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The program also requires us to following the Poodle Club of America's recommendations for health testing. We are also a breeder of Merit in Samoyed, although we no longer breed them. Program and the Good Dog's breeder program. We use Puppy Culture puppy raising parodical to enhance our fifty years of dog training experience. Our Poodles Are Our Pets First Our Poodles are house dogs and our companions so sound temperament and excellent health are priorities when breeding. This ensures wonderful life-long companions. They Love To Show We believe that Poodles who are part of a breeding program should prove themselves in the show ring. Whether the conformation ring or a performance event our Poodles enjoy being busy and excel in the ring. Small Home Breeder Our puppies are born and raised in our home to be companions. Harmony History It all started with Samoyeds Way back when I was in elementary school, my family purchased our first show dog. Cotton was the beginning of my mother's Trailblazer Samoyeds. Fifty years later, Judy Mears is still well respected in the Samoyed community. Mom taught me a lot about dogs, but most importantly how to be an ethical person who gives back to the dog show community in every way she is able. Over the years Trailblazer has had top winning and top producing Samoyeds - teaching me how to be a humble winner who is proud of her dogs. There have been more than 30 Trailblazer litters - teaching me about pedigrees, genetics, birthing, death and that there will always be a lot of things out of the control of the breeder, but we can alway learn. Mostly what growing up with Samoyeds, taught me is all of life is about the relationship you build with dogs and with people, but in the end it is all about the dogs. His name was Jeffrey. He was for a minute, but he was a great companion his whole life. He was a very nice poodle we purchase from a local Denver breeder in .Davin finished as a puppy primarily handled by me. Davin was specialed for a short time by Kathy Adams and Betty Brown. Mandie had six puppies - a big litter for a mini. We were, and still are, very proud of this first litter. Derby produced Ch Midnight King Mowgli. In , Mandie bred to Davin produced another littler. Two puppies had phantom markings and two puppies with color dilution alopecia CDA. In a nutshell, the puppies are born with gray hair which starts falling out and becoming thin and scraggly in just a few weeks. These four puppies and their two black litter mates grew into healthy well loved pets, but did give us pause for concern. Debby and Ch Clarion Camelot Quevro produced an amazing litter of healthy puppies with outstanding structure and friendly, outgoing temperaments. The bad news was three of the four were phantoms. But it came time to either stop breeding and enjoy our wonderful pet Poodles or to come up with a new game plan. Luckily God answers prayers. Davin had already gone to live with the person who owned his son, Derby, but Derby had come to live with us for me to show. Debby was the first to find the perfect home, but over the next year Mandie and Derby also found wonderful homes. Mandie has since come back home because of the death of her person, but believe me when I say these three dogs found their perfect people. Through our interactions with Ann Kennedy and her daughter Katherine Kennedy Vigil, we already knew we wanted to start over with a Clarion bitch. In , just after finishing her championship at the Poodle Club of America National Specialty, Ch Clarion Arcadia came to our house and became the foundation of our line of Poodles. Arcadia produced three litters of puppies. All have been outstanding. She is retired from breeding and enjoying Rally training with her grand puppies. TJ finished his Champion and Grand Championship very quickly. He has gone on to do some performance work, which he loves. His next adventure is to be a therapy dog. TJ was bred to three different bitches. As of April , he produced four champions and has two other pointed puppies. He also has one puppy with performance titles and three others in training. See TJ's page for pictures of his puppies. We have decided to retire TJ. He has produced some excellent puppies, but both his son, Prince and his nephew, Loki have more to offer our breeding program at this time. These three beauties have been the foundation of what is currently "Harmony Poodles". We have high hopes for the puppies out of these girls as well as the future generations of Harmony Poodles. Arcadia with her daughter Polly and granddaughter, Eleanor. Handled by Kathy Adam. When they came to us it was obvious they had never been handled at least not nicely by humans. They were both completely feral and would spend all of their time hiding. Howie 13 lbs has made wonderful progress with his foster mom. He gets excited to see her, will come up to her and allow her to pick him up and ask to be petted. He is still very fearful of her walking towards him and not allowing him to come to her and of fast movements but we are very happy with his progress. Keep in mind when he goes to a new home he will need lots of time before he trusts someone like he trusts his foster mom but we know he has it in him. He has made very small steps in progress but it has been minimal. He is going to take a much longer time to open up and in all honesty may never be a completely normal dog. Neither boy is potty trained. Jace cannot be free in a yard as you will never be able to get him back inside and neither boy likes a leash so potty training at the moment is a little impossible. They will need to go to a home that has a social dog to help them learn. We understand that it is going to take an extra special and patient home for them. Someone that has the time and patience to work with them and allow them to open up on their time. If you think you are their special, perfect home then please submit an application at www. Chara is our best present! I can't even put into words how much we all just love her! She is so smart and completely bell trained - she rings her bell when ever she wants to go out! She is so calm, sweet and lovable! We can't imagine our house without her! The boys are complete, now that she is in their lives! I hope you are enjoying this holiday season! I see all your new beautiful puppies on your site! Thank you once again! Renee Curtin Hi beverly, We went to the vet today and Chara did awesome! The vet gave her a clean bill of health. She weighed 3. She has such a calm and great disposition - she did not even tremble or squirm when she got her shots. We just love her! My boys are so happy and doing such a wonderful job of nurturing and taking care of our new puppy! We can't thank you enough! Renee Hi beverly, Chara is a snow baby, she absolutely loved playing outside! We love her so much, she is soooo good! She is now totally potty trained- only 3 tiny accidents the first week. She is wonderful with the kids and I guess you could call her a rink rat. She has been going to all of the boys hockey games and just watches and lays cuddled up in her blanket in my lap. We take her every where and she never makes a peep! We want to keep thanking you - so you will probably being hearing from us every once in a while with updates!!! Oh and that jet was so cool, boys loved that photo! Thanks again,

Royal Canin makes dry food tailored explicitly to particular breeds. Its Golden food variation uses chicken and brown rice ingredients to support digestive health, strong bones, and a healthy coat. Gorgeous coats, healthy body conditions, great activity levels- perfect puppies! With a combination of healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables, and more, this dry dog food will encourage healthy muscle development in your Golden Retriever as well as strong teeth, a healthy heart, and improved skin and coat texture. Looking at the ingredients makes me feel that I have purchased a quality product for my guy. With ingredients like real protein, fruits, and vegetables, this dry food increases energy, strengthens bones, improves immune strength, and neutralizes free radicals. Her coat is healthier and shiny. She even trimmed down a little as her old dog food was making her fat. They produce high-quality dog food for your Golden Retriever at an affordable price. Veterinarians recommend IAMS Proactive Health because it uses ingredients like animal protein and antioxidant-rich veggies to nourish your dog and meet their complete health needs. Highly recommend it. Good for maintaining a decent weight too. Gobbles it down! With fish as the main protein, this kibble promotes a gorgeous coat and healthy skin and improves digestive issues. He eats it enthusiastically, and it has really helped him thrive! He is energetic, has a gorgeous coat, and devours his meals! She is a much happier dog. The Save Shredded Puppy Blend includes probiotics to help ease the digestion in growing Golden Retriever puppies with sensitive stomachs. I mix it with wet food, and he loves it. He loves the chunks of shredded chicken! I highly recommend it. This large-breed dry food can help your Golden Retriever maintain a healthy coat and great skin as well as smooth digestion. All of them love this food! Their coats are shiny and soft, and their poops are small! The exclusive formula also increases energy levels! We tried another brand, and it caused all kinds of allergic reactions. We went back to Eagle Pack, and all is right again. Great product! That may be because they have a senior Golden Retriever who is struggling with dental issues or feel that dehydrated food options are healthier. This particular food contains real protein and essential nutrients that can benefit dogs of all ages. Once we got this, she became a food-crazed puppy! This food includes a combination of freeze-dried raw-coated kibble with real pieces of freeze-dried raw meat! This variety has lots of meat sources plus several strains of probiotics. In general, your dog will benefit from puppy food from about 8 weeks of age until they are six months to a year old. Check with your vet to determine the right time to switch from a puppy food to one for adult dogs, as recommendations vary based on the size of your dog. A few days later, you can begin making it a half-and-half blend. Make sure to watch for loose stool from your pup as you transition — if you notice that your Golden is struggling with the new diet, wait for a few days before increasing the blend. When in doubt, check with your vet! Most dog foods come with specific volumes listed on the side. Overfeeding your pet can lead to a variety of health concerns. To determine what food will suit your dog the best, check out 17 of the top dog foods on the market for Golden Retrievers, no matter their age. Check with your vet to determine whether your Golden will need any special dietary considerations. Foods considered toxic to Golden Retrievers are macadamia nuts, chocolate, onions, garlic cloves, grapes, raisins, walnuts, alcohol, and any foods sweetened with xylitol. Try to avoid feeding your Golden food containing any of these ingredients. Grain is an essential component to the diet of Golden Retrievers. The absence of grain has been known to lead to a deficiency in taurine, which can potentially cause heart problems for your golden. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Sizes Dog Food Protein Content The pet food label usually expresses its content as a percentage instead of an amount. Animal-based proteins are complete and contain all the essential amino acids. Grains are another excellent protein source, albeit they may not have all these building blocks. The important thing is that the puppy food meets this minimum standard to ensure healthy development. Dog Food Fat Content Fat is a vital macronutrient that offers an excellent source of energy and the raw materials for the synthesis of good cholesterol. The recommended amounts differ radically in puppies and dogs, making a solid case for giving your pet food appropriate for its life stage. Of course, they also need it for growth and development. Dog Food Ingredients Pet food is regulated with required labeling to help you choose the best food for your Golden Retriever puppy. One of these requirements is a nutritional adequacy statement. That informs you about the life stage of the product. Manufacturers must identify the ingredients in their products, starting with the one that makes up the most weight. We can also say something similar about so-called human-grade pet foods. No formal definition exists for the term. The other concern lies with what manufacturers substitute for the grains. Some evidence suggests a potential link between the substituted ingredients and this disorder. Golden Retrievers have shown a higher rate of DCM and low taurine levels, which can cause it too. These dogs can synthesize taurine in their bodies. However, this breed has a propensity for not producing enough. That makes taurine in the ingredient list something we always check. Dog Food Sizes Most manufacturers produce several sizes of dog food. However, bear in mind that larger ones are usually a better value. Also, your puppy will grow quickly—along with its appetite. We suggest keeping both factors in mind when choosing a product. Final Verdict Ollie Fresh dog food came out on top in our series of reviews. We were impressed with the natural ingredient list and focus on nutrition. Read more Advertisement. They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. But there are so many choices. The pet food industry has exploded in recent years. Remember though that, if you intend to switch your dog to a new diet, do so over the course of seven to 10 days to help avoid intestinal upsets or diarrhea. Types of Foods The main types of commercial foods are dry, moist, dehydrated, and fresh. As a large-breed dog, it would take a lot of moist food to properly feed a golden. Why Do the Ingredients of a Food Matter? Of course, your golden is a highly intelligent and sociable dog. Unfortunately, goldens have a higher-than-average incidence of cancer. But AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles consist only of minimum values for all the nutrients required by dogs and maximum values for just a few nutrients that can be toxic if consumed in excessive amounts. But, even with such regulation, not all foods are created equal. Feeding a food with low-quality ingredients may contribute to chronic inflammation and obesity. And chronic inflammation can contribute to arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and infection. Foods should be made from wholesome, natural ingredients with no fillers, by-products, or artificial additives. They should be rich in high-quality animal sources such as poultry, meat, and fish. Our beloved goldens are one of the breeds most likely to become obese. If your dog becomes obese, you can even ask your vet about prescription weight-loss diets. There are certain requirements foods should meet. