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A resounding yes! Poodles ARE easy to train. Whether they are of the standard, miniature, or toy variety, Poodles are one of the most trainable dog breeds with their keen intelligence and eagerness to please their masters. Almost any dog owner will be able to train an average Poodle to a very high standard. The American Kennel Club gives the Poodle breed their highest marks on trainability. With equally high marks in mental stimulation needs, your poodle will enjoy working for your approval. While no dog is perfect, Poodles are highly trainable. They come close! As dogs originally bred for hunting, Poodles are meant to work and are happier with tasks to perform. Training gives purpose to their roles as furry companions with opportunities to please their masters, something that they naturally strive to do. As such, they are very receptive to learning new tasks and behaviors. With their above-average intelligence, Poodles enjoy the mental stimulation the training process provides. They are smart enough to understand what you are trying to guide them to do, which makes training easier for both master and dog. Provide positive reinforcement, and your Poodle will be more than cooperative with your training efforts! Benefits of Training Your Poodle A guilty looking two color Poodle Properly training your Poodle ensures you get the behavior you expect from your pet so that you and your Poodle are happy living together. Remember, your Poodle is eager to please you, so you are fulfilling a need for your dog while making pet ownership a positive experience for all involved. Training also helps keep your Poodle focused on more desirable and constructive activities. Without proper stimulation, your Poodle may find her own entertainment, which may not be to your liking! Being a high-energy breed means your Poodle needs a good deal of exercise. Teaching your Poodle games such as fetch and other athletic feats can fill the need for physical activity while instilling discipline and providing an opportunity for following commands and practicing recall. A Miniature gray Poodle enjoying the outdoors. Generally speaking, after 2 solid weeks of intense Poodle housetraining , most Poodles begin to get the idea that they need to do their business outdoors. That being said, full house training for puppies may take from months. The number of accidents and time frame for completing training varies from dog to dog regardless of breed, but Poodles are smart cookies and catch on to the routine more quickly than average. There are several methods to housetrain a dog, and Poodles are no exception. Whatever method you decide to use, consistency and positive reinforcement are key. Your Poodle needs regular repetition to learn what is expected of her and help her develop the ability to control her bodily functions. A chocolate Toy Poodle eating from a ceramic bowl Your Poodle is highly capable of learning obedience commands that help her be social with humans and other dogs. Basic commands are easy to teach your Poodle with positive reinforcement and repetition. Some beginning commands for your Poodle to master are sit, stay, come, down, and stand. After your Poodle has mastered a few basics, you can continue adding additional commands you wish her to learn. See our timeline for Poodle training. Know at which age you should be teaching certain tricks and behavior. They can be frightened of waves though. Compare the Poodle vs Cockapoo in our guide. While as a breed Poodles are highly rated in terms of trainability, in some cases you may encounter challenges while training your Poodle. Poodles love attention and are not afraid to bark or resort to other unwanted behavior to get it. As hard as it may be, there will be times when ignoring certain behaviors may be the path for eliminating them. Once the unwanted behavior stops, you can give your Poodle some desired attention and a treat. Poodles are also a high-energy breed. For this reason, it may sometimes be frustrating to get your Poodle calm enough to pay attention during training sessions. Making sure your Poodle gets sufficient exercise can help her focus on the task at hand. Training when your Poodle is in a calm state with minimal distractions will produce better results. Some Poodles love water from puppyhood! Do Your Research — There are many ways to train a dog. Compare methods for teaching specific behaviors to evaluate which method you are most comfortable with and feel you can stick to. Programs for intelligent and high-energy dogs will be best suited for your Poodle. Have a Plan — Keep in mind the behavior you are working on and be familiar with the steps for your chosen teaching method. Keep it Simple — Stick to one method or habit at a time. Be Consistent — Apply the training method you are using for a specific desired behavior consistently over time for best results. Dogs are also motivated by affection, playtime, and special toys. Be mentally prepared to work through those moments and keep your eye on the prize! Remain Calm — Training takes time and effort. Many behaviors need a great deal of repetition to become habits for your Poodle. Your patience and positive attitude will be rewarded! A well-trained poodle is better prepared to live in the admittedly unnatural urban environments we humans have long adjusted to. Training helps with anxiety, sociability, and general adaptability. That said, there are a few basic training tips that we can cover before running through our poodle training timeline. Then, you take your dog to the park. They rely on the context. A Tan Poodle sitting on an outdoor lounge. Poodle pups, like all puppies, have really short attention spans. Poodle Puppy Training At Home First 30 Days Poodle puppies in the first thirty days of their lives are not even technically puppies yet. We call them neonates as they are still quite underdeveloped puppies are born blind, for example. It is very unlikely that anyone reading this article will be in possession of neonates, as neonates must be around their mother for breastfeeding and socialization with the litter. Generally, puppies are given around eight weeks to their new owners, but there is a lot of things the breeder can do to prepare the neonates for their future lives. The breeder can, among other things , begin socializing the dog by exposing it to more than people, begin chew toy training, potty train, and teach basic commands like sit, down, and roll over. The above is, however, quite rare, which means all these things typically must be done by the new owner when he or she adopts the dog. Bring as many friends and strangers as you can to your house. Have them come in and give your dog a treat for sitting or lying down. Let them pet the dog and touch its ears gently. When training, be sure to train your puppy with the leash on. Puppies, at this point, should be meeting as many others as it possibly can. It should have contact with many, many different human beings from all walks of life. The puppy should be exposed to people in hats, men with mustaches, old men, and children. They all should interact with the dog, so it can begin to understand that humans, small and large, represent no threat to your poodle puppy. This is also the time in which you should be training your dog in bite inhibition. Bite inhibition is incredibly important and not to be overlooked. If a puppy is not trained how to bite, it can cause serious damage when it is an adult dog. Training your dog to chew on chew toys , for example, is a good way to train bite inhibition. Also, puppies will naturally want to nibble on your hand. Between eight weeks and three months, this is completely acceptable behavior. Your efforts in this now will allow your puppy to understand the strength of its own bite. Poodle Puppy Kindergarten Three Months To Six Months Between three months and six months, your poodle puppy should be going out into the great wide world! Extensive leash training is necessary in this stage. You want to get your poodle pup accustomed to the sights and sounds of the outside world. In particular, begin to notice what kinds of stimuli make your dog nervous. People on bicycles? Men with suspenders? Whatever these stimuli are, begin to classically condition your dog to like these things. Whenever one of these stimuli comes close to your dog, give it a treat or some praise. It will begin to associate the positive feelings of eating with the people on bikes or the cars, and its nervousness will be conditioned away. Never mind: this is natural. Simply double down with the training. Juvenility, with all its awkwardness and difficulties, is as real for poodle puppies as it is for humans. Male dogs, especially, will begin picking fights at the dog park. Training, meanwhile, will continue to regress. In this critical period, socialization remains as important as ever. Take your dog to the dog park weekly and continue leash training as well as house training. You can begin to experiment with some fun things, too, like agility training. Sweet Adulthood At a certain point after poodle high school, your poodle puppy grows up. Your poodle may calm down considerably at this stage and begin to feel more self-confident and self-contained, but you need to redouble training efforts. There is no day off for training, even in adulthood. Continue to reward good habits and address behavioral issues before they can creep into the status of habit. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Poodle Puppy House Training Overview While housebreaking a puppy may feel like a huge obstacle that is time-consuming at best and an undertaking that may fail at worst, there are definitely things that you can do to set your Poodle puppy up for success for potty training. There are 2 main elements: Having a clear plan in mind that will encourage a pup to learn quickly Having reasonable expectations based on the age of your Poodle In this section, we will go over all of the important steps for effective and fast training. Age to House Train This is most certainly not something that you will want to put off. Whether you have a brand-new Poodle puppy or an older, adopted dog that needs to learn, it is best to begin right away. Every day that this is not taught, is another day that the dog has wrong information about what to do and this just in and of itself will make housebreaking harder. Keep in mind that new puppies should not be brought outside to public areas or even your yard if there is a chance that other dogs have been there until the full rounds of puppy vaccinations are complete. Each vet schedule is slightly different; however, in general this is done by about the 4 month mark. If you are not sure, check with your vet. Having a Housebreaking Plan It's not uncommon for a puppy to pee or have a bowel movement with very little warning. And without a plan in place, this is when you'll see owners scrambling and picking up the pup while he dribbles urine as he's being carried out the door. While you will not catch every accident, you really will have much better success when you and all members of the family have a clear potty training plan in place. We would suggest reviewing what is needed, obtaining all of the necessities to be properly prepped, and then beginning. What is Needed Before You Begin There are a few things that you will need in order for housebreaking to be successful: 1 A supervision method. This is vital. Puppies or dog that have free rein in the house will be exceptionally hard to train. When you are home and are able to have your Poodle right by your side, use the tethering method. This means that your Poodle will be wearing a harness not a collar, since this can cause neck injury and will be on leash. The leash should be short and it should have a soft-looped handle, so that you can weave this through your belt loop or slip it over your wrist. When you are not home, or if you are home but cannot keep your Poodle near you, you'll need to keep your puppy or dog in a defined, secure area. Crates are not recommended; these are terribly confining and can cause a dog to feel both physically and emotionally stressed. Furthermore, they do not help with housebreaking; a dog will pee and poo when they need to. Gating off an entire room is also not recommended. This is too large of an area to do really do anything, and therefore there will still be pee and poo everywhere. One of the best methods is to use an indoor canine playpen. These are sturdy, open-top pens that allow a Poodle to move around, play, have all his favorite belongings food, water, toys, bed , but also keep messes contained. As a side note, these are great for separation anxiety, as they offer a secure 'den' that keeps all of a Poodle's aids right by them. And, these are perfect for the teething phase to keep a Poodle puppy from chewing apart the house. Recommended playpens to help with house training are below. These can be found with or without doors, and range from 24" ideal for toy and miniature Poodles to 48" better for standards, especially if continued to be used as the puppy grows. If you do not see the images, try a refresh. And on mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4. Giving a Poodle incentive to do something applies to potty training, perhaps, more than it does with any other single action. Once something is a learned behavior, it become automatic though it is still nice to reinforce good behavior now and again. For housebreaking to happen quickly, you need to 1 give super-happy praise and simultaneously 2 offer the right type of reward. The training treat should be: New - It should not be something that you give to your Poodle for regular snacks. If you've found a great, all-natural and healthy snack that you'd like to keep giving, see if it comes in a different flavor. Small - House training treats need to be small. A puppy needs immediate satisfaction, and you cannot achieve this with something that a dog needs to sit down to chew on. Extra flavorful - It should be appealing to a Poodle sense of smell and sense of taste, offering a burst of flavor that will encourage the desire for more. And 'more' can only happen when the Poodle goes to the bathroom in the right area. Below are our top recommended training treats. And on mobile, you may need to turn the screen horizontal to see all 4. Dogs that are simply brought 'outside' for bathroom needs rarely have a good, clear understanding of what is expected. If they are out there long enough, they may very well go to the bathroom. However, your goal should be going above this and instilling the full concept of having one area for urination and elimination needs. Choose the area wisely; what may seem like a great spot in the summer may not work well in the winter. The bathroom area should be close to the home, not a spot that is used for anything else play area, gardening, etc. Within the chosen area, allow your Poodle to choose the exact spot that he prefers. Dogs that have a choice learn much faster and are more eager to follow the rules. It is best to stand in the middle of the area with your puppy on a 6 to 8 foot leash. Allow him to circle around and, sniff. Some will then need time for the bladder to relax or for the bowel muscles to push out stool. Since young puppies have weak bladder and bowel muscles, they can often pee or poo with very little warning. Whatever you need in order to bring your Poodle outside should be ready at the exit door. This will include a pair of shoes, an appropriate coat or jacket depending on the weather, clothing for your Poodle - should there be a need, an umbrella in case it is raining, a leash and even a book or magazine to thumb though while you wait. For the times that you are home, you will want to bring your Poodle to the designated area at the following times: First thing in the morning Any time right after the puppy wakes up from a nap Every 2 hours for a 2 month old, every 3 hours for a 3 month old, every 4 hours for a 4 month old, etc. It would certainly make things easier if dogs understood what we were saying when we spoke full sentences after they did something that we didn't approve of. However, puppies that are rewarded for good deeds and quietly forgiven for accidents are able to pick up what the owner wishes for without any scolding. Please remember that you want your Poodle to respect you, not fear you. And while it may feel good to release a bit of steam if you find a puddle of pee, yelling or acting frustrated will only confused and stress a puppy that really has no idea why you are upset. Dogs learn best when they can associate a word with an action. So, you'll want everyone in the house to be in agreement as to which word s will be used for housebreaking. It's best to keep it short, and have it be something that you do not feel uncomfortable saying in public. You will use this as you head outside 'Do you need to go potty? While some puppies will instantly pee or poo, others need time. Owners that only give the pup only a few minutes may have trouble with the training. Since 5 minutes can feel like 20 if you are bored, cold or otherwise uncomfortable or antsy, plan ahead. Have an outdoor chair located right in the middle of the bathroom area and plan ahead to check your mail or email during these times. It is recommended to give the puppy a good 15 minutes and if you just know that a bowel movement is due, give it .While on this note, one of the biggest problems that owners encounter is when a puppy won't pee in his spot no matter how long