grooming: Consider taking your long-haired German Shepherd to a professional groomer for occasional trimming and coat maintenance. A groomer can help keep the fur around sensitive areas, such as the paws and ears, tidy and reduce the chances of matting. Watch for seasonal shedding: Like all German Shepherds, long-haired ones will undergo shedding seasons. Be prepared for increased shedding during these times and brush your dog more frequently to remove loose hair. A de-shedding tool can be helpful in managing shedding and keeping their coat healthy. Remember, each dog is unique, and the specific care requirements may vary. Does Nadelhaus sell long haired German Shepherd puppies? Nadelhaus breeds German Shepherds puppies year round and while the majority of puppies we sell are short hair, we do have occasionally have long haired puppies. We breed all our German Shepherds in the black and red color. If you are looking for a long haired adult German Shepherd, we can also import long-haired German Shepherds direct from Europe. Contact us for more information. These dogs are perfect for special needs, families, emotional support, veterans, and more. Our Long Coat German Shepherds look incredible and are bred from some of the best bloodlines originating from Germany. Take a look at the long coat German Shepherd puppies and adult dogs that we currently have available here at Regis Regal. Long Haired German Shepherd Adults For most people it's probably fairly easy to determine what a long coat German Shepherd is - it simply refers to the length of their fur. Whilst a "standard" German Shepherd will traditionally have short fur, long coats are the result of a recessive gene that any dog can carry. It doesn't mean long coats have any problems - far from it, and for many people they are an even more desirable dog than the standard breed German Shepherd. Long haired German Shepherds look incredibly handsome, and if you're happy with the additional effort required in grooming them and keeping their hair in good condition then they're as loyal and obedient as any other German Shepherd. With our private courier service, we can safely deliver your puppy to all fifty states with utmost love and care. More information here on the long-coat puppies we currently have available for sale. What is their Temperament Like? There is no discernible difference between the temperament of a long coat German Shepherd and a normal short coat dog. For a long time they've been unfairly labeled as being difficult, but sadly this really stems from them not being accepted due to falling outside the normal breeding standard. The Long haired German Shepherds we've raised here at our top breeding facility in Illinois. Our specialized trained dogs have gone on to be used as search dogs, rescue dogs, police dogs, service dogs and therapy dogs. There's no reason long coats can't perform as well or better than short coats since they do look quite incredible at the same time! Whilst a long coat can be a far more desirable dog for some people, when it comes to price they can actually work out around the same price, or even cheaper, than a standard or "normal coat" German Shepherd. The dogs we breed and train here at Regis Regal come from some of the best bloodlines in the world. We conduct Schutzhund training to develop desirable traits including confidence, desire to work, and self-control. Inquire about one of our Long Coat German Shepherds If you would like additional information about our prestigious long coat German Shepherds or our available puppies and service dogs for special needs, please contact us at or regisregal gmail. Your name.

Americanlisted has classifieds in Richmond, Virginia for dogs and cats. Browse these Pug rescues and shelters below. Our Pugs puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. Pugs for Sale in Lynchburg, VA. Search for a Pug puppy or dog. Miniature Pug Puppies for sale. Pugs for Sale in Exmore, VA. Find puppies for adoption from breeders, rescues and shelters. Pug, Virginia » Richmond. Pugs for adoption in the Richmond, Virginia area come with a year health guarantee. We only show Clients puppies with appointments so feel free to call us or email us to set up a time. Where can I adopt a Pug? Pug Puppies for Sale in VA. Search for a Pug puppy or dog Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Pug puppies and adult Pug in Marion, Virginia. Nickname: Tulip on PuppyFinder. Ready for his new forever home! Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. 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No puppies where found matching your criteria. Please click a new state below. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. Pug puppies for sale in Virginia Beach, VA from trusted. You should expect to pay a premium for a Pug puppy with breeding rights or even Pugs for sale advertised as show quality with papers. For out-of-state customers, we have nationwide delivery options tailored to every need. Find a Home for an Animal. Virginia Search for a Pug puppy or dog near you Browse. Pug puppies which have all shots up to date, dewormed, paper trained, and I will provide an extended health guarantee for each one. Each litter is raised in the house and given lots of love and care. Prices for Pug puppies for sale in Roanoke, VA vary by breeder and individual puppy. If you are unable to find your Pug puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Pug Dogs for Adoption. She has a very happy and outgoing personality, loves her family as well as strangers. Most Popular Pug Puppy for Sale Names for We've compiled the top 20 male and female Pug names for after analyzing Pug puppies for sale. But don't worry! At Uptown, we'll always find a pup that meets your budget. Currently 10 weeks old and ready for their new home. Ranking 25th in dog ownership among the states, Virginia is home to an estimated 1. Warren Gosdin is from Pennsylvania and breeds Pugs. At Uptown, we'll always find a. Poppy was born and raised in our home, she's working on house training. Best Virginia Pug Puppies for sale on …. Pug is a Pug puppy for sale in Fredericksburg, VA. Once the companions of Chinese royalty, their distinct faces are complemented by sweet demeanors. Mini Pug puppies call XXXX silver fawns 1 1 boy and 2 girls available ready soon no deposit will hold with out a deposit till the day of pickup they are pay in. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find. These little guys are full of energy and excited for their next chapter of life. Pug puppies for sale in Virginia Beach, VA from …. Virginia, Richmond, Pet Price: Ask. All are fawn, five males NO females. Hatfield Pugs in West Virginia. Despite their tiny size, they have the biggest hearts. We offer ground and air shipping through our personal nanny for an additional fee. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Ckc registered will come with 14 day guarantee. Virginia Pug Puppies for sale on TrustedPuppies. She is really small for a pug. Mini Pug puppies call XXXX silver fawns 1 1 boy and 2 girls available ready soon no deposit will hold with out a deposit till the day of. Pug puppies and dogs in nearby cities. Find Pug puppies for saleNear Virginia. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Rescue .Prices for Pug puppies for sale in Hampton, VA vary by breeder and individual puppy. Find your Pug puppy for sale in Virginia. Region: Virginia Category: Chug Remove all. Pug For Sale in Richmond .Oft-called the Pug Dog or Chinese. Oft-called the Pug Dog or Chinese Pug and said to be "multum in parvo," the sturdy toy companion has an adorable wrinkly-muzzled face, and curly tail in silver, black or fawn, and black. Recent Adoptions Read Success Stories. Pug puppies for sale in Roanoke, VA from trusted …. We are a family owned business in Virginia. Find Pug puppies for sale. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help. Small Breed Puppies. This map shows how many Pug Dogs are posted in other states. And, Ethan can be registered with the ACA. Pug Puppies for Sale in Virginia. Pug puppies for sale in Richmond, VA from trusted breeders. It's also free to list your litters and puppies for sale on our site. They let us come weekly to spend time with him before he was ready to go on his own. Find your Pug puppy for sale in Richmond, VA. Their curly tails and big adoring eyes make each day an adventure. Virginia Pug Classifieds Hoobly. Prices for Pug puppies for sale in Richmond, VA vary by breeder and individual puppy. We are a husband and wife team working together to provide the best care possible for our puppies and their parents. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Charming and clever Pugs were once Chinese emperors' mischievous and devoted companions. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find. Microchip, collar, toys, health records, vet checks and Pug Virginia pug puppies for sale. The cost of each pup can vary wildly depending on appearance, breed, pedigree, and more. In contrast, buying Pugs from breeders can be prohibitively expensive. Browse photos and descriptions of of Virginia Pug puppies of many breeds available right now! AnimalsSale found Pug puppies for sale in Virginia near you, which meet. Meet Ethan, a darling Pug puppy who is being family raised and socialized with children. Pugs are true joy bringers from the moment they are born. Say hello to these adorable Pug puppies! These beautiful pups will bring so much joy and happiness to your life with their sweet and friendly personalities! Pug puppies for sale in Norfolk, VA from trusted breeders. Rqs trained pug puppies ready. Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Find a Pug for adoption at dog rescues or shelters near Roanoke-Lynchburg. See real-time photos and information about dogs currently available by clicking or tapping on FETCH below. The search tool above returns a list of breeders located nearest to the zip or postal code you enter. From there you can see photos of their pups, find detailed information on their web page and contact them by e-mail, phone and even get driving directions. Detailed contact information has been omitted. Enter your zip or postal code above to access our up-to-date directory. This is a free search tool! Use the form at the top to get complete listings for breeders in your area! Important: Breeders. It is your responsibility to investigate. See How to Find a Dog. Puppies available most times. UTD on shots and dewormings. Raised in my home! We have beautiful AKC registered