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that adult dogs require a minimum of 18 percent of protein in their diets, whereas puppies require at least 22 percent protein. A good food should contain healthy meats and fats. They should also contain fruits and vegetables. And, of course, the proper mix of vitamins and minerals for optimal health. Natural preservatives such as tocopherols vitamin E , vitamin C, or rosemary extract should be used rather than artificial ones. Large breed dogs and puppies have different nutritional requirements than small breeds do. They grow more quickly than breeds who are small or medium-sized as adults. Golden retriever puppies have a greater risk of developing a crippling form of hip disease if fed a diet that contains too much calcium. Adult goldens can be fed any high-quality kibble or a kibble specifically for large breed dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA , large-breed dogs have shorter lifespans than their smaller counterparts and can be considered seniors when five or six years old. The veterinary community has also been compiling and analyzing data on diet-related DCM in dogs. DCM is a disease in which the heart muscle weakens, leading to the loss of the ability to contract normally and pump blood through the body. Symptoms of DCM can include weakness, lethargy, shortness of breath, fainting, and the inability of exercise. It can become life-threatening. The link between grain-free foods and DCM is still being investigated, as there are many variables to be considered. Note that some dogs are allergic to certain grains and may need to avoid them. But this is best decided by a veterinarian, especially a board-certified nutritionist. Diseases which impact goldens, such as inflammatory bowel disease or atopic skin diseases and allergies, have a strong link to the foods they ingest. And, in determining how much to feed, the manufacturers of pet foods provide guidelines on their labels. But remember that the guidelines are just that. You can always adjust the amount of food he eats depending on his weight and health. In addition to doing your own research, you can consult your vet or a veterinary nutritionist to determine which food and amount would be best for your golden. But remember: there is no one perfect food for any dog. And choosing a high-quality food may also reduce his risk of health problems. What Do the Terms on the Label Mean? The labels on pet foods can be confusing. Learning what the terms mean can help you decipher which one is a higher-quality product. The terms on a label are listed in descending amounts of ingredients. So the first few listed are found in larger amounts than those at the bottom of the items listed on the label. Meat Meat is the skeletal muscle of animals as well as tissue from the heart. This may be beef, chicken, pork, lamb, or salmon. This is the animal flesh without any water extracted. Meat Meal It can include only actual meat, skin, and bone, which can be nutritious. But it can legally contain animals who were dying, diseased, deformed, or had died before slaughtering. Meat meals are the product after the excess moisture has been removed from the meat. These include lungs, kidneys, brains, bone, blood, heads, spleens, stomachs, beaks, feet, feathers, and intestines. Unfortunately, like meat meal, it can contain animals who were very sick or dead before slaughtering which need not be disclosed to the consumer. Whole Meats versus Named Protein Meals These are named proteins such as chicken, salmon, beef, and lamb. They can contain up to 70 percent moisture prior to cooking. Named protein meals, such as lamb meal, have that excess moisture removed being processed into kibble. So meals actually have more protein by weight than whole meats do. Fish Meal Fish meal is the clean ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish or fish cuttings, with or without the oil extracted. Ground Corn Ground corn is the entire corn kernel ground or chopped. Corn Gluten Meal Corn gluten meal is the by-product after the manufacture of corn syrup or starch, and is the dried residue after the removal of the bran, germ, and starch. Brewers Rice Brewers rice is the small fragments of rice kernels that have been separated from larger kernels of milled rice. Brown Rice Brown rice is the unpolished rice left over after the kernels have been removed. Soybean Meal Soybean meal is a by-product of the production of soybean oil. Holistic or Natural These are terms that some companies use. But they have no meaning according to the FDA. So beware that such foods may not be what we think of as being holistic or natural. Organic This means that the food is free from antibiotics, synthetic hormones, pesticides, and preservatives. Of course, higher-quality ingredients cost more. Also avoid foods that have been overly processed or contain hormones or steroids. Meat by-products and poultry by-products are one of the lower-quality ingredients. Try to avoid them. It can also be restaurant grease. Corn and soy are generally regarded to be inferior ingredients and fillers. Remember that if you feed a high-quality food to your dog without fillers, you often can feed less. And I also considered various foods before making my selection. My dogs are doing well on this food. Goldens love their food and eat a lot because of their size. The Dog Food Advisor is a public service website designed to help you make a more informed decision when buying dog food. The write-ups are taken from those found on the Dog Food Advisor website. The links will also lead to information regarding additional high-rated foods. The formula contains a minimum of 34 percent of named proteins. Its high-protein content helps form strong muscles. The formula includes increased amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin to support bone and joint health in larger-sized dogs. This recipe contains the preferred amount of fat and calories to help maintain a healthy weight for a dog the size of a golden. It has no meat by-products or fillers. And no corn, wheat, or soy. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Large-Breed Chicken Formula The top five ingredients are deboned salmon, chicken meal, pea protein, peas, and tapioca starch, with a minimum of 32 percent protein. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Chicken is a great option for those looking for higher protein and an optimal blend of calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins to help keep bones strong. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids found in fish meal and flaxseed ensure a healthy coat. An ideal blend of protein, fat and carbohydrates are also included to assist your large breed dog in keeping a healthy weight. It also has antioxidants to boost immune health and no poultry by-products. Glucosamine and chondroitin are added for healthy joints. It contains a minimum of 27 percent with named proteins. Now Fresh Large Breed Adult contains balanced proteins and fats from turkey, salmon, and duck. The formula also has antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables such as spinach, cranberries, pumpkin, blackberries, and carrots. These are great for building a strong immune system to help fight disease. This recipe is recommended for dogs over 50 pounds and between 15 months and five years of age. It contains extra nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint care for larger-breed dogs. There are no by-products or artificial preservatives. The formula contains probiotics to support digestion. There is no gluten, wheat, corn, or soy Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large-Breed Adult Formula The top five ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. The food contains a minimum of 38 percent protein. The Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed recipe contains added glucosamine and chondroitin to help support healthy hip and joint function, essential for large-breed dogs. Omega fatty acids from salmon oil help ensure a healthy skin and coat. A unique raw-infused kibble recipe is loaded with protein. The recipe has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and is gluten free. Purina Pro Plan Adult Dog Food The top five ingredients in this formula are chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, and soybean meal. It has a minimum protein of 26 protein percent. The formula also has live probiotics to support healthy digestion. Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend combines a hard kibble with tender, pieces of real, shredded chicken for enhanced flavor and texture. It has live probiotics to support healthy digestion as well as omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It contains no artificial colors or flavors. Although this formula is highly-ranked and has been a favorite with consumers, please note that it contains poultry by-product and soybean meal, both of which are often considered to be inferior ingredients. But apparently many consumers have found that their dogs are doing well on this food. Some Suggested Foods for Your Golden Retriever Puppy Of course puppies require a higher amount of protein and fat than adults generally do. But note that adult goldens who are very active, such as dogs who do agility, generally need more protein and fat than other goldens do. But they may not need as much as puppies do. Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy Food The top five ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, and salmon meal. The recipe contains a minimum of 32 percent protein. It has 14 percent fat, and 45 percent estimated carbs and has a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44percent. It also has a safe, balanced amount of calcium. Origen Puppy Large Breed Formula The top five ingredients are deboned chicken, deboned turkey, yellowtail flounder, whole eggs, and whole atlantic mackerel. This recipe contains a minimum of 43 percent protein, 18 percent fat and 30percent estimated carbs, creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 41percent. This high-quality food is more expensive than many five-star rated foods. Diamond Naturals Large-Breed Puppy Formula The top five ingredients are lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, and ground white rice. This budget-friendly food has a dry matter label analysis of 30 percent protein, 17 percent fat, and 45 percent estimated carbs. It has a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56 percent. The dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29 percent protein, 17 percent fat and 46 percent estimated carbs. This results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58 percent. This is a top-rated food that is budget conscious. Purina Pro Plan Large-Breed Puppy Formula The top five ingredients are chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, and poultry by-product meal. The dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32 percent protein. It also contains 15 percent fat and 45 percent estimated carbs. This yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47 percent. This formula is highly-ranked and has been a favorite with consumers. Purina Pro Plan is what we are currently feeding our guide dog puppies. But, as is true of the adult Pro Plan food listed above, please note that it contains poultry by-product and soybean meal, both of which are often considered to be inferior ingredients. Final Thoughts There are so many choices when selecting a food for your beloved golden retriever. It can really be challenging to find the right food. But remember because there are so many choices, there is no one right food for your pup. Dog food ratings can help make a choice. So can knowing the basics regarding what the terms on a food label mean. Are you thinking of switching foods? Please leave your comments in the section below. Related Article:.

