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Breeds The link has been copied! When looking into the cost of a Boxer, there are many elements to consider that can influence the final expense. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into not only the initial purchase price of a Boxer puppy or adult dog but also explore ongoing costs associated with their care and well-being. As you read through this post, you'll gain valuable insights on how to find reputable breeders and identify key aspects that influence the cost of a purebred Boxer puppy. Additionally, we'll provide tips on how to potentially lower these expenses while ensuring your beloved pet remains healthy and happy throughout its life. In essence, our goal is to equip you with all the necessary information required for making an informed decision when answering "How much does a Boxer cost? The cost of a Boxer can vary significantly depending on several factors such as the breeder, bloodline, and location. PetFinder is one resourceful platform for finding adoptable dogs near you. Pet Food: High-quality dog food is essential to maintain the health of your Boxer. How Much Is a Boxer Puppy? Before committing to bringing a Boxer puppy into your home, be sure to factor in the associated costs. The purchase price of a Boxer puppy can vary depending on several factors such as the breeder, location, and bloodline. In addition to purchasing your new furry friend, there are also routine adoption fees that may apply if you choose to adopt instead of buying from a breeder. Factors That Impact the Cost of a Boxer When looking at getting a Boxer, it's important to be mindful of the various elements that can affect its price. Some key aspects influencing the price include colors, bloodline and purity, breeder reputation, and estimated size. Colors of a Boxer The color of a Boxer may affect its price as certain coat colors are more sought after than others. For example, fawn and brindle are common colors for this breed; however, white boxers tend to be rarer and may come with a higher price tag. It is important to note that American Kennel Club AKC standards do not recognize all-white or black boxers in conformation events. Breeders Reputation The reputation of the breeder you choose plays a significant role in determining how much you'll pay for your new furry friend. Reputable breeders invest time and resources into ensuring their dogs' well-being while prioritizing responsible breeding practices such as genetic testing for hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia or heart issues commonly found within this breed source. Estimated Size of a Boxer The estimated size of the adult dog can also influence its cost. Generally, larger dogs require more resources such as food, grooming services, and healthcare which may lead to higher expenses over their lifetime. According to the AKC, male Boxers typically weigh between pounds while females range from pounds. To ensure the safety of your beloved pet and protect your investment, it's essential to consider using a GPS-tracking dog collar, such as the one offered by Fi. The Fi Smart Collar V3 is designed specifically for keeping track of your dog's location at all times. It offers real-time tracking with nationwide coverage, ensuring that you'll always know where your Boxer is, even if they wander off or get lost. Battery Life: The long-lasting battery life ensures continuous tracking without frequent charging interruptions. Durable Design: Built to withstand rough play and harsh weather conditions, this collar will stay functional through various adventures with your energetic Boxer. User-Friendly App: Easily monitor your pup's location and activity levels through the intuitive Fi app available for iOS and Android devices. Taking proactive steps to secure our furry friends not only safeguards our investments but also shows that we are devoted to providing them with the highest quality of care. Boxer Breed Guide The Boxer breed is a popular choice among dog owners due to its unique personality, size, and lifestyle. This section will look at the characteristics of Boxers that make them a great pet for those with busy lives, such as professionals and remote workers. Personality Boxers are known for their playful and energetic personalities. They are highly intelligent dogs that enjoy learning new tricks and engaging in interactive play with their human companions. These dogs are loyal to family members and have protective instincts when faced with strangers or potential threats. Males stand at around inches tall at the shoulder whereas females measure about .Their muscular build makes them strong yet agile pets suitable for active lifestyles. Average Lifespan The average lifespan of a healthy Boxer ranges from 10 to 12 years but can be extended through proper care such as regular veterinary check-ups , vaccinations, grooming routines, and providing a balanced diet rich in nutrients. They enjoy activities such as running, flirt pole playing , hiking, and playing fetch with their owners. These dogs thrive in environments where they can engage in both physical and mental stimulation. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The cost of owning a Boxer includes not only the initial purchase price but also ongoing expenses such as food, grooming supplies, veterinary care, training classes, toys, and more. How Can I Lower the Cost of a Boxer A Boxer may be costly to own, yet there are measures that can help reduce the expenditure associated with this breed, such as adoption rather than buying from a breeder and opting for an older dog instead of a puppy. By considering adoption instead of purchasing from a breeder and opting for an older dog rather than a puppy, you can save money while still enjoying the companionship of this energetic and loving breed. Adopting vs Buying From a Breeder Adopting a Boxer is often more affordable than buying one from a breeder. Choosing an Older Dog Over a Puppy Puppies may be adorable but they come with additional expenses like vaccinations and training classes. Opting for an older dog, on the other hand, offers several advantages: Vaccinations: Most adult dogs have already received their necessary vaccinations which will save you both time and money. Training: Adult dogs are usually housebroken and well-behaved, reducing the need for expensive training classes. Lower energy levels: Older Boxers tend to be calmer and require less exercise than puppies, making them easier to manage for busy professionals or remote workers. By adopting an older dog or choosing a rescue over a breeder, you can significantly reduce the cost of owning a Boxer while still enjoying their loyal companionship. Remember that every dog deserves love and care regardless of age or origin - with proper attention and commitment, your new furry friend will become an invaluable part of your life. By making informed decisions and researching the breed thoroughly, you can significantly lower the cost of owning a Boxer. Furthermore, understanding all of your options when it comes to obtaining a Boxer is essential for determining whether or not this breed is right for you financially. The Cost of Owning a Boxer As you've seen throughout this article, owning a Boxer can be quite an investment. From the initial purchase or adoption fees to routine care costs such as vet visits, vaccinations, grooming, and pet food, it's essential to budget accordingly for your new furry family member. This cutting-edge collar enables you to monitor your pup's whereabouts and activity levels, making sure they stay safe and healthy. In addition to considering Fi's GPS collar for added security measures, there are other ways you can lower the overall cost of owning a Boxer: Adopting vs buying from a breeder: Adoption fees are typically lower than purchasing from reputable breeders. Additionally, adopting helps save lives by providing homes for dogs in need. Selecting an older dog instead of a puppy: Older dogs may have reduced adoption fees compared to puppies. Plus, they often come with basic training already completed - saving time and money on obedience classes. Budgeting for preventive care: Regular check-ups with veterinarians help catch potential health issues early on before they become costly problems down the line. Frequently Asked Questions Here are the most frequently asked questions regarding boxer puppy cost What is the most expensive Boxer dog? The most expensive Boxer dogs are typically those with a strong pedigree, champion bloodlines, and exceptional physical traits. However, it's essential to prioritize health and temperament over cost when choosing a puppy. How much is a Boxer pitbull worth? It's important to research breeders thoroughly before purchasing any mixed-breed dog. How much does it cost to walk a Boxer? The cost of walking a Boxer varies based on your location and whether you hire a professional dog walker or use an app-based service like Rover. What is all about owning a Boxer? Owning a boxer involves providing proper training using positive reinforcement , socialization opportunities, regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and routine veterinary care. They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and playful nature but also require consistent attention due to their energetic disposition. Conclusion Analyzing the variables which determine a Boxer's cost reveals that having one can be pricey. From the initial purchase price to ongoing expenses like food and vet visits, potential owners should carefully consider if they have the financial means to provide for this breed. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Written by: Howmuchisit. Originating from Germany, it is considered as a very gentle dog, even though it may not look gentle upon first glance. On PuppyFind. Boxer puppy overview A reputable breeder should always include some sort of health guarantee, up-to-date vaccinations, a certified vet checkup, a travel crate if being shipped and registration paperwork. What are the extra costs? Tips to know: Boxer puppies will measure between 21 and 26 inches tall and can weigh up to 50 to 70 pounds, with females, on average, weighing about 20 percent less. They are known to be quite strong, powerful and are known for their smaller nose and powerful jaws. A Boxer will have a shorter, smooth and shiny coat, that can include common coat colors such brown and white, also referred to as brindle and fawn. White Boxers also exist, but most white Boxers are found to be deaf. The Boxer is known to be very attentive, loyal to its owner and highly intelligent. If healthy, the average Boxer can live 10 to 12 years. Boxers are known to be wonderful with children. How can I save money? With so many Boxers out there, consider checking out a local adoption center or rescue group that specializes with this particular breed. Advertising Disclosure: This content may include referral links. Please read our disclosure policy for more info. This range, however, is comparable to that of other large dog breeds. The ongoing expenses associated with having a Boxer puppy primarily comprise food and other necessities. However, you must also consider check-ups and pet insurance. Regular check-ups should be provided to your Boxer dog at least every two months so they remain healthy and they meet their maximum lifespan. Additionally, you should invest in pet insurance to help with the financial strain of high-priced vet expenses. Pet insurance coverage includes emergency procedures such as total hip replacement, injuries, and various illnesses. These additional costs may include pet daycare, grooming, kennel club certifications, and other necessities. Pet Sitter Fee: Pet sitters are an alternative to pet daycare. Leaving your dog with a friend, neighbor, or a professional pet sitter is an excellent option, particularly for well-behaved, socialized canines. You can hire a professional groomer instead. Emergency Medical Procedure: Serious health issues such as kidney, liver disease, or cancer can strike certain dogs without warning, and the Boxer is not exempt. If your dog has already reached the end of its prime years, expect to pay for emergency medical treatments. Apart from emergency medical treatment for certain health conditions, the expenses mentioned above are entirely optional. This implies that as you progress, you can identify strategies to avoid these expenses entirely and make additional savings. All of these sites are trustworthy, so you can rest assured that you will not come across a backyard breeder. They have been conducting research and working with healthy Boxer puppies since .They began breeding Boxer puppies in and have continued to expand, following the breed standard. This breeder maintains a close group of experts who serve as consultants of the kennel. Cimarron Boxers — Cimarron Boxers have been breeding European Boxer puppies for over two decades now. They vet their dogs and provide a 5-year health guarantee. Aside from the ones mentioned above, you can also check out our list of top Boxer breeders for more options. Meanwhile, if you advocate for rehoming, the following Boxer shelters and rescue organizations may have adult Boxer dogs available for adoption: Boxer Lovers Rescue BLR — Boxer Lovers Rescue BLR is a non-profit organization managed entirely by volunteers that assists Boxers in the Northwest states. Their principal objective is to decrease the number of homeless Boxer dogs and increase public awareness of the breed. In collaboration with volunteers and local veterinarians, this rescue provides medical care and temporary housing for the Boxers they handle. HBR was founded out of genuine love for the Boxer breed and a passion for helping reduce their suffering caused by neglect, abuse, or abandonment. You can also read our list of top Boxer rescues for more options. It includes some reputable Boxer dog rescues in the United States and some other helpful sources. Moreover, you can connect with other Boxer owners via social media groups. Surely, someone will gladly assist you in your search for this pooch. Furthermore, you might also want to read this article on how to ace your adoption application. This will undoubtedly guide you in bringing your chosen Boxer dog! Money-Saving Tips for Boxer Owners While we adore our canine companions, caring for them may become costly, particularly if they become ill. Unexpected expenses for your Boxer dog are inevitable, so you should really find ways to save money. Here are some money-saving tips you can use as a Boxer owner: Make food and treats for your dog. If your Boxer dog is a fussy eater, you will be obliged to purchase expensive wet canned food. Making homemade food and treats for your dog is one method to cut down on this expenditure. Invest in high-quality essentials. Investing in high-quality dog accessories such as a food and water bowl is an excellent way to save money. Groom your dog at home. Boxer puppies require little grooming at home. Investing the time and effort necessary to learn how to groom this puppy yourself will eventually pay off. Stick with durable dog toys. Choosing durable dog toys for playdates is essential. Consider products noted for their durability, so it would take a few months before you need to buy new ones. Visit the vet regularly. Investing a few hundred dollars in veterinary care is preferable to spending thousands on emergency medical procedures later. Routine check-ups will ensure that your pup remains healthy and fit. You can cut back on money while still providing adequate care to your Boxer. Final Thoughts The Boxer puppy cost is relatively reasonable. Except for the high maintenance requirements and grooming costs, the monthly expenses associated with having this dog are manageable. If you have assessed that you have enough savings to tend to this dog, then go contact the breeders and rescues I listed above to ask for the price of their available litter. Got leads on where to find Boxers with affordable prices or tips on how to cut down the expenses of Boxer ownership? Feel free to share them in the comment box below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. During its first year, a Boxer puppy will consume about pounds of food. They only need to be taken to the groomer about six times annually. This includes bathing, hair removal if applicable, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. To save money, consider buying an at-home dog-grooming kit. If you are interested in getting health insurance for your new pet, Lemonade offers customizable insurance plans and responsive customer service. Your dog can urinate on a rug or eat your favorite pair of shoes. Ensure he always has plenty of fun toys to keep his mind occupied. But it is possible to own a Boxer on a budget while still providing it with exceptional care. You can skip the costs of bi-monthly grooming sessions by purchasing an at-home dog-grooming kit. Make DIY dog toys from old clothing. However, this is just an estimate. You can own a Boxer without breaking your budget. Be prepared for unexpected emergencies by opening up emergency savings account for your dog and getting pet insurance. Boxers make loving, loyal pets that deserve the best care money can buy. With some planning and preparation, you can comfortably bring a Boxer into your home. Less - The Boxer is exemplary in its combination of stylish elegance with strength and agility. It is square-proportioned with good substance and musculature. Its stride is free and ground-covering, with proud carriage. Its head is distinctive, with a broad, blunt muzzle and alert expression. Its coat is short and shiny. It is perfectly suited to serve as a working watchdog. The boxer is playful, exuberant, inquisitive, attentive, demonstrative, devoted and outgoing; it is a perfect companion for an active family. It can be stubborn, but it is sensitive and responsive to commands. It may be aggressive toward strange dogs, but it is generally good with other household dogs and pets. History The Bulldog is an ancestor of the Boxer; various terriers were also part of its make-up, which gives the breed its speed, agility and more graceful body. The breed was virtually ignored until World War II, when it was brought into use as a military or police dog. This helped to insure instant popularity with returning servicemen, and the breed became in demand in the United States. The contractual agreement between you and the breeder Agreement made to not breed the dog in the future Agreement made to not enter it into competitions No restrictions on the Boxer puppy Read on to see why these factors affect the price of Boxer puppies. Reputation Of The Breeder Breeders spend a lot of time and money to build up their reputation as trustworthy Boxer breeders. The more renowned a breeder is, the more they are able to charge for their dogs. However, some puppy mills and backyard breeders will shoot up their prices to appear to be reputable breeders. Therefore, you should go through a trusted association to find a reputable breeder. Do not be fooled by good advertising. The individual Boxer puppy you want to purchase must have its own papers that document its registration with the American Kennel Club. These papers cost money and will increase the price of your Boxer puppy slightly. This is important because pedigree changes the price of the Boxer puppy; I will discuss this next! Pedigree is important when it comes to determining what your Boxer puppy will look like, its temperament, and the chance of it developing genetic issues in the future as it grows up. Determining who the dam and sire of your Boxer puppy are is important in determining price. If your Boxer puppy has a champion sire or dam, then the price of the puppy will increase significantly. Champion heritage drives the price of the Boxer puppy up because the buyer is almost guaranteed to get a perfect specimen of what a Boxer should be and has a better chance at winning competitions with their Boxer puppy when it grows up. The breed, unfortunately, suffers from hip dysplasia, cardiovascular myopathy, severe arthritis, degenerative myelopathy, several cancers, and aortic valve disease. The American Kennel Club recommends that all of these tests, including thyroid screening, elbow evaluations, and certain DNA tests are all done to produce a long-term prognosis so effective preventative care can be carried out from day one. If a Boxer puppy has any health concerns, then their price will decrease, and they will often be sold for a couple of hundred dollars or so depending on the specific health issues they have. As medium-sized dogs, Boxers can leave their mothers safely at eight weeks. Many people who want to compete with their boxers will wait until the Boxer puppy is six to eight months old before purchasing them. During this time, the breeder will invest in behavioral training. When the Boxer puppy is six to eight months old, the breeder will also be able to give you a better idea of their temperament and their adult markings and ultimate size. As a result, these puppies will be much more expensive than the younger ones. Boxers will stand at 23 to 25 inches tall if they are male and .They have tall, regal-looking shoulders that slope down gently to a smaller set of hips. Their heads are quite square and are characterized by their wrinkles that make them appear confused but curious! Boxers that meet the breed standard are a fawn or brindle color with white markings on their chests, bellies, inner legs, and faces. However, the white markings may not be more than a third of their entire body. If your Boxer puppy meets the breed standard, then their price will increase because they can be used for competitions. However, if they do not meet the breed standard, then their price will be decreased, as this is seen as undesirable from a competition standpoint. The first agreement will prevent you from further breeding your Boxer puppy. The second agreement will prevent you from entering your Boxer puppy into any competitions. Both contacts will decrease the price of your Boxer puppy, as they place restrictions on what you can and cannot do with your puppy as it grows up. There are many other costs associated with owning a Boxer! One-Time Bring Home Costs There are a number of things you will need to purchase before you even pick up your Boxer puppy to make them feel more comfortable and happy in their new home! Fortunately, a lot of these items only need to be purchased once or twice, like food bowls and crates, for example. Here is a list of some of the vital things you need:.