pug puppies. We have been raising puppies for around 25 years and make every effort to raise healthy quality pets. Adorable little girls full of energy and playful. Very sweet and love to be held. Dewclaws removed and first vaccine. September has available puppies. Give us a call today to discuss our puppies. I have fawns and blacks, all are AKC registered. Boys available at stud. We breed sweet, healthy companions and occasional show pups. Expecting 2 females heat cycle Nov and Dec .They are health guaranteed and raised with children, dogs and cats. We do NOT ship. It is too high of a risk. Pups go home microchipped, vaccinated, with first dose of heartworm prevention. Email for application. We have only a few litters a year. All of our dogs and puppies live in our home. Puppies will have required vaccinations and come with health guarantee. All our dogs and pups are raised in our home not a kennel. Our fur kids are Loved and spoiled beyond measure.We have been doing this for 13 yrs. The pups are raised in our house and our parents have absolutely no health issues. Feel free to check out our Panini Pug facebook page for the newest info! Looking for one of these fantastic little dogs give us a call! We have traditional colors and unrecognized colors all pups are vet checked and come with a guarantee. Still have the cutest black male and two fawn males. Spring is the nicest time to raise your puppy. Very sociable,loving and fun. Old black female who is housebroken and very calm and laid back.

So, while this is not a reason not to get a GSD, it is a reason to look for adequate breeders, to ask for health certificates, to take good care of your dog, and to go to routine vet check-ups. German Shepherds can also be costly to take care of not just to purchase The regular vet visits, the high need for exercise, and the extra-space requirements all make the GSD a relatively expensive dog to take care of in terms of money as well. German Shepherds are very smart but that also makes them easily bored — they require lots of mental stimulation As with all smart dog breeds such as retrievers and other shepherds, the high intelligence of the GSD can be a curse as much as a blessing. So, what can be done to avoid boredom? Toys and time. However, an inexperienced dog owner can find a GSD to be more than a handful. Why is that? Simple — because they are so smart! Yes, their intelligence means that you can train them a lot but it also means they can be temperamental, manipulative, and stubborn! This breed is cute and cuddly at home but socially awkward in public German shepherds are incredibly cute, social, and loving animals. They are loyal to their family and would do anything for those close to them. What does this mean for you? Even if you just get a random GSD and not give it any special training or socialization, the dog may still get along just fine with a cat or a newborn baby. However, in general, the social awkwardness and guard-dog nature of GSDs means that they often need to be socialized well if you want to make other additions to the households down the line. Make sure that you teach your growing GSD to get along with other dog breeds in the dog park or at home. If you have a cat or are thinking of getting a cat, make sure your German Shepherd is accustomed to interacting with cats without any aggression. One of the best and easiest ways to avoid most of the problems above is to just get a second German Shepherd! Yes, we did just say that this breed can be a handful. However, a second dog usually brings much more benefits than negatives: The second dog will join the first in the playtime, meaning that both will exercise with each other very often and minimize the need for your involvement. Having a second GSD also means more mental stimulation for both dogs — again, less work for you and more fun for them. As natural guard dogs, German Shepherds may need to be trained not to bark Unfortunately, GSDs are especially bad for apartment owners not just because they are big but also because they tend to bark at strangers. They are guard dogs after all. This can be avoided, of course, there are ways to train any dog not to bark at strangers or at outside noises. There are several reasons for this: The frequent barking we mentioned above. Yes, you can train that behavior away but your landlord may still forbid you from getting a GSD. Getting a carpet or another type of floor insulation will help here. Giving your dog enough playtime outside will also alleviate this problem. But you may still get in trouble with your neighbors. They are just a large breed and many people, including parents of small children, are afraid of large dogs. Not only are GSDs not hypoallergenic, but they also tend to shed a lot! There are two main reasons for this: The aforementioned health concerns that some German Shepherds have and that get more and more likely as the dog gets older. The simple fact that the GSD is a large dog breed and larger breeds just have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones. As you can see, there are lots of factors to consider before getting a GSD. In general, the right GSD owner can be characterized as such: Has a larger-than-average home, a yard, and a nearby dog park. Has enough time to