Proof of service or military ID must be presented at the time of adoption. Pets younger than two years will have normal adoption fees. What is included in the adoption fee? All Pet Adoptions Include: Spay or neuter surgery, dewormer, age-appropriate vaccinations, rabies vaccination, flea prevention, a pet microchip, and a one year registration with the City of Houston. BARC strongly recommends taking your newly adopted pet to a veterinarian within 72 hours for a follow up exam. If the pet becomes sick BARC offers treatment for newly adopted pets within two weeks of the adoption date. Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease which affects dogs and other mammals in the United States and other parts of the world. This disease is transmitted by mosquitos. It does not spread from dog to dog so it is safe to adopt a heartworm-positive dog. Heartworm disease can be resolved and most dogs respond well to treatment and can live long and happy lives! If the dog you have chosen to adopt is heartworm positive, we will have you speak to a medical team member prior to completing the adoption. The team member will be able to answer any questions you may have, help you learn more about this disease, and what the treatment will entail. Heartworm disease can be prevented. Due to the high density of the disease and mosquitos in our area, all dogs in your household should be on heartworm prevention. Visit www. How do I adopt a pet in Foster Care? Pets in Foster Care are not physically in the shelter except for on special event days. If you have found a pet from foster care that you would like to adopt or learn more about, Email barcfoster houstontx. Please allow at least 48 hours for the foster caregiver to reach out. Once you have met the pet and confirm you would like to adopt, our foster team will reach out to you on how to start the adoption process. For most pets, the adoption will still have to be done in person at BARC. For more information on adopting a pet from foster care, please contact barcfoster houstontx. Please come to BARC before 1 p. Your dog is special! Chances are that you chose her because you like Boxers and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle: Affectionate, easygoing, and lovable Loves to play games, especially fetch Intelligent, friendly, and easily won over Large, strong, and athletic, with lots of stamina in cooler climates Good with kids and other pets An excellent guard dog, courageous and dependable However, no dog is perfect! You may have also noticed these characteristics: Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog Exhibits signs of separation anxiety if left alone too much Can be gassy and drool a lot Can be independent and strong-willed Needs frequent attention from her family Suspicious of strangers Is it all worth it? Of course! She is a bright and energetic companion that forms close human bonds. With early socialization and consistent leadership, she is a cheerful and dependable addition to any family. The modern Boxer was developed in Germany during the 19th century from mastiff type dogs, and was originally used to hunt large game and in fighting or baiting. The Boxer is a high-energy dog with an enthusiastic and animated nature. They are a friendly and high-spirited breed that loves to play with children. Some Boxers can be stubborn but most are eager and quick to learn. Boxers enjoy close human contact and demand to be the center of attention with their clownish antics. The Boxer 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 Boxer. By knowing about health concerns specific to Boxers, 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 Boxers 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 Boxers. At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Boxer looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your Boxer is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Boxers 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 the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Boxers. 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. Roundworm egg as seen under the microscope. 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. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Boxer 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. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Boxers Heart Disease Boxers are prone to multiple types of heart disease, which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control go a long way in preventing heart disease. Boxers are especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, he may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. This means your Boxer is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off blood supply to the stomach, and sometimes the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes out , 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! This is a common problem in dogs, and your Boxer 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. Later, a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss are characteristic. Treatment usually includes oral medications, and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Boxers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of the four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, which includes your Boxer. Usually surgical correction is done to stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary to get the best outcome. Keeping him at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding too much twisting of the knees like playing Frisbee are key in avoiding this painful injury. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition that could occur in your Boxer causes a wobbly, drunken gait. This condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, happens because there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. If the nerves do not send signals to the brain the way they are supposed to, your dog cannot feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery are treatment options. It affects Boxers more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs and will eventually suffer from paralysis in his hindquarters, along with incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture, and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD is an immune system disorder common in Boxers in which the intestinal lining becomes overrun with immune system cells called lymphocytes and plasmacytes. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea is common or it may flare up suddenly and then improve again for a time. Stress, diet change, or intestinal parasites may make it worse. If your friend has diarrhea or digestive upsets that are not explained by the more common reasons, diagnostic tests, which may include intestinal biopsy, will be needed. Lifetime medications and special diets are usually required to keep this bellyache under control. Unfortunately, Boxers 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 of concern. Multiple Skin Problems Your Boxer is susceptible to different kinds of skin infections and diseases. One of them is caused by yeast Malassezia dermatitis. When it infects the ears, it causes itching, redness, and an accumulation of brown waxy discharge. On the skin, it leads to greasy, hairless areas, especially on the neck and throat, with a characteristic odor. Another common skin disease called seborrhea can cause dry, flaky skin or greasy, oily skin. These diseases make your pet itchy and uncomfortable. The earlier you call to have his skin problems checked, the less likely it is that you will end up caring for an itchy, bald, smelly dog. Bleeding Disorders There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders which occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. Abnormal lymphocytes, as seen under the microscope, confirming a diagnosis of lymphoma. Lymphoma Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Boxers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer, with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Treatment can be costly, however, and is a lifelong commitment. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Bleeding Tumor Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Boxers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Mast Cell Tumor Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Boxers, and the sooner they are surgically removed the better. Trouble is, they often look just like other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, some of which are harmful, and others not. All suspicious lumps should be tested and any questionable lump should be surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them, so early detection and removal is critical. 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, with Boxers commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, they 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 effectiveness. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Acepromazine Sensitivity Acepromazine is a widely used tranquilizer, very often prescribed for travel and other anxiety. For many years this drug was considered to have a wide margin for safety, meaning that vets prescribed it readily for traveling pets and for noise phobias. Recently, however, studies have uncovered some dangerous side effects in a few breeds, notably the Boxer. Respiratory Distress Syndrome This disease, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your Boxer. As a consequence, the soft palate the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth , is too long and hangs down into the airway. The nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized. All of these things lead to a narrow and obstructed airway. Many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. With his short nose, he is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended. Taking Care of Your Boxer 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 Boxer 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 has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Boxers 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 can have a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a sturdy fence is a must. She can be sensitive to temperature extremes; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. 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 Boxer needs help. For the most up-to-date information on DNA and other screening tests available for your pal, visit www. Your Boxer counts on you to take good care of her, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that she lives a long and healthy life. Please contact us when you have questions or concerns. References: Ackerman L. Second edition. AAHA Press; .Veterinary medical guide to dog and cat breeds. Jackson, Wyoming. Teton New Media; .Gough A, Thomas A. Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats. Wiley-Blackwell; .Canine Inherited Disorders Database [Internet]. University of Prince Edward Island.