Please keep in mind that these are estimates to give you a general idea of how tall your French Bulldog puppy will be. At what age is a French Bulldog fully grown? A French Bulldog will reach close to their full weight around eight to twelve months old and maximum height around nine to twelve months of age. French Bulldogs will continue to slowly fill out anywhere between nine to fifteen months of age. They are considered fully grown around 12 to 14 months old, but may continue to put on muscle until they are two years old. How big should a 6-month-old French Bulldog be? A male French Bulldog will weigh between 17 and 22 pounds at six months old and have an average weight of .A six-month-old female French Bulldog will weigh between 13 and 20 pounds with an average weight of 17 pounds. Both male and female French Bulldogs will stand around seven to nine inches on average. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. French Bulldogs usually reach their full height when they are between nine and twelve months old. As short dogs, French Bulldogs barely double in height from three months of age to 1 year old. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, this is a telltale sign that they are still growing! What is the size of a full-grown French Bulldog? Most female French Bulldogs will weigh about 17 to 24 pounds, while male French Bulldogs weigh about 20 to 28 pounds. Both male and female French Bulldogs will stand 11 to 13 inches tall and have a muscular, heavy-boned build. How do I make sure my French Bulldog is healthy? As a purebred dog breed, French Bulldogs are more prone to genetic health problems. In particular, French Bulldogs are predisposed to skin problems, ear infections, diarrhea, eye problems, spinal injury and respiratory distress caused by their brachycephalic syndrome. Brachycephalic syndrome causes them to have a flat nose and shorter esophagus, creating a heightened risk of breathing problems. The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that about half of French Bulldogs have significant breathing problems and .In addition to this, French Bulldogs are prone to obesity , which can lead to type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, disc disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, and further respiratory issues. Pro Tip: Compare pet insurance plans to save on veterinary expenses and ensure that the cost of care never interferes with the essential treatment your pet deserves. Most French Bulldogs do well with a leisurely walk or active playtime. Be careful with taking your French Bulldog out in hot weather though as their brachycephalic syndrome makes them prone to overheating and heat stroke. As a general rule temperatures over 80 degrees should be avoided for French Bulldogs. As loving pet parents, we never want to think the worst could happen to our furbaby. However, we must prepare for both everyday costs, like vaccinations and veterinarian appointments, and emergencies. Dog Insurance is here to help you with emergency costs, as well as expected costs like veterinarian care see the wellness options many pet insurance plans offer. Only .Pet insurance can help you provide your pup with quality routine and emergency care. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Key Takeaways On average, French Bulldogs weigh between pounds at age one, with inches in height. French Bulldogs stop growing around months old, so pet owners should be mindful of weight gain after their first birthday. As a breed, French Bulldogs are exceptionally prone to obesity, which can worsen breathing problems and lead to a number of secondary health concerns. Use our French Bulldog growth chart to monitor your puppy's weight and ensure they stay within a healthy range. Pet insurance promotes positive veterinary care and offsets the cost of services should your Frenchie get sick or injured at any point in life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. The early months are critical. The timing is vital. Some apply to all dogs, such as distemper and rabies. If your French Bulldog is in contact with other pups, you should get him a kennel cough vaccine. Likewise, if you take him on the trail with you, consider getting him a Lyme disease vaccine. They are starting to learn social skills and how they fit in the hierarchy with their littermates. They are becoming more independent and starting to show signs of their unique personalities that will define them as adults. Socialization is critical at this age as it will determine how well he gets along with other people and pets. Anything is fair game for this pup. You can transition him to a dog food for pups at this life stage. A French Bulldog reaches his adult size at 12 months. Unfortunately, this pup has a relatively high tendency to gain weight. That puts him at risk for many chronic health conditions that can complicate the ones associate with him being a brachycephalic breed. That brings a host of other health issues that advisable to avoid. While breeding also can have adverse effects, keeping your pet intact may offer a viable option. More likely, stunted growth is the outcome. Growing up takes a lot of energy. The danger of stunted growth also extends toward so-called teacup varieties. These pups are at a greater risk for health problems because of their size. We recommend buying puppies from reputable breeders who understand the particular needs of the French Bulldog. The best way to gauge the weight of your French Bulldog is to look down at his body shape from above him. He should have a well-defined waist. You should also be able to feel his ribs. The feeding guidelines on the back of the package or can are not written in stone. Base his feeding schedule on his current weight and state of health. An online calorie calculator can help you plan his mealtimes correctly. Conclusion The cuteness of the French Bulldog makes it easy to overfeed him. His cute face begs for a treat. It will reduce his risk of chronic health conditions and improve his quality of life. After all, you want him to hang around as long as possible as your BFF. See also:.

The oldest of the designer dog breeds, cockapoos are not a true breed but, rather, a cross between the American cocker spaniel and the poodle. This offspring of a purebred cocker spaniel and a purebred poodle is also known as a cockapoodle, cockerpoo and cock-a-poo. As with any type of mixed-breed dog, the appearance of cockapoos is difficult to predict. Their size and weight depends mainly on the type of poodle used in breeding. The adult offspring of a toy poodle can weigh as little as 5 pounds, while the offspring of a standard poodle — known as maxi cockapoos — can weigh up to 65 pounds. Some breeders offer teacup cockapoos that are as tiny as 2 pounds. Most commonly, though, cockapoos are created from crossing a cocker spaniel with a miniature poodle, creating sturdy, medium-sized dogs that weigh around 15 pounds and stand about 14 inches at the withers. The appearance of their coat is also difficult to predict or control and comes down to which parent breed's genes are dominant. The coat can be straight, wavy or curly, and long, medium or short. One characteristic that is typical, yet still not guaranteed, is that cockapoos usually inherit the low-shedding quality of a poodle's coat. Another characteristic that generally applies to most cockapoos is that they don't tend to produce a strong odor and don't need to be bathed often. While their coats don't need to be cut like a poodle's, they do require regular brushing to prevent matting and remove debris that can get caught in their fur. Their coloring also widely varies. Cockapoo puppies can be any color that you'd see in a poodle or cocker spaniel, including black, white, red, brown, sable, tan, blonde or a combination of colors and patterns. Personality: Cockapoos are bred more for temperament than for appearance, and they tend to inherit the sweet, loving and friendly natures common with both parent breeds. They are highly intelligent, easy to train and also typically inherit the poodle's enthusiasm and tendency to be little jokers. These dogs tend to be extremely friendly and thrive on social interaction. They hate to be left alone and can develop separation anxiety if left solo for long periods. They get along well with other pets and children although, due to their high energy and enthusiasm, they tend to do better with older children and should be supervised around young children. Living With: Cockapoos do well in apartments, although maxi cockapoos may be less well-suited for small living spaces than their smaller counterparts. They don't bark a lot, although they will let you know when someone's at the door. They have a moderate amount of energy and can be quite bouncy, but they're also happy to curl up in a lap or next to you on the sofa. They generally require about 15 minutes of exercise a day, which can be achieved by playing in the backyard or with a quick walk around the block. Although their coats don't require regular cutting like a poodle's, they do need to be brushed regularly — and some cockapoo owners do like to keep the coat trimmed to a certain length. Their floppy ears are prone to infections and should be cleaned and inspected on a weekly basis. Signs of an ear infection include an unpleasant odor coming from the ear, redness or swelling, itching, and constant head shaking. While cockapoos tend to be healthy and hardy dogs, they can be prone to the same genetic predispositions to health conditions that affect either of their parent breeds, including cataracts, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, allergies and liver disease. When considering a cockapoo puppy, it's important to do your research and seek a reputable breeder who is happy to answer any questions you have about the parents and their health, disposition and purebred status. History: The earliest of what has become known as designer dogs, cockapoos were first created by accident in the United States in the s. Impressed by the sweet and intelligent nature of the puppies combined with their odorless, low-shed coat, enthusiasts began intentionally crossing poodles with cocker spaniels in an attempt to recreate these results. This crossbreed has only gained popularity over the decades. Cockapoos make excellent companion dogs and family pets. The American Kennel Club does not recognize cockapoos as a true breed, but considers them a mixed-breed dog. However, efforts are underway by cockapoo breeding organizations to get the cockapoo recognized as a true breed. Related Pet Care Articles. Foley which mostly promotes multigenerational breeding by crossing one Cockapoo with the other, with the effort of making it a purebred. Besides this, other organizations formed for the purpose of developing this breed included American Cockapoo Club as well as the North American Cockapoo Registry. They have a clingy nature, loving to follow their masters wherever they go or even enjoy being petted on their laps, which increases their chances of separation anxiety when left alone for prolonged periods and could also resort to destructive means like barking excessively or chewing. The Cockapoo might be either reserved or shy towards strangers like its Poodle parent, or even display aggression and bark at the sight of an unknown face, similar to the Cocker Spaniel. However, the gentle and pleasing nature it takes after both its parents lessen its possibilities of being a guard dog. Though the Poodle Cocker Spaniel mix gets along well with kids, and older children who could deal with these dogs in a sensible and well-behaved manner. They also share a comfortable rapport with other canines and cats but might get after smaller animals and birds if they inherit the chasing instinct of their Cocker Spaniel parent who has a hunting lineage. Care Exercise They are moderate in terms of activity levels, but could be immensely active if the Miniature version of Poodle is one of its parents. It also possesses the increased energy levels of the Cocker Spaniel, hence needing adequate amount of exercise to keep it physically and mentally rejuvenated. Besides giving them two short walks for 10 or 15 minutes at a time on a daily basis, give them sufficient playtime in a fenced yard or even when they are indoors. When their need for activity is met well, they would do fine in an apartment. Grooming These low shedding dogs need less amount of grooming, though its requirements vary according to its coat. A slicker brush would be suited for combing the coat at top, which may be further combed using a steel comb for removing the mats and tangles. Of the several hairstyles, the teddy bear cut is one of the sought after hair-cuts for the Cockapoo where the hair around its facial region has a full and round look. Though claimed as an odorless breed, bathe it after two or three months or whenever it gets dirty. The hair around its eyes should be trimmed on a regular basis to ensure visibility lest it could hinder its eyesight. Clean its eyes and ears using a damp wash cloth, brush its teeth twice or thrice a week and also trim its nails one or two times in a month for better hygiene. Health Problem Some of the common health problems faced by the Cockapoo include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy and infections of the ear. Training The Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mix is intelligent but could be stubborn, hence a firm hand is needed to train it in a better way. Socialization training should be imparted to the Cockapoo puppies so that they could be able to shed off their aggressive traits if they have any. Many owners of the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel mix often follow the Rule of Seven that means acquainting them with seven new sounds, new places, new sights, and new people. In this way they would be able to understand and differentiate the good from the bad, which in turn may help in shedding off their aggressiveness, also helping them to develop a pleasant and friendly demeanor. Housetrain them as early as possible so that you can lessen their chances of separation anxiety. Place them in a crate by putting all their belongings and favorite things within. Do not go for highly spacious crates as it may stress the dog unnecessarily. The appropriate crate size for the Cockapoo is 36 x 23 x 25 length x width x height. Feeding Feed a Cockapoo with a good quality dry dog food, though the amount would differ in accordance with their size. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Cockapoos have an infectious zest for life that spreads to everyone around them, that essential joie de vivre that makes every day a celebration. These guys are just plain happy to be alive. The true Cockapoo been bred with the goal of a healthy, hypoallergenic dog with a good temperament. When the cross works as intended, you get the intelligence and spirit of the Poodle with the sturdiness and field spirit of the Cocker. Efforts have been made over the last decade to clearly separate Cockapoos and Spoodles into two different hybrids, and some success has been achieved. If the type of Cocker involved is important to you, be sure to ask. Cockapoo Highlights 1. Friendly and Affectionate: Cockapoos are known for their friendly and loving nature, making them excellent companions. Hypoallergenic Coat: Many Cockapoos have hypoallergenic or low-shedding coats, which can be a great choice for allergy sufferers. Intelligent and Trainable: They are intelligent dogs and are usually easy to train, responding well to positive reinforcement methods. Adaptable: Cockapoos can adapt to various living environments, including apartments, as long as they receive enough exercise and attention. Good with Families: They are generally good with children and other pets, making them great family dogs. Long Lifespan: Cockapoos often have a longer lifespan compared to some other breeds, living 12 to 15 years or more with proper care. Moderate Exercise Needs: While they enjoy playtime and walks, they are not overly hyperactive, making them suitable for families with varying activity levels. Unique Coat Variety: Their coat can vary from curly to wavy and comes in a range of colors and patterns, adding to their charm. Grooming Requirements: Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat in good condition and prevent matting. Health Considerations: Like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, so regular veterinary care is essential to maintain their well-being. Cockapoo History When it comes to designer dogs, the Cockapoo is an old hybrid, popular since the s. The first breeding may have been accidental, but the happy result was a litter of puppies who were intelligent, almost odorless, had the low-shedding Poodle coat, and showed the easygoing and loving nature of the Cocker Spaniel. These puppies were well received, and the Cockapoo line began. Some efforts are being made today to establish breed standards and start the Cockapoo on the hard road of becoming a true breed, one producing offspring with consistent traits. Once the Cockapoo became more well-known, he only grew in popularity. The Cockapoo Club of America formed in and, in an effort to create breeding consistency, it created a breed standard. This group formed in and provides certification for Cockapoos who are the results of first- through sixth-generation breedings. The Toy Cockapoo can reach 10 inches in height but has a sturdier build, the bigger ones tipping the scales at just under 12 pounds. The Miniature Cockapoo weighs 13 to 18 pounds and ranges between 11 and 14 inches high. The Standard or Maxi Cockapoo should weigh more than 19 pounds and be at least 15 inches in height. Cockapoo Personality Intelligent and easy to please, the Cockapoo was established as a companion dog. He has an outgoing nature and usually gets along with everyone. Depending on his temperament, he can be active or he can simply enjoy snuggling up on the couch with you. He has the intelligence of his Poodle forebears but also the sweet disposition of his Cocker Spaniel ancestry. Socialization helps ensure that your Cockapoo puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. He prefers, always, to be with his family and can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train a Cockapoo; he can achieve high levels of obedience with time and patience. However, there is a general misconception that hybrid vigor automatically applies to mixed breeds. Cataracts : Cataracts cause opacity on the lens of the eye, resulting in poor vision. Cataracts usually occur in old age and sometimes can be surgically removed to improve vision. Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Allergies : Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Cockapoo is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Liver Disease : This condition is becoming more prevalent in Cocker Spaniels in two forms: chronic active hepatitis and copper toxicosis poisoning. Both conditions may or may not be genetic; at this point no one is certain. Ear Infections : These afflictions may plague the Cockapoo because of his floppy Cocker ears, which can trap moisture, dirt, and debris. Ask your veterinarian about appropriate ear care products. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Health clearances are not issued to dogs younger than 2 years of age. They enjoy a good walk — and need it to keep them from becoming overweight. The best type of exercise, though, is a good play session in the backyard. Expect him to need at least 15 minutes of exercise every day. The Cockapoo is an adaptable breed. He can live in an apartment, though the smaller varieties seem to do better there than do the Maxi or Standard Cockapoos. They thrive when with their family and can suffer from separation anxiety when left for long periods of time — and that can lead to excessive barking and to destructive behavior. A crate is also a place where he can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will also help your Cockapoo accept confinement if he ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Cockapoo in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Cockapoo, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Cockapoos can be found in all the colors and color combinations that are seen in both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles — a more rich variety of coat colors than is usual in many other breeds. The Cockapoo is usually seen au naturel, but many people like to clip the coat. However, it should only be trimmed to two to three inches in length. The coat should be brushed daily. To retain coat oils and health, he only need be bathed when absolutely necessary. Because his floppy Cocker ears block air circulation, the ears must be checked and cleaned weekly to prevent ear infections. Gently wipe out the ear — only the part you can see! Your Cockapoo may have an ear infection if the inside of the ear smells bad, looks red or seems tender, or he frequently shakes his head or scratches at his ear. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Cockapoo Children And Other Pets The Cockapoo does well with youngsters , although he generally prefers homes with older, more considerate children. He also gets along with other dogs and pets. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Cockapoo Rescue Groups Cockapoos are often acquired without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. Cockapoo Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. This small to medium sized dog is very active, who loves to be outside. However, they are also friendly and caring, liking just as much to curl up on your lap and to watch TV with you! These dogs can be used as working dogs such as guide dogs, although they were originally intended to be companions, especially for those with allergies who needed a dog with a low-shedding coat. Breeders must follow the rules when producing puppies to make sure they stay in line with the breed standard. To get a better understanding of where these dogs came from, we can take a look at the origins of their parent breeds. The Poodle originated from the French and German border in the 15th and 16th century and was associated with the upper class. Because they are excellent water dogs, they were used to hunt water-fowl. Later on, because of their adorable look, these pups became a very popular dog. The Toy Poodle was bred from the Standard Poodle by choosing the smallest pup from each litter and breeding with them. They were first seen in America in the 20th century. Cocker Spaniels first came to the US on the Mayflower in the 17th century. They were registered in and the popularity of the Cocker Spaniel grew significantly during the s and s. The American Cocker Spaniel has a smaller prey-drive than the English Cocker Spaniel, which makes them better family pets. Characteristics Of The Cockapoo Although there is a breed standard for the Cockapoo, you still cannot be sure what traits you are going to get in a litter of Cockapoo puppies. These dogs can come in a range of colors and patterns and it all depends on which parent they take after more. A Cockapoo puppy is normally born in litter sizes of four to eight pups. Because the Toy Poodle is the smallest size of all dog breeds, if you are crossing a Cocker Spaniel with one then the Toy will always be the father to prevent any complications. However, if the Poodle is a Miniature size, it does not matter whether they or the Cocker Spaniel are the mother because they are similar in size. Cockapoos are popular dogs and this means that they can have a hefty price tag. Always ensure that you are buying from a reputable breeder. Appearance The Cockapoo has a distinct look due to their adorable teddy-bear appearance! These dogs are classed as small-medium sized dogs, although their size will largely depend on whether they are bred from a Toy or Miniature Poodle. The Cockapoo is a well proportioned dog that is athletic and sturdy. Their heads are round and their eyes should be brown with a black nose. If they have a brown nose then their eyes should be black and if they have a lighter nose then they will have green or hazel eyes. Their ears hang down, too, giving them a super cute look! Coat There are three different coat types that the Cockapoo could inherit. Again, this depends on which parent they take after more. They can have a tight curly coat, a medium curl or a flat coat. All of the coats will be quite thick but they will almost always be a single coat. One of the reasons the Cockapoo was bred was to inherit the low-shedding coat from the Poodle parent. While the coat is not hypoallergenic, these dogs do not shed as much as many other breeds and may be the perfect dog for those with allergies. Color There are a range of different colors that the Cockapoo can come in and they can either be solid, part, phantom or tri-color. The colors include red, black, merle, tan, sable, brown, chocolate, and apricot. Temperament The Cockapoo is a very energetic pup that loves to be outside exercising. Because of their hunting heritage from their parent breeds, the Cockapoo can still retain this trait so you will need to be careful when out and about. Proper training and socialization can fix this, and it can also help with unwanted or aggressive behaviors that the Cockapoo is sometimes known to develop if not socialized properly at a young age. Friendly and loving, the Cockapoo will happily also spend time curled up next to you on the couch. They love attention and people and can be known to be very social dogs with children, pets and even other strangers. The Cockapoo is an observant dog and will bark to warn you if something is out of place. Occasionally, the Cockapoo can be prone to rage syndrome and, although rare, it is associated with Cocker Spaniels and they can sometimes pass it on to their young. Again, adequate socialization from a young age can help with this. Lifespan The Cockapoo has a long life expectancy. These dogs are expected to live to anywhere between 14 and 18 years old. Known Health Issues Due to the fact that these dogs are a mixed breed, they have fewer health concerns than many pups. However, unfortunately, they can still be prone to some health problems that their parent breeds are prone to. This is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Patellar Luxation is another condition the Cockapoo may inherit from their Poodle parent. This is a common condition in smaller dogs and is caused when the patella is not properly aligned. This can cause lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable. Remember — buy from a reputable breeder and the chances your dog will suffer any health conditions will be greatly reduced. Trusted breeders will do health checks on both parent breeds and will not crossbreed if there is a chance of passing on any severe issues to offspring. Daily Life Now we know all about the Cockapoo temperament and traits, we can take a look at what daily life with one of these pups is like. We will cover their food and diet, their exercise needs and their grooming needs. Food And Diet A Cockapoo needs roughly calories of food a day, which equates to around two cups of kibble. Of course, you should always double check the back of the food packet to see the exact amount you should be feeding your dog based on their weight. The food you feed your Cockapoo should be high-quality and nutritious. You should try to split their food into at least two meals a day. As a puppy, their food should be split into three meals a day. Unfortunately, this Poodle Mix can be a fussy eater so it may take you a while to find a food they like. Take a look below at the food we recommend for this breed. Matty had a great time and a lot of mental stimulation shopping at Athleta. We adopted Shadow from a shelter at age 2 years. We found out he had epilepsy 2 weeks after adopting him. He is currently 15 years old and still kicking, although slowing up. He is a lover and a lap dog. Everyone that has met Shadow wants to take him home. If you're looking for companionship, then a Cockapoo is a good choice. Shadow is my 2nd cockapoo. My first CAP lived to be 16 years old. She was also a wonderful dog, although didn't require as much "snuggle time" as Shadow does. Shadow was quick to train learned sit, speak, roll over and stay in a few days. We trained him ourselves. He was great with my kids when they were small and is very accepting of people when they come into the house after some barking of course. The best quality I've found in both my CAP's is that they weren't big chewers and not mischievous. I never came home to find a shoe destroyed, furniture chewed or trash can rummaged through. Both my CAP's had full run of the house and were never crated. They are bright, affectionate and love people. Both were rescues and have grown into well-behaved, social and much loved pets. She is wonderful, very obedient. She loves the cats and other dogs in the family, and the kids, ages 9 and 4 years. Her coat is a little rough. I keep it short. She enjoys walks and car rides. She loves to watch the kids play on the playground nearby. She is a good watchdog and alerts me to any noise not recognizable to her. I watch the Dog Whisperer, read his book and have followed his method of the pack leader. It has worked with all my dogs including the Mini Poodle and Sheltie. The best technique I learned was the claiming ownership over items. My dogs are not possessive over any items and will relinquish any item I wish them to. The cats are another story! We are a happy "calm submissive" household. He started out white, but as his adult coat starts coming in he's developing this apricot tint. He is truly a wonderful creature, and extremely intelligent. He knows a variety of tricks and learns things on his own. For example, he has learned how to open the sliding screen door by pushing his nose in the crack, and can open all the doors inside the house if they are left slightly ajar. Bubba is just so wonderful, pleasant and loves everyone. He is a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. He doesn't bark which is great if you live in an apartment and he only sheds a little. We were hoping for a completely non-shedding dog, but he has so many other good qualities we will take a few hairs here and there. At the tiny end of the scale, the teacup Cockapoo will weigh less than 6 pounds. The toy Poodle Cocker