there, but will pee as soon as being brought back inside. A good tip to fix this, should it happen often, is hold him after you come back inside he won't pee on you ; then head back out in about 10 minutes. While young Poodles need to be taken out often see above , if they are kept on that schedule as they mature, they will not have an opportunity to learn to hold their needs and bladder and bowel muscles will not strengthen as they otherwise would. As you puppy grows older, stretch out the periods of time in between taking him out. While the carpet may look clean after you scrub it with dish soap and a sturdy brush, soap does not eliminate enzymes that are in urine. And those lingering enzymes you won't smell these, but your Poodle will essentially scream 'This is the bathroom area! So, all areas that have been pee'd or poo'd on need to be cleaned with an enzyme cleanser. Puppies are terrific at making whining noises and barking in the middle of the night, without letting us know if they need to go to the bathroom or are just bored and wanting some attention. If a puppy pees and poos before bedtime, it is far more likely that he wants your company as opposed to having a real need. However, it is always best to be safe than sorry. The important element is that this be done in a very serious manner without any play or other interaction. Keep lights low, bring your Poodle puppy directly to his spot, wait the allotted time without speaking other than praise if the deed is done and then bring him right back. A puppy will soon learn that barking for attention at night does not bring about any interaction that would seem worthy of making a fuss but that alerting you in regard to bathroom needs does result in praise and a quick treat. It's a common occurrence for owners to bring their Poodle for a walk in the neighborhood and just let the puppy go to the bathroom along the way. However, this is a missed opportunity for a house training lesson. Bring your Poodle to his spot first and then bring him for his exercise. Housebreaking Exact Steps This is exactly how to bring your Poodle out, what to say, and what to do: 1. Head outside with your Poodle on leash and harness, saying your chosen phrase Let's go potty , and with the training treats in a small zipped plastic bag, kept in your pocket. Lead your Poodle directly to the designated bathroom area, repeating the phrase. Stand in the middle of the designated area, allowing your Poodle to roam within the diameter and sniff around. Allow 10 to 15 minutes. If your Poodle pees or poos, without completely distracting your pup, mark the action with your chosen word said in a happy tone, You're going potty. During this time, be reaching for the training treat. As soon as your Poodle is done, bend to his level, give great praise in a super-enthusiastic voice Good potty, oh, you are such a good dog! If your Poodle had a bowel movement, and you believe that there may be a urination need, remain outside for an additional 5 minutes. A Final Word While you will need a bit of patience during this time, with a good plan and lots of enthusiasm from you, your Poodle puppy should be completely house trained with a few months. After you feel that he is fully trained, be sure to still bring him out often enough, and continue to offer praise to reinforce the lessons that have been learned. How to Stop a Poodle From Marking - Both males and females may display territorial marking, and this is a separate issue than housebreaking. Learn why dogs do this, and exactly how to stop it. The Best Type of Toys for a Poodle - If you think of toys as tools, you'll see that certain ones can help with a range of issues. See the top toys for teething, treat-release, chewing, boredom, and as aids when home alone. Giving a Poodle a Bath - Great tips and advice for successful baths that are beneficial to skin and coat. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. These Dog Training Videos Turned Buddy Into a Good Dog Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. I recommend these dog training videos, which are based on respect and leadership. But From Where? Private Lessons? Public Classes? Dog Training Books? Dog Training Videos? So your puppy needs training.Should you hire a professional trainer to come to your house? Here's my advice on where to get dog training help when you really need it. Teach your dog words and he will understand what you say. Teach those words in the right ways and he will actually DO what you say. Just two, but you have to get them both right. So here they are — your two keys to housebreaking.An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be copied, displayed on another website, or distributed in any way without permission from the author. Ruby was much better behaved during the greeting than I was expecting. Normally she jumps up on guests, but the scent of the other dogs I recently worked with was just enough of a distraction to keep her from doing so. When I sat down with the dog and her guardian, Ruby consistently invaded both of our personal spaces and jumped up an down off the couch. After she did this the second time I showed the guardian how to use body language and movement to disagree with this behavior. Each time she got close enough for the guardian to touch, she reached out and did so. I explained that any time we pet a dog we are rewarding them for whatever the happen to be doing at the time. Essentially, the guardian was training Ruby to invade personal space and jump up on her. And because the guardian was doing this, Ruby was confused into thinking this was the proper way to play with and interact with other people too. This is why the jumping up, mouthing and invading the personal space of the grandchildren occurred when they visited. I suggested the guardian start to use my petting with a purpose method as well as passively train her dog by petting it while saying the command word for any action she did voluntarily that is also a command. When Ruby sits near the guardian, she should pet her while saying the word sit. Adding this small bit of structure can go a long way when it comes to dog obedience and behavior. Because arriving guests were one of the times Ruby got the most excited, I wanted to show the guardian how she can establish a boundary to the front door. After demonstrating the technique, I had the family member step outside and play the part of an arriving guest again so I could coach the guardian through the exercise herself. It only took a few minor corrections before Ruby was laying down on the top step, aka Penthouse, on her own. I recommended that the guardian ask her family and friends to drop by over the next week so she can practice this exercise. They should call or text a few minutes before their arrival so that the guardian can be prepared to react right away instead of being caught by surprise and rushing. Introduce a dog bed and use treats as show to develop a positive association and command word with it. Start petting Ruby with a purpose. Use passive training to reinforce desired behaviors. Practice each step individually until Ruby has it down before practicing the entire experience again. Use Escalating Consequences to disagree with Ruby, preferably before she breaks a rule. Put Ruby in a position to succeed by taking her for a long walk or game of fetch an hour or so before the grandchildren visit. Use the Martingale collar with the special twist of the leash to keep Ruby in the heel position on structured walks. Remember to use quick tugs to correct and immediately remove tension from the leash afterword. Look for opportunities to ask Ruby to wait and use delayed gratification to help her develop self control Practice the Focus exercise a few times a day in short one minute training sessions. Practice leashing Ruby up for a walk a few times a day and abort the process any time she gets excited. Practice the door answering exercise once a day or more for the next week to ten days until she waits behind the boundary on her own. Share this:. How to train your Poodle February 10, Poodle puppies are cute, energetic, and eager to please. Their higher intelligence may make training a challenge. Here are a few tips to help you train your Poodle puppy. Poodles are smart, headstrong, and full of energy—I should know; I share my life with a now-senior Poodle and a five-month-old puppy. According to a study , The Intelligence of Dogs, Poodles are the second smartest dog breed. Poodle puppies are cute, energetic, and eager to please; however, due to their higher intelligence, they may get bored quickly. The Poodle puppy will pay attention to everything that is going on around her and will be learning—both good and bad—from what happens within the household. Poodle Training Tips Teach your puppy his name. This should be a no-brainer. Teaching his name is the first thing you should do. Teach your Poodle puppy to sit. Her bum will naturally go to the ground. Continue practicing this until she sits without needing the treat moved above her head. Tip: Many Poodle parents use a hand signal along with the verbal cue. Next, teach your Poodle puppy to stay. Then, teach your Poodle puppy to lie down. You will get her to sit, then holding a treat in your fingers, move your hand toward the ground and out in front of the puppy. She will naturally move forward and her belly will touch the ground. Housetraining your Poodle puppy. Housetraining a puppy is best done as early as possible. A dog or puppy can be housetrained, but the older your Poodle is, the longer it may take. To begin to housetrain a Poodle puppy, you need to have a set schedule for going outdoors. This way he can do his business regularly. Use positive reinforcement when housetraining your Poodle. When she successfully goes to the bathroom outdoors, reward her with a treat and praise. Having accidents in the house is part of having a puppy in the house. When housebreaking your Poodle puppy, keep these things in mind: Take him out regularly and frequently: when he wakes up, before his meals, and after his meals. For example, a five-month old puppy should be able to go five hours without having to do his business. We urge you to take your puppy our more frequently though. A puppy class can be a great first step in training your Poodle. These classes are ideal for basic training and for introducing your puppy to others and helping socialize him. Training a Poodle puppy, or any puppy, takes patience, kindness and positive reinforcement. It is also a way to build your bond with your puppy—so enjoy the time you spend together, and your puppy will happily learn to do as you ask. Robbi Hess, award-winning author, is multi-petual: She shares her home with two Devon Rex kittens, three adult rescue cats, a mini poodle, a Goldendoodle, three lizards and two ferrets. When not caring for her pets, she is an editor, speaker, time management and productivity guru, content creator, social media manager and blogger. Your Pet's Type. You probably see tiny, medium and large Poodles everywhere. Standard Poodles are part of the AKC non-sporting group with their original function being water retrieving dogs and their current day function being a companion. This dog breed is versatile, can easily be trained as military and guide dogs, and is wicked smart too! Standard Poodles are usually very friendly with dogs and people alike. Their loose hair gets caught in their curly hair, which causes matting really quickly. To minimize grooming your Standard Poodle, ask the professional dog groomer to give your dog a pet clip. Pet clip haircuts are stylish, yet shorter than most Standard Poodle clips, and only require maintenance every four to six weeks. They need weekly nail trims or nail grinding to prevent overgrown nails, which can be painful and break. This will keep yearly veterinary dentals at bay. This means they can excel in agility, competition obedience, rally obedience, nosework, tracking, dock diving, field trail hunting and retrieving and any other dog sport out there. Standard Poodles are serious workers that love jobs! Related Posts.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. How about some details regarding their feeding habits, behavior, medical needs, grooming regimen, and exercise requirements? In this section, you will find everything you need to know to keep them healthy and assist with things such as toilet training and teething. She will discipline them and make sure they learn to be independent. They then begin to go to the toilet independently and venture away from mom. At week 8, they play, can be housebroken, and bark when startled. The famous GSD ears will start to stand up, and you can begin leash and crate training. They must be handled and groomed and realize that human commands and dominance are the norm. During this time, the mother will nurse the pups until they are old enough to begin eating puppy mush , which is softened kibble. Allow puppies to eat as much as they like at each meal. At 6—8 weeks, their first shot from the vet is due. Smith, Shutterstock 12 weeks is a turning point for your pup. Their coordination will come on in bounds, as will their learning and social skills. They will be eager to learn but easily distracted, so have plenty of patience. If you become angry, it will stunt development if they become fearful of you. Your pup is officially into the juvenile period now. All of his puppy teeth should be developed by now and are normally very sharp. So, beware of your fingers when playing. At 12 weeks of age, puppies can start to eat three to four set meals a day with measured amounts. Purpose-made dog-approved chew toys are best, not teddy bears or old shoes. As they grow through this period between three and six months, GSD puppies are more juvenile than babies. They will be more boisterous and energetic. But on the plus side will feed easily, be more friendly with animals and people alike, and more than likely be housetrained if you have managed them correctly. They will be stubborn at this age when training and could ignore you, or not come when called. The best approach is to ignore any sassy attitude and only praise and fuss when back to being obedient. His internal organs and systems are fully developed and functioning as they should, while the skeleton is still growing. His full set of adult teeth should be present and correct. Your GSD is now becoming independent and will want to roam different areas and interact with their world on many more levels. Be aware that they could weigh 50 lbs at 6 months, so caution is needed with control and safety as they explore. He may also seemingly forget commands that he has been taught. It is best to ignore, not mollycoddle, any fearful reactions to new things to not reinforce the negative behaviors. By 6 months of age, you can reduce the feedings to three per day, now paying attention to the total calories consumed. Between the ages of 4—6 months, he will shed his puppy coat too. He might still be a bit goofy, gangly, and stubborn when it comes to training. German Shepherd females are reaching sexual maturity at this age. They may have their first estrus heat period. So, be mindful of letting them off the lead during this time if other dogs are around. At 9 months, your GSD can be tested for heartworm and treated if needs be. Speak with your vet about this for more detail. You can add small amounts of solid adult formula into the puppy food to get him used to the texture. Making it the optimal time to stimulate them as much as you can with obedience training and work activities. Your GSD should be comfortable in all situations, and with all types of company as their bond with humans should be well established. Their unique personality and quirks should be apparent and set them apart as your dog. They will have developed vocal and body language traits that you recognize and use for their needs. If male, he will be reaching sexual maturity and cocking his leg when urinating. He might also be looking to challenge dogs and humans for the title of pack leader. The key to cementing all your hard work so far is to be consistently firm with any boundaries he tries to push. By 12 months, they should be on adult formula only. German Shepherds stop growing between 2 and 3 years. This is when they fill out too. It starts to slow at around the age of 1, but he will continue to grow until he reaches maturity. During this time, they are considered to be adolescents. This is the same for their mental maturity too. This is the same for all German Shepherd types. Females tend to mature faster, both physically and mentally, than male German Shepherds. There are different stages within this time frame before maturity. And these are the neonatal stage 1—2 weeks , the transitional stage 2—4 weeks , the socialization stage 4 weeks to 3 months , the juvenile stage 3—6 months , and the adolescent stage 6 months to 2 years. Research has shown that neutering dogs can affect their growth. But how exactly? But early indications show that early neutering can increase the length of time that the bone grows. Meaning potentially taller dogs. But this also poses questions about whether this affects the joint alignment and whether it can cause any problems. And for the German Shepherd breed and his heightened propensity for hip dysplasia, this is a concern to be aware of. But waiting for full skeletal maturity also poses risks. Because neutering for females can reduce mammary cancer. If spayed before her first heat, it can eliminate the chances of this type of cancer altogether. As they will be able to offer you tailored advice for your German Shepherd. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth The dangers of growing too fast can affect their skeletal development. Conditions caused by growing too quickly are joint dysplasia and osteochondrosis. By feeding him a kibble that is designed for large-breed puppies will help control the rate at which his bones grow. This is because they have the optimum ratio of calcium and phosphorus levels in the food. So, always feed him large-breed puppy food during his developmental stage. This is most common in German Shepherds, but also in some Labrador Retrievers. It is an inherited disorder of growth hormone deficiency, and it will make the affected pooch always appear puppy-like. Growth Distinctions of Different German Shepherds. Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. Frequently Asked Questions German Shepherds German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds and are my absolute favorite breed. That's why I've had five in total, three boys and two girls. From their loyal and obedient personalities to their beautiful coats and markings, they bring joy to many homes, including mine. With impressive intelligence, these puppies are easy to train and make excellent companion animals. The German shepherd is a large breed, usually weighing between pounds for males and up to 75 pounds for females. Their coats require minimal grooming but will benefit from occasional brushing. German shepherds are very active dogs who love to run around; they need plenty of exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. They also enjoy activities such as agility training or nose work games where they can use their smarts! Factors Influencing Weight But what about their size? German shepherds can vary in size based on gender, age, nutrition, and because of their breeding. For example, a German working line shepherd is much more energetic than the more laid-back American show line dog. A puppy from working lines may weigh less than the average on the charts. Be sure to consider factors such as gender and environment when monitoring your pup's development. A good rule of thumb is that by eight weeks of age, a German Shepherd puppy should weigh between pounds, depending on the genetic factors mentioned above. By six months, most male puppies will weigh between 49lbs — 57lbs with an average weight of 53lbs, and a female will weigh between 44lbs — 49lbs with an average weight of 46lbs. For this reason, when consulting a weight chart for a German shepherd puppy, it's essential to understand the breed, lineage, and pedigree of the dog, as well as the sex of the dog. Our puppy weight charts are specific to German Shepherd Dogs and consider all these factors. It's an excellent tool for monitoring your pup's growth and health. These charts show the average expected weight range for male and female German shepherds at different ages, from puppies to adults. Knowing the expected range can help ensure your pup grows normally and stays within healthy boundaries. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. Our chart differs from others in that you can track your puppy's weight based on his actual weight at a point in time. Many other weight charts are either for non-specific breeds, or if they are specific to a German Shepherd, they only give you the averages and a range. While this is all useful and included in our charts, what is missing from many others is what weight your puppy will likely be based on his actual weight now. Most people bring their new puppy home at 8 weeks old 2 months. The range for a female German Shepherd puppy at that age is between lbs. As you already know your puppy's weight, you can estimate how much they are likely to weigh when older using our chart. For example, if your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old. To estimate how much they are likely to weigh at 6 months old, you would find that weight on the chart and follow it down to the 6-month-old row and see that she would most likely weigh 46lbs by the time she is 6 months old and 68lbs when fully grown. Of course, these are just estimates, and all puppies grow at different speeds, as will yours. Another way this chart is helpful is if, using the same example, your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old and then jumps to 49 lbs at 6 months old, instead of the predicted 46 lbs. In that situation, you would follow that new column down and see that she is now closer to weighing 70 lbs when fully grown. They are heavier-boned, more muscular, and have deeper chests. If you know what you're looking for, you can distinguish a male from a female German shepherd by looking at their heads, as a male is larger and have a more masculine look. Using the German Shepherd Puppy Weight Charts To use this chart, find your pup's current weight along the top and go down the left side of the chart to find his age. If he is in range, you can follow that column down to see what he will likely weigh at each age milestone. For example, if your male German Shepherd puppy weighs 18 lbs at 8 weeks old, then you would find the nearest weight at that age on the chart. In this case, it's .In this instance, he would weigh approximately .Under no circumstances should you try to adjust your dog's diet or exercise to fit in with the chart; it is merely a guide. German Shepherd Weight Chart for Female Puppies Female German shepherds, on the whole, have a much narrower head and nose and have an overall feminine look, especially around the eyes. If you know what you're looking for, you can guess whether they are male or female by looking at their face. Having said that, my girl, Ava, was very tall for a female and was often mistaken for a boy, even when she was wearing her pink collar and leash! But I still think her face was much more feminine than her brother Hudson's. This breed of dog has unique growth development. During the first three months of their life, a German Shepherd's body goes through a significant growth spurt. Typically, they can double their birth weight in the first week! At 12 weeks, you can expect your pup to weigh about pounds for a male and pounds for a female. This growth spurt will continue through five months old; by the time they're six months, you'll likely have a large, goofy puppy on your hands. After that initial growth period is over, you'll find that your German shepherd will gain weight slowly from then on out until it reaches its full adult size at around two or three years old. On average, female German Shepherds reach an adult weight of pounds, while males reach pounds. German Shepherd Puppy Height Chart German shepherds come in a range of sizes, some taller than others. It can be helpful to know the different heights of German shepherds to ensure that the one you choose fits your lifestyle and needs. When looking at a German shepherd height chart, it's essential to remember that males tend to be larger than females. Depending on where they were bred, most standard-sized male adults will stand between inches, while female adult German shepherds typically reach inches in height from paw to shoulder. Below is our height chart for German shepherd puppies you can use to estimate your puppy's height at each age milestone based on his starting or current height. It also includes the average percentage of adult height reached each age milestone. If your puppy's weight is outside the guidelines, it may be less of an issue than you think. Puppy weights can vary greatly depending on breed, genetics, and other factors included on this page. While ensuring your puppy receives proper nutrition and exercise is essential, several factors can influence their weight. One way to determine your puppy's adult weight is to check with your breeder. They can make an educated guess as to what your furry friend will weigh once they reach adulthood. A reputable breeder should have a good understanding of their dog's genetics and be able to provide insight into the typical size range of their litter. This information can give you a rough estimate of what weight you can expect for your German shepherd as they grow older. Another factor to consider when determining the adult weight of your pup is their parents' size, and again the breeder can give you much more information on this. You can also speak with your veterinarian about your puppy's overall health and development, and they may be able to provide some insight into their expected adult size. It's important to avoid becoming too fixated on your puppy's weight if they fall outside the standard guidelines. Don't worry if your puppy is a little bigger or smaller than listed here, and if you still want to determine their adult weight, you can also use the puppy weight chart for a large or giant breed dog here. Conclusion In conclusion,German Shepherds are a fantastic breed of dogs, and understanding their growth and development is essential for pet owners. Knowing the average weight and height of male and female German Shepherds can help you be better prepared for your new pup's growth. With the proper diet, exercise, and vet care, your German shepherd will be healthy and happy throughout their life. Keep in mind that these charts are only a general guide — every pup is different! A 3-month-old German Shepherd should weigh between 17 lbs - 26 lbs for a female, with an average weight of .For males, it'll be between 22 lbs and 30 lbs, with an average of 26 lbs. How much does a 5 month old German Shepherd puppy weigh? A 5-month-old puppy will weigh between 40 lbs - 49 lbs for a male with an average weight of .A female GSD puppy will weigh between 35 lbs - 44 lbs with an average of .When will my German shepherd puppy stop growing? Most German shepherd puppies continue growing until they are two or three years old. You might like these. They cannot see or hear yet, or regulate their body temperature, and they require a lot of tender care from their mom. The new mom is usually very excited and concerned about each newborn, and sometimes overly enthusiastic about chewing off the umbilical cord, which may later result in an umbilical hernia that will take a little longer to close, but is no danger to the puppy. We record the ribbon color and weight of each puppy so that, when we weigh the pups throughout the next days and weeks, we can make sure that each one is gaining weight. Normal weight for a newborn German Shepherd puppy ranges from g to g 0. We take great care to ensure that our newborn German Shepherd puppies have the best chance for a healthy start. A German Shepherd female can be in active labor for 6 to 18 hours, sometimes even longer if she takes a break while having a large litter, and we of course do not leave her side during this time. I stay up making sure that the whelping box which is always in my office or bedroom is clean and dry after each puppy is born, and that the temperature stays constant 86 - 88 F in the room. We keep the temperature at this level for about 2 weeks, gradually reducing it down to normal F by the end of the third week. Someone is always present with the puppies during the first 5 days. I handle the puppies several times a day, as well as weigh them every other day during this period, to make sure that everyone looks and acts healthy, nurses well, and is gaining weight. I usually buy a dozen fluffy cotton towels, and use two at a time as bedding for the whelping box. I change these towels twice daily at this stage to make sure the puppies are always clean and dry. Starting from day 3, and until day 16, I follow The "Super Dog" Program for our puppies - an early neurological stimulation program described by Dr. Carmen Battaglia. It has numerous benefits later in life for puppies. Often, puppies that were born the smallest overtake the bigger ones. Even at this tender age strong individual differences can be noted among German Shepherd puppies. Also, there is difference in their color and markings, and long-hair German Shepherd puppies can often be identified at this age. The new mom is very attached to her puppies at this age and is very reluctant to leave them even for the shortest time. She spends a lot of time sleeping with the puppies nursing peacefully, and is also very happy to be busy cleaning each puppy several times a day and flipping them around gently with her nose. At about 2 weeks of age German Shepherd puppies actually start looking more like puppies, and not just fat black sausages with feet attached. We use undiluted evaporated goats milk from a can, warmed up to be pleasant to the touch. Most puppies readily accept the bottle, and we consider this to be very important bonding and social time as well. Three weeks of age is my favorite age of all. The puppies now can be recognized as German Shepherd puppies. They are alert, playful, and there is a lot of wrestling, tail-wagging, and even barking going on as they explore their surroundings and interact with each other and their mom, all of which is extremely cute. I will often just sit in the whelping box with them, letting them play with my clothes, climb up on my lap, and generally just enjoying their carefree company. We also provide them with various toys starting at this age, and make sure that they listen to loud music, banging on the door, vacuum cleaner, etc. They weigh around 1. At first, they may not have a lot of success with it, as some of them try to suckle on the meat, but in a few days they master this new type of eating very well. We also continue giving them goats milk, but in a shallow saucer pan now, and with some rice baby cereal added, so that they can practice lapping. At this age, the mom is no longer so keen on constantly staying with her puppies, and only visits them to feed them and for a clean up. We continue changing the bedding twice a day now, knowing very well that in about a week it will become times a day, as the mom will not be able to keep up with her cleaning duties any more. We wash soiled towels with a little bit of bleach and a little bit of perfume-free detergent. Four weeks of age is even more fun as the puppies keep developing, but the amount of cleaning starts to increase in geometrical progression, and it becomes a full time job to keep the puppies well fed and clean. The mom is only visiting now and then at this point, and enjoys spending her time in the office, so that she can hear and see the puppies, but not necessarily be with them. With mom visiting for a few brief feedings each day, we feed them three times a day with the following diet: 1. Cottage cheese 2 tbsp per puppy , mixed with plain yogurt 1 tsp per puppy , evaporated goats milk, rice baby cereal 1 tsp. Raw tripe, or beef liver cooked with all kinds of vegetables At about 5 weeks of age the duty of keeping the whelping box clean becomes nightmarish, and this is a good time to introduce German Shepherd puppies to the outdoors. This is a room that is a part of the house, but has free access to the outside world. This room is equipped with a wooden resting platform so that puppies do not lay on concrete, with a heating lamp above it, and the floor is completely covered with a layer of pine woodchips. The outside area is about 6 x 6 ft and the floor is made of paving stones. There is another wooden laying platform here. This is a very important period when we introduce our German Shepherd puppies to more noises, show them the way in and out of the house, introduce them to the other dogs, play tug-of-war, etc. Also, we introduce raw frozen sardines and "The Honest Kitchen" products to their diet, and will occasionally feed kibble, soaked well in warm water and mixed with green tripe from a can At 3, 5, and 7 weeks of age our German Shepherd puppies get dewormed with a high quality wormer, to be certain that they are free of intestinal parasites. At about 6 weeks of age the puppies get their first combination 5-way vaccine including Parvo and Distemper , and at 7 weeks of age we start welcoming visitors who are interested to come and look at the puppies. Often during weekends we have several groups of visitors of all ages coming to interact with the puppies, which is such a great socialization opportunity for them. Copyright .All rights reserved. What is a healthy weight for your dog? Your tiny, cute German Shepherd puppy will likely grow into a medium-sized or large dog. Females will probably weigh in on the medium side, while males can get pretty big. GSD puppies experience a phenomenal rate of growth, especially before six months, so be ready. Just remember that dogs as big as male German Shepherds are at risk for joint problems because they grow so quickly, and overfeeding them can exacerbate those problems as they get older. Factors Effecting German Shepherd Size German Shepherd size is dependent on age, but there are many other factors too. Female Shepherds are smaller and lighter than males. How your dog is fed and exercised will play a part. In this article we will look at the height and weight of GSDs at different stages of their development. And at what you might expect your cute German Shepherd puppy to measure and weigh when they are a full grown German Shepherd Dog. German Shepherds are the third most popular dog in the USA right now, having been recently nudged down a place by the French Bulldog. The breed belongs to the Pastoral group of dogs traditionally used as herding dogs. Some shepherd breeds were also used to guard livestock. German Shepherd Dog size is linked to this important role. The German Shepherd temperament