German Shepherds are very gentle dogs and are much known for their protective traits. Unfortunately, last , there was a new adoption fee. Adopting a German Shepherd in Kentucky would now cost around dollars to dollars. These German Shepherds are provided with consistent medical care. Ever since the German Shepherd gets rescued, they will closely be monitored and have the privilege of being spayed and neutered. Care also includes all kinds of shots for dogs. Choosing a Good German Shepherd Rescue If you are trying to adopt a rescued German Shepherd from German Shepherd shelters, you might be confused about what you should consider. If you ask people to like your friends and family, they might have different opinions that confuse you. But there is not so much to consider. The fact that you chose to adopt a rescued German Shepherd rather than buying one is already one act of kindness. You might already know that there are so many rescued German Shepherds in the world and only a few German Shepherd shelters. If the German Shepherd comes at you with no hesitations and no aggressiveness, you would know that it was a good rescue. If the German Shepherd is warm and inviting on your first encounter, it is already a good rescue because there are no signs of trauma or aggression. How do I pick a good rescue German Shepherd? You might ask yourself what kind of German Shepherd you should adopt and rehome. You can look for outgoing dogs. You can tell that by observing their body language when you first meet. However, if you are also not down to unlimited patience, you can avoid a shy German Shepherd. These dogs can be a little bit of work because they are afraid and run away from you. If you are outgoing and are a very hands-on person, you might not enjoy your German Shepherd because of its shyness. Dogs can be trained and can also be flexible like some people are. If you love a challenge, you can pick any dog you want. Summary There are several shelters in Kentucky where you may locate a German Shepherd to adopt. Adoption, of course, comes with a slew of processes, duties, and criteria. The above list should save you a lot of time while looking for German Shepherd rescues in Kentucky. In this manner, you may be sure that you are adopting the best German Shepherd. Other States. The Tier Haven family is comprised of volunteers, adopters, and donors who have a passion for these working breeds and all of their quirks. We are brought together by the dogs that steal our hearts while chewing the shoe collection. Originally an all-breed rescue Tier Haven shifted to focus on working dogs with the rise of breed specific legislation which was leading to larger numbers of German Shepherds, and other working dogs, being euthanized. We are rooted in Kentucky with a strong passion for enacting change within the state which has ranked last in animal welfare for many years - even if change is one dog at a time. The Tier Haven Family is committed to giving these dogs a second chance and we are all honored to be part of their paths to a better life. While the Tier Haven Family is large we are still a small organization with a core group of volunteers who keep things flowing. These volunteers are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of the working dogs who find themselves in Kentucky shelters. Tier Haven believes in individuality and giving our individual dogs the space to be dogs and move foward in a productive manner regardless of past trauma. This can take time though and Tier Haven is a dedicated no-kill organization which means we often have "long-term" residents either due to medical or behavioral needs that are on-going. As a non-profit Tier Haven relies on our adopters and donors to continue moving forward with our mission - our adopters give us the gift of space to help the next dog while our donors give us the support to ensure each dog is given the best possible care while waiting for an adopter. Tier Haven is a foster based organization which means we do not have a central facility where our dogs are housed. This means we cannot allow drop in visits and have a specific adoption process which must be followed in order to meet our dogs. Kentucky was purchased from a breeder as a very young puppy. He was a small bundle of cuteness. Like all german shepherds, Kentucky grew and became a typical teenage German Shepherd. Strong, happy, playful and full of energy. Lots and lots of energy. His family realized they could not provide him with the home he needed to grow and develop into the wonderful dog he was capable of becoming. He is a very smart guy with a thick, shiny coat and a friendly, curious nature. Kentucky lived with 2 young girls in his former home and gets along well with children. He is eager to learn his doggy socialization skills so he can become truly impressive. Kentucky will thrive in a home willing to provide him with the structure and training he needs to develop. As cute as they are — puppies demand a large investment of time, patience, and training. They are inquisitive, have endless energy and get into just about everything. They dig, chew, and seemingly never stop! Think long and hard about your lifestyle. If you are not willing to invest the time and training to ensure your Kentucky matures into the wonderful dog — then please consider an older dog. The Tier Haven family is comprised of volunteers, adopters, and donors who have a passion for these working breeds and all of their quirks. We are brought together by the dogs that steal our hearts while chewing the shoe collection. Originally an all-breed rescue Tier Haven shifted to focus on working dogs with the rise of breed specific legislation which was leading to larger numbers of German Shepherds, and other working dogs, being euthanized. We are rooted in Kentucky with a strong passion for enacting change within the state which has ranked last in animal welfare for many years - even if change is one dog at a time. The Tier Haven Family is committed to giving these dogs a second chance and we are all honored to be part of their paths to a better life. While the Tier Haven Family is large we are still a small organization with a core group of volunteers who keep things flowing. These volunteers are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of the working dogs who find themselves in Kentucky shelters. Tier Haven believes in individuality and giving our individual dogs the space to be dogs and move foward in a productive manner regardless of past trauma. This can take time though and Tier Haven is a dedicated no-kill organization which means we often have "long-term" residents either due to medical or behavioral needs that are on-going. As a non-profit Tier Haven relies on our adopters and donors to continue moving forward with our mission - our adopters give us the gift of space to help the next dog while our donors give us the support to ensure each dog is given the best possible care while waiting for an adopter. Tier Haven is a foster based organization which means we do not have a central facility where our dogs are housed. This means we cannot allow drop in visits and have a specific adoption process which must be followed in order to meet our dogs. It also means that as a no-kill, foster based, rescue we are limited in the number of dogs we can care for at any given time and have a separate policy for owners seeking to surrender their dogs, which you can find below our adoption process. There are many ways to support Tier Haven and a number of them you are probably already doing! A Kroger Community Rewards - select Tier Haven IV as your charity of choice and a percentage of your purchases will be donated to our group. B IGive - Simply download the IGive Button to your desktop to be alerted when your online shopping is donation eligable. C Amazon Smile - shopping through amazon smile allows you to keep your prime benefits and select a charity to support! Tier Haven is an amazon smile partner and grateful for all our amazon smile donors. Use member to be placed in our team and have your purchases benefit the dogs. G Monetary donations can be sent via Paypal to Tierhavenrescue gmail. Adoption Policy Tier Haven requires an adoption application to be completed and processed prior to meeting or adopting any of our dogs. As a completely foster based organization Tier Haven relies on the application to help ensure that adopters are meeting dogs that are suitable for their household and that the dogs are meeting adopters committed to their individual needs. We do not have a central facility nor do we allow drop in visits on our foster homes for respect of their privacy and time. The application is completed via email and you may email Tierhavenrescue gmail. We rely on your application to assist in matching you with a suitable dog and ask that you provide us with as much information as possible about why you're seeking a Shepherd and your expectations for the dog. When submitting an application please contact your vet clinic and provide them with a release of information and also inform your personal references that they will be contacted. Once your application is processed you will be contacted by a volunteer to discuss potential dogs and arrange a meet and greet. Since we are a foster based group we only allow up to three 3 dogs on each meet and greet to keep it manageable for everyone. Meet and greets are often held at public locations to respect the privacy of our foster homes and they are scheduled at the discretion of the foster homes. Tier Haven relies on the adoption fee to continue helping future dogs therefore we are unable to reduce the fee for any reason. Each adoption is on a 10 day trial during which the adoption fee is refundable should the dog be returned for any reason. Even beyond our trial period we require our dogs to be returned to our care should they ever need rehomed for any reason - we are here for our dogs for their lifetime. If you have any questions about our adoption process that haven't been covered here please email them to us at Tierhavenrescue gmail. If you would like to discuss alternatives to rehoming such as training, dog day cares, and behavior management please email us at Tierhavenrescue gmail. Sponsor Meet Max Max is a beautiful Shepherd around years of age who found himself in the shelter after seriously biting someone over a tennis ball. His caregivers at the time where trying to re-home him anyways so they left him at the shelter to be euthanized. Max is a big, stubborn Shepherd who has clearly been allowed to do as he pleases and bully his way through life. He was recently neutered and as his hormones level out he is realizing that structure isn't so bad however Max requires an experienced German Shepherd handler. Max does well in his foster home and has had no issues meeting new volunteers and friends in his foster home. He is a rambunctious boy who likes a good adventure or stirring up the play group by trying to open the gate - anything for a bit of fun! This would make him great for sport work but also makes him terrible if you think taking toys from him is a good idea. Max does wonderful being redirected onto a new toy and is a sucker for a game of two toy fetch. Max is NOT suitable for a home with children under 13 or children who do not understand respecting the boundaries of a high drive dog. Max does well with the other Shepherds in his foster home but doesn't really understand roughhousing or playing. He is a bit more stoic during yard time preferring to keep to himself for the most part. Max will interact with the other dogs but simply doesn't care for playing or doing much with the other dogs. Max has NOT been introduced to any dogs under 40 lbs or cats. To be clear, Max is a wonderful boy in his own regard and is a very smart and eager boy. He is benefiting tremendously from force free training and has some tell-tell habits that speak to a lifetime of negative reinforcement training. If it is your belief that the way to handle a strong willed dog is adverse training this is not the dog - or rescue group - for you. This is not a battle of wills that you will win and it is not worth further damaging such an eager and fun dog so that a handler can exert their dominance. If you understand how to work with a dogs motivations to help them adjust and learn then Max is a wonderful guy who is going to make a great companion. If you're interested in Max please email Tierhavenrescue gmail.