Spaniel hybrid will weigh less than 12 pounds at adulthood, and a mini Cockapoo will weigh in at anywhere from 13 to 18 pounds. A full grown miniature Cockapoo is the medium size and the one you are most likely to see at the dog park. At the other end of the scale, a maxi Poodle and Cocker Spaniel mix, with a standard Poodle parent, will weigh 19 pounds or greater. The vast majority of Cockapoos weigh a more moderate lbs Appearance Cocker Spaniel Poodle mixes tend to have a broader head the average Poodle. Their fur varies between loose and very tight curls. Both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles come in a wide range of colors so there is plenty of choice for the would be cockerpoo owner. Are Cockapoos Hypoallergenic? He began crossing breeds in an effort to produce a hypoallergenic guide dog, for a blind woman whose husband was highly allergic to dogs. So, he crossed a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle. This is because allergies are caused by pet dander. And all pets, regardless of breed, produce some dander. Certain dog breeds shed that dander less readily, however. This particularly applies to dogs with very curly coats. And this may be beneficial to owners with allergies to dander. Dogs that shed less fall into this category partly because loose hair remains trapped in the curls rather than floating around your home. Do They Shed? All dogs shed to some degree. A Poodle and Cocker Spaniel hybrid dog can have either coat type, or something in between. And unfortunately, you cannot predict which coat they will inherit. So they may be less likely to trigger allergies. But they might not. Remember that the tighter the curl, the less the dog is likely to shed, and if you have allergies, do spend some time with Cockapoos to see how they affect you, before you bring one into your home. Cockapoo Temperament The typical Cockapoo personality can be hard to predict. It is important to make sure that both parents are friendly, when you buy a Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix. And Cocker Spaniels are loving and very loyal. Both breeds are clever and active. Cockapoo Barking Any dog has the capacity to bark. And may bark more if they discover barking is in some way rewarding. But some individuals of this particular breed maybe a little more prone to barking than average. And to make use of resources like this one if you need to train your pup not to bark. Training and Exercising The good news here is that these dogs are as a whole are people-centric and eager to please. Your Poodle Cocker Spaniel mix will likely want to be where you are, doing whatever you are doing. These dogs are social and people-oriented. So, the closer your bond is, the easier Cockapoo training will become. Throughout training, positive reinforcement will be your key to success. Poodle and Cocker Spaniel mix dogs are particularly sensitive to punishment, so avoid this at all costs. They need daily exercise, and regular training to stimulate their minds, too. The important thing is to keep your Poodle Spaniel mix busy. Remember that young puppies have much lower exercise needs than adult dogs. A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes of structured exercise, such as walks, per month of their age, per day. Heart Valve Disease Cocker Spaniels are liable to develop leaky heart valves as they grown older. In the early stages medications will help extend life. But in the later stages the dog develops heart failure, a leading cause of Cocker Spaniel death. Sadly operations to repair heart valves are not yet commonly performed on dogs. A blood clotting disorder that causes excessive bleeding. Epilepsy Cocker spaniels are prone to epilepsy and seizures. These can often be treated with medication. Both Poodles and Cockers are prone to this disease, which causes blindness. Hip Dysplasia Cocker spaniels and standard poodles are prone to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia causes pain. It affects the movement and function of the hip joint. Some cases are improved by surgery. Patella Luxation Toy and Miniature Poodles are among a number of smaller breeds that can suffer from Patella Luxation. It may require surgery. Exactly how likely each problem is, depends on a number of unpredictable factors. Cockapoos can also be multicolored and have a patterned coat. This cocker spaniel and poodle mix receives the best of both worlds from its parents. Known for their friendly natures, cockapoos can get along with just about anyone, from young kids and strangers to fellow dogs and pets. Becoming familiar with different sights, sounds and smells early on can help ensure your cockapoo grows to be a kind, gentle adult. Along with socialization, we teach our puppies basic obedience commands, housebreaking and behavior modification. They should have enough room to walk around and ideally an outdoor space to get some exercise. Those with small apartments might be better off with a toy variety rather than a maxi variety. Do Cockapoos Like to Play? Ideally, your puppy should receive at least 15 minutes of exercise a day. This need can be met with a walk around the block, a quick jog or a game of tag in the backyard. Can Cockapoos Be Left Alone? Once a cockapoo is properly trained, you can leave it home alone for periods of time without worrying about your property being destroyed. Moreover, the older a cockapoo gets, the better it is at holding its bladder. However, they should not be left alone for more than eight hours at a time. Leaving it alone for too long can cause anxiety or compel your dog to behave badly. Training: Teaching a Cockapoo Cockapoos are naturally intelligent dogs that enjoy pleasing their owners. Are Cockapoos Intelligent? Poodles are known for their naturally curious and intelligent natures, a trait the cockapoo happens to have inherited. They respond well to positive reinforcement and can be encouraged with treats. Are Cockapoos Obedient? Most cockapoo owners can agree that these dogs are fairly obedient. Their ability to adapt to new environments and eagerness to learn new skills makes them great therapy dogs for elderly individuals and people with disabilities. Do Cockapoos Enjoy Mental Stimulation? You can keep a cockapoo engaged through chew toys, interactive toys or scavenger hunts. How Long Do Cockapoos Live? According to the American Cockapoo Club, most cockapoos have an average lifespan of 14 to 18 years. However, some cockapoos may live for 12 years while others live for over 20 years. Shedding While some cockapoo puppies may take after their cocker spaniel parent, most tend to retain the hypoallergenic coats found in poodles. Feeding Good food is key to a good life, and cockapoos are no exception to this rule. When feeding your cockapoo, be sure to provide it with a diet that accommodates its size and age. For instance, as your puppy transitions to adulthood, you may have to switch to a lower fat food. You should follow a twice-a-day feeding schedule and always keep an eye out for allergic reactions. Cockapoos are more prone to some of the health issues found in poodles and cocker spaniels, such as: Ear infections Hip dysplasia Patellar luxation If you notice any sudden behavioral changes in your dog or any concerning symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting or limping , you should schedule a visit with your veterinarian immediately. Because cockapoo fur has a tendency to mat, you should brush it regularly ideally a few times a week. You should also trim its fur every three months and bathe it about once a month. Avoid giving your dog too many baths, as this can dry out its skin. Life Stages of Cockapoos Just like people, cockapoos go through a variety of life stages as they age. You can expect them to undergo some changes as they transition from a newborn puppy to a senior dog. These stages include: Puppyhood Adulthood Seniority Like all dogs, cockapoos start off as puppies. Once cockapoo puppies reach sexual maturity typically between 6 and 18 months of age , they enter the adolescence stage. This life stage can be identified through behavioral changes — females may begin roaming around more often, while males might exhibit aggression. Fortunately, thorough and early training can help limit these behaviors. Your dog may also experience pain as it undergoes growth spurts. Between 12 months and 3 years, adolescent cockapoos begin to enter adulthood. They are officially adults once they reach their expected height and weight. At this stage, some of their more exuberant behaviors mellow out — you may notice your dog is more mature and relaxed. The final life stage is seniority, which is achieved anywhere between 6 and 10 years. As dogs age, you may notice issues such as increased confusion, fatigue and health problems. Senior dogs may also need to adjust their diet to accommodate changing nutrition needs or weaker teeth. Their small sizes and moderate energy levels make them the perfect dogs for anyone from a single apartment owner to a large family with small kids. What Is a Cockapoo? Sometime during the s, a poodle and a cocker spaniel mix was bred by accident. The result was the cockapoo, a smart and sweet companion dog with the ability to adapt to several environments. Breeders were thrilled by the likable personalities and easy maintenance of these mixed-breed dogs, and so they sought to create more. The cockapoo is one of the oldest designer dog breeds there is, which is a testament to its popularity. These crossbreeds also vary in size. Although all dogs tend to be on the small side, some are miniature, while others are larger. Miniature cockapoos are typically less than 15 inches in length and weigh between 12 and 19 pounds, while maxi cockapoos are over 16 inches and weigh anywhere between 20 and 65 pounds. Some breeders even offer teacup cockapoos, which are typically less than six pounds in weight and smaller than 10 inches. Most of these dogs come from miniature poodles and either American or English cocker spaniels, although the precise size and coloring depends on the exact genetic makeup of the parents. They can be hypoallergenic, low-shedding, and nearly odorless depending on the coat that they inherit, which are all desirable qualities for most prospective dog owners. However, what really makes these dogs stand out is their favorable personality traits. Cockapoo and Personality For such small dogs, cockapoos have big personalities. They inherit the intelligence and obedience of poodles, as well as the sweet and affectionate natures of cocker spaniels. They respond well to positive reinforcement and are always happy to please. Thanks to their enthusiastic nature, cockapoos get along with everyone, making them the perfect family dogs. In terms of energy, cockapoos tend to have moderate activity levels. These needs can be met through a simple walk around the block or some playtime in the backyard. Other activities cockapoos enjoy include: Scavenger hunts: Cockapoos are highly intelligent and love games that let them use their brainpower. Pet parents should try hiding toys or treats around the yard or home for them to find. Games of fetch: Fetch is a great way for a cockapoo to get physical activity. This game is also mentally stimulating as it encourages the dog to focus on a specific object. Puppy playdates: Cockapoos are very social creatures and enjoy interacting with other dogs. Short runs: When a cockapoo feels particularly energetic, it may get bored with a walk. A run is a great way to relieve this pent-up energy. They also have low prey drives, which reduces the likelihood of chasing any squirrels or small animals. However, for the best results, training should start at a young age. Taking Care of a Cockapoo While each cockapoo has its own set of unique needs, there are some characteristics they all have in common. Most cockapoos can tolerate being alone and are unlikely to dig up your carpet or destroy your cushions. In addition to physical activity, cockapoos need mental stimulation — chew toys and squeaky toys are a great way to keep them entertained. Another positive trait shared by most cockapoos is adaptability. However, for small apartment owners, it may be better to get a teacup or miniature cockapoo rather than a maxi cockapoo. However, most cockapoos will need to be groomed regularly, particularly those with long or curly coats. Generally, a dog should be bathed at least once a month, as any more than that could dry out the skin. Cockapoos enjoy swimming, so they should react well once they get used to the water. Small dogs are more likely to build up tartar and develop gum infections, so you should thoroughly brush their teeth every two days or so. You should also trim their nails at least once a month to avoid scratches. Cockapoo Health Cockapoos have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, which is on the higher side for dogs. Methods to keep your cockapoo in good condition include making sure it gets regular exercise, feeding it high-quality dog food and keeping an eye out for any common health ailments. As cocker spaniel and poodle mixes, cockapoos are susceptible to some of the health problems found in their purebred parents. Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia results in the deterioration of the hip joint, which can lead to lameness. Cataracts: Dogs with cataracts have cloudy or blurred vision. Patellar luxation: In patellar luxation, the kneecap slides out of place. This can be painful and negatively impact motion. Dermatitis: Develops rashes or itches due to airborne substances, such as pollen or dust. You can reduce the effects of these issues by getting your dog checked regularly and by keeping an eye out for any symptoms, such as lethargy, vomiting or rashes. However, many health problems can be avoided altogether by simply going to a reputable breeder. We offer the following amenities: Testing for over canine diseases Coat testing to ensure they are non-shedding and hypoallergenic Temperament testing to determine therapy dog potential Worming, vaccinations and vet checkups One- to two-year genetic health guarantee Obedience training, housebreaking, socialization and behavior modification We also offer free hand delivery in New York City, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and more depending on your location. Not only are they adorable, but their calm, affectionate temperaments and high intelligence make them incredibly practical. To learn more about this breed and how they compare to other poodle mix breeds, check our cockapoo vs cavapoo detailed comparison. Trustworthy breeders treat animals humanely, and they thoroughly check for health problems such as hip dysplasia or ear infections to make sure your new pet is both happy and healthy. Not only do we conduct extensive health tests, but we also provide therapy-dog quality obedience training. By teaching dogs valuable lessons at a young age, we help guarantee good behavior in the future. As a bonus, we make sure our dogs are non-shedding. We offer a wide range of cockapoos that come in a myriad of sizes and colors, and you can always expect your pet to be health-tested, housebroken and obedient. Learn more about our services by contacting us today!