is also tied in with this purpose and has made them uniquely suited to work as a service dog. With the right training, German Shepherd dogs also make excellent family pets. Working German Shepherd Size Because of their dual purpose as both herding and guard dogs, they are one of the larger shepherd dog breeds. He also turned to refining them into good police and guard dogs, creating a very versatile breed still in demand as herding became less common. German dog breeds became unpopular during the second world war and lovers of the breed began referring to them as the Alsatian dog, to protect their dogs from anti-German sentiment. They are easily trained, so they make good show and work dogs. Specifically with weight and growth rate. Being overweight can be harmful to German Shepherd health, just as it can to other breeds. Black German Shepherd puppies weigh the same as pups of other colors Weight issues in adult dogs is not the only area of concern, GSDs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which has been linked in some cases to overly rapid growth in puppies. They also suffer fromosteochondritis dissecans, disorders of the pancreas, panosteitis causing lameness, eye and ear issues, and allergies. And are vulnerable to bloat. In addition, some GSDs have deeply sloping backs and angulation in the legs that may be causing health issues. German Shepherd Puppy Size An average weight of German Shepherd puppies, according to a giant census study of dogs in Italy, is about grams or 1. A baby German Shepherd can range from 0. By about a week of age, they will weigh 1. This is one of the reasons why large breed-specific dog foods exist: to control the growth of these dogs in a way that will maximize their health and minimize joint problems. But up to 3 or 4lbs either side of that is normal. At this age most puppies are settled in with their new families and are on three meals a day. At this age pups can look quite gawky and skinny. Growth rate starts to really slow down now and many dogs will look a lot less puppyish than they did a month ago 9 month old German Shepherd puppy By nine months, your Shepherd will weigh between .At that point, the dog is about 90 percent of his or her adult weight. But in the coming months your pup will fill out, look less gawky, and may carry on gaining weight for another months. Bear in mind that this should be muscle gain, not fat, so keep an eye on that waistline! German Shepherd puppies generally stop growing significantly in height by nine months for males, eight months for females. Males may get an extra inch by 15 months and females slightly less than that by months. They reach their adult weight at 36 months. GSDs, like many larger breeds, are considered fully grown by about 18 months, when they have reached 98 percent of their growth. A golden shepherd golden retriever shepherd mix may be very similar but a shepherd mix dog where one parent is much smaller, will not. The answer is no, not really, though it is possible to harm your dog by overfeeding either as a puppy or an adult. German Shepherd dogs will no longer grow in height after 36 months of age, or three years. Dog individuals vary, just like human individuals do. You can ask your vet for a weigh in and a check up to discuss any concerns Average German Shepherd Height On average, male German shepherds reach a larger size when adult than females. So your girl German Shepherd is likely to be a little smaller than her brothers when she is full grown. The German Shepherd breed standard specifies that a good height for adult male German Shepherds is inches at the withers. For females, a size of inches at the withers is about right. How tall is a German Shepherd — length vs height These dogs are longer than they are tall. Fully grown male German Shepherd size is usually between inches tall and lbs. And adult female German Shepherd size is typically within inches tall and lb. However, you can expect your male GSD to weight about 80 lbs by 18 months of age, and 84 lbs by 36 months of age. Female German Shepherd weight is going to be less than male, the average weight at 18 months of age is about 62 lbs. But a good weight for females can like anywhere from lbs, and a good weight for males will be anywhere from lbs, depending on individual factors. Shepherds are often not as greedy as some other popular dog breeds, but obesity can still be a problem in this breed. Remember that exercise or lack of it is rarely at the heart of excessive weight issues in dogs. The problem is almost always too much food. Red German Shepherd Some slight weight loss may occur naturally in an old german shepherd. Older dogs may lose their sense of taste or smell and have less of an appetite than they did when young. When your German Shepherd is the ideal weight, you can feel their ribs, although they are not easily seen, and they are not covered in a layer of fat. There should be a defined waistline when your dog is viewed from above and a noticeable tummy tuck when they are viewed from the side. Underweight German Shepherds While German Shepherds are growing, they will be thinner and look gangly until they fill out in adulthood. It is sometimes recommended to keep your growing German Shepherd marginally underweight but not unhealthily thin while their joints grow and strengthen. Purina defines two levels of underweight: thin and slightly underweight. Thin: Ribs, hips, and spine are easily felt, and there is no fat covering the sides and back. There is noticeable muscle loss around shoulders and thighs, an overly pronounced waistline from the top view, and an overly pronounced tummy tuck from the side view. Slightly underweight: Ribs can be easily felt, hips and spine may be slightly visible if your German Shepherd has shorter hair, but there is no fat covering. There is an obvious waistline from above and a marked tummy tuck from the side. If your German Shepherd is underweight or thin, speak to your veterinarian. It could be that they are just growing quickly, often becoming lightly underweight after a growth spurt and then putting weight on until the next growth spurt. You may just need to change their food or feed them larger and more frequent meals. However, their low weight may indicate parasites or another underlying medical condition. Elderly German Shepherds can struggle with being underweight. This is why senior dog foods typically have a higher calorie count. Overweight German Shepherds It is important to prevent your German Shepherd from becoming overweight while they are growing. Extra weight on developing joints and muscles can cause problems. German Shepherds can also suffer from hip dysplasia, which is worsened by excess weight. Other excessive weight-related conditions include diabetes, pancreatitis, heart problems, respiratory problems, kidney disease, and arthritis. Related: German Shepherd Joint Problems: All You Need to Know Your German Shepherd is not likely to become overweight in the first 9 months of their lives because their growth rate easily matches their calorie intake. When your German Shepherd reaches 9 months, growth slows down significantly, and you may need to adjust their food quantities to account for this sudden reduction in calorie requirements. A helpful tip is to switch to low-calorie treats during this stage, especially considering training needs to intensify, and people often use treats for positive reinforcement incentives. And instead of switching to a calorie-restricted food or reducing the amount you feed your German Shepherd, speak to a veterinarian about switching from puppy food to adult food. Purina defines four levels of overweight: slightly overweight, markedly overweight, obese, and clinically obese. Slightly overweight: Ribs can be felt slightly, but there is an obvious layer of fat covering the ribcage and back. There is a slight waistline when viewed from the top, but it is not clear. There is a slight tummy tuck towards the hind legs when viewed from the side. Markedly overweight: Ribs are not easily felt, and there is an obvious layer of fat over the ribcage. There are fatty pads along the lower back and at the base of the tail, making the waistline absent when viewed from above. Obese: Ribs are difficult to feel because of the fatty layer covering them. There are significant fatty pads along the lower back and at the base of the tail, making the waistline absent when viewed from above. And the tummy bulges outward and sags slightly when viewed from the side. Clinically obese: Ribs cannot be felt under the fatty layer. There are significant fatty pads around the neck and legs, along the lower back, and at the base of the tail. The waistline is absent when viewed from above. The tummy significantly bulges and sags when viewed from the side. Miniature German Shepherds are much smaller and have completely different development requirements and problems. Final Thoughts The weight and growth charts provided in this article are designed to provide guidelines for the developmental milestones your puppy should be reaching in the first years of its life. Male German Shepherds are bigger and heavier than females, and from weeks old, these differences become apparent. Although males and females have different weight and height targets at each stage, they should hit the same percentages of their adult weight at the same age. If your puppy is slightly above or below the average weight or height at a given age, it does not mean that there is a problem. However, if your German Shepherd puppy starts to fall more and more behind, or if they miss other developmental milestones other than weight and height, it may indicate an underlying medical condition, and you will need to take your dog to see a veterinarian. Deficiencies in weight can compromise growth and the general condition of your German Shepherd, and excess weight can cause joint injury and other serious medical conditions. Keep all of these things in mind and be observant of your growing pup and how you approach feeding and training in accordance. By doing this, you will ensure that you have a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted German Shepherd for many years to come! However, there are certain breeds that are easier to train than others. Thankfully, German Shepherds fit into that category because they are very intelligent and quick learners. This includes house training , crate training , basic obedience commands as well as learning tricks. We recommend attending a puppy kindergarten class as part of your German Shepherd puppy socialization strategy. Once your pup knows their basic obedience commands, you can enroll them in Schutzhund training aka IPO. Partnership and teamwork between yourself and your dog are the basis for this type of training. Note that the Schutzhund environment is not a place for dogs with aggression issues, neither towards other dogs nor people! If they pass that initial level which includes a temperament test, they can move on to IPO 2 minimum age 19 months and IPO 3 minimum age 20 months. That said, protection dog trainers recommend starting training classes that include bitework and high jumps once your German Shepherd puppy is 12 months old. Dutch and Czech are two other languages that commands are frequently taught in. Stanley, my former long-haired GSD dog walking client, started going to Schutzhund training when he was a little over 12 months old. His owners practiced commands in German with him on a daily basis, and I remember getting a print out of his German commands as they asked me to use them on our walks as well. Lots, ha! German Shepherds need a minimum of 2 hours of physical exercise per day, but generally speaking, the more exercise you can provide your GSD with, the more they will thrive. Remember, German Shepherds are high-energy, athletic dogs bred to be active all day long, especially if they come from a working line! Physical Exercise Ideas for German Shepherds As far as physical exercise, this can be a mix of walks, runs, bike rides, fetch and playtime. This is Nala, one of my former pet sitting clients. She was crazy about frisbees and balls. One of my favorite ways of increasing the energy and calories a dog burns on a regular walk or hike is by using a doggie backpack. Mental Stimulation for German Shepherds Besides providing a good physical workout, dog backpacks also burn mental energy. As you probably know, bored dogs can quickly become destructive as they figure out ways of entertaining themselves. For example, chewing up your furniture and shoes, scratching doors, raiding your kitchen trash can or digging up your flower beds. So do yourself a favor and make sure your GSD gets plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog, and that applies to German Shepherds as much as it does to any other dog breed! Former GSD client Remi pooped after a long walk. Bottom Line So, how big does a German Shepherd get? Well, German Shepherds are medium to large size dogs, so they can weigh anywhere between lbs. That said, the average expected weight for a male GSD is between lbs, and the average expected weight for a female GSD is between lbs. Both reach sexual maturity somewhere between months and are considered fully grown at about the 2 year mark. Keeping that in mind, your GSD breeder should be able to give you a good general idea of how big your German Shepherd puppy will grow to be! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Barbara is a trilingual, something dog lover, e-book author, founder, copywriter, dog nutrition blogger and editor at K9sOverCoffee. Post navigation.

Crate Training and Toilet Training Crate training Done right, crate training is possibly the best thing you will ever do for your dog. Crate training is a very popular way of keeping puppies safe and is a highly effective tool to fast track toilet training. The dog comes to see the crate as his own space, his den, his safe-haven, and his favourite place to sleep. Some puppies love their crates immediately, while others need a little time to acclimate. Our labradors are crate trained very early, and by the time you pick up your puppy from us, he will already be familiar with a crate. Most dogs quickly choose a small area, such a corner of a room, or under a table, or near a couch where they like to relax. Crate training techniques Make the crate comfortable with bedding and safe toys. Encourage him to enter the crate of his own will, by tossing some treats inside the door of the crate. Provide a crate-mountable water bucket. For a puppy, the bucket should be shallow with only a small amount of water in the bottom. Once the puppy is comfortable inside the crate with you nearby, gradually move further away and out of sight, building up the duration. Feed him his meals inside the crate to continue a positive association with the crate. If the puppy whines or barks in his crate, wait until he is quiet before opening the door and letting him out. The process of crate-acclimatisation can be adapted to adult dogs too. The crate is a not a punishment tool. It is a safe and comfortable place to go, so do not punish him by confining him to his crate when he has done something wrong. The crate is not a long-term confinement means. Dogs should be allowed to exercise and freely move about in the yard, a secure area, or within the home. The puppy only goes into his crate for short periods of time, and to sleep at night. He may sleep in there for scheduled rest periods each day and of course during the night , when you have visitors or are cooking in the kitchen, or anytime he needs a nap or quiet time to relax. A young puppy has limited bladder control. If you leave him there too long, you are forcing him to soil his bed which dogs absolutely hate soiling their own bed. This will cause him to be very upset and is very unfair. Always toilet him before asking him to go to his crate. Keep reading below for toilet-training lessons. Whining and barking are fundamental aspects of puppyhood, especially in young puppies. Make sure to never reinforce the behaviour by letting him out of the crate while he is crying or whining. Wait a short time until he is quiet before letting him out. This way he learns that he is allowed out when he is quiet and calm, and that yelling does not get his way providing you have met all his physical needs such as toileting, feeding and watering. The crate should be big enough for the puppy to stand and turn around comfortably. If the crate is too big, your puppy might find a corner to soil in. To make the crate more den-like and feel safe, put a blanket or crate cover over the crate, leaving one end or side open for movement of air. This has a calming effect for most dogs. Good places to keep the crate are near your kitchen or family room. A radio or television playing in the background or a clock ticking nearby, may help to calm the dog when you are out of his sight in the house, as this can mask environmental noises that can stimulate him to vocalize. Toileting training or house-training your puppy Probably the first thing puppy-owners wish for is a house-trained puppy. This achievable and only requires you understand your puppy and are consistent. Your puppy has no choice about going to the toilet, it is the most natural thing in the world. If your puppy has run of the house unsupervised, you are setting him up to fail — toileting inside the house is inevitable and impedes house-training. Crate training helps fast track the process because a puppy never desires to soil his own bed he is the one who has to sleep there. Crate