For the complete list please see our list page. As with any breed, you should always expect to pay much more for a registered purebred puppy. Prices for German Shepherd puppies vary depending on the breeder and the pedigree of the puppy. Some breeders may charge more or less depending on whether the puppy is show quality or not. If you are interested in owning a German shepherd, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder in Mississippi. With so many to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect one for you and your family. Here are a few tips to help you get started: Ask your friends and family for referrals. Visit local dog shows and meet with breeders in person. Be prepared to ask lots of questions about the puppies, the parents, and the breeding process. Make sure that the breeder is willing to provide you with references from previous buyers. If a breeder balks at any of your requests, consider looking for another breeder. German Shepherds are a very popular breed and there is no shortage of options when it comes to choosing one. Be patient, do your research, and you will be sure to find the perfect puppy. Visit Your Mississippi German Shepherd Breeder in Person If you are in the market for a German shepherd puppy, there are some things you should keep in mind. First, if at all possible, try to visit your Mississippi German Shepherd breeder in person to get a better idea of what sort of puppies they breed. This is beneficial to both the buyer and the seller. Breeders who are proud of their puppies will be more than happy to show them off. By visiting the breeder, you can see the environment in which the puppies are raised and get a first-hand look at the parents. This will help you to determine if the breeder is responsible and breeding healthy dogs. It is also important to ask lots of questions. A good breeder will be happy to answer all of your questions and will be more than willing to provide you with references. If the breeder seems hesitant or unwilling to answer your questions, it is best to move on. When looking for a German shepherd breeder, it is important to make sure that you are dealing with a responsible person. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your German Shepherd Breeder in Mississippi One of the best ways to determine if a German shepherd breeder is responsible is to ask for references. Good breeders will be happy to provide you with references from previous buyers. If the breeder does not have any references, or if the references are all from family members or friends, it may be best to move on. A good breeder will be more than happy to provide you with references from previous buyers who are not related to them. It is also important to ask for health clearances from the parents of the puppies. Health clearances prove that the parents have been tested for genetic disorders and are free of any diseases. If the breeder does not have any health clearances, it is best to move on. Reputable German shepherd breeders in Mississippi can be tough to find, but it is worth the effort. By following these tips, you are sure to find the perfect puppy for your family. Happy hunting! Ask Your Mississippi German Shepherd Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers When you are looking for a German Shepherd breeder in Mississippi, one of the best ways to determine if they are bred responsibly is to ask them if you can meet some of their past customers. Reputable breeders will be more than happy to provide references from previous buyers. Meeting past customers will give you a better idea of what sort of person the breeder is. In addition, it will give you a chance to see the environment in which they have been raised and ask questions about their health and personalities. A good breeder should be more than happy to meet with past customers. If the breeder does not seem willing to let you meet previous buyers, it may be wise to walk away. A responsible Mississippi German Shepherd breeder will work hard to make sure that every puppy finds a good home and will be more than willing to provide references from previous buyers who are not related to them. A good Mississippi German Shepherd breeder should have a good veterinarian that they use. This veterinarian should be familiar with the breed and should be able to provide health clearances for the parents of the puppies. If the breeder does not have a good veterinarian, it is best to walk away. A responsible breeder will work closely with their veterinarian to ensure that their puppies are healthy and free of any genetic disorders. It is also important to ask the breeder how often they have their dogs bred. Good breeders will only breed their dogs when there is a demand for puppies. They will also only breed their dogs when they are in good health and have been cleared by their veterinarian. If you are looking for a responsible Mississippi German Shepherd breeder, be sure to ask lots of questions. A good breeder will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and will be more than willing to provide you with references. An unethical Mississippi German Shepherd breeder will be more than happy to sell you a puppy without providing you with any information about the dogs or the puppies. They may even tell you that there are no records of the parents. It is also important to avoid breeders who are not willing to provide references from previous customers. Unethical breeders tend not to have many repeat customers because they do not take care of their dogs and neglect them when they are pregnant and after they give birth. Be sure to ask lots of questions before choosing a breeder. A good breeder should be able to provide you with all kinds of information about the puppies, the parents, and themselves. If the breeder is unwilling to answer your questions or seems shady, it is best to walk away. There are plenty of reputable breeders in Mississippi who would be more than happy to help you find the perfect puppy for your family. Many unethical breeders will try to hide this information from you. These breeders are usually trying to sell their puppies as quickly as possible and do not have much concern for the well-being of the puppies or their new families. There are no perfect dogs, but there are a lot of great breeders out there who will work hard to provide you with a healthy and happy puppy. However, a reputable breeder should be more than happy to provide you with a health record for your puppy. This health record should have all of the information on the vaccines that were given and any medical treatments that have been performed. They will also be able to inform you about what genetic disorders are common with the breed so you can watch out for them. Be sure to have a safe place for the puppy to sleep. This can be a kennel or a crate, but it should be big enough for the puppy to stand up and turn around in. You will need to have a place for the puppy to eat and drink. This can be a bowl or an automatic feeder and waterer. You will need to have a place for the puppy to potty. This can be an outdoor potty area or a pee pad. You will to have some toys for the puppy to play with. You will need to have a vet lined up who can provide care for your new puppy. If you can provide your German Shepherd with all of these things, they will be happy and healthy. However, if you are unable to provide these things, it is best to find an alternative pet. This process can take some time, but it is definitely worth it in the end. The best way to potty train your puppy is to take them outside frequently. When they go potty outside, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. Another thing that you can do is to put newspaper or pee pads in an area where the puppy can go potty indoors. When they go potty on the newspaper or pee pad, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. It is important to stay consistent with both of these methods so that the puppy will learn where they are supposed to go potty. If you are consistent with potty training, your German Shepherd puppy will be potty trained in no time. However, if you do not stay consistent, the puppy will likely start to potty inside the house. The best way to train your German Shepherd is to start when they are young. One of the most important commands that you can teach your dog is how to sit. Once your dog has mastered sitting on command, you can move onto the next step. The next step is to teach your German Shepherd puppy how to stay. When you come back, give them praise and another treat. Once they understand the concept of staying, you can start teaching them how to come when called. This process will take some time because you cannot reward them with treats every single time that they come when called; otherwise, they may get sick of coming when called after while. Eventually, your German Shepherd will learn how to stay and come when called whenever they are given the command. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Puppy pads Create a Schedule German Shepherd pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. Still, it would be best to prepare yourself for loud noises when your pet is asleep. Moderate Training German Shepherds are highly trainable. It simply means they respond well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states. If all goes as planned, there will be three planned breedings for the spring and summer months. He had an amazing temperament, was extremely athletic and black sable in color. Sarge was a proven stud known for producing his likeness and passing on his hereditary characteristics to his offspring four of which remain at Weizen German Shepherd. He has a great temperament, weighs 95 pounds and is solid black in color with massive bone structure. He is a proven stud and produces puppies with dark pigmentation and great temperaments. He has been obedience trained and had bite work training at Weizen German Shepherds. He has an excellent pedigree, great temperament and is very dark sable in color. She is black sable in color and weighs approximately 74 pounds. She is high drive, easily trainable and very protective. She is black sable in color and weighs 88 pounds. Ketura is intelligent, has a great temperament and is obedience trained. She is DM free by parentage. Dark is black sable in color, weighs 95 pounds and has an outstanding pedigree. Dark has a wonderful temperament and was obedience trained at Weizen German Shepherds. She was born and raised at Weizen German Shepherds. She is black sable in color, weighs pounds and is a natural protection dog. She is very intelligent, obedience trained and has an excellent pedigree. She is intelligent, very bold, high drive and black sable in color. She is a Sarge and Seattle daughter. She is high drive, powerful and very black sable in color. She is a fireball of energy and smart. She is eight months old and dark sable in color. Wulfe is the son of Ketura and Zor. He is two months old and will be use as a future stud pending OFA scores. He is black sable and has a wonderful temperament. All puppies are imprinted from birth using the U. Military Bio Sensor techniques and exposed to different situations on a daily basis until they go to their new homes. Lynne Wheat is a Bred with H. Please Note: Weizen German Shepherds reserves the right to have first choice puppy from any of their litters.