What an incredible boy, with the most contagious smile ever! Nathan has brittle bone disease. He has broken many, many bones and endured countless surgeries. He is unable to walk, and is confined to his wheelchair. What an incredible example and inspiration Nathan has been to our family. What an honor it has been to be able to provide Nathan with a dog, to be his best friend and support as he tackles each new day with incredible enthusiasm. Liberty was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 2 years old. Every time she plays, every time she is sick it affects her insulin. If her blood sugar goes too low she can go into a coma. It truly is life threatening every day. Her mom has to set an alarm every night to check on her to make sure it is not too high or has dropped too low. We were so excited for the opportunity to be able to provide a best friend and a life saving companion for Liberty. Luke was diagnosed with Leukemia at 6 months old. He endured many surgeries, treatments and many long stays in the hospital. Luke would smile at everyone, and anyone that needed to be cheered up. What a blessing it was to be able to donate a puppy to Luke. He loved the puppies and was able to pick out the perfect puppy for his family. Luke peacefully left this world at the age of 2. She has endured countless physical therapy sessions and many more to come. What a pleasure is has been working with her and her family and seeing the impact Champ has made in her life! He always helps me when I go on hikes or when I fall. He wears a harness and helps me keep my balance. Champ is also a very social dog and is friendly to everyone. He always loves and supports me and I am truly grateful to have him in my life. You can pay by sending money via Venmo or Check. We will send you an email announcing their birth, along with a picture of the litter. We will then send you an email each week updating you on what we are working on with the puppies and more!! At 6 weeks old, we will ask for your selection as we contact each new owner in order. We will meet with you in person or via FaceTime. By then we will have completed are three week temperament testing program and will be able to help you match the perfect puppy with your family. Puppy pick up day is a very special day. We will be contacting you and scheduling a time that works best for you to pick up your new puppy. We will then provide you with a "puppy folder" full of wonderful information to get you off to the best start possible. Your puppy will be fully bathed, very familiar with a crate, and ready to become apart of your family. Our dogs are a part of our family and we are so grateful for the opportunity to be able to share such a wonderful blessing in our lives with others. She is just great fun to have around. Regulars at the neighborhood outdoor cafe expect to see Lily come by every day, wagging her tail, looking for attention from everyone. I can't overstate how the Herbsts did everything to give her a good start on life, and to ease the transition from farm to her new home, and to point me towards a puppy who would be a good fit for me. He has a very loving personality, quickly attached to our entire family, loves to play with everyone, and has been easy to train. We potty trained him in just a week by praising him like crazy every time he went outside, and he understood so quickly. He learned all the basic commands very easily as well. He loves people and lets strangers come up to pet him. Katie Lewis "Daisy May" is doing great. Super smart and perfect for our family. She loves to play and is super obedient. By far, the smartest dog I ever owned. Being so obedient, I was considering doing trials or shows with her. Greg Fitzgerald Since Rex joined our family, my wife and I have both commented on how much laughter and joy he has brought to our day. He is such a sweet dog, a quick learner and absolutely wants to please! Ron Harrison He is a great family dog. He has been house trained. We are happy to report that he has not had one accident inside the house. He is well mannered. Shaunie Critchfield Timmy learns fast and shows good potential for competitive obedience events at some time in the future. She is able to immediately light up a room with her happy demeanor. Our three older children, ranging in age from 4 to 7, needed a friend after losing their brother. Maese has been the perfect addition to our family, and a wonderful therapy dog for us all! He has an amazing temperament and is very empathetic. He seems to know when the kids or my husband or I need some comfort. Maese does everything with our family, from hiking and vacations to working the yard or watching a movie. He was the easiest puppy to train, and has continued to be very well-behaved. He's only a class or two away from being certified as a therapy dog, and we look forward to taking him to the local Children's Hospital cancer floor for pet therapy days.We love our Maese! She is gentle with my grandchildren and friendly to everyone she meets. Her disposition is everything the breeder promised and more. Julie Bench When I came to the nursing home, I had to give my dog away to my family. Seeing Buck every day made me feel right at home. Vetrans Home Finny is a physically beautiful golden and we are constantly asked if we will consider him as a show dog. Our vet has also told us repeatedly that Finny is a perfect example of flawless breed standard. We could not be happier with Finny and do hope to get another dog from Amazing Goldens in the future. Mo Smith I just want to update you on our beautiful dog, Sage. She will be one year old on Sunday. We absolutely adore her. She is smart, she is sweet, she is loyal. We couldn't ask for a better canine family member. I've attached a couple of photos of her. She is about 5 months in the fall picture. She just earned her Canine Good Citizen certificate this week, just in time for her first birthday. I plan on continuing training her and eventually will have her serving as a therapy dog. She loves people so much, I know she will be excellent in the role of a therapy dog. I hope all is well with you and your family. Lisa Bakhsheshy. Share 0 Shares Everyone knows what a Golden Retriever is and how lovable they are. Besides the obvious golden color of a Golden Retriever, they also come in dark golden, cream, lightly golden, and red. They are full of energy and make the best companions especially if you love the outdoors and have an active lifestyle. Since they are Retrievers, naturally they love the water so bring them to lakes and oceans for a nice swim! They are expected to live from years old which means plenty of time for love and cuddles. Males and females will also have some distinct characteristic traits, if interested in the difference, check this article. To bring home the perfect Golden Retrieve means that you need the perfect breeder. It is important to find a breeder who focuses on the health, longevity, and temperament of their dogs. The Golden Retriever puppies should also be well socialized before going to their forever home and be screened for genetic hereditary problems including hip and elbow problems. Make sure their Goldens are also AKC registered as well! Many of their dogs are trained to hunt and train on their acre farmlands. Their program is versatile and produces a healthy and optimal Golden Retriever. All their dogs are AKC registered and on their website, there is a tab that if you click on it, will provide you with the dams and sires information pertaining to overall health and genetics. They take the quality of life of their Goldens very seriously and will only be giving their Goldens away to the right people. All puppies will be sold with limited AKC registration and with WM Farms kennel name requirement for tracking purposes. A thorough 6-week exam and first vaccines will be conducted before you receive your puppy. There is a lot of information on their website from their training programs to how they started this business. I suggest contacting them directly for more detail as they are extremely professional and care about their dogs. Name of Owner. We have puppies placed as close as Utah and as far away as New York. We have a pet nanny service that helps with transportation. That too is family owned. We only have litters a year so we can spend the time needed to raise outstanding puppies. At 8 to 10 weeks of age our puppies sit at your feet when they approach you and know the command and hand signals for sit, stay, reinforcement commands for, soft mouth, kisses, come, and best of all, how to be your best friend. They do not nip at hands or feet. They are well acquainted with the crate, and travel in a crate in the car. None of our puppies are barkers. They keep their sleeping area in the house clean even at night when they are locked in. The puppies are trained to use a dog door during the day. Our lines are champion, working, hunting, and show lines. We breed for temperament, health, and beautiful conformation. We do Advanced Cardiology testing on all our breeding dogs. We researched our lines to be as free of cancer as we can determine. Jack was raised by the Hunting Trial Judges of Hungary. This kennel produced the first Sieizure Alert Dog in Hungary. All of our puppies carry this line. Our puppies are from Hungarian and Danish championship lines. We use the Rule of 7 introducing them to as many sounds, people, environments, and surfaces as we can. We provide our new families with the information about the Rule of 7 so they can continue the training needed for a well rounded dog. We also desensitize the puppies to startling noises, plastic, movements, vacuums, yard equipment, etc. They are handled from the moment they are born and they are loving, loyal, and courageous. We will never hide anything about the temperament, health, or personality of the puppy you choose or we choose for you. Puppies live right with us so they are used to the sounds of a busy household and adapt very well to home environments with, conversation, laughter, children, building projects, and machinery etc. This makes them easy to live with. We have been raising puppies for 14 wonderful years. We are located in scenic Southern Utah. Come and visit us and see all of the beautiful national parks in our area at the same time. We would love to meet you! We are always here to answer your questions. We hope to welcome you to the Southern Utah Goldens Family. If you are interested in a puppy from this litter or a future litter, please fill out the application form or reach out on the 'Contact Us' tab. This is the link to our current litter. Documentation available upon request. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. She has a sweet temperament and is a very happy dog. She has a beautiful full coat with a lot of feathering. She is a very good example of the standard for a female Golden Retriever. She weighs 55 pounds. Jack with Dr. Forney Dr. He is our Cardiologist and has cleared all of our breeding dogs for any heart abnormalities.

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

Fortunately, this breed is remarkably easy to train and responds well to positive reinforcement and redirection. Your Shepherd-Husky puppy needs at least two hours of exercise each day, and this should be done in conjunction with supervised play sessions. This can include a walk in the neighborhood, playing tug-of-war , or even catching a ball. However, be careful not to push your puppy too far in his activity routine. While German Shepherd Husky mix puppies can be easy to train, they do have their unique personalities and may require some training. Though intelligent, German Shepherd Husky mix puppies are also difficult to train because of their tendency to chew on things in the house and to try to escape from enclosed spaces. Fortunately, obedience classes can help you train your German Shepherd Husky mix and make them more reliable and well-behaved as they grow older. Early socialization is very important for these puppies. If you socialize them from a young age, they will learn how to behave. These hybrid dogs are very smart and can easily pick up on the training from a young age. A few of the first things to do with a new puppy is to set up feeding and potty schedules. Then, start socializing your puppy early with exposure to other dogs and people. Here are some tips on how to discipline a puppy. While these schedules are not the only thing to worry about when training your new puppy, they will be helpful in helping your new family member adjust to their new home. A schedule will also help you determine when your puppy needs to relieve itself. Once you have a schedule in place, your puppy will be more likely to follow it. As a general rule, puppies need 20 hours of sleep a day. You can begin to schedule meals based on this time. Also, start taking your puppy out for walks at the same time every day. Huskies and GSDs have very different personalities and can be quite aggressive. This is because Huskies are pack animals, while GSDs are more reserved and can be aggressive. A well-socialized Gerberian Shepsky will usually get along with new people and be comfortable in a wide range of social situations. You can socialize your German Shepherd Husky Mix puppy as early as eight weeks of age, but ideally before that. When he performs the command on cue, he should be rewarded with treats. It is also useful to punish him when he does not perform the command on cue. But remember to be consistent. Rewarding your puppy only when he does something right is not enough. He needs a balance between positive reinforcement and punishment. In order to prevent your Husky puppy from biting, you should follow the same rules as the breed. You can get a soft bone to give it as a chew toy and reward it with praise when it does something right. To call your puppy, simply use a happy tone to distract him and make him turn toward you. Pair this action with a treat or clicker to reward a successful training session. Huskies and German Shepherds are highly intelligent animals. They tend to learn a command or two quickly and often on the first try. Some huskies are quick to jump up when they see you, while others may be shy and nervous around you. While some owners may not mind it, this could be problematic if you have guests visiting. If you are not comfortable with your puppy jumping up to greet visitors, use a different method. This mixed breed of German Shepherd and Husky requires daily exercise and training. A strong trainer is necessary to handle these powerful, intelligent dogs. You must be patient and consistent in training your pet. Your Gerberian Shepsky will learn to obey gentle commands from a dominant pack leader. But you must be prepared for some mischief. Use Leash to Tame The Hunter In Your Puppy If you want to prevent your puppy from digging up your yard, make sure you train her to walk on a leash from an early age. A strong prey drive is inherent in German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies. These two breeds are known to be aggressive, and you can teach them not to do it until they are ready to meet people. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. Some ways to assert your leadership are: You and your family should always eat meals before your pup. When walking, always be in control. Never allow your shepsky to lead you. Do not allow your pup to jump on you. This is never good especially when guests are visiting. It is never good to let your shepsky sleep in your bed. This shows that you and your pup are equals. You should always be above them. The pack leader is always the highest. Begin early Begin training as soon as your Gerberian shepsky sets its little paws in your home. They are quick to learn as a puppy and especially to pick up on what is considered good and bad behavior. Socialization Socialization should have begun in their last few weeks at the breeders and you should continue this very important aspect of their training. Your German shepherd husky mix needs to become acclimated to people, places, different experiences, and other dogs. This will make them less likely to be overly excited and too exuberant with people and also show aggression. Positivity With training, always use positive reinforcement. This is done by rewarding good behavior, when they are playing nicely, following commands,s or greeting you in a gentle way without acting hyper. Correct bad behavior or in some cases ignore it. This gives them no attention and this is what they are sometimes seeking. You only want to give your pup positive attention for good behavior. Short and sweet but direct The commands you give your shepsky should be short but direct. Also, keep training sessions short and no longer than ten or fifteen minutes. Puppies have a shorter attention span. They do get tired and need their naps too! To treat or not to treat? Praise, exuberance, and positivity are the best way to train. If you want your pup to come to you quickly in a dangerous situation, you may not have a treat handy to bribe them. This is why they need to learn commands well and without treats, if possible. Treats also contain empty calories which can lead to weight gain if used in excess. Treat Husky Puppy image by Pixabay. Following are some steps to help with potty training. Have a designated outdoor area specifically for potty purposes and familiarize your shepsky with this spot. Take your pup out to their designated area every twenty to thirty minutes when they are small so they can get the hang of things. Being vigilant will pay off. Also, take your shepsky out after eating. Give plenty of exciting praise when your pup is successful. Your Gerberian shepsky will have accidents in your home at first, so be prepared. If you see your pup circling or sniffing, quickly whisk them up and take them outside to their area. Any leftover smells can lead to another accident in the same area. There are many safe cleaners on the market specifically for this purpose. Consistency is the key to success and before you know it they will be letting you know when they need to go out, with a bark, howl, or whimper. Always have patience and use positive reinforcement or redirect bad behavior. Scold if necessary, but never yell or use physical punishment. This will just create problems. If you are unsure of training, seek out a professional or enroll you and your pup in obedience classes. Gerberian shepsky puppy training does not have to be overwhelming. With consistency and a lot of love, your shepsky will be a well-mannered and fun-loving adult in no time. Recent Posts. For those that are new to the Gerberian