spend with a German Shepherd. Knows how to train and socialize a GSD properly. Has the financial means to support a German Shepherd. Wants a second dog to play with the first one. How to prepare for getting a German Shepherd? Just like soon-to-be-parents before their first baby, there are lots of books and research to comb through if you want to give your future German Shepherd the care, upbringing, socialization, and care it needs. So Make sure your home is ready for a large dog to soon start springing through it. Make sure you have the time and daily schedule to play with a GSD. Consider owning a Cairn Terrier! In this article, we explore who would benefit them as furry friends! Check them here! Read on to discover nine types of people who should consider owning this unique breed. Check this article to learn more about the types of people who are perfect for owning a Poodle dog! Fans of the breed love them for their loyalty, courage, and intelligence. As family pets, they can be taught many things and thrive at being mentally challenged and trained. Since they were bred to work, they have a lot of endurance and energy that needs to be expended each day. Despite being so active, German shepherds also have a softer side. Their level of loyalty to their owners is unsurpassed. They love nothing more than to be near their family and the closer the better, so they can do their job of looking after those they adore. Because they have such a close bond with their owners, they make excellent companions and enjoy going on trips, car rides, walks, hikes, and are always up for an adventure. Anyone wanting to adopt or buy a German shepherd should do their research to see if this magnificent breed fits into their life to avoid problems down the road. Here are 15 things you can expect when you own a German shepherd: 1. Puppy biting When you bring home a German shepherd puppy, you can expect lots of nipping, puppy biting, and mouthing. All puppies explore the world with their mouth and nose, but some new owners are caught by surprise by just how much German shepherd puppies like to nip at their owners. As herding dogs, German shepherds have a high prey drive that results in a desire to herd and gather. Exercise is a must German shepherds are very active and as working dogs have lots of endurance. They are strong, athletic, and agile. They require lots of age appropriate exercise to meet their physical needs. The good news is, exercise can come in many forms. A dog genius German shepherds are very smart and they need to exercise their mind as well as their body. They require training and also need to have fun to be happy and fulfilled. They love to learn but require a strong leader and training to development into the amazing dog they were born to be. A bored German shepherd is a destructive and anxious German shepherd and that includes challenging their mind, training them, and teaching them new things throughout their life. To pay for healthy food German shepherds are notorious for having sensitive skin and stomachs and need high quality dog food to keep them from developing health problems. By investing in and feeding them high quality food, it may help avoid health problems and expensive trips to the vet down the road. A good diet begins in puppyhood and starts with a good quality large breed puppy food. Sweep and vacuum up lots of dog fur German shepherds have a dense coat and shed year-round. To keep up with the dog fur, expect to sweep and vacuum often. If dog fur drives you nuts, they are probably not the breed for you. To groom often Along with sweeping and vacuuming, German shepherds need lots of grooming. A protector German shepherds are very protective of their family and need training and socialization from a young age so they know what you expect of them. As a herding dog, they naturally have a strong guarding instinct and consider it their job to look after their owner. This is great except they must learn how to interact with the world and should not be allowed to guard food, resources, toys, territory, and people. Mess makers Along with their shedding, they are also mess makers! They love to play with their toys and strew them all over the house, drip water all over the floor, roll in the grass, and play in mud and dirt. They will leave their nose art all over your windows and doors and basically leave a trail wherever they go. They have adorable personalities and will do the funniest things to make you smile. Fun playmate German shepherds love to play. Play time is also a great time to provide with their daily exercise. They love nothing more than to chase a ball, catch a Frisbee, carry big sticks, play tug, and more. They have built in alarms clocks and will happily wake you up to take them out, feed them, exercise, and play. They love to follow you everywhere and go wherever you go. They use their body language and vocalizations to communicate their needs. They are masters at telling you when they want to eat, go outside, are frustrated, or want to play. Some will want to pet your dog and some will want you to go away. Owning a German shepherd automatically make you an ambassador of the breed and carries a responsibility to educate the public about how amazing they are. Best friend forever German