Field Golden Retriever vs. Field Golden Retrievers vs. And finally, these differences are generalities, not hard set rules. Show Golden Retriever: Show golden retrievers are bred for a specific look. Personality Since field bred golden retrievers are bred to hunt, they typically have more driven personalities. Show Golden Retriever: Show golden retrievers tend to be more sociable. Both breeds are also usually good with other dogs. Energy Levels Since field golden retrievers are bred to hunt all day, they have tons of energy. Typically, they have more energy than show golden retrievers. All golden retriever puppies, no matter which style, have tons of energy, and just because show golden retrievers typically have less energy than field bred goldens, they can still be quite the handful. Coat The long, thick coat of a show golden retriever Field Golden Retriever: Field bred golden retrievers typically have darker coats in shades from gold to red. Because they have shorter coats, they have less volume of fur to shed, so it may feel like they shed less. Show Golden Retriever: Show golden retrievers have long, beautiful coats with long feathers. Since they have such full coats, they shed excessively , so get used to it being all over the house. Click here to learn more about grooming golden retrievers. Field golden retrievers love training and they need lots of it. Show Golden Retriever: Just like field goldens, show golden retrievers make great students because they are intelligent people-pleasers that love treats and praise. Field Golden Retriever: Field golden retrievers typically make great pets, however, they need lots of attention and can be mouthy after all, they are bred to carry game in their mouths. They can be a little on the rough and tumble side, but are very loving and devoted to their families. Show Golden Retriever: Since show golden retrievers are typically a little calmer, need a little less training, and are a little more friendly, you could make a case that they make better family dogs. However, both styles of goldens make great family pets. Jobs Field Golden Retriever: Obviously field golden retrievers make good hunting dogs, but their drive and energy also make them good search and rescue dogs. Show Golden Retriever: In addition to excelling in dog shows, show goldens, or dogs from show golden lines, are often therapy dogs or service dogs. Conclusion Field bred golden retrievers are athletes that were bred to work all day, while show golden retrievers are dogs that are bred for a certain look. Have any questions about field bred vs show golden retrievers? Have you owned one of these styles? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. We stand by our pups, which is why we work alongside licensed veterinarians to ensure that our puppies are healthy and always up to date on their deworming and vaccination protocols. We also offer a 2-year genetic health guarantee on all of our puppies. That way, you can rest easy knowing your puppy is healthy and free from genetic defects and congenital diseases. Our mission is dedicated to connecting healthy, beautiful puppies with their forever families. No Puppies of this type are available right now, to see the puppies currently available visit: Our Puppies About Show Golden Retrievers Dog Group: Sporting— meaning, they are especially trainable and good natured. Size: inches tall and lbs— so essentially a very large Teddy bear. Lifespan: of the best years of your life! Energy Level: Active Coat: Thick, long, and luxurious. Shedding: Moderately heavy. Hypoallergenic: Unfortunately, Show Goldens are not hypoallergenic. What is a Show Golden Retriever? These dogs are sought after for their lovely appearances and how well they perform in dog shows. Basically, a Show Golden is a natural variation of the Golden Retriever breed. Show Goldens gained their namesake as a result of, well, their competition standards. They are quite remarkable in appearance and have wonderful coats. The original Goldens came to be as a result of cross-breeding between various different breeds including: Water Spaniels, Yellow Retrievers, Irish Settlers, and Bloodhounds over several generations. In other words, all Golden Retriever subtypes including the British Golden subtype , are members of the same family, or breed. The Show Goldens belong to any of the 3 of the Golden subtypes. Because their temperament is friendly, fun-loving, and obedient just like normal Goldens. These pups are known for being loyal, eager to please, and attentive. Like all Goldens, they are playful and excitable. In short, their great, balanced temperament makes them a great addition to any home! Oftentimes, cheaper golden retriever puppies can ultimately cost you a LOT more money in the long run because they are more likely to have health issues. Are Show Goldens more expensive? Because of their desirable coats and specific standard, Show Goldens can be more expensive than certain other subtypes of Golden Retriever. What is the difference between Show Goldens and Golden Retriever? A Show Golden is a type of Golden Retriever. The Show Goldens do tend to sport slightly longer coats overall and have bigger bones on average. The main difference is easily their care requirements. Their long coats must consistently be maintained and brush to keep their appearance. How big is a full grown Show Golden Retriever? The weight range for these sweet pups can be from pounds for full-grown males, and pounds for full-grown females. Additionally, these babies tend to stand at about inches tall, with males being on the taller end of the spectrum. They are typically large-boned and have a more broadhead than an average Golden. Do Show Goldens shed? Yes, all types and variations of Golden Retrievers shed, and this is entirely normal for the breed. However, it is worth noting that because the Show Goldens often have a coat that is slightly longer than Standard Golden. More brushing is required to maintain their lovely coats. Are Show Golden Retrievers aggressive? The good news is— no, Show Golden Retrievers are not aggressive dogs by nature. In fact, due to their training they are very obedient. Just like standard Goldens they are sweet, calm, and lovable. They make a fantastic addition to any family including yours. Are Show Goldens more calm? When compared to other subtypes of Golden Retrievers, the main difference is simply their training and appearance plus care requirements. Due to their training they are more eager to please and faster to listen to commands. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. I have combined the two for easier navigation of all of my services and breeding program. I welcome you to my home on the internet and encourage you to browse around to see all that I have to offer. My name is Chrissy Harp, I have been in business for 18 years now. I want everyone that purchases a golden to have the same great experience of owning a well mannered, healthy, lovable puppy as I have. Everyone should own a golden retriever once in their lives, there is nothing like it!! My line has been in our family for 26 years, so I know the health history and it speaks for itself. I stand behind every puppy with a 2 year health guarantee. My whole mission behind spending all this time and money finding the perfect breed able dogs, is so an average family can have a high quality, healthy pet. As it becomes available, I will post information about my puppies as well as dogs that I have available for sale. You may sign up for my email newsletter. I try to send one out when I have a litter expected, a dog that is trained and ready to be placed, a possible therapy dog, a retired dog needing a retirement home, or if something is new. Additional photos are always available. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by e-mail at puppies opkgoldens.

Ian discusses how we should learn to see the world from our dogs perspective and in doing so, how we can better earn their love and trust. Armed with this love and trust, we will form a better relationship and as a result, effective training becomes just that much more effective and enjoyable for both you and your dog. But please, first make sure to use the search facility in the footer of this website and browse our other sections as the subject may have already been covered: Labrador health and care , Labrador behavior , Labrador puppies , infobites and Labrador breed information. External Resources On Labrador Training Although referring to all breeds in general and not purely Labradors, for those of you that love to watch and not read, the series of dog training videos on www. If you like reading books then check out one of our favorite Lab books: The Complete Labrador Handbook. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. If this is the case,…. Rewarding good behavior is more useful and constructive for training purposes than punishing bad behavior. Aim to give the command, and then give a reward immediately the action is carried out. This strengthens the link in the dog's mind between action and reward. Start with a basic command, such as "Sit," and work on that until your dog has it mastered. Karen Pryor. Publisher: Ringpress Books Keep a pouch on you filled with kibble and treats. That way you can immediately reward your puppy when they do something good. Once the dog is regularly repeating an action for a cue word, make the treat giving less predictable. This is because a dog that gets a reward every time gets sloppy, because the treats are too easy to come by. By skipping a reward, it sharpens up his thinking and makes him wonder if he didn't sit fast enough or well enough and therefore he works harder to please you. Eventually you will reward every fourth or fifth command, so that he remains focused on earning a treat but without getting discouraged that they are too hard to earn. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Clicker training gets the dog to associate the "click-clack" sound of a clicker pressed by you with a reward. The clever part of the clicker is that it can mark the precise moment that a desired action took place, hence building a strong link between the action and reward. Labradors are highly trainable because they are so food motivated, which makes clicker training ideal for them. Eventually your dog will come to learn that clicks are always followed by treats, which is a very powerful incentive for Labrador Retrievers. One your dog makes this connection, you can use the click to mark the instant he performs the right behavior, such as sitting down. Over time, he will learn that sitting down when commanded gets him rewards. Labrador Retrievers are extremely food-oriented and motivated. Cooked kidney is a cheap alternative to buying dog treats and is also very easy to prepare and cut up. Many dogs will even work for their regular dog kibble. Giving treats as a reward for the behavior you wish to encourage should be used only as a starting measure. Treats should soon be replaced with praise as the reward, otherwise the dog may become overweight or even obese. Alternatively, you could also weigh out your dog's daily food allowance out and then set aside a small amount of the daily total for use as treats. This helps prevent your Labrador from putting on weight with all the training you are doing. Pippa Mattinson. Publisher: Ebury Press Some trainers recommend having a dog with attention problems have to earn every kibble in his bowl, instead of being fed large meals at one time. Once your dog is regularly repeating an action after he is issued a command, make the treat giving less predictable. Mix things up a little. Typically, a dog that gets a reward every time gets sloppy because the treats are too easy to come by. By skipping a reward, it sharpens up your dog's thinking and makes him wonder if he didn't sit fast enough or well enough. He will therefore work harder to please you. Test your Labrador Retriever in different situations and add distractions. Once you have established basic commands e. Add noise, or another trainer, or even another animal. When you dog gets distracted and has troubling focusing, you need to temporarily interrupt his stream of thought by talking to or commanding him or by an action such as stomping your foot. Publisher: Ringpress Books Work on distraction techniques with treats in low distraction settings and at home. Always follow through with praise and treats. As you get more confident on your dog's ability to stay in control, increase the level of difficulty by walking around the block or near a dog park to work on his skills. Work up slowly to added distraction and you will both gain confidence in your Labrador's ability to handle a crowd. This is key to creating a well-mannered dog that behaves well in situations where there are other people and animals. Local shelters, pet stores, and other organizations offer training programs at low cost. Consider visiting one of the classes prior to enrolling to make sure that you agree with the type of training presented. You may also want to consider getting a professional trainer. A professional dog trainer, such as one from the Association of Professional Dog Trainers APDT , is very knowledgeable about dogs and can help you learn basic handling skills. An important part of training is helping your dog to behave around other dogs, so try and attend a puppy class. Many veterinary clinics hold puppy classes. All the attendees have received their first vaccination and are only allowed to attend if they are healthy. The benefit to the puppy is learning confidence and social skills around other young dogs. Research appropriate training methods prior to actual training. Check online, local libraries and local organizations. You can also ask your vet for advice. Remember, the more knowledgeable you are, the better you know how to react under different circumstances. Make sure as well that you have what you need to effectively train your dog. Purchase a clicker if you're planning to clicker train as well as an appropriate collar and leash for general training. A leash should be no more than five to six feet in length. The best leashes for training are leather. Always check your equipment to make sure it is in good order and not liable to snap or break. This type of training is ideal for Labrador Retrievers. This method works by rewarding the good behavior, while ignoring the bad. Punishment is thus not a part of this training technique. Publisher: Ringpress Books The idea is that the Labrador works hard to repeat the behavior which earned him a treat or a fuss. The unwanted behavior was ignored by you, the trainer, and in your dog's mind does not benefit him at all, is a waste of energy, and therefore is not worth repeating. Training works best when you dedicate a couple of short sessions 10 - 15 minutes twice a day to it. Try to train at times when the dog is not tired, but also not bursting with pent-up energy. For example, if you've been out all day and come home, it might be best to let the puppy run round the yard for 5 minutes first, or take an adult dog for a short walk, before beginning a focused training session. Publisher: Ringpress Books Try to train in a place where there are few