Shepsky or Shepsky in short , this is a medium to large mixed breed that stems from the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky. This mixed breed is affectionately coined as a hybrid of two of the most popular dog breeds and two very close relatives of the wolf. Just like the GSD, the Shepsky is well-known for being an energetic and extremely intelligent dog that has the potential to be an extraordinary family pet if they are socialized and trained properly. They are easy to train and can be a perfect pet dogs for families with children. What type of basic training does a German Shepherd Husky mix need? Some dog breeds can get by with minimal training but not a German Shepherd Husky Mix. Recall training: This will be one of the most critical training steps since your dog will have a high prey drive and attempt to chase other animals. Check out how well Shepsky can behave and follow commands in this video: Early socializing is important for training German Shepherd Husky mix Socializing your German Shepherd Husky mix early on will become key to any further training you might need. This mixed breed typically takes longer to warm up to other people and pets, making it difficult to bring them into situations with crowds. When training your German Shepherd Husky mix, you must take advantage of strangers, dogs, and distractions to form a stronger bond with your dog. Socialization will also make taking your dog to the vet, dog park, or training facilities easier. Managing the prey drive of your German Shepherd Husky mix German Shepherds and Huskies both have a potentially high prey drive. And when you mix them, you get a larger prey drive. Thus, training your Shepsky to manage its prey drive is essential. Early socialization will help with managing their prey drive. Allowing them to meet new dogs and people while watching you interact with them can help them learn what is expected of them. Your German Shepherd Husky mix will take cues from you and learn the difference between a threat and a non-threat based on how you act. What important commands does your German Shepherd Husky mix need to know? Basic obedience training will become your best friend with your German Shepherd Husky mix. Important commands like sit, stay, and leave it will help in numerous situations your dog could get put in. Come: Get your dog to come when called. Training your Shepsky with positive reinforcement Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your German Shepherd Husky mix. Find what your dog loves and use it as a reward. You want to keep your training to short increments and sentences they will understand. Consistency is vital for your German Shepherd Husky mix to be successful and not confused. How training can help with your German Shepherd Husky mix energy levels German Shepherd Husky mixes are naturally high-energy dogs. This means you need to provide it with an ample amount of activities and training to maintain that energy. Using training and breaking the training up into small segments will help burn off that energy throughout the day. Use games like fetch, tug-of-war, or even a snuffle mat to help get rid of energy. This will help your dog become easier to train, socialize, and be tired by the end of the night. Why training a German Shepherd Husky can be challenging? A German Shepherd Husky mix is an intelligent dog, and with that comes a dog that will love to challenge everything you do. You can put all the time and work into training your dog, and you still might need to call in reinforcements. When dealing with a hard-headed dog, the key is to break it down into pieces. Shortening your training sessions and allowing the dog more play time to work out its energy might be the key to success. What does success in training your German Shepherd Husky look like? As a dog owner, you may wonder what success looks like when training your German Shepherd Husky mix. According to Mainedogtraing. Similar to people, your dog is its own individual self and will learn in its own way. When it comes to success, there are a few things you want to look for. Duration: How long can your dog hold the command you ask? This will take a lot of time and work with continual repetitions. One day your dog will stay down until you ask it to come up. Distance: How far can you walk away while your dog holds the command? Your distance will need to be built with time. Distraction: How many different environments and distractions can your dog work reliably through without issue? This will take time, socialization and patience. It will take countless hours and days for your dog to master your training. Tools to help train your German Shepherd Husky mix Investing in training tools to help yourself successfully train your German Shepherd Husky mix is important. The below items are all critical to ensuring you can train your dog efficiently. These are some tools you should have. Clickers are often used to mark desired behaviors with your dog. Target sticks can be used to help teach a dog to walk nicely on a leash and used for tricks. Treats are an integral part of your training. And it is used with positive reinforcement and to reward your dog for the desired behavior. A portable mat is a great place to train your dog to settle and be a safe spot to relax. Conclusion German Shepherd Husky mixes can be easy to train. At times, these dogs will love to challenge you. But with time and patience, training them will be a fun and rewarding experience. Tami is a freelance journalist out of California. Her passion is writing about animals and sharing her knowledge with the world so every dog owner can live their best life with their furry friends. Post navigation. Both the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky have some shared traits that can make early training a challenge. For example, both dog breeds have a high prey drive and a high natural energy level. Both are also extremely intelligent and can be independent-minded the Husky in particular. This means you will need to use only positive reinforcement training methods. Your training must include early and ongoing socialization with unfamiliar people and animals to help your dog learn how to be a part of a family and community. From this video, it is easy to see just how smart this hybrid dog breed truly is and also how well these dogs respond to positive reinforcement-based praise-based training methods. While no dog alive today responds innately well to negative reinforcement punishment-based training, very intelligent and people-focused dog breeds like the GSD and the Husky may actively rebel unless they are given a lot of praise from their trainers. A hybrid dog breed is a confusing topic in the world of modern dog breeding. Some people think that crossing two purebred dog breed lines is simply a dilution of breed genetics that has taken generations to build. For our purposes in this article, a hybrid dog breed is a dog that has two different purebred dog parents. There are some definite benefits that can come from crossing purebred breed lines. Among the most important are the health benefits that can come when adding genetic diversity to any breed line. This is one of the primary reasons some breeders are pursuing hybrid dog breeding today. Another common benefit, and the one that has prompted so many breeders to undertake to create a new dog breed, is the opportunity to combine desirable personality, temperament, and other traits together in a new dog breed. However, in the early stages of developing a hybrid dog breed, in particular, there can be some unpredictability in terms of which traits a puppy will inherit from either purebred dog parent. The Siberian Husky is best known for the trait of being a people-loving and intensely hard-working dog breed. The German Shepherd dog is best known for its work ethic as a herding and livestock guarding dog and, later, a protection and military K.Understanding the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky Personality and Temperament As we mentioned briefly in a previous section here, a key to getting the most out of each training session with your German Shepherd Husky mix puppy is taking the time to first understand the personality and temperament of this unique hybrid dog breed. This is despite the fact that the GSD, as many owners call this dog breed, is a particularly intense dog breed with a high prey drive and extremely strong guarding and protective instincts. At face value, these definitely sound like assets to have in a companion canine. But the truth is that the GSD is not the easiest dog to train and socialize with, especially if you are new to dog ownership and your GSD comes from a working breed line. The German Shepherd is very bonded with their people and really needs to be at the center of home and family life. These dogs cannot tolerate being left alone — even in the company of other dogs. This means that the German Shepherd has a very high energy level and high activity needs. So a German Shepherd puppy is going to need lots of daily activity and exercise along with early training and socialization to be able to get along in a community where encountering new people and animals will be a daily occurrence. Siberian Husky dog breed personality and temperament The Siberian Husky hails from a long line of sled dogs that were originally bred by the Chukchi people of Asia in incredibly cold and difficult weather conditions. Today, the Siberian Husky is the 14th most popular companion canine breed out of American Kennel Club-registered dog breeds in the United States. These dogs are not well-suited to be guard dogs. They are accustomed to living in a pack situation with other Siberian Huskies and groups of people. They are very social but also independent-minded as befits their job of pulling sleighs with a dog team. This means a Siberian Husky puppy will need a different type of training and socialization to the German Shepherd. For starters, unlike the German Shepherd, it is rare to find a Siberian Husky that can ever be let off-leash safely. Their instinct to run and run is simply too strong. When you breed two dogs that both have the same strong prey drive, the instinct will just become stronger in the puppies. Managing the prey drive with proper training The best way to manage such a strong prey drive in a German Shepherd Husky mix puppy is to start the day you bring your new puppy home by introducing them to new people and animals. Your dog needs to learn right away how to tell the difference between a friend and a potential threat. Your dog will take their cues from you, so by introducing your dog to friends and neutral unknown people, your puppy will learn how you act in non-threatening situations and start to learn the difference between a threat and a non-threat. Managing intelligent stubbornness with proper training The best way to manage independent intelligence or intelligence stubbornness in a German Shepherd Husky mix puppy is to always use positive reinforcement training methods and to be incredibly firm and consistent in those training methods. These two do not have to be mutually exclusive. You can use positive reinforcement training and still assert that your dog must mind you at all times. The key is to show your dog that you can be trusted to give consistent guidance every single day. Managing a high energy level with proper training The German Shepherd is considered a true large breed dog. These dogs can easily weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds in adulthood, according to VetStreet. And as VetStreet explains, the Siberian Husky falls into the medium to large dog breed category, with an average weight of between 35 and 60 pounds at maturity. For large breed dogs, in particular, it is vitally important not to over-exercise them too early in life before the growth plates in the bones have closed and fused permanently. Dogs that are given too much intense exercise, like long runs or hikes, too early in life may have irreversible bone, muscle, or ligament damage. This can really be a problem when you are dealing with a naturally high-energy German Shepherd Husky puppy! Your puppy will also be facing several difficult periods of growth, including teething, growing pains, and coat transition from puppyhood to adulthood. The more activity you can provide, the less likely your puppy will be to burn off steam by chewing your household furniture or digging up your yard. The key to helping your naturally energetic, active, and playful puppy safely burn off steam is to break training sessions up into several shorter interactive training sessions. Try to use playtime as much as possible as a training reward for your dog to keep them moving but in short, safe spurts. You could throw a ball and play fetch, do a tug-of-war session, play an interactive puzzle game, or even offer a puzzle feeder or snuffle mat that contains treats to give your dog something to do to burn up that energy. Understand the Limits of Any Dog Training for a German Shepherd Husky Mix As Canine Weekly explains, the goal of a high-quality positive reinforcement-based training program is to help your dog feel confident living life in a family and community. It is not to train the innate character, personality, and temperament traits of your dog. You can count on your puppy having a strong prey drive, a love of running and chasing, some level of protective instinct, and a need to be with you for the majority of each day. How much of each trait your German Shepherd Husky mix puppy dog inherits can be hard to predict, especially in breeding programs that cross two purebred dogs, versus two-hybrid breed dogs. Because of this, you will need to plan for everything. For example, you will need to provide your dog with an escape-proof yard this includes digging , climbing, and jumping since the German Shepherd Husky mix is known to be an accomplished escape artist. You will also need to take as much time training kids how to interact with your German Shepherd Husky mix as you will in training your dog to do the same. Finally, the more you can do to provide your Shepador with a daily job, the happier and more well-adjusted your dog is likely to be. A well-trained Shepador is more likely to be a confident and happy Shepador who is a joy to live with. How you do that is extremely important as it will affect how well your hybrid furry friend adapts to the family and how happy his life will be. Here are seven easy ways to train your German Shepherd Husky mix puppy. Setting up a schedule works perfectly in house training as your self-willed Shepsky puppy will learn what to do and when and where to do it. For example, train your puppy in the routine of going out every time it needs to relieve itself. You can set the routine of taking the puppy out at distinct times, such as: First thing in the morning Before bed After every meal After play or training sessions Set a feeding schedule as well, preferably three or four small meals during the day, and avoid a free-feeding approach. That will help your puppy also predict the bathroom moments. Because both Siberian Huskies and German Shepherds have a strong prey drive and will readily chase smaller animals or bark at strangers, socializing them early is non-negotiable. As early as eight weeks of age, when you bring your Shepsky puppy home, and especially before week 12, begin to teach your puppy the difference between human and animal friends and possible threats. Also, teach the art of safe play with other pets and people without becoming aggressive. You can use these ways to socialize your Gerberian Shepsky: Introduce your Shepsky puppy to unknown friendly persons so he can learn to be calm in novel non-threatening situations. Allow your Shepsky puppy to play with other puppies, dogs, and cats and correct aggressive behavior like biting and growling by removing the puppy from the playmates when it happens. Allow other family members and visitors both children and adults to play with your Shepsky puppy. You can have them reward good behavior with treats so your puppy learns to associate people with positive experiences. A recent study confirmed that training your puppy with positive reinforcement is more effective in targeting specific dog behavior and general obedience training. Besides, positive reinforcement promotes overall dog welfare and increases the quality of the owner-dog relationship. Using positive reward-based training with your puppy recognizes that dogs are capable of experiencing emotions, such as pleasure and suffering. This is known as animal sentience. Your friendly Gerberian Shepsky will appreciate a reward for good behavior. So, capitalize on positive reinforcement by praising your puppy when they obey commands, go to the bathroom at prescribed spots, or stop a behavior when you command it. Reward the puppy as soon as it turns towards you. Repeat the process several times during the day and in different situations when playing or watching TV. Instead, use friendly methods like: Clapping your hands or tapping your fingers to stop your pup from soiling your carpet instead of yelling. Additionally, the Husky is known for its tendency to dig and escape. To tame the hunter instinct in your Gerberian Shepsky puppy, teach your pup to walk on a leash. Letting your Shepsky puppy off-leash in parks is not advised, especially if complete obedience training has not been done. I advocate you stick with the positive reward-based training and follow these two steps to train your Shepsky puppy to walk on a leash: Step 1. Start Indoors Start by letting your Gerberian Shepsky puppy wear a leash or harness inside the house before going outdoors. Using the leash during play or training time when you give treats will make the pup associate the leash with positive outcomes. Alternatively, use the leash for short periods during the day and reward the puppy every time he walks around for a while with the leash or comes to you when you call. Ensure to get the most comfortable harness for your young puppy because being comfortable will work in favor of your Shepsky training. Easy to fit with a choice of styles and colors. Step 2. Proceed to the Outdoors The outdoor step in teaching your Shepsky puppy to walk on a leash is going to be challenging because the sights, smells, and sounds can be a great distraction for your pup. Notice any attempts to pull or lunge and use the verbal cues you have taught your puppy to draw its attention. Reward the puppy every time it responds to a cue. It would help if you stayed still any time your Shepsky puppy tried to pull the leash and give the same verbal reward