shepherds are the most loyal breed ever. They will happily spend every day of their life living to be with you, love you, make you happy, and protect you. They are a friend like no other and deserve nothing but the same in return. Despite how great they are, they take time and commitment. Probably more so than most other breeds. However, even the best dogs come with their own set of challenges. Some traits are very similar, and some vary greatly between dogs, but most share typical traits of the German shepherd breed. Puppies are hard work Despite their irresistible cuteness, German shepherd puppies are hard work. Along with their need for lots of training, they are curious, bold, and into everything that captures their attention. They also love to puppy bite and chew everything that moves, including hands, feet, furniture, personal belongings, and small children. Puppy proofing the house and teaching them what is and is not okay to play bite is not optional when one of these tiny land sharks moves in. They need their people around From young pups to seniors, German shepherds become very bonded with their owners. Adult and senior dogs are happiest when their owners are nearby. If you work, you might consider day care, a dog walker, a dog sitter, or even another dog to keep them company. They are dog athletes and need lots of room to run and play so that they can burn off excess energy. They also have a lot of stamina and require plenty of time to get their exercise needs met. They get bored easily To say German shepherds are smart is an understatement. This breed is very clever and will invent things to keep their mind occupied when not given enough time, training, attention, and exercise. A bored shepherd can easily transform into a mischievous shepherd. They need lots of activities to keep their mind engaged as well as their body. The good news is, when you give them time and attention, they love nothing more than to focus on you. They can be expensive to take care of There is no such thing as a free dog but German shepherds cost more than other dogs to raise. For starters, the larger the dog, the more expensive it is to feed, spay or neuter. Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention costs more for larger dogs. They also tend to require premium foods to keep their sensitive skin and stomachs happy. They can be prone to allergies, breed specific health problems, and certain orthopedic issues that can equal expensive vet bills. When getting a new puppy, pet insurance is something to seriously consider. Prepare to invest in lots of toys German shepherds love to play and are also power chewers. Most can quickly destroy even the toughest toys and chews. When you own a shepherd, gone are the days of a toy lasting for years. They shed on everything German shepherds shed all year round and twice a year, massively shed. They are totally worth the work but may not be the breed for people who like things kept spotless. They have a prey drive German shepherds were bred to be herding dogs so they have a strong prey drive. Which means, they love to chase things. This drive is fun because it makes them totally into a game of fetch or Frisbee. It also means they may love to chase things, including small animals like squirrels, rabbits, cats, hamsters, etc. Can some dogs get along with other small pets? Are some dogs, especially those with stronger working lines harder to train and may be unsafe with small pets? Talk to your breeder or test the dog before bringing it home whenever possible. Socialization is not optional These dogs are powerful, naturally protective, and extremely devoted to their family. They can also be leery and standoffish with strangers. Teaching them how to be confident, greet people, and to prevent unwanted guarding behavior is one of the most important things they need to learn from a young age. Playful and lively Despite being fearless, they are also very playful and love nothing more than having fun with their family. They love to play games, learn new things, go for rides in the car, adventure, and spend time hanging out with the people they love. Loyal to the end There is no breed more loyal than a German shepherd. They live to please and protect those they adore. They are happiest when near their family and will spend every day of their life watching over their loved ones. They make the best companions and friends to those lucky enough to own one. They are very loyal, intelligent and love to be kept active, so can be easy to train. They suit very active households as they need a lot of exercise every day. They are great dogs for owners with a lot of experience and time as, like most dogs, they can get bored easily. Unfortunately, German Shepherds do have a range of health issues due to the way they have been bred, which can end up being costly to owners and cause serious problems for the dog. Common health problems in German Shepherds German Shepherds are great dogs for the right owners, but they are at risk of certain conditions and illnesses common with the breed. Making sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening can reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by some of these upsetting conditions. This means that these types of dog have been