distractions, so that your Labrador Retriever can focus his attention on you. A good time to choose to train a dog is just before a meal, so the dog will be very keen to work to earn those tasty treats. Your commands need to be simple, short, clear and consistent. Don't lecture your Labrador; they're not human so they don't process language in the same way. Phrases like "Stop doing that, oh for goodness sake" or "Oy, stop chewing on the table" will not work as they are too complicated. John Bradshaw. Publisher: Penguin Experts believe that the dog registers the first part of the word as the most important, so longer commands such as "Sit Fido if you want a treat" are liable to confuse him. Just say the word "Sit" instead. In general, shouting at any dog is ineffective. This is especially true for Labrador Retrievers who are an excitable breed by nature. Use a firm but pleasant and upbeat voice when instructing your dog; don't yell or lose control. Dogs are very intuitive and will be able to sense your frustration and may react in kind. Tone of voice matters, especially since, again, dogs don't process language in the same way that humans do. So how you say something may mean as much if not more than what you say. Positive, but firm and assertive commands will communicate to the Labrador what you want him to do. Try using hand gestures at the same time as you issue verbal commands. For example, raise your hand at the same time as saying "Sit". Dog behaviorists believe that dogs look for multiple clues as to what we want them to do, which includes the command word, tone of voice, and body language. Publisher: Penguin. Print Early obedience first step to better hunting dog Labrador puppies start out sweet and innocent. All you want to do is cuddle up with your pup and love them! And you should! But rest assured the innocence will not last. As your pup gains confidence and courage, they will begin to test you in many ways. That is why you must obedience train your Labrador puppy. Early obedience training is key to establishing borders and boundaries that will help your puppy grow, learn, and adjust with a good attitude. There is no shortcut to doing this, just use the name often when you talk to your puppy. Over time, the pup will start to respond to the name. Socialization, while not technically obedience training, is the single most important thing you can teach your puppy during the first few months of life. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to this post. Tools needed to obedience train Labrador puppy You will need a few tools to teach your puppy obedience. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Collar — You should purchase a size appropriate collar for your new puppy. You may have to buy new ones as your dog grows, but it is important for your puppy to get used to wearing a collar early on. A simple nylon adjustable collar works great. Chain collar — If your puppy is more than a few months old, a chain or prong collar is extremely helpful in teaching obedience, but they must be used correctly. For more information on how to put a chain collar on your dog correctly refer to this video. A longer lead, called a check cord, is also useful for teaching HERE and retrieving. You can learn more about that here. Heeling stick optional — While optional, a heeling stick can be especially helpful in teaching basic obedience. Treats — Treats are good for teaching very young puppies. I use treats for pups under 12 weeks of age, but treats should be discontinued rather quickly. When to start basic puppy obedience training Obedience training can and should start within the first couple weeks of having your puppy home. Young puppies are ready and willing to learn and teaching obedience to a young puppy is much easier than teaching it to an older dog. How long should obedience sessions be? Most labs do not enjoy obedience training. For this reason, we aim to keep obedience sessions short, especially if your dog is under 4-months of age. Five to ten minutes of obedience a day can work wonders. Especially if you are consistent. Using rewards or praise to teach obedience Many people like to use treats or rewards for obedience training. And this can work, especially with very young dogs. But for hunting dogs, over the long-term treats can become a problem. We do not want our dogs, or the dogs we train to be obedient only because they are getting a food reward. We want them to be obedient because they understand their place in the family and respect the owners. To get these lasting results, we use praise words and petting and a reward that retrievers live for — retrieves! Well-timed praise is a particularly important part of dog training. A message that it is okay to ignore me the first 9 times! This simply means that after a few minutes of formal obedience training, we release the dog with an OKAY command and that means they can run around and be a dog. We then throw a bumper or plug a for the dog to retriever. We do this a few times with a lot of excitement and allow the dog to retrieve the bumper. For retriever breeds, this is often more effective than a food reward. Be careful that you are not letting your puppy get into bad habits with retrieving. For instance, if your puppy often goes out to retrieve the bumper but then runs away with it, or picks it up and drops it, do not continue doing retrieves. While retrieving is a reward for many Labs, it is not an excuse to engage in behaviors that are not going to be acceptable in the field. If you want to learn more about how to properly teach your Lab to retrieve, check out How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Introduction to leash and nylon collar The very first step for any puppy obedience is to introduce your puppy to a regular collar and leash. This should be done in two separate steps, first the collar and then the leash. Introduce the collar by putting a nylon type collar on your puppy. This is normal and you should not react to it. Introducing the leash is a little different. We like to do this outside. After a few sessions of this introduction, you can start holding the leash by the end and walking with the puppy. When the puppy tries to run or walk away, hold tight to the leash, and just let the puppy get used to the resistance. Some puppies have a hard time with this and will growl or whine and whip themselves around at the pressure, but most will not. Remain calm and after a few sessions the puppy should get used to the resistance of the leash. Do not allow the puppy to pull you around. That will make for some bad behaviors that you will need to correct later. If you cannot control your puppy with just a regular collar and leash, you may need to move to a chain or prong collar to keep control. What commands to teach Lab puppy There are only four basic obedience commands that you need to teach your young puppy. Remember when it comes to commands, less is more. OKAY — this is a release command, basically tells your dog were done training, go be a dog. As your puppy grows and learns more, there are some other commands that may be needed, but for puppies I like to start with just the four above. Dog training requires consistency Before you start with obedience training, I want to make a note about the importance of consistency. Obedience training only works if you are consistent. This means that when you say a command, you expect the puppy to perform the command, and are willing to take steps to make the puppy perform the command. If you do not remain consistent in this expectation, you will confuse your dog and get poor results from your training. You and your family must be consistent! How to start obedience training Lab puppy The first command you want to start teaching your puppy is SIT. This is quite easy to teach with a small puppy but gets a little tougher as they get bigger. Then release the puppy with the OKAY command. Repeat this process several times, then stop. If your puppy is weeks old, you can repeat this training several times a day for only a couple minutes at a time. This will be a two-person job for a little while. The other person will put the food down a few feet from the puppy. Then release the puppy to eat saying OKAY. As the pup learns and understands the command better, you will no longer need a second person to hold the puppy. You must be a little careful here because young puppies do not have great bladder control and making them wait, even a few seconds, can mean the difference between an accident and them doing their business outside. But this is a great way to teach impulse control and manners to your puppy. I do not want to have to fight for a position by the door. You can usually start working on this within a week or two of teaching SIT. A great way to teach this command to young puppies is to use two people and sit in a long hallway, one at each end. Take turns calling your puppy with a HERE command. A toy or treat can often help the process. Let your puppy run around a bit but hold onto the end of the cord. Occasionally, call you puppy with a HERE command. It can be helpful at first to crouch down to encourage the puppy to run towards you. Then release the puppy with an OKAY command. Do this a few more times and repeat daily until the puppy is coming to you without you needing to pull the cord. It is also the command most of our clients struggle with the most. Mostly because they are using the wrong tool for the job. For heeling work, it is important that you work with a chain or prong collar. This will give you more control and stop the pulling and surging that many people struggle with. Using a chain or prong collar and a six-foot leash, start walking your puppy at your side. If your puppy is young, be sure to use a puppy chain collar which is smaller than chain collars for adult dogs. And make sure that you are putting it on correctly! An alternate tool to a chain collar and leash is the Wonder or Command Lead. These work great for teaching HEEL. As you start walking use gently tugs on the chain collar with the command HERE to keep your puppy at your side. If your puppy surges or pulls ahead, simply make a degree turn and start walking the other direction giving a sharp, upward tug on the chain collar and saying HEEL several times until the dog is back in a heeling position. Many of our clients have told us they never left their driveway the first few days! But if you are patient and consistent, your dog will quickly learn that if they want to go for a walk, they need to stay at your side. If you want to learn and progress in more obedience work, check out these obedience drills for retrievers. Final thoughts on how to teach your lab puppy obedience Teaching your puppy obedience may take a lot of patience, time and work, but it is such an important thing to do. You will never regret the time! A well-mannered dog is such a joy to be around both in the home and in the field. How to obedience train Labrador puppy. So what we are going to do in this film is to start at the very beginning of collar condition and how to proceed with the electric collar so that it is very very positive, including positive reinforcement for any breed. So if you have a Schnauzer, a boxer, a cocker spaniel … any breed that you want to control at long range and develop a better bond with the dog because of this procedure and how you are going to use it …. We want to begin by saying the electric collar is only used to reinforce a command the dog already knows. A lot of people think that the electric collar has this magic ability to teach a dog something. It does not. Most people use the electric collar as a form of punishment. The dog makes a mistake, the dog gets a correction with the electric collar. We are going to learn a different way and that way is to reinforce commands they are already doing; and this is done with a very very light collar reinforcement. This is what this video is going to be about … how to get that reaction. So a few other things about the electric collar…. .People think a clicker is a wonderful thing, or a food treat is a wonderful thing, and in some cases they are, especially with little puppies that are at close range. But a clicker or a cookie at yds is about as useless a thing as you can imagine. One of the important tools, if not THE most important tool is the concept of conditioning. The other tool is consistency. Both of the tools are overlooked by some trainers. So, the steps are always the same: You teach the command first, THEN you reinforce it using the electric collar. There are other ways to use the electric collar, there is punishment, there is indirect pressure etc. We use punishment as one of the ways of teaching a dog not to go nose to nose with a rattle snake; that would be direct pressure Many people use direct pressure as punishment…. The way we use the electric collar is very gentle. Labrador Retriever pups are working dogs. This means they live to please you for a treat. The more you engage them with different puppy training behaviors the happier they will be. Of course, Labs will be Labs, and this means that dogs do dog things unless they are trained to follow your expectations. Potty training your puppy is just the beginning of you making clear expectations for your Lab. Puppy training from long leash training to potty