and treats you use indoors any time your puppy stops pulling. The question of how to train a German Shepherd Husky mix puppy is common among new owners. Begin by learning the inheritable qualities of parent breeds that can make your Shepsky offspring more or less trainable. Luckily, the intelligence, high energy, and the need for mental stimulation make a Gerberian Shepsky highly trainable. However, an inherited dose of stubbornness or self-will can require a bit of patience and persistence from your side. Use positive reward-based training with your friendly Gerberian Shepsky always, and you are sure to have an enjoyable training time with your pup. Related Posts You May Like:. But some of the larger dogs are also being cross-bred. The Gerberian Shepsky is one of those new mixes, Lilly, 46lbs at 18 months. The result is often striking, a large, thick-coated dog with piercing blue or brown or one of each eyes. Personality traits of Shepherd-Husky mixes can be difficult to predict, as these dogs can have any percentage of the best or worst of either breed. For this reason, training mixed breeds can be a challenge, especially in the case of the Shepherd-Husky , which blends two very dominant and assertive breeds. Zeus, A Husky-Shepherd Mix Puppy Socializing the Shepard-Husky Mix Because both German Shepherds and Huskies have very high prey-drives, you will need to socialize your mix at a young age to ensure that other animals—or people—are not seen as prey to them. Socializing essentially means teaching your puppy to play well with others—friendly to people and other animals, without displaying any signs of aggression or fear. If possible, this process should begin prior to 12 weeks of age. Shepherd-Husky puppies should meet as many people and animals as possible before this time. Take your puppy to supervised play dates with other puppies, adult dogs, and friendly cats. Respond to any inappropriate behavior, such as growling or biting , by immediately removing your puppy from the area and the other animal. Reward good, gentle play behavior with positive reinforcement -a friendly voice and a pat on the head. If possible, feed your puppy together with other dogs or cats so that they do not become food aggressive. In addition to learning to play correctly with other animals, your Shepherd-Husky mix should also learn to play nicely with adults and children. While your puppy is going through socialization training you should have guests of all ages over to your home as often as possible. Encourage your visitors to pet your puppy, pick them up, play with them, and talk to them, just as you would. Give visitors high-value treats to distribute so that new people are associated with good things. If done on a regular basis, your Shepherd-Husky puppy should grow up to be a friendly, well-adjusted adult dog. This does not mean inflicting corporal punishment on your dog—you should take the alpha role in a non-threatening, non-aggressive way. Let them know that they can trust you to manage situations. Never leave them to eat freely. Food should be set down for meal times, and removed once your dog is finished eating. If there are other humans in your home, each one should take turns feeding so that your Shepherd-Husky understands that everyone has access to his food. Never force this! Another idea is to gently place your hand on the back of his knees to help guide them forward, allowing his slowly go into a sit. Repeat this each time your dog responds to your command. Leash-free dog parks are not recommended for this breed, no matter how well-trained and well-behaved your Sheperd-Husky is. Accidents happen, and breed-profiling is prevalent, so chances are that your dog will not be given the benefit of the doubt in cases of bites or nips. Keeping your pup on a leash will keep playmate dogs, your dog and other humans safe. If your pooch is not allowed on the furniture, this means all the time. Any lull in enforcing this will result in your Shepherd-Husky testing the boundaries even further. Your dog should understand that you are his leader, and that all good things come from you, but will also be taken away by you if proper behavior is not shown. Un-doing — bad habits or some aggressive behaviors if left for too long can be extremely difficult, so taking the time to get professional training for your dog may be the best option. Whether you pick up on dog training techniques easily or require the assistance of a professional, socialization and obedience training are important parts of responsible Shepherd-Husky ownership. If done early and properly, your dog will be a well-behaved, friendly, and trust-worthy companion. We recommend this amazingly durable toy for your Husky-Shep, and feeding them a balanced healthy diet! Their intelligence, independence and willingness to learn and please their owners can be extraordinary, but without appropriate training and socialization, these very traits can also be problematic. These clever pups are easily bored, and can become distracted easily by more interesting things around them. Before you start training your Gerberian Shepsky , here are a few guidelines to help you learn how to positively motivate your pup to learn and work together with you. Focus on rewarding the behavior you want, instead of punishing your pooch for undesirable actions. Be confident and consistent! Each dog is an individual; for some, their greatest motivator is food, while for others, it may be a specific toy, praise, or even the freedom to play with other dogs. Keep training simple and fun! Learning is hard work, so let your dog blow off steam with a game of tug or fetch afterwards. Always end training sessions on a positive note, even if it means getting your dog to do something super easy that they already know how to do. Once your Gerberian Shepsky has had their first vaccines, get them out and about to puppy-safe places for some social time! Enroll them in a beginner obedience class, take them to visit friends and neighbors, arrange meet and greets with other friendly dogs and puppies. Since these pups can be sensitive to some sounds as adults, make an audio track with different noises like bells, sirens, whistles, thunder, fireworks and engine sounds and play it at a low to moderate volume in your home while your pup is eating or playing. Teaching your Gerberian Shepsky to be a good canine citizen will not only make them a friendlier, more well-rounded pooch, but also helps to further positive perceptions of these pups as fantastic companion dogs. One of the main ways to help curb bad behavior is to make sure that your dog is getting enough exercise, in fact! Mouthing and Biting Puppies tend to explore the world with their mouth and teeth, and some Gerberian Shepskies tend to take more after their more orally-oriented Husky parents — ouch! Many dog owners have been on the wrong end of a sharp set of puppy teeth used in play or exploration. Luckily, these perceptive pups can easily be taught what types of toothy tricks are unacceptable. Recall Although Gerberian Shepskies learn very quickly, one of the most essential commands for them to master is a solid recall; they have a highly ingrained motivation to run and chase than many other breeds, and if distracted enough, can run dangerously far! When they catch up to you, give them lots of treats and praise! Training with respect, understanding and positivity, however, not only builds a fantastic bond between you and your furry best friend, but is the best way to end up with a happy healthy companion for years to come. While herding dogs were being bred in Germany throughout the 19th century, the first formally recognized German Shepherd was registered by Max von Stephanitz in .The dog, named Horand von Grafrath, was the result of several generations of selective breeding to create a working dog ideal for herding sheep. The German Shepherd has a very forceful bite, and they are often mischaracterized as aggressive and likely to harm humans. However, while German Shepherds are responsible for a large number of canine attacks on humans, this is largely due to their popularity as pets and how abundant they are rather than any natural, breed-specific aggression. German Shepherds are actually considered great family pets, and they are known to be very good with children, though they can also be somewhat overprotective. .The Siberian Husky, in contrast, comes from Northeastern Asia where they were bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds. The result is an active breed with a lot of endurance that just loves to run. These dogs do very well in cold climates, and they were introduced to Alaska around as part of the Alaskan Nome Gold Rush. While you will still find these dogs working in some frozen terrains, they are now popular household pets. While they are energetic, friendly, and excellent with children, they are also troublemakers if not trained and socialized properly. They enjoy digging, chewing, jumping, and generally escaping any kind of confined space. Both dogs are of a similar size and have a wolf-like appearance, which is part of what made them prime candidates for crossbreeding. What Are Crossbred Dogs? It is worth noting that crossbred dogs, sometimes called designer dogs, are dogs that have been intentionally bred by mixing two or more recognized breeds. It is not a term for dogs bred accidentally or without purebred ancestors. However, crossbred dogs are not recognized as separate breeds in their own right, so their behavior and characteristics are not as predictable as purebred dogs. One of the advantages of purebred dogs is that it is relatively easy to predict their size, appearance, and temperament. Gerberian Shepsky Appearance As both German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies are medium-sized dogs with a wolf-like appearance, you can expect similar traits from their offspring. German Shepherds tend to be considered medium-to-large-sized dogs. Males typically measure 24 to 26 inches in height at the withers, and the females are usually a bit smaller at 22 to 24 inches. However, both sexes tend to look bigger than other dogs of a similar height, as they have very long necks. Siberian Huskies are a bit smaller, measuring between 19 and 24 inches and weighing between 35 and 60 pounds on average. The females are at the smaller end of the spectrum, and the males are at the larger end. As a result, you can expect Shepskies to be around the smaller range for German Shepherds, with males ranging from 22 to 25 inches and females ranging from 20 to 24 inches in height. When it comes to their weight, males tend to be between 50 to 80 pounds, while females weigh a bit less at 40 to 70 pounds. Shepsky puppies tend to have a distinctive wolf-like appearance, with pointed ears and long noses inherited from both parents. Their eyes will either be brown or blue, and some individuals might have the distinctive dual eye color often associated with huskies. Both parent breeds have a coat ideal for colder climates, so this is something that can be expected from their offspring. They typically have a dual coat with a dense, soft undercoat and another layer of more durable guard hairs on top. As German Shepherds can have either medium-to-long outer coats, the same is true of their Gerberian Shepsky offspring. They are almost never one solid color and will almost always be a mix of at least two different colors. One thing you can expect from all Shepsky coats is that they will be high shedding. Anyone with an allergy to dog hair should be wary about adopting a Shepsky! Gerberian Shepsky Temperament German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, and they are also highly motivated to please, which makes them one of the most trainable dog breeds out there. This quality is also why they are such good working dogs. Siberian Huskies are also very intelligent, but they are far more independent. They have been bred to make challenging decisions while running across dangerous arctic territories, so problem-solving is a necessary skill. As a result, while your Shepsky will almost certainly be a very intelligent dog, they might be a bit more troublesome to train than a German Shepherd. Alternatively, they might choose to entertain themselves by digging or chewing. Both breeds were created to spend a lot of time with humans, with Huskies often staying indoors with their families for warmth. This means they tend to bond quickly with their people and are very good with smaller family members though very small children should never be left unsupervised with any dog. While German Shepherds tend to have guard dog-like protective instincts, Huskies are pack animals and enjoy the company of other dogs. So, it is difficult to predict whether your Shepsky crossbreed will display more alpha-like behavior or be more submissive and play well with other pets. Remember, proper socialization training can go a long way when it comes to ensuring that they play well with others regardless of their temperament. Neither parent breed tends to bark excessively, but your Shepsky will get vocal if they want to alert you to a threat. Huskies tend to howl rather than bark, so keep in mind you might end up with a Shepsky with an adorable howl that may disturb the neighbors. If you do find yourself with a barker, read our guide on dealing with excessive or nuisance barking. Overall, expect your dog to be high energy, combining the herding instinct of a German Shepherd with the running mandate of a Siberian Husky. Caring For A German Shepherd Husky Mix Shepskies tend to be highly trainable, so an experienced dog owner should be able to train them at home using basic positive reinforcement training. Shepskies do best when they have a large backyard where they can spend their energy. Remember, they can be escape artists, which means they need a space that is securely fenced. Fences at least six feet tall are recommended. In addition to having plenty of space, Shepskies need a lot of exercise. They should be taken outside at least twice a day for a minimum of minutes at a time. Dog parks where they can run around off-leash are ideal, as it lets them stretch their legs and burn off excess energy. Just make sure they have been properly socialized before letting them loose. They are not ideal pets for people who spend most of the week in the office or traveling for work. Expect your Shepsky to engage in destructive behavior when they are feeling the stress of abandonment. Shepskies tend to have fairly dry coats. Huskies do not have oily coats, and they will often pass this trait down to their crossbred children. Avoid excessive washing to prevent drying them out further. Regular brushing is advisable to remove shedding hair, since these dogs tend to shed a lot. This is both for their comfort and to make cleanup around the home a little more manageable for you. Shepsky Health Concerns Shepskies have a relatively long lifespan for dogs of their size, and you can expect them to live for around 10 to 14 years. Shepskies can develop joint conditions, particularly in their elbows and hips, which can lead to pain and discomfort moving as they age. Adequate exercise and an orthopedic bed that allows them to take the pressure off their joints are both useful tools in preventing these issues. This unique crossbreed can also be prone to developing eye conditions such as canine glaucoma, corneal dystrophy, juvenile cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Losing at least some of their eyesight in later life is a common concern. German Shepherd Husky mixes are also slightly more susceptible to developing epilepsy than most other breeds, though the condition is still relatively rare. Medications exist to help manage this condition. This can be prevented with regular cleaning and maintenance. You might be able to find a Gerberian Shepsky in a local shelter to adopt for a small fee, or you can opt to find a dedicated Shepsky breeder. Do Gerberian Shepskies shed a lot? Yes, German Shepherd Husky mixes shed a lot, and there is no getting around it. Both parent breeds have a thick winter coat that is prone to shedding, so this is a common characteristic in their offspring. If you are looking for a medium-sized low shedding dog, consider something with the Poodle breed in the mix, such as a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that they typically pass on to their crossbred offspring. Do German Shepherd Husky mixes smell? Many Huskies pass on their low-oil coat to their crossbred offspring. If you do adopt a Shepsky, remember not to bathe your dog too regularly. The lack of oil can make them prone to having dry skin, and excessive washing can exacerbate this problem. Do Shepskies get cold? Siberian Huskies were bred to deal with extreme cold, and German Shepherds also have a thick coat to deal with colder temperatures. This means their offspring are very well insulated against the cold, and you will almost never have to worry about them being uncomfortable in colder temperatures. Overheating, however, can be an issue, so always carry water when you go out. You will probably find that your Shepsky prefers to relax in cool, shady areas. What is an Alusky? This is a very popular designer breed, as they often have distinctive black and white patterning as well as an overall wolf-like appearance. What dog breeds are commonly mixed with Huskies? As well as German Shepherds, you will find a number of other dog breeds that make a good mix with a Husky. The Verdict On Shepskies If you are looking for a fun and energetic dog that will make a great addition to a boisterous and adventurous family, then a German Shepherd Husky mix can be a great choice. Shepskies are very family-friendly pets that are loyal and highly trainable, but they also need lots of love and attention to keep them healthy and happy. They have a distinctive wolf-like appearance, but are far from aggressive and are generally very good with children. However, they are known for their delightful wolf-like howl. Remember that crossbreed dogs are always somewhat unpredictable in their appearance and temperament, so ensure that you meet the dog you plan on adopting first before deciding whether to add them to your family. Shepskies are best for people who have quite a bit of space for their dog to play and usually have someone to keep them company at home. You will enjoy training your Shepsky yourself if you have a bit of experience with dogs, but steer clear if you have allergies, as they are big shedders! Do you have any experience raising a German Shepherd Husky mix? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.