him for his meal, take him out the toilet on his leash about 10 minutes after his meal and stay with him to observe he has done his business. Puppies have very little control over their small bladder, and have no idea that there is a right and wrong place to toilet. If you can avoid accidents as much as possible from the start, you will make faster progress — this means the more effort you put in at the beginning the better things will be. Puppies will toilet where they have been before. So, if an accident occurs, be sure to clean up very well, as he will smell that is where he has been before and likely try to go there again. You have to teach your puppy where he needs to be before he takes a pee or poop. Times when your puppy is guaranteed to toilet: within 10 minutes of any food or water or play, and when he wakes. These are the times you especially need to take him to his toilet spot. Signs of an impending pee or poop include: circling and sniffing, a bulging anus, agitation and whimpering. A labrador puppy can be toilet-trained by the age of 4 months old if you are diligent and consistent in your toilet-training. Be aware that despite all your hard effort, the occasional accident might still occur. You missed the signs that he needed to go. Never punish a puppy for an accident. Toilet him sooner the next time and praise him. At night, carry him out quietly no talking to him , ask him to go to the toilet when you place him down in his toilet area, and quietly return him to his bed so he will resettle. Crate of the correct size for your dog Treats Blanket or dog bed According to the American Kennel Club, Labs are one of the most popular breeds in America , and for good reasons. Many love to play fetch, and others are glad to be your running buddy. You have a long fun life ahead of you with your Labrador retriever puppy. Should that life include crate training? Crate training a Lab puppy is actually a good idea. Image used with permission by copyright holder Are Labs easy to crate train? You may have some pet-parent guilt about putting your fur baby in a crate. The good news is that Labs often make crate training easy on their parents. They love making their humans happy, so they take to all kinds of training well, including crates. Every puppy is different, though. Your veterinarian or a trainer can help you through any troubles that may arise. Crate training a Lab puppy is one of the best ways you can help them thrive in their new home. Experts say your new pup will reap many benefits from having a crate, including: Easier potty training. Housebreaking can be one of the tallest tasks new pet parents have to work on with their Lab puppies. Crate training makes it a little easier and less messy. Reduced stress. Labs tend to be adaptable, but a new home can be stressful for anyone. Even social pets need to chill sometimes. Consider it a space for self-care, kind of like your bedroom may be for you. Safer car rides. A crate is one of the safest spots for a pet in the car. Image used with permission by copyright holder How to crate train a Lab puppy Though Labs tend to take to training quickly, they still need some guidance from you. Step 1: Select the correct crate size for your puppy. Labs will generally grow to weigh 55 to 80 pounds. You want a space your pet can move around in comfortably. They should be able to sit , lie down, stand, and turn. The puppy may soil the space if they have enough room. Most crates will have height and weight specifications on them, and once you have that information, you can purchase one. Step 2: Make the crate comfy. You probably made your bedroom into a comfortable spot for you to sleep at night. Make it a cozy hangout spot by putting some blankets or a bed in there. Toys keep it fun. This article gives guidance on how to crate train an older dog. A List Of Dog Crates Highly Recommended By Labrador Training HQ A high quality, durable crate of the correct size and type is essential to guarantee safety, comfort and to get the best out of the crate training experience. But with so many styles, types and sizes available, selecting a suitable crate is no easy task. So we at Labrador Training HQ have taken the hard work out of the hunt by putting together a hand picked selection of the best crates available that you can see by reading this article. Travel safety — A crate is a very useful tool to confine your dog safely during travel by car or by air and reduces the stress they feel due to being in a comfortable and familiar crate. Security — A dog learns to view their crate as a special place all of their own, where no human ventures and they can get away from it all to be alone when they desire. A crate is the one tool that can be used to dramatically speed up the time needed to train your lab to toilet outside and to improve their bladder and bowel control. Protecting your possessions — A crate is a useful tool in teaching your puppy to be fixated on chew toys and not your furniture and shoes. A quick note about boarding and kennels. When our Linus got sick he had to stay in the kennel at the vets office while he recovered. Thank goodness he was crate trained. When I came in to stay with him he was comfortable in his crate with an IV hanging out of his leg. These are just some of the benefits you and your Labrador can enjoy if you take the time and trouble to crate train your dog. Is Crate Training Always Successful? Sadly not. Dogs are individuals and come with their own likes and dislikes. So although a crate can be used to benefit the vast majority of dogs, there will always be a select few that just will not enjoy or accept being crated. It helped our last 3 puppies Charlie, Doni, and Downey get used to their crate in only a few nights. This is particularly true for the occasional adopted dog for which their background is unknown. Dogs up for adoption may have had bad and traumatic experiences with crates earlier on in their lives, where owners used a crate as a form of punishment or misused a crate amounting to imprisonment. Obviously in these cases, a crate should not be used. These cases though are the exception and not the rule. The vast majority of dogs learn to love and enjoy spending time in their crate. I believe everybody should at least educate themselves on the subject and give it a go. By soaking up the knowledge in this guide and following the steps I outline for crate training, you and your Lab can enjoy the rewards that using a crate provides. Your Lab will be happier, safer, more secure, less likely to engage in destructive behavior and from these facts you can enjoy a greater peace of mind that you are doing the very best for your dog. One of our favorite features is the crate comes with a divider that allows you to adjust the size of your crate as your puppy grows. I will always try my best to respond to every one of them. 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. Labs should be crate trained because it is associated with easier and faster housebreaking, and it facilitates safe and easy travel or evacuation during emergencies. Also, crating provides a safe and calm space for your dog during overwhelming moments and preempts destructive behavior. From a different perspective, canine experts like Stanley Coren consider the approach that crating your dog is animal cruelty to be misguided, lacking scientific backing. Of course, there is a limit to how long you can cage your dog and under what conditions. Even so, I like to give you a balanced view to forming your own opinion. My dog loved her crate as a puppy. In fact, she was around 3 years old when she finally migrated full-time to her bed, and some dogs like to keep them for life. Labradors are easy to crate train because they are naturally eager-to-please and highly adaptable dogs. In addition, Labradors love their food and will readily comply with crate training when you use treats in positive reward-based crate training. Nevertheless, crate training requires a bit of effort and patience for any dog. Your Labrador may take days or a few weeks to learn and get used to being in a cage. If you want to make crate training your Labrador even easier, consider training at a young age, as soon as you bring home your puppy at 8 weeks. There are also other behavioral and safety-related benefits of crate training your puppy. Here are 7 benefits for crate training your Labrador puppy: 1. They spend most of their time around or in the den until they are two months, then they can exit the cave. Like their progenitors, dog puppies have inherited the behavioral tendency to live in a den. They need a place of reference where they can find safety and a place to rest and relax. As such, the crate is an artificial den for dogs, and a Labrador growing up in a home needs his dog space. Crate Training Supports Housebreaking By instinct, dogs hate soiling their space and will not relieve themselves in their cage unless by accident. Crate training your Lab puppy helps your dog learn to hold it until the next potty break. Of course, this should not be more than hours for young Labs. Check out this article about housebreaking your pup, How to Potty Train a Lab. Crate training will keep your Labrador pup away from furniture and cushions while he is learning the house rules or while you are out for a while. Besides, crate training your dog is also a way of keeping him safe from injuries, accidental poisoning or escaping when you are not around in the house to supervise him. Crate Training Helps With Separation Anxiety A Labrador puppy that builds a positive association with a cage considers it safe and a place of comfort. This can help your Lab to stay calm when you are away from home and prevent separation anxiety. In other words, your absence is replaced by a cozy little space that gives a sense of safety and calm. Crate Training Makes Your Lab Puppy Safer for Children It is always recommended that you teach children to stay away from the family dog when he is in the crate seeking some calm or rest. This is not just useful for the dog, but it also keeps your children safe from possible dog aggression when your furry friend is tired or stressed out and needs some alone time. This ensures safety for your dog in the vehicle. It is also a requirement when traveling by air, in which case the crate should follow the IATA guidelines for pet travel. Crate training also prepares your Labrador puppy to be in a crate when in a hotel or a hosting home. Besides, a dog with a positive crate experience can feel less anxious spending time in an unfamiliar environment at the vets. Crate Training Can Save Your Dog Crate training could be the difference between losing your dog and saving his life during a natural emergency such as a tornado. Generally, Labradors that have learned to associate the crate with positive experiences will readily go into a cage when asked to and move to safety on time with the family. Of course, this size is too large for your 8-week old Lab puppy. So, the idea is to buy a crate that your pup can use as an adult Labrador together with a divider to reduce the size and increase it as your puppy grows. It has a durable dog tray and four roller feet to protect the floor. If you have the right size crate for your Labrador puppy, you are now ready to bring your pet home and start crate training. Associate the crate with feeding. Crate your Labrador puppy when you leave the house. Crate your Labrador puppy at night. Some people may go for the kitchen, but the family room is preferable. Prepare the crate for your pup. Placing a soft bed, blanket, or crate pad inside. You can also drape a dark colored blanket over the top making it more den-like. Leave the crate door open so your Lab puppy can explore the crate spontaneously. If your pup does not show interest in the crate, bring him over and encourage him to go in with a lively tone of voice. If that does not work, place some treats close to the door, so your pup tries to get them. Drop more treats inside the crate and encourage your pup. Do not force your puppy to go into the crate. Keep tossing treats or enticing toys into the crate. Pretty soon your Lab puppy will naturally walk into the crate to get his rewards. Introducing your Lab puppy to the crate may take a few minutes or even a couple of days. Associate the Crate With Feeding To help your Labrador puppy associate the crate with good experiences, feed your pup his meals near or inside the crate. If your Lab puppy is already going in and out of the cage with ease, you can place an interactive puzzle toy with food or some tasty treats inside the crate to entice your pup. This brightly-colored small treat-dispensing ball is a great fun way to introduce him to interactive toys. Once your Lab puppy is calmly eating his meals in the cage, begin to close the door while he eats. Open the door as soon as the pup is done eating for the first time, and gradually increase the amount of time you leave the door closed until your dog can comfortably stay in the closed crate for a while after eating. Make sure you use the same word and gesture cues always and say the word only once at a time. Praise your pup if he goes into the crate and reward him with a treat. Close the crate door and hang around quietly for minutes. If your pup is calm, go to another room for a few minutes, so your dog does not see you for a while. Then return and spend a few more quiet minutes around the crate. Then let out the pup. Repeat this process a few times in the day, each time increasing the number of minutes your dog stays in the cage until your pup can spend half an hour inside with a closed door and without whining. This may take a few days or even weeks. Once your Labrador puppy can calmly stay for longer periods in the cage without whining, you can begin leaving him crated when you go out of the house for short periods. Crate Your Labrador Puppy When You Leave the House When your Lab puppy begins to stay in the crate overnight or for minute sessions during the day while you are away, it is now time to cage your pup when you leave the house for longer periods. Note that your puppy should already be over 10 weeks before you begin to do this. You might want to leave an interactive toy with some treats or food in it. Ensure the toy is safe and cannot be ingested. It also doubles up as a great teething chew toy and fetch toy due to its unpredictable bounce. Reward your pup for getting into the crate and leave quietly without making the departure emotional, as your Lab puppy could pick this routine too. Five to ten minutes is a suitable interval between crating your pup and leaving home. Keep the arrivals calm and low-key when you return to avoid building anxiety in your dog over your return time. If your dog gets excited on your return, do not reward this behavior by talking to your dog in an excited tone. Give a few minutes before releasing your pup. Continue crating your pup for 30 minute periods when you are home. This prevents crating not being exclusively associated with your departure and absence from home. Crate Your Labrador Puppy at Night You might be wondering if you should let your Lab puppy sleep with you on your bed. This involves calling your dog to the crate and giving a treat when he gets inside. Then close the crate and wait a few minutes before leaving. If your Lab is just a puppy, you may need to place the crate in your bedroom or an adjacent hallway in the beginning. Puppies will need bathroom breaks during the night, and you have to hear them when they whine about being let out to relieve themselves. Once your Lab puppy can sleep through the night without needing a bathroom break, usually around 4 months of age, you can gradually move the cage to its usual location in the family room. Note, though, that crating your Labrador close to you during the night even in his adult age, can be a way of strengthening the bond between you and your furry friend. Print Crate training your Lab puppy, why you should and a guide on how Labrador puppies are so cute and cuddly, it almost seems wrong to put them in a crate. But crate training is one of the best things you can do for your new puppy and for yourself. There are many benefits to crate training your retriever puppy, but it is a process. Learn how to properly crate train a Labrador puppy and why you should start crate training as soon as possible. Why should I crate train my Labrador? While some people think putting a dog in a crate is cruel, experts disagree. Most veterinarians, trainers, and breeders recommend crate training dogs from a young age. Dogs are den animals and often feel most safe when they are in a tight, confined area. A crate can represent this den-like experience for your puppy and give them a place to retreat when they feel stressed, confused, or just need some time alone. Dogs that are crate trained properly do not fear the crate, in fact, they love it and will often seek it out for a nap. Easy and safe transport Crates are the safest way to transport dogs. A dog contained in a crate cannot move around within your vehicle, get in your way while driving or create distractions. In addition, you can buy crates that are 5-star crash tested , possibly giving your dog superior protection if you are involved in an accident. Crates help with housebreaking As discussed in our post on housebreaking your Labrador puppy , crate training can make housebreaking easier and quicker. Crates allow you, as owner, some off-time — time when you do not have to be constantly watching your puppy for potty accidents. In addition, crates help encourage your puppy to hold it, to wait a little longer before going potty, since most puppies hate to mess their bed. Note: My husband and I are professional retriever trainers, so any products listed here are items we use on an almost daily basis. We only recommend products we know are good quality and will stand the test of time. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission, but all opinions and recommendations are my own. Learn more. Can help hunting dogs with blind manners and patience Hunting dogs often need to sit still and quiet for hours on end. Sometime in dog huts or MoMarsh stands. Crates can help hunting dogs by teaching them there is a place that they should simply lay down, rest and keep quiet. Better dog to family relationships and more control Crate training your puppy can provide many benefits for your entire family. Crate training your puppy at a young age means that when you need to put them in a crate they will go in willingly and without a fight. As professional retriever trainers, we crate train all the puppies we raise as custom trained dogs. We also crate train all our own dogs. We find that it makes for a better adjusted puppy all around. Choosing the right crate for crate training Lab puppy Getting ready to crate train your puppy means you need to buy a crate. And the size and type of crate do matter. Size of crate for crate training retrievers You want the crate to be large enough that your puppy is comfortable laying in the crate, but not so big that your puppy can walk around. The puppy should feel snug and protected, but not uncomfortable. The unfortunate thing about crate training this way, is that it means that as your puppy grows, you will need progressively larger crates. While inconvenient and bit more costly, this really is the best way to crate train your puppy. But if you do not wish to buy multiple crates, there are other methods. Some people buy a large crate, the size their dog will need as an adult and then section off some of the crate. Blocking off a portion of the crate will give the puppy that tighter, den-like, experience and ensure that the puppy cannot walk around inside the crate. While this can work, be careful what you use to section the crate off. You would not want to use a material that can be chewed or ingested by your puppy. Puppies are naturally chewers, so keep this in mind. Type of crate for crate training retriever Technically, any kind of crate will work for crate training. But over the years we have found that some crates just simply work better. Plastic crates seem to be the best option. They can be found easily at a local pet store, superstore, or even bought online. There are some inexpensive options that provide the protection and privacy of a den-like experience for the dogs. In addition, they have a solid bottom so should your dog get sick, or if you are in the process of housebreaking, cleanup is rather easy. Wire crates , the kind that you can see right through do not seem to work as well as plastic crates. Wire crates are wide open, they do not provide dogs the opportunity to get away and relax. The wire offers little protection and privacy, and many dogs do not like them as dens. We discuss crate options in more detail here. How to crate train a Lab puppy? Crate training is easiest when done with young puppies. We recommend starting crate training the day you bring the pup home from the breeder. Often this is at around weeks old. The sooner you start, the easier the process will be. Crate training can be done with older dogs, but it may take more effort and patience on your part. Step 1 — Let puppy explore the crate The first step is to place the crate in an area that is frequented by the puppy. Prop the door open in some way, a small bungee works well and let your puppy explore the crate on his own. Puppies are naturally curious, so often they will walk right into the crate on their own. It is best if you do not move the crate around the house. Instead, find a place for the crate where the dog will spend a majority of their time and leave it there. The crate should not be right next to a bed or a bedroom. Your puppy will be sleeping in their crate and your puppy will make more noise and wake up more if the crate is close to you. Also, your puppy is bound to make some noise the first few nights in the crate. Step 2- Establish a routine Develop a routine of putting your puppy down to nap inside the crate. You can put one or two small toys in the crate if you wish and a small towel that you do not care if it gets ruined. I know this sounds self-explanatory, but I have seen it. Also, do not put a dog bed in the crate. A dog bed is too big and bulky to fit into crates well and your puppy will simply chew it to pieces or accidently have a potty accident on it. Once that happens, the bed will have the scent of potty and will work against your housebreaking efforts. That is natural and nothing to be worried about. Simply walk away from the crate and allow the puppy to settle down. Depending on the nature of your puppy this may take a few minutes to an hour or more. It is vital that you stay away from the crate during this time. If you follow this advice, your puppy will quickly learn to be content in the crate and over time the noise will become less and less until they finally understand they must stay in the crate. Step 3 — Watch the clock While I suggest you do not take your puppy out of the crate while they are making noise, you do need to keep an eye on how long your puppy has been in the crate. You do not want your puppy to have an accident in the crate if you can help it. With week old puppies, I start by leaving the puppy in the crate for 1 hour at a time followed by playtime. As the puppy gets older, they can naturally hold their bladder longer. This should go without saying, but you should never leave your dog in a crate 24 hours a day every day. Socialization of young puppies is vital. Block the crate door open again. The door should be blocked open anytime the puppy has not been placed in the crate for some quiet time. The puppy will see or smell the toys and go inside the crate to get them. Some people play crate games. They will throw a toy inside the crate so that the puppy must go inside the crate to retrieve it. These games can help your dog become extremely comfortable with their crate. Over time you will notice that your puppy is not afraid to go inside their crate while the door is open. Sometimes, they will even go inside the crate and lay down when they are tired. This is the reaction you are seeking. How long does it take to crate train a dog? There is no set amount of time it takes to crate train a dog. Each dog will progress on their own schedule. But if you continue to place your puppy inside the crate on a routine basis and make the crate available to your puppy at all times, you will reap the benefits of having successfully crate trained your puppy. Final thoughts on how to crate train a Labrador puppy Crate training is a greatly beneficial thing for Labrador puppies and other retriever breeds. It can mimic a den for these beautiful animals and give them a safe and secure place where they can rest without stress or fear. This helps them with emotional stability and can curb behavior issues. It also makes for a more enjoyable home life with less dog induced strife. How to crate train a Labrador puppy. You can find a summary of these in my crate training schedule chart below Stage 1 Introduction to crate training for puppies from 8 weeks old This stage covers the first week that you bring your puppy home. Your objective at stage 1 is simply to get the puppy used to being in and around the crate with the door open. Leave the door open Start by placing puppy in his crate frequently and each time you place him in there drop several little edible treats through the roof for him. Just let him come straight out again when he has finished his treats. This introduces the crate as a fun and enjoyable place to be. He will soon come to associate this phrase with going into his crate for a treat Closing the door briefly The next step is to close the crate door momentarily and then open it again. Leave it shut only long enough for the puppy to finish his treat and notice that the door is closed. Then let him out. Do not wait until he gets upset or cries. Repeat many, many times during the course of the next day or two. If he is left alone at night whilst he is still homesick he is likely to howl, and howling in his new crate is not a habit we want to establish. Tending to your puppy during the night If the box is right up against the side of your bed, you can put your hand in and comfort him if he cries. Moving your puppy downstairs at night After the first three or four nights, or by the end of the first week, your puppy can be placed in his crate in the kitchen before you go up to bed at night. So if you put him to bed at midnight, you will probably need to get up around 5am to let him out for a wee to begin with. If a puppy has fallen asleep in his crate and slept for more than a couple of hours then you will need to let him out if he wakes up crying. Getting more sleep! If all goes well, you can stretch this five hours out by 15 minutes or so a night until you are getting seven hours sleep. If he wets the bed you will need to get up earlier the next night. And some puppies will be 12 to 14 weeks before they can cope this long. You can find lot more information on teaching your puppy to be clean and dry in our potty training sections. Crate training during the day There is no immediate need to crate your new puppy during the day for more than a few minutes at a time. The main purpose of crating a puppy during the day is to Help the puppy learn to hold onto the contents of his bladder for a bit longer. To keep him safe when you are busy for short periods, or if you need to leave the house for a while. To give him chance to calm down or a break from small children. However, you do need to get the puppy used to spending longer periods in the crate in preparation for being left alone from time to time when he is older. So gradually, you will accustom the puppy to a few longer spells in his crate. These are tough hollow rubber toys that you fill with mushy food and freeze. You can freeze several Kongs at once by standing them on a baking tray in the freezer. Each time you put the puppy in his crate for more than a couple of minutes, you will leave a frozen food filled Kong in there to keep him company. Puppies love these and will soon grow to associate the crate with the pleasure of the frozen Kong. How to get the puppy used to longer crate times Once you have got to the end of the first week and the puppy has accepted the crate as a nice place to be, the next task is to get the puppy to accept the closed door for longer periods of time. This may take a day or two. Place him in the crate with his frozen kong and close the door for 30 seconds. The idea is to leave the door closed for a few seconds longer each time you crate the puppy. But it is very important only to open the door when the puppy has been silent for several seconds. What to do if the puppy cries in his crate If the puppy starts to whimper or howl you will need to turn away from the crate and ignore him. Wait for the silence as he stops crying and gets to work on his puppy kong. Tell him what a good dog he is. Let him out immediately and go back to much briefer periods of closed door for a while. Try ten seconds or five. Build up again gradually, but do not be tempted to avoid crating him because it upsets him. Once the puppy is happy in his crate, you can use it to help with his potty training. Until then, make sure that you crate him for very short periods when you know his bladder is empty. Otherwise he will wet himself when he gets upset. Puppies that cry need crating more often! If your puppy whines in the crate, you need to crate him more often not less, and for shorter periods. Check out our in-depth article on coping with a crying puppy for more information Just make sure that each time he is crated is very, very brief to begin with. That way he will learn that being crated is not a big deal Warning: if you open the crate door whilst your puppy is howling, he will howl longer and harder next time! Build up slowly to a minute, then two minutes, then three, five, seven, ten, fifteen minutes and so on. How long can a puppy be left in a crate People often ask how long a puppy can be left alone in his crate. For puppies three to six months old I think two hours is a maximum, and for puppies under three months, one hour. If you need to leave your puppy for longer than this, then you need to consider a puppy proof room or pen where water and puppy pads are always available, or even a weatherproof outdoor kennel and run. This involves putting puppy pads down in a large puppy pen or puppy proofed room so that your puppy always has access to a toilet area. You can find out much more about overcoming the problems of being a working puppy parent in this article: combining a puppy with full time work. Stage 3 Training your puppy to go into his crate on command! As your puppy grows bigger, picking him up and putting him in his crate becomes more of a physical event! Provided you are not leaving your puppy alone for too long, he should be happy to go willingly into his crate. This can be achieved through training. This will probably take a couple of weeks. Maybe more if your puppy really does not like his crate at the moment. Have several training sessions each day — at least three. And do 20 or 30 repetitions of the following exercise in each session. This will take you about five minutes. If you are have never used one before, check out this article before you begin: Charging your clicker. Imagine a zone around the crate. It should not be so small that the dog avoids it altogether. A couple of feet in each direction is fine. The object is to get your puppy to choose to enter this zone. You are teaching him to chose to approach the crate. EXERCISE 2 entering the crate doorway In this exercise, you are going to click and treat the dog for putting a nose, or a paw through the opening into a crate. For some dogs this is too big a jump and you will need to work on a smaller crate zone first. We are moving the goalposts and the dog will be surprised when you do not reward him for entering the zone. He will quickly try something different. Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat each time the dog enters the crate zone Repeat five times Throw the treat outside the zone so that he has to re-enter to get the next reward. The next time he enters the zone, wait for him to go closer to the crate and put his nose in the opening What if he fails to do this? Repeat from step 3 until the dog repeatedly puts his nose through the crate door. Now you can stop rewarding him for simply entering the zone. It just takes longer with some dogs than others. Use his entire food ration if necessary. Remember, if you have to go out, scoop him up without a word, and place him in there bodily. Do not use the clicker or any other part of this process, or attempt to lure him in. You going out is a punishment in his mind. Behavior that is punished will diminish. When you click, he will come dashing out again for his treat. Again, we begin the exercise with something we know he can already do Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat each time the dog puts his nose through the crate doorway Repeat five times Throw each treat outside the zone so that he has to re-enter to get the next reward. The next time he puts his nose through the doorway, withold the click. Wait for him to go further in Repeat and gradually raise the criteria you are setting so that more and more of the dog must be through the doorway to get a reward. The exercise is done when the dog repeatedly goes right inside his crate. With a dog that is not crate-shy, you can often work through these three Exercises in a day or two. EXERCISE 4 spending time in the crate Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat each time the dog goes inside the crate Repeat five times The next time he enters the crate withold the click and treat for two seconds If he remains in the crate click and treat If he leaves the crate wait for him to re-enter Repeat from step five until he can wait 2 seconds in the crate and then increase to 3 seconds Work your way up to ten seconds When the dog can cope with ten seconds waiting in the crate, you are ready to close the door. To begin with this will be momentary EXERCISE 5 closing the door Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat after 10 seconds, each time the dog goes inside the crate Repeat five times The next time he enters the crate close the door and immediately open it again Wait a few seconds then If he remains in the crate click and treat If he leaves the crate wait for him to re-enter Repeat from step five until he will go into the crate, watch you open and close the door, and remain in the crate for a few more seconds after you have opened the door. We are nearly there! Use the cue you have chosen. You know the procedure now. We want him to have absorbed the association between this cue and the act of entering the crate. Now it is time to use the cue in advance of the behavior. Once the dog is repeatedly racing into the crate on your cue, we need to make sure he can distinguish this command from other commands. In this case the dog is not discriminating between different cues, but