training, to not nipping is discussed in greater detail along with clear, easy to follow videos at www. But we will give you an expert training tip summary below. For this reason, you need to become an expert on puppy training. Contact us for a discount on the Puppy Trained Right positive reinforcement training program. Expose your puppy to as many different people and situations possible. Teach dog to dog manners when required. Use Positive Reinforcement. Allow for Play with Other Puppies. Play with other Lab Puppies not only allows your pup to get some exercise it is a form of puppy socialization. Bond with your Puppy. Once a strong bond is formed your Lab Puppy will want to please you even more. Potty Train Right Away. Learn how Dogs Learn. Training a Lab puppy is easy if you understand how to go about it. Give your Lab Puppy Play time to Explore. Labs need this as part of their natural development. Spend more time with your puppy when young. This is the time when your expectations should be clearly outlined and can decrease as she gets older. Begin Training day 1. This happens weather or not you intend it to. Every action and reaction is something your puppy uses to form new habits. So ignoring them jumping up as an 8 week old puppy is training them to jump up and will be much more difficult to un-train once they are 70 lbs. Relax and make learning fun. Your pup needs you happy and enjoying yourself! Use Positive Training Methods because they work. This means reward what you desire. Ensure most Experiences are Positive. Imagine a training session of No, No, No, No! Expose them to as Many Human Situations possible. One cause is that there was not adequate socialization with different men. Be Patient. You are building an amazing K9 personality. The window is between 8 and 20 weeks old. Make the most of it. The better your Lab is socialized the happier they will be. Anxiety in dogs comes from many things. The more things your dog is comfortable with the less chance for anxiety and therefore the happier they are. Prepare yourself, your family and your home before your puppy comes home. It is too late once you meet your puppy as simply interacting with her is training. Allow for Safe Experiences both in the home and outside. Seek professional trainers to help guide you when faced with a problem. Be consistent. Clear expectations are easiest to learn. Focus on Guiding not controlling. Best Start Training or Training Classes are beneficial for both you and your puppy. Expect Success. We tend to move in the direction we believe we will travel. Reward the Behaviors you want to see even something as simple as 4 paws on the ground if you are trying to train your Lab not to jump up on you. Become Well informed. You are teaching a skill like reading that takes clear expectations and builds upon last session. Lab Puppies need constant supervision either human, a crate, a fenced area or a baby gate across a doorway. Encourage a soft mouth. Keep your training up or it will be forgotten. Begin Walking on a Loose Leash Right away. This is always easier for your Lab when they are 12 lbs not 70lbs. Change direction before the leash tightens so they are followers not leaders. This is much easier to train before it happens than correct. Allow alone time for your Lab. Know when to end a training session. End training before your puppy quits. Make time for a few shorter training Sessions. Three fifteen minute sessions are better than one 45 min one. Teach your Lab to respond to their name. Teach your Labrador basic obedience before tricks-come, sit, stay, down, leave it. Have all humans learn the commands and be consistent. Ignore undesirable behaviors. Ignoring includes not saying no, bad dog, touching your dog or making eye contact. Find rewards that your Retriever loves and use them when you have breakthrough training moments. Adjust your expectations as your Lab puppy matures, the older more experienced the higher the expectation. Set Realistic Expectations. Minimize distractions when you begin training. Be aware of your Body Language, Labradors pick up cues from you. Be aware of your leash tension. A tight leash says anxiety from the handler. Know when to get Help .Have fun! Understand that Labs do Lab things. Make them work for food and treats. Exercise your Retriever properly for both intensity and duration. Learn some exercise games Labs love. Give lots of repetition. Stop before they get bored. Establish a Pattern by Praising. Redirect undesired behavior. Accept partial actions at first and gradually increase your expectations. When treats end Verbal treats and chin scratches rule. They will know. Enjoy your well balanced purebred Lab puppy for many years. Purebred Lab Retrievers, are they easier to train? The answer to that is definitely maybe! Not all purebreds are bred for intelligence. For example, if a Labrador Retriever breeder chooses to breed their dogs for a certain look then they may overlook intelligence as one of the important characteristics in order to get a specific Lab look. We however breed for intelligence, health and temperament. So in our case, yes, our Purebred Lab Puppies are easier to train than many because we choose the parents and their puppies specifically for their smarts!

There are some Boxers that appear to be black. However, a solid black coat is not indicative of the breed. So, how can this be? Read more about what markings and patterns can cause a black-like coat. Fawn- What exactly is the color fawn in regard to dogs? This sample is a typical fawn. However, as you will see, fawn is a range of hues. To the right below on mobile is a medium fawn is the standard hue when referring to this terminology. With nice white flash markings on the chest and with black on the muzzle, this Boxer meets color breed standard very well. Brindle - What is brindle? Brindle is not technically a color, it is a pattern. The base is fawn and there is striping. The stripes may be light or dark, and density of the striping can range from thin to thick. Some brindles will look almost fawn and some will appear so dark that they look black. This Boxer shows the standard brindle striping. With white on his chest, paws and ankles and black on the muzzle, this Boxer also meets breed standards perfectly. This is a red fawn Boxer. As you can see, this fawn is darker and deeper than that the common tan fawn; producing a slight shading of red. What a gorgeous coat. This Boxer is a dark brindle. As you can see, with dark brindle the black is over powering the fawn color. The black striping in this pattern is heavy; which would be called a reverse or even a seal. Which simply means that the dog is not officially a solid fawn; he is a mix of colors. Seal - The Boxer dog you see here on the left is Vesta; this color is often referred to as seal. This is a super tight brindle. Siennna, right, is a fawn. Photo courtesy of Nancy Dark Brindle Boxer. Turkish, at 7 years old, photo courtesy of Renata Boxer Dog Flash The white markings on this breed are called "flash". If a Boxer has a moderate amount, one often refers to this as semi-flashy. Those with prominent white on a good portion of the coat are called flashy. No Markings? Not all Boxers have white markings. These are known as plain Boxers, but the term is misleading, as it refers to the genes at work. Read more: Boxers without White Markings Brindle Explanation Brindle one of the colors of this breed is actually a pattern. Stripes running through the coat partial or full is brindling. These are often black hairs, but may be any color that is a darker shade than the hairs that run under it. Depending on the exact color of these brindling pattern stripes, one may refer to a Boxer using one of the following terms listed in order from a very light brindle to a heavy dark striping : Light super light. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.

Do every chore you need to do before your pug arrives. This way, your pug would have all the attention it needs as it settles down for the first time. Avoid doing the following things. Allow it to settle and be familiar with its new home first before doing so. Start to crate-train your pug. Crate training is essential for pugs for many reasons. For instance, it will help them learn much quicker and have toilet training at the same time. You can do this by putting your pug into its crate the first thing after it arrives at home. You can add a nice treat for your pug to eat in the crate. Begin the house training. As soon as your pug starts to settle, try to make some schedule for house training. It would be best if you do it at the same time of the day. This way, your pet will learn to abide by a specific routine. You can also do this with potty training, mealtimes, playtimes, and other activities. Thus, you may find it overwhelming to choose which one would be best. Research to find out more about your chosen Pug breeder. Though we offer you a list of Pug breeders, you still need to get to know your chosen one. You can contact the phone number and visit their website to learn more about what kind of breeder they are. If you can, it would be better to visit their address. This way, you can avoid going into business with unreputable breeders. Ask the right questions. Once you have your breeder, reach out to him or her and ask the right questions. Visit your future pup in its current home. If you have connected with a breeder, chances are it will give you weeks to prepare your home. In those weeks, the breeder will also prepare the puppy. Between those weeks, you should get invited to meet and bond with your future pup. When you do, try to see and check the environment and how your puppy reacts. Such things will tell you a lot about how the breeder has been treating the puppy. Your breeder should ask more about you. A good breeder wants the puppies to be under good parents in the future. Other states. Pugs are purebred dogs that were originally lap dogs. This is a highly sensitive breed that does not adapt well to being alone for long periods. However, they are adaptable to apartment living given their compact size inches and pounds. Pugs are a good choice for novice pet owners as they are loving and easygoing. They are affectionate with family members, kid-friendly, and get along well with other dogs in the household. In terms of grooming, Pugs shed a lot but they are quite easy to groom. Pugs are not the most intelligent canines but they can be trained to comply with requests using reward games. If you are an individual or family interested in Pug puppies in Tennessee, you should know this breed has moderate exercise needs and energy levels. But Pugs are an extremely playful breed, which makes them the ideal pets for Tennessee families with kids. All in all, Pugs are the ideal companions with their lovable flat faces, deep wrinkles, big, dark eyes, and comical expressions. Puppy Hero pre-screens all breeders, so you can bring an adorable Pug puppy home with peace of mind. Susan Bon-Webb has been breeding since .This breeder raises champion line AKC Pugs. Their Pugs are their babies. That means each pup becomes family and each new owner is super important. Susan is always available to help or answer questions at any time and whenever needed. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time. Our waitlist is open with a few spots available to new applicants! Generally, we expect a month wait for puppies. For additional information on our adoption process click here. As breeders we see ourselves as the caretakes. Not only of these sweet, fun, charismatic dogs, but also of your future puppy and of the breed in general. We are also tasked with ensuring optimal health of each puppy born. We also have physical evaluations by our veterinarian done. From there it is our responsibility to review these tests results and match each dog with the best possible mate, resulting in healthy, beautiful, well-tempered puppies. It is also our job to keep up with continuing education on breeding, our breed specifically, and dogs overall. This means we often attend online seminars and classes offered through various resources like the AKC, Revival, Good Dog and some university veterinary reproductive programs. We find that participating in continuing education is very important to our breeding program, it helps us better care for our dogs and your future pups. That being said sometimes meeting someone in person can be difficult. Make sure you have been in direct contact with your chosen breeder. We have no problem talking to our future families on the phone. We actually prefer it and request a phone interview. It helps us better assess the right puppy for your lifestyle. There are also a number of reputable rescue groups who would love to find great homes for the pugs who have been abandoned, abused or surrendered to shelters, from time to time they do get puppies as well. When looking for your puppy online, try to follow these simple tips: Be sure to deal directly with a breeder, not a broker someone who buys puppies and resells them. Never send Western Union or money order payments. If you are told that there will be no refunds for a sick puppy, you are most probably dealing with a puppy mill. A reputable breeder or rescue group will always take the puppy back, regardless of the reason.