bred over many years to look a certain way, but that these changes to the way they look have started to cause them health problems. For German Shepherds, this is mostly due to the shape of their back legs and hips. There is a screening test for this. There is a screening test. Inherited eye diseases — including cataracts and multifocal retinal dysplasia. There are screening testing for these. Epilepsy — a brain disorder causing seizures. Pituitary dwarfism — a hormone deficiency which causes severe growth problems and reduces lifespan. Haemophilia A and B — bleeding disorders that stop blood from clotting and cause wounds to bleed more than they should. Screening tests are available. This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other conditions that German Shepherds have been shown to be prone to. German Shepherds and barking As with any dog, German Shepherds are likely to bark. Their main purpose was for herding and guarding so they can be quite vocal when people walk past or enter or exit the house, but how much noise they make will vary from dog to dog. Training and socialisation Regardless of the age of your German Shepherd when you adopt it, you need to have clear boundaries to help keep them safe and happy. As with all training — consistency is key! Everyone in the family needs to follow the same rules. German Shepherds are very loyal to their owners and can be protective of their family. They can have a strong guarding instinct, so careful training and socialisation will be needed to prevent any guarding or aggressive behaviours. As with any dog, your German Shepherd will need to be well socialised with people, other animals and different objects and environments from a young age. Try to keep the time your German Shepherd is alone to an absolute minimum as they thrive on company and will worry about you if you leave them too long. You should never leave any dog alone for longer than four hours. Exercise Be prepared — German Shepherds are very active dogs! They need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and occupied. This will also stop them from barking out of boredom or having a nibble on the furniture. Your German Shepherd will need a minimum of two hours of exercise every day. This should include walks and off-lead exercise in a safe area, with extra playtime and training on top to give them a good variety. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together online. Our vets recommend spreading exercise across the day rather than trying to do two hours all in one go. German Shepherds are a great breed if you enjoy long walks and spending loads of time exploring outside. If there are times when you are unable to give them the exercise they need, then arranging for a relative, friend or dog-walker to come and help would be essential. Grooming Be prepared for a lot of shedding because German Shepherds have such thick coats! Ideally, you should give your German Shepherd a brush or comb down a few times a week to keep their coat looking healthy, prevent matting and reduce the build-up of dead hair especially if they have a longer coat. You may want to take them to a professional for bath time because of their size. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate German Shepherds and children Adult German Shepherds can range from being calm and patient to bouncy and boisterous, depending on their personality, training and socialisation. Some can make great family pets in homes with children of all ages, but dogs should always be supervised around young children. Make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. German Shepherds and other pets To help them be calm and patient, it's best to socialise your German Shepherd with other dogs and pets from a young age. Some can be a bit bossy with other dogs as they get older but with proper care, training and socialisation this is unlikely to become a problem. German Shepherds are usually fine with other family pets they have grown up with. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave at a gap after eating and before exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet high standards. Set up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around six months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. Fun facts The first guide dogs for visually impaired people were German Shepherds. They were originally bred to be herding dogs, an instinct which still remains strong in the breed. They need lots of exercise and plenty to do to stop getting bored. Make sure you have enough space and time to give them the exercise and attention they need to stay happy and healthy. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a German Shepherd. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in German Shepherds are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. November 8, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The German Shepherd Dog, one of the top ten popular breeds in the United States, is known for their regal appearance, bravery, intelligence, and noble character. They are hard-working dogs that fit into a variety of service jobs, but can also be amazing family dogs, making them an all-around great breed for dog lovers! How do you know if the German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for you and your family? German Shepherd Dogs are a younger breed that started in Germany in by Captain Max Von Stephanitz who sought to create an unmatched herding dog. But as Germany became more and more industrialized, the breed shifted from herding work to police and military training. Hundreds of these dogs made their way to the United States during WWI, one such being a small five-day-old puppy that was rescued from a destroyed kennel in France and brought home to the states to Los Angeles. This puppy later grew up to be one of the most famous four-legged movie stars, Rin Tin Tin, starring in 26 movies, forever making the German Shepherd Dog breed a popular choice in the nation! If you are looking for an attractive dog, look no further! German Shepherd Dogs have beautiful coats, strong muscular builds, a square muzzle, long bushy tail, and a black mask. Some colors like red and black, or tan and black, have distinct markings such as saddle or blanket on their back. However, German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors: sable, silver, liver, panda, solid black, and solid white. What are German Shepherd Dog Personalities like? German Shepherd Dogs can be reserved, often appearing aloof toward new people, but this very loyal breed loves their families and can be very affectionate. While they can be wary of new people and protective of their family, with the right socialization, German Shepherd Dogs can be friendly and easy-going. They are an intelligent and high-energy breed that thrives with a job to do. Due to this, without the proper or consistent amount of stimulating work, they can easily become bored and frustrated. Those feelings could translate into behaviors like barking, howling, or chewing. As they get older, they'll equally enjoy relaxing with you at home and getting up with you to do the next fun activity! If you are a lover of going for long walks or runs, enjoy hiking on the weekends, or trips to the beach depending on where you live, a German Shepherd Dog will gladly trot alongside you! German Shepherd Dogs while they can be independent, do crave to be with their family and offer great companionship. With crate training, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to adapt to being left alone for periods of time without developing separation anxiety, however, this breed thrives with interaction and will do best a puppy parent that can provide them with a balanced amount of alone and accompanied time throughout the day. Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherd Dogs can suffer from some common illnesses including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Thankfully, responsible breeders today have bred out many of these and improved the health of the breed significantly! When you bring home your new German Shepherd puppy, schedule their first veterinarian visit to discuss appropriate health care, proper nutrition and supplements, and exercise. German Shepherd Dogs tend to shed regularly and heavily twice in the year during the Spring and Fall season. With soft undercoats and harsher topcoats, they would do best with regular brushing once a week will help remove their dead fur and maintain healthy skin! Note: When looking for a reputable German Shepherd Dog breeder, go through an accredited website such as AKC for their breeder locator. Additionally, many pure-breed and mixed German Shepherds are available in rescues and shelters for adoption! German Shepherds are smart and hard-working, so puppy training will not only provide them with the stimulation they crave but also solidify your communication, trust, and overall relationship! Early puppy training Lay the foundation for good behavior the day your puppy comes home, introducing them to basic obedience. Keeping your puppy on a leash at home while under supervision will help to build their focus on you as their leader and also help keep them from darting away. Soon, build up to more obedience training commands, work on their focus through distractions, and start to introduce training in different locations such as your yard, or neighborhood to solidify their communication with you in any situation. Also, check out the rest of our Puppy Training and Puppyhood Made Easy for New Owners series to guide you through what to train your puppy next, how to troubleshoot, and other important topics every puppy owner should know! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your German Shepherd Dog puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Socialization is a must German Shepherd Dogs are natural protectors and benefit greatly from being socialized with other dogs, people, new places, textures, and sounds. When done correctly, s ocialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged German Shepherd Dogs are very intelligent and have high-prey drives which mean they love to work! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. Developed as part of K9 and military dog training, this is a perfect activity for your German Shepherd to burn off some mental and physical steam! Did you recently bring home a German Shepherd Dog puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! 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