rather making assumptions about what game you are going to play. So the next step in training is to mix in another cue. If he is confused, and he may be, show him what you want, just like before. You now have a dog that actually understands the meaning of In Your Crate and happily complies with your command. It is time for him to adapt to being confined after being told to go in there. Start slowly and build up EXERCISE 9 adding duration Place a Kong with food in it, or some treats on a slow feed bowl into the crate without your dog spotting you Cue the dog into the crate call him into the room first Shut the door and leave it closed for one minute Open the door again and ignore the dog. It is up to him if he stays in the crate or comes out Repeat from step 1 gradually increasing the time you wait before opening the door Vary the length of time you keep the door closed. Sometimes two minutes, sometimes as much as fifteen minutes. Now you can begin to send the dog into his crate for longer periods, such as when you go out for an hour or so. Maintenance tips Send the puppy into his crate often, not just when you need to. Make sure there is always a tasty treat or a Kong in there waiting for him Sometimes when you send him in, close the door If you know you are going to go out shut him in at least ten minutes before you start getting ready to leave If you know you are going to go out always leave him with a Kong full of frozen food When you are not going out, vary the times he is shut in from two to thirty minutes Send him in from time to time without closing the door Provided your dog is not left overly long in a crate on a regular basis, this should overcome any shyness he has about going in there. Dogs of any age can be trained to crate on cue using this system. For more information on using a clicker check out : Ten great reasons to start clicker training Stage 4 Growing up By twelve weeks or three months old, many puppies will be sleeping 7 hours or more at night and going happily into their crates on cue, if they have been taught to do this. When to let your puppy out of the crate at night If all goes well, by about six months of age, your Labrador puppy should be clean and dry in the house, and sleeping soundly through the night in his crate. At this point, many puppy owners breath a big sigh of relief and start to look forward to the prospect of removing this massive and annoying crate from their kitchen for good. So, at what age is it OK to start leaving a puppy loose in the kitchen overnight? And how do you get your dog used to a basket or dog bed, rather than sleeping in his crate? Age related crate training schedules Most people are reluctant to give out information on how long a puppy should be crated, or what to expect at different stages, because puppies are so different from one another. So, I have included a rough guide or puppy crate training chart above. It really is just a rough guide. Your best approach is to simply follow the four stages outlined above, from start to finish, and not worry too much about where your dog is at the moment.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Ohio is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Ohio that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Ohio that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Ohio, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Ohio, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Ohio, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Ohio, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Ohio has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Ohio. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Ohio is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Ohio? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. For the past 15 years we have had a passion for breeding bulldogs, striving to breed sound, healthy, beautiful bulldogs. We specialize in small RARE colored bulldogs. We are also Life's Abundance Field Representatives, and we have links to our Life's Abundance website where you can purchase the amazing food that we have been using for so many years. Don't forget to save us in your favorites! Like us on facebook, and you will get weekly updates, and behind the scenes pictures! Cincinnati Bengal's Jake Fisher! However, we do not do cash refunds for any reason at all. Thank you for your interest. Please let us know if you have any questions. During that time, we have never received a single complaint about their breeding program, only compliments. Great job! Keep it up! Every time we take them in public every person is drooling at just how adorable they are. I told Melissa what kind of dog I wanted and she delivered! They are very knowledgeable, kind, and professional. I was worried about my dog when I brought him home, but they helped by giving me suggestions to acclimate Toby to his new environment. I would definitely refer other people to go visit their farm in Ohio! They were very helpful in helping us find our first bully. We love her. Thank you! It was a wonderfully smooth transaction, she was shipped Oregon within the week and Daisy Duke aka butterscotch is a beautiful healthy puppy! Melissa was great to work with, answered all my new mommy questions very promptly.

Sponsor Meet Sarge Woof, hello there! I'm Sarge, a lively and lovable 2-year-old German Shepherd, and I'm ready to share my pawsome story with you. From the moment you meet me, my vibrant personality shines through. I'm a dog with boundless energy, always eager to explore and have a blast. Whether it's chasing after a tennis ball or frolicking around the park, I'm all in for a good time. Being around people is my absolute favorite thing - their laughter, their pats, and their company make my tail wag like crazy. Loyalty is practically my middle name! Once I connect with my humans, I'm in it for the long haul. I'll stand by your side through thick and thin, ready to offer comfort, protection, and, of course, plenty of wet-nosed kisses. And guess what? I'm not just loyal to my humans - I'm a total social butterfly when it comes to other dogs too. Playdates at the dog park? Count me in! I'm always up for making new furry friends and showing off my impressive zoomies skills. Now, I've got to tell you about my breed. German Shepherds like me are smart cookies. We thrive when we have a job to do, whether it's learning new tricks, going on adventures, or just being your devoted sidekick. It's not just about loving us - it's about understanding us and giving us the mental and physical stimulation we need to be our best selves. I want to be in a place where my potential is recognized, where I can shine and be the best pup I can be. A home that appreciates my need for both playtime and learning time would be the pawfect fit for me. I know I may be all about the fun and games, but deep down, I'm a dog on a mission to find my forever family. I'm ready to be the loyal, goofy, and loving companion you've been searching for. So, what do you say? Want to make memories, share belly rubs, and embark on new adventures together? If you're looking for a four-legged bundle of joy and energy, I'm your Sarge, reporting for duty! Considering Sarge for adoption? Driving in from a long distance or live out of state? Please indicate which animal or animals you are interested in. Please be advised that the pet you are interested in may or may not be available at the time you make application. Applications are subject to approval and veterinary references will be checked. The animals we rescue are like our own pets and we have huge emotional and financial investments in each and every one of them. We are their voice and as such, look for forever homes where they will be loved and cared for as they are at Pet Savers. Thank you. He adores basking in the sun, relishes affectionate pets, and has an loves his treats. Let's ensure his golden years are filled with love and comfort. Butch is fully vaccinated, neutered, and heartworm negative. If you'd like to meet Butch and potentially provide him with the loving home he deserves, please don't hesitate to apply or send us a message. Let's give Butch the happy ending he's been waiting for! Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I'm a friendly and outgoing guy who gets along famously with everyone — whether they're dogs, people, or kids. There's just something about making new friends that brightens my day. And don't worry, I'm not territorial when it comes to food or fences; I'm all about sharing and playing nicely with others. Now, when it comes to treats, I can't resist them! I'm a bit of a foodie, and I'll do just about anything for a tasty snack. But despite weighing around pounds, I've got a secret to share: I have a strong desire to be a lap dog. That's right, I'm a big softie at heart, and I'll happily snuggle up with you whenever you'll let me. One of the great things about me is how adaptable I am. I seem to fit right in wherever I go and can make any place feel like home. So whether you have a bustling household or it's just you, I'm ready to be your loyal companion. If you're looking for a lovable, one-of-a-kind pup to join your family, look no further. I'm here, waiting for that special someone who will cherish me just as much as I'll cherish them. Don't hesitate — apply today, and let's start this incredible journey together! My journey started at Bossier Animal Control, where I found myself on the brink, facing my last day. But fate had other plans for me. I'm a terrier mix, and people often say I'm absolutely stunning. My weight hovers around 45 pounds, and I'm just one year old, so I've got a whole lifetime of love and adventures ahead of me. I'm proud to say I'm in tip-top shape, with all my vaccines up to date, and I'm bursting with good health. I am incredible friendly, especially when it comes to other dogs. I'm a social, and I absolutely adored my freedom ride with my new buddy, Bubbles. We had such a blast together, and it made me realize just how much I love making new friends. When it comes to sharing, I'm a pro. There's no sign of food aggression or dog aggression in my book. I'm all about spreading love, joy, and positivity wherever I go. You could say I'm a true ray of sunshine. Now, let's talk about my looks — I'm a head-turner, if I do say so myself. I'm a stunning white and tan with adorable black spots that have started to show up, making me even more charming. The shelter staff can't wait to give me my own photoshoot to show off these unique spots. They say I'm going to steal hearts with those black speckles, and I'm more than ready to give it a try. So, here's the deal: if you're looking for a kind-hearted, stunningly beautiful companion who's as friendly as they come, then you've found your match in me. The staff can't wait to set up a photoshoot so I can show those spots off, but first, let's meet and greet. Apply today, and let's embark on this incredible journey together! I've got a heart full of love and energy to share, and I can't wait to meet the lucky folks who will become my forever companions. Let me tell you, I'm a sweetheart through and through. Being around people is my absolute favorite thing in the world. The joy of a human's company just fills me with happiness, and I'm known for giving the best cuddles and tail wags around. Whether it's playtime, snuggle time, or just being your shadow, I'm up for it all. Speaking of playtime, I'm a social butterfly when it comes to dogs too. Playing with other pups and people is a blast, and I'm always up for a game of fetch or a romp in the park. I'm full of energy and enthusiasm, making me the perfect playmate for both humans and canine friends. One thing you should know about me is that I'm highly intelligent. I'm eager to learn and please, so I would do exceptionally well with training and any type of obedience work. Whether it's mastering basic commands or learning some cool tricks, I'm all ears and ready to impress you. The folks at Pet Savers believe that my forever family is out there somewhere, and I can't help but hope that it might be you. If you're looking for a loyal and loving companion who's ready to embark on a journey filled with fun, adventure, and lots of tail-wagging moments, then look no further. So, what do you say? Are you the one I've been waiting for? If you think we could be a perfect match, please come and meet me. Let's make some amazing memories together! If there's one word to describe me, it's "mellow. Hanging out and enjoying the simple pleasures of life is my jam. I get along with everyone, no matter if they're two-legged or four-legged. I've been having a blast here at Pet Savers, playing with my pals Rolo and Piglet. So, if you have other furry friends at home, I'm sure we'll get along just fine. When it comes to people, I'm a real charmer. I do great with kids and folks of all ages. There's no aggression in me, whether it's towards food, fences, other dogs, or people. I'm a gentle soul with a heart full of love to give. Now, there's one thing I'm looking forward to, and that's finding my forever family. Once I'm neutered, I'll be all set to embark on this new adventure with you. I promise to be a loyal companion, always by your side. So, don't hesitate to come and meet me today. I'm waiting here at Pet Savers, ready to make your acquaintance. If you think I could be the perfect fit for your family, fill out an application below. Let's start this wonderful journey together! You see, my journey began on the side of a highway in DeRidder, Louisiana, where I was discovered by the sweetest of ladies. She couldn't keep me, but I'll forever be grateful that she found me and gave me a chance at a better life. I've been told I'm an incredibly sweet pup, and I can't get enough of those cuddles and love. Being showered with affection is pretty much my favorite thing in the world, and I'm always eager to return the love tenfold. I've got a heart full of love to give, and I'm ready to share it with my forever family. When it comes to making friends, I'm an all-star. I get along famously with other dogs, and people of all sizes, from the tiniest tots to the tallest adults. I'm a social butterfly, and I can't wait to meet new pals and create some amazing memories together. Now, I've got some exciting plans in the works. I'll be paying a visit to the vet soon for a full check-up, making sure I'm tip-top shape. They'll also be scheduling me for neutering, but please don't let that deter you from coming to visit me. It's all part of the plan to keep me healthy and happy for many years to come. So, if you're in search of a loving and resilient companion who's ready to turn the page on a tough start to life, look no further. Apply today, and let's start the next chapter of my journey together. I promise to fill your days with laughter, love, and endless tail wags. Can't wait to meet you! I'm Miley, and I'm here to steal your heart with my irresistible charm. I'm approximately 1 year old and weigh around 20 pounds, making me the perfect-sized companion for all your adventures. Being a Terrier mix, I have a soft spot for cuddles and leisurely walks. I'm a people person or should I say, a people pup and get along famously with children and folks of all ages. When it comes to other dogs, I'm a social butterfly who loves frolicking in the yard, and while we're not entirely sure about my compatibility with cats, my loving nature suggests that I'd make a great companion for them too. If you're on the hunt for a sweet and affectionate pup like me, don't hesitate to apply today. I'm ready to shower you with love and become your faithful companion! I'm an incredibly sweet and friendly pup who loves being around people of all ages and other dogs. Right now, I'm in foster care, but I'm really hoping to find my forever family soon. If you're interested in bringing this little sweetheart home, please don't hesitate to apply today! I'm Maggie, a 5-year-old Terrier mix. I'm an incredibly sweet and friendly pup who gets along well with people of all ages and other dogs. Currently, I'm in foster care, but I'm really hoping to find my forever family soon. If you're interested in bringing this sweetheart home, please don't hesitate to apply today! And let me tell you, I may only weigh 50 pounds, but I've got the energy of a thousand suns! I'm a 9-month-old mixed breed pup, and if my white blaze chest doesn't scream "cute" enough for you, I'll throw in a little heeler showing too. Now, I know you're probably wondering what makes me so special, right? Well, let me tell you, I'm the whole package! I'm playful, energetic, and just downright adorable. I'll chase a ball until the cows come home, and I'll give you all the puppy kisses you can handle. If you're looking for a loyal companion who will be by your side through thick and thin, then look no further. I'll be there for you through all of life's ups and downs, and I promise to always keep you on your toes. So what are you waiting for? Apply today to come and visit me! I'll be here waiting with a wagging tail and a big ol' puppy grin. And who knows, maybe we'll be the perfect match! I do my best to put on a brave face, and I do pretty well with other dogs. In fact, my heart belongs to my best friend, Jed. We've shared countless tail-wagging moments, and he's been my source of comfort in this place. I love playing in the yard And I give the best hugs. But the truth is, I've been at Pet Savers since June of .That's a long time, too long. Every day, I watch as others come and go, finding their