This is one of the hardest parts of my job because I love all of our babies. We take deposits to reserve your spot in the 'pick order' once our litters are successfully on the ground. Our pups go to you only after thorough check ups by licensed Veterinarians. We highly recommend you have your puppy spayed or neutered by 6 months of age. Get In Touch I understand that your pets are part of your family and I give them the same care and attention that I provide for my own animals. Home: Services Our list changes periodically so that we can produce the best Labrador. Cannon is currently one of our three studs. Picture albums of both can be seen on FaceBook. We perform genetic tests as well as OFA skeletal exams on our dogs to help eliminate certain diseases that we don't want to pass to our puppies. Not only does Twix possess the beauty and fabulous demeanor of a great AKC labrador, her loyalty and willingness to please is unmatched. She passes these traits onto her puppies as well. Her daughter, KODA, has now replaced her in the whelping arena. Please follow us on Facebook for current pictures, videos, albums and daily updates. Get in Touch WindFields Labradors. Go To WindFields!!! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We are currently located in beautiful Georgia, but formerly from Minnesota, the "Land of 10, Lakes. Our dogs and puppies are family raised and play with our children daily. We breed only quality puppies with the hopes to better the breed. Our intention is to breed English Lab puppies that will qualify to be working dogs- therapy dogs, service dogs, hunting companion, etc. All of the litters are registered with the AKC and come to you up-to-date on vaccinations and dewormings. We're licensed and inspected annually. We provide the best care possible, as suggested by our trusted vets. We can also assist you in arranging transportation for your new baby if you do not live within driving distance. Take a look at our Available and Upcoming Litters pages and be sure to call or email with any questions. We offer a Lifetime Warranty! If you would like to visit our home, please read our Visitation Policy. Thank you for giving us a chance at becoming your trusted Labrador Retriever Breeder! Northern Lakes Labradors. Dogs are great for the whole family. They teach children responsibility, offer unconditional love, and provide years of laughter. When you decide to add a dog to your family, you might as well get the best of the best—a Labrador retriever puppy from Silver and Charcoal Kennels. Our Mississippi Labrador retriever breeding program delivers puppies to Georgia and all over the country. We aim to provide every family who wants one with the puppy of their dreams. As an established professional Labrador retriever breeder, no one is better equipped to do that than we are. Silver Labrador Retriever Breeder in Georgia Labrador retrievers are known to be intelligent, friendly, gentle, loving, and beautiful dogs. We breed our Labs to embody all those traits. Our silver, champagne, and charcoal Labradors make excellent hunting dogs, rescue dogs, service dogs, and family companions. They grow to have stable temperaments, high intelligence, and fun and affectionate personalities. We complete genetic testing for our dogs and deliver every puppy with AKC registration, a month hip guarantee, and up-to-date vaccinations. Our pups have impressive pedigrees, with bloodlines that go back decades, and Sires with Field Trial Championships and Senior Titles. With their quality of health, your Silver and Charcoal Kennels pup is sure to be around to love you for many years. Once a puppy becomes available, you will be able to take them home at eight weeks old. You can pick them up or we will drive them to you in Georgia. The newest, furriest member of your family awaits you. Get in touch with us today to learn more about or reserve a Labrador retriever puppy from Silver and Charcoal Kennels! Questions about our puppies? Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. The Labrador Retriever is possibly the most beloved dog around, and these active, friendly pups are one of the most popular family dogs. Get ready to find your new best friend! The 10 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Georgia 1. All puppies sold are on Limited AKC registration and are available at 8 weeks of age with up-to-date vaccinations and worming. Parent dogs are also screened for PRA and exercise induced collapse. Before they ever reach your home, puppies will have been introduced to water, whistles, birds, retrieving, and simulated gunfire. They come microchipped and with current vaccinations and worming, plus will have had their dew claws removed. Your puppy will be sent to its new home with a written warranty, along with a starter kit, including food samples and care instructions. They use the Puppy Culture program, an approach based on science, for training and socialization. They do not breed champagne, silver, or charcoal Labradors. They also do not sell on a first come, first serve basis but instead are dedicated to getting to know potential owners through a two-step process. Puppies are sold on Limited Registration, and there is usually a 6—12 month wait for one. They have a stringent screening process to find the best homes and owners for their puppies. They comply with AKC rules and regulations and offer yellow, chocolate, and black Labradors. To become one of the top breeders in the Southeast, they routinely bring in show champion lines. Horizon ships to all major airports. They do not allow visits but are active on social media, so you can check out plenty of pictures and reviews from other buyers. Puppies are exposed to people and sound to get them socialized and introduced to crates to make crate training easier for you. Puppies come with Limited Registration and a 2-year genetic health guarantee. Their puppies are family-raised, so are socialized via plenty of playtime with children and adults. Parent dogs come from strong Champion Pedigrees or are Champions of Conformation, plus are given clearances for health before breeding. Puppies come with AKC registration, proper vaccinations, worming, and have their dew claws removed. This breeder also offers a lifetime guarantee up to 10 years if your pet is kept on the same food they were started on. Plus, if you find yourself unable to keep your pet at any time in the future, they can help you place it in a new home. They were so easy to work with and we highly recommend them to anyone looking for a beautiful lab to add to their family! Puppies are screened for genetic and congenital issues and given proper vaccinations, flea and heartworm medication, and intestinal parasite prevention. They typically have puppies available in spring and fall. Related Read:. Mother nature is in charge and I can never predict the litter size, gender count, and sometimes color. But that being said, waiting to hop on never works because the timing has to be exact and it never is. My program is proven and so are my dogs. We are happy to offer our reservation lists as a way to reserve your spot in choosing a new fur baby into your life. As a smart dog breeder, I am more concerned about a good match than I am selling a puppy. Just as we are selective about our breeding practices we have to be as equally selective about accepting new families. Throughout the years I have found that not all people are completely transparent. I hope that you will recognize the importance of quality over quantity as far as how many litters we raise a year. A responsible breeder has a detailed screening process for the adoption of one of their puppies. I only accept telephone conversations when beginning the screening process. I hope this helps you with your breeder selection process as well. I do have however have breeder friends that sometimes have litters. Thanks again! Adults Toggle navigation Below are pictures of some of our dogs that you may recognize in your puppy's pedigree in our signature red wagon pictures! We are dedicated to the betterment of the labrador retriever breed. We believe you will never find a dog more loyal, trustworthy, easy to train, and kind at heart than a lab. For those who own a small plane, we are about 6 miles from a small airport in Canon, Ga; Franklin-Hart Regional Airport. About Us Our love of labradors began in when my husband, Ricky brought home a little yellow female lab puppy. He tried to train her for hunting but she was so stubborn. We didn't care we loved her anyway. I like to say Meg was the worst puppy but she ended up being the best dog. We lost her at age .In I got the opportunity to purchase an all English bred girl, she turned out to be the best puppy from day 1. She could have done so much more if I had the time to go to the events. Piper is like a daughter to me, she changed my whole breeding program, I wanted everyone to have the same experience I had with Piper. A lot of dogs have come and gone through the years. It has turned out to be something I wish I had done a long time ago. The building is made of concrete block, and is fully insulated. Inside we have 8 stalls to house puppies or dogs, whatever the need be. Each stall is 4'8" by 8'8" inside and 5' by 10' outside. I am so blessed to have such a nice space for my dogs.

Showing 1 - 40 of resultsPage 1 - results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. English will follow Disponible!! Pups have been vet checked at 2 and 4 weeks, and.Please Contact Pure pugs! Edmonton These beautiful pure pugs are all sired by Mr Buster! He is a white pug with beautiful colouring and snuggly and super relaxed. He is also a very lean and fit build not pudgy. Albert I have to move unexpectedly and can not bring my puppy with me…. .She is spade, loves kids, listens very well! Genders are listed in the pictures, fawns and very hard to find brindles available. Puppies will.Let me introduce you to: Heidi - Pic 1, 2 - I am the smallest in the litter and everyone always wants to.They love people and kids. May consider.Ready for rehoming Toronto 3 Charming and playful pug puppies ready to find a new home! All males. Photos and videos available upon request. Raised with love, these adorable pugs have a playful personality, are very friendly.Glamorous frenchies currently have.Raised in our home. Born July 19th - All black. Dewormed and first shots. All ready paper.Winnipeg Chug puppies born July 4th. Pug and chihuahua mix. They are 10 weeks ans ready to go to their furever home! They are cheaper as they haven't had their first shot yet. One has been soldd the other .We had an accidental litter lf Frugs Pug x French Bulldog , they are incredibly adorable and will be vet checked and receive 1st vaccines and dewormer before leaving our care. Dad is Frenchie and Boston and mom is Shitzu mix. Healthy pups. Pick up Cedarbrae SW Calgary. Both boys. Very gentle and friendly. Training on a pee pad as well as using the doggie door. We will be in Calgary on the 22 of September to deliver a baby to his new.Pups are from pug parents. All are well socialized and handled from day one to ensure they make the best companions to their future family. Please Contact Pug Puppies Ready Now Belleville Beautiful pug puppies ready for their new homes Parents are health tested and clear on site Puppies have been fully vet checked vaccinated and dewormed Well socialized with other animals and children.Thee most adorable sweet babies. We have been working on outdoor potty.Mom is a fawn Pug, dad is a black Pug. Both parents have excellent health and temperament. They will receive their first shots and vet health check. You will receive.John's pug puppies. Raised around other dogs, cats and children. They have been raised in a family environment with kids as well as cats. They have started.Mom is a 2nd generation bugg, and dad is a purebred blue Boston terrier. Both on site to see I also have moms parents. The puppies are raised around kids and.Ready to go. Almost 8 weeks. Born July 19th. We'll have another litter ready in a few weeks. Pictures of the mom And dad at the end! They will be ready to go in 2 weeks.We bought the puppy from one of our neighbour thought it would help our autistic son. Unfortunately he doesn't like the puppy, so we are looking to find a home. Dewormed, two set of.Puppies come with first shots, dewormed and health check. While it is our goal on this website to only include listings of responsible and ethical breeders of purebred dogs, and there is certain criteria that must be met in order to be listed, we can only rely on the honesty of those submitting the request. Therefore, we cannot recommend, nor do we endorse or support any one of these listings. If you are looking to purchase a puppy, it is your responsibility to do your research in learning what to look for in a breeder. In addition to the Breeders listed here, the Breed Clubs generally include listings of member Breeders on their web sites and, if not, then a listing can usually be obtained either by e-mail or telephone. We do not randomly add Breeders to any listing. All Breeders listed have requested to be included either via a general link or paid advertising. If a young pup is not an absolute requirement for you, then considering the adoption of a dog from a rescue organization or shelter is strongly recommended. In addition, Breeders occasionally have young adults available and many also take in rescued dogs. This section includes several articles and general information along with listings of shelters and rescue organizations that are not breed specific from across Canada. The purchase or sale of any dog is strictly between the buyer and seller. Accuracy of information for all advertisements is the sole responsibility of the advertiser and we cannot be held responsible for any misrepresentation. Quick Links.

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:. 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. 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. 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. You May Also Like. We use the 8mm size for our dogs. Alvalley is a high quality brand for all lengths. For an adult dog, use an 8 mm or larger. For a young puppy, an 8 mm leash works fine, but I prefer the smaller 6 mm Alvalley Snap Lead one for ease of use when working at home. This size fits easily into the outside pocket of a treat bag. If going for a walk, use a more substantial leash such as the 8 mm Alvalley leash. For at-home use, a 6 mm collar is fine. I like to attach a snap lead permanently to a martingale collar for ease of use. The collar and leash can easily be slipped off and on as needed. Puppies and even some dogs like to chew the plastic ones. At 10 weeks of age, we are using very small bowls for ease of use during training. Golden Retrievers tend to act like they are starving and eat too fast, even at their correct weight. These bowls slow them down so that they will come closer to chewing their food than inhaling it. I like to use buckets instead of bowls for water. Puppies love to dig in their water which makes a mess out of it. Hang the bucket on the outside of the crate by the handle that is on the bucket. Then attach the clip for security by using only one side of the clip to attach the handle to the crate. Leave the other end of the clip just hanging. Never put water inside a crate with a dog. I recommend the 2-quart size for one or two big dogs. This size is also a good size for a puppy. I use two snaps to stabilize the bucket. Though wire crates usually have a divider so that you can size the crate down, we recommend that you go ahead and purchase a 24 inch wire crate along with the correct size for your dog when he is grown. Most puppies can use the 24 inch crates for about 2 months after they are weeks of age. It is also helpful to have a smaller crate when traveling. If you want this option with a Summer Brook puppy, you can have a small icrate shipped to our home address for you to pick up when you get here. The best size crate for adult girls is a 36X24X27 inch wire crate. For an adult boy, use either a 42X28X30 or 36X24X27 inch wire crate. We prefer wire crates in most cases because they give more ventilation and Golden Retrievers like it to be cool. Midwest Life Stages : These are heavy duty and come in both double or single door options. I prefer the crate with the double door because you will have the opportunity to use it turned sideways with the entrance on the side as well as the end. The Icrates are also two inches shorter and two inches narrower than the Life Stages crate. They are larger at the bottom than the top so they fit better in the back of an SUV or van. They are crash tested and have excellent safety records. These crates are a bit difficult to set up and take down so we only recommend them for those that want a crate that stays in a vehicle most of the time. They are perfect for families that take their dogs with them a lot and want a somewhat permanent fixture in their vehicle. This crate is very lightweight and sets up and folds down quickly and easily. We love these crates for motels and dog shows. Wood Crate Denhaus Townhaus : I recommend this crate if looks are important to you. This crate looks just like a nice end table. Though it was expensive, mine has held up well for several years. Crate Pad Primo Pads: These are my favorite crate pads. They are made of a heavy-duty vinyl and I have yet to have a dog chew one up. The vinyl is cool so that my dogs like them even in the summer. They come in a big variety of sizes so that they will fit your crate like a glove. These pads are not sold anywhere except from the manufacturer. Order your Primo Pads here. This is a raised cot-like bed that is cool and comfortable. There is a new Kuranda Bed that we have not tried ourselves but it looks amazing. It is a raised cot like the aluminum bed that we have loved for years but it is sized to fit perfectly into a crate! We have purchased both the aluminum as well as the less-expensive PVC Kuranda beds. Our aluminum beds still look brand new but our PVC beds are starting to warp a little after a few years. We like the Ballistic Nylon fabric which has held up for us for several years. The large is the correct size for both boy and girl Goldens. We have two of them and they are as comfortable as many human beds. We have the extra-large size but a large would be plenty big enough for a girl. At first, your puppy will have to be watched almost every minute when they are out of the crate or pen in order to establish good potty habits and also to teach them not to chew. Until you teach them otherwise, some puppies will try to chew everything, including the furniture and even the woodwork on the walls so I have found the pen to be a huge help. If you get a pen, you need to begin training your puppy not to jump on the sides right away. Never pet your puppy or let him out while he is jumping. Reward him for sitting. They open and close easily and in both directions. The Richell Pens look really super nice. They also can be set up as room dividers. We own at least a dozen sets of these pens and have used them in a large number of configurations. However, like most exercise pens, many puppies will eventually learn to climb or jump out of them. Families must be on top of training their puppy not to jump on the sides. Unlike the Richell pen, most, if not all pens have doors that open in only one direction. If you get one of these pens, set your pen up so that the door opens to the outside. If you are getting your puppy from a breeder other than Summer Brook, plastic pens are a good option for a 7 to 10 week old puppy. It is easier to house train if you start off not allowing your puppy in too large of an area. It also has the added convenience of being able to be easily removed by simply pushing a button that locks it in place. However, this gate must be mounted to the wall. Baby Gates that are Mobile Regalo Extra WideSpan Walkthrough Safety Gate : This gate can span a space inches For a pressure-mounted gate, the Regalo gates do very well and are a good simple solution if you only want a gate for a few months until your puppy is house-trained and can be given the full run of the house. However, understand that many puppies cannot be totally trusted in large areas until they are over 6 months of age. It takes some until they are close to a year. Doggy Door Why to Use a Doggy Door If you are able to put a doggy door in, this is by far the easiest way to house-train a puppy. Also, it provides an ideal way to leave a dog when they have to be alone. I teach our puppies to use a doggy door before they go home. In the last days before they go home, I section off a small area inside next to our kitchen with free access to a doggy door that leads to our side yard. When I keep a puppy past 8 weeks, I gradually increase the size area of the indoor area as they show dependability. I reserve the times when they are free in the house to the 30 minutes right after they have pottied. We highly recommend it. If you have a particularly aggressive chewer then I would buy the Extreme Kong but if your dog is average then I would use a Classic Kong. Bob-a-lot : You can fill this toy with a lot of food; the dog has to work at getting the food out by pushing it around. JW Pet has other great toys too. If you have a particularly aggressive chewer then I would buy the Extreme Kong but if your dog is an average chewer then I would use a Classic Kong. Puppies love them and they keep our puppies happy in their crates. Toys for Month Old Puppies.