forever homes. I yearn for someone to see past my sad eyes and realize that I have so much love to give. Please, if you have room in your heart and home for a loyal companion like me, apply today. I promise to fill your life with love, warmth, and endless tail wags. I've been waiting for so long; it's time for my happily ever after. Please, make my dream come true. I'm Micah, a charming 4-month-old mix. While I'm still discovering myself as a young pup, I promise to become an incredible companion as I grow. If you want a social pup, I'm your guy. I'm the little heartwarming tail-wagger, eager to meet new friends on two or four legs! My name is Bubble, and I'm here to share my incredible journey with you. My story begins at Bossier Animal Control, where I was facing my last day. It was a tough time for me, but destiny had something amazing in store. I'm a terrier mix, and people often tell me I'm absolutely gorgeous. I guess that's where my name comes from — Bubble, because I'm as delightful as a bubble floating in the air. My weight hovers around 45 pounds, 2 years old and I'm proud to say I'm in excellent health. You see, I'm all up to date on my vaccines, and the vet says I'm a picture of perfect health. But let me tell you what really sets me apart. I'm an incredibly friendly and sociable girl, especially around my fellow canine companions. One of the best days of my life was when I got to go on my freedom ride with my new friend, Buttercup. We had a blast together, and it made me realize just how much I love being around other dogs. I'm not just a pretty face; I've got a beautiful personality too. There's no room for food aggression or dog aggression in my heart. I'm all about love, play, and companionship. You could say I'm a true blue friend, and speaking of blue, my coat is a stunning shade of blue that you won't be able to resist. The shelter staff here can't wait to set up a photoshoot for me. They say I'm photogenic, but I think it's because I'm just so darn happy to be loved. If you're looking for a furry friend who's as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, then look no further. I'd love to meet you, and the staff is eager to arrange a meet and greet. So, don't wait — apply today, and let's start our incredible journey together! What sets him apart is his remarkable trainability. He may take a moment to get to know you, but once he does, he'll be your unwavering, devoted friend for life. Pooh Bear is quick to learn, and he excels at simple tricks. He's a gentle soul, showing no signs of aggression or reactivity. His loyalty shines through in his love for tasks and simply being by his person's side. If you're captivated by Pooh Bear's unique charm and want to bring his companionship into your life, don't wait! Apply today to welcome this exceptional canine into your heart. As the summer breeze comes and goes, I'm still here, awaiting a foster home that never came my way. But worry not, the wonderful staff has been showering me with extra care to keep me cool and content. I'm an old soul, born in June , and I wear my years with pride. I cherish the company of fellow dogs, kids, and humans of all ages. The longing to find my own place has been with me for a while now, and I'm ready to shower my future family with unwavering devotion. Let's weave our fates together. I'm Hansel, and my heart has been patiently waiting for the moment when I can call a place "forever home. Seeing her find joy has given me hope that my turn is just around the corner. My calm demeanor is a reflection of the peace I carry within. Help me find the one who will give me a forever family to call my own. My journey began at Caddo Animal Shelter, where I found myself looking for a forever home. I waited there for a whole month, hoping someone would see how awesome I am and take me in. My luck changed when Pet Savers came to my rescue! They opened their hearts and arms to me, and now I'm showered with love and care every day. It feels so good to be loved and appreciated. I have a special talent: giving hugs! Whenever I meet someone new, I can't resist wrapping my paws around them in a big, warm embrace. I just can't help myself; it's my way of showing how much I adore people. And guess what? I'm a real social I get along with kids, other dogs, and just about everyone I meet. No need to worry about me causing any trouble because I'm super friendly and easygoing. I've got some great manners too! I'm not fence reactive or food aggressive, so you can trust me to be a well-behaved companion. Though, I must admit, car rides make me a bit nervous. But don't worry, if you give me a tasty bone to chew on, I'll be easily distracted, and my worries will melt away. I take my health seriously, and I'm up-to-date on all my vaccines. I'll also be neutered in just a few days to make sure I'm all set to join my new family. So, if you're looking for a cuddly, loving, and friendly companion, I'm your guy! If you're interested in adopting me, please don't wait. Apply today, and we can start making wonderful memories together in our forever home! I arrived at the shelter with my cool brothers, Pooh Bear and Tigger. At first, I was a bit shy, but the amazing staff here have been like my guiding stars, helping me bloom. I'm acing basic commands like "sit" and "stay" — treats make learning super fun did I mention treats? Outdoors is my playground — I become a whirlwind of joy running in the yard, basking in the sun. I'm a social pro, making pals with dogs easily. Turning strangers into playmates is my special skill. Looking for a furry charmer? That's me! My mission? Finding my forever family. Let's share outdoor escapades, belly rubs, and maybe teach me more tricks. Ready for an amazing bond? Fill out that meet and greet application, and let's start our tail-wagging journey together. I'm Piglet, and I'm here to fill your life with love and joy! I found myself at the shelter alongside my awesome brothers, Pooh Bear and Piglet. At first, I was a bit reserved, but the incredible staff here have been like my guiding lights, helping me blossom. I'm totally acing basic commands like "sit" and "stay," and let's not forget how treats turn learning into a party! Outdoors is my ultimate playground — I transform into a joyful tornado, zooming around the yard and soaking up the sun. Being a social butterfly is my thing. Making furry friends? Piece of cake. I've got the knack for turning strangers into play buddies. Looking for a charming companion? You've found me! It's all about finding that forever family. Imagine sharing outdoor escapades, belly rubs, and maybe some new tricks. Ready to build an incredible bond? Take a moment to fill out the meet and greet application, and let's kickstart this tail-wagging journey together. I'm Tigger, and I'm here to flood your life with love and joy! I'm a big friendly pup who's excited to meet you! I was adopted as a little puppy, but unfortunately, my previous owners couldn't handle my energetic personality when I grew up, so I was returned to Pet Savers. But don't worry, I'm still the happy and lovable dog you see in the photo! I'm a bit of a jumper and get super excited when meeting new people, but with some patience and training, I'll be the best-behaved pup you could ask for. I just need a little bit of guidance to help me be my best self. I'm hoping to find a new family who will love me for who I am and give me all the attention and affection I crave. So, if you're looking for a fun-loving and loyal companion, I'm your guy! Let's meet and see if we're a perfect match. He had other dogs already, so he couldn't keep me. I came in with my friends, Phineas and Aries. We've been together all of our lives, so we're just getting used to our new life at Pet Savers. I got a new photo that shows what a happy dog I am. My first photo was taken when I arrived and I was scared. Now that I've gotten to know everyone I'm really happy. The only thing that would make me happier is a forever home. My friend, Mary, and I were abandoned in the Pet Savers parking lot where the staff found us the next morning. We don't know why our former owners decided to throw us away like that, but we sure are grateful Pet Savers found room for us. I am high energy so I need to find someone who can keep up with me. Most importantly I'm looking for a home where I will be loved as a family member forever. I'm Kurt, and I must admit, I've got the "best boy" title down pat. Though I may not have the same boundless energy as I did in my younger days, I still enjoy the simple pleasures of life. While I may prefer a more relaxed pace, don't underestimate my enthusiasm for some exciting activities. In the social department, I'm a true gem. We make quite the dynamic duo, spreading friendship wherever we go. Training has been a breeze for me! You'll find teaching me new tricks to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. On the health front, you can rest assured that I'm well taken care of. Now, the best part - let's meet! Come spend some time with me, and you'll discover just how amazing our connection can be. Let's create memories filled with love and laughter! Have you seen my adorable ears? They're my prized possession, and I'm Bailey - a charming pound beagle mix, ready to fill your life with boundless love! As I dream of finding my forever home, let me tell you a little more about myself. My journey began on December 7, , and since then, I've been yearning for a family to call my own. I promise to shower you with affection and loyalty every day! I'm not just a cute face; I have impeccable manners too. You won't have to worry about house training; I've got that all figured out! I'm up-to-date with all my vaccinations, so we can start our adventures together right away. You know what truly makes my tail wag? The company of kids and other dogs. I'm a social butterfly, and making new friends is always a delight! Imagine the fun we'll have exploring the yard, chasing sticks, and sniffing around the neighborhood together. Outdoor escapades are my favorite! But wait, there's more! Cuddling is my expertise. If you're looking for a partner to snuggle up with on lazy afternoons or chilly evenings, I'm your guy. Nothing warms my heart more than a warm hug from a caring human. If I've already captured your heart, don't hesitate! Fill out that application today, and let's set up a meet and greet. I'm eager to find my forever family, and I just know we'll be a perfect match. Let's start this beautiful journey of companionship and love together! Despite my endearing nature, I often go unnoticed. I've been a part of the Pet Savers family for about 2 years now. I'm approximately 3. Over time, I've cared for numerous puppies and established great relationships with both kids and fellow dogs. At Pet Savers, I'm known for nurturing newcomers. I'm a warm-hearted canine who relishes in greeting everyone who enters. I'm all about affection — I even roll onto my back for belly rubs. Seeking attention and spreading love are my specialties. On top of that, I'm an excellent traveler, well-behaved on a leash, and my vaccinations are completely up to date. If you're envisioning me as your ideal companion, don't hesitate! Apply today and let's embark on this incredible journey together. At 80 pounds, I command attention and respect wherever I go. I have a piercing gaze and confident stride. I love to play with kids and other dogs, but I won't tolerate any nonsense from cats. They are not to be trifled with! I am always up for a good adventure, whether it's chasing a ball in the park or exploring a new hiking trail. I travel like a champ, and I have impeccable leash manners. I am always on the lookout for my next challenge, and I thrive when given the opportunity to test my limits. If you're looking for a strong and protective companion who will be your faithful ally through thick and thin, then look no further than me, Hawk. Apply today if you're ready to take on the world with me by your side. The name's Lucky, and let me tell you, I live up to that name. They say I'm one lucky pup to be here, and I couldn't agree more. I'm a two-year-old bundle of sweetness, and I'm on the lookout for an active family who loves to play as much as I do. Standing tall at a height of 19 inches, I've got the perfect stature for endless adventures and lots of snuggles. If you're ready to welcome me into your home, don't waste another second! Head over to the Pet Savers of Shreveport website and fill out that application. Trust me, I'm wagging my tail in anticipation to meet you. Let's make some incredible memories together! My name is Bandit and I'm thrilled to tell you more about myself. First things first, I absolutely love to play! Whether it's a good game of fetch or chasing after a Frisbee, I'm always up for some fun. I also enjoy roughhousing with my furry friends, but I do tend to forget my size when playing with smaller dogs. Just so you know, I currently weigh about 40 pounds, so I prefer to stick to playing with dogs within my weight range. But if you're looking for a new playmate, I'm your guy! And if you have any cool new games you want to teach me, I'm definitely game for trying them out. I'm a young pup, so I have lots of energy to spare. I'm up-to-date on all my vaccines and have already been spayed, so I'm ready to go to my forever home whenever you are! If you think we'd make a great match, please fill out an application and let's get started on our adventures together. Looking forward to meeting you soon! Sincerely, Bandit. I am a 3 year old, a lab pix mix, that weighs around 65 pounds. Did you know I am looking for a family that would love to give me all the attention? Just know I am a quick learner. I just need some time and patience. Good news is, I am house-trained, up-to-date on vaccines and spayed. Please fill out an application to meet. I ready for my new life! Are you ready for some excitement in your life? Because I am! My name is Ellie, and I'm a dog — that's right, you heard me. A dog who is ready to rock your world and fill your life with joy. I'm 2 years old and bursting with energy and enthusiasm. I've had a great time here at Pet Savers, but I'm officially ready to find my new family and start our adventures together. I may be small, weighing in at about pounds, but let me tell you — I've got a huge personality. I'm friendly withall kinds of people, no matter their age. But not always happy with other dogs, so I may need to be an only dog in the household. And while I haven't had much experience with cats, I'm willing to give it a shot and see if we can't become fast friends. If you're looking for a fun-loving, energetic dog who will keep you on your toes and always make you smile, then I am your girl. I love to play, run around, and explore, and I promise to bring so much love and joy into your life. Apply today to come visit me and see if we're meant to be together. I can't wait to meet you and start our new life together! I'm a handsome fella with short black hair and a little grey muzzle! I am definitely a lab mix and weigh around 50 pounds. I'm a pretty smart pup too - I already know how to sit, and stay. And did I mention I love fetch? Seriously, I could play that game all day long. I'm also a big fan of going for long walks and sniffing out all the interesting scents around town. But what I really want more than anything is a loving family to call my own. I'm a friendly, affectionate guy who just wants to be by your side and make you smile. And in return, I promise to be the best companion you could ever ask for. So if you're looking for a fun-loving, loyal dog who's always up for an adventure, I'm your guy. Let's go play some fetch and see if we're a match made in heaven! Apply today. I am so excited to share my story with you! Let me start off by saying that I am up to date on all of my vaccines, and I have received extensive training in good citizenship. I am proud to have received several awards for my excellent behavior and obedience. But that's not all! I also have training in search and rescue. I love being able to help people in need and make a real difference in the world. My intelligence and loyalty make me a great candidate for service dog training, and I would love to help someone in need in that capacity as well. I am also a loveable goofball! I adore spending time with kids and other dogs, and I always have a wagging tail and a big smile on my face. I love playing fetch, going for walks, and snuggling up with my humans. If you are interested in giving me a forever home and potentially helping me pursue my service dog training, please apply on the Pet Savers Shreveport website. I can't wait to meet you and become your loyal companion for life! My name's Edge and I'm an 4 month old. I might be young, but let me tell you, I'm already the sweetest and most well-behaved pup you'll ever meet! I love to play and have a good time, but let's be real, who doesn't love a good nap? I could snooze all day long! Right now, I'm searching for my forever home, and if you're looking for a pup to join your squad, then I'm your guy! Be sure to hit up the website and apply to meet me! I'll be sure to put my best paw forward when we meet, and I'm sure we'll be tight in no time. Oh, and if you happen to have any treats around, I'm always down to make a new pal! I'm so stoked to find my new family and make a ton of memories together, so don't wait too long! Apply to adopt me ASAP! I weigh around 25 pounds. I'm an active little guy who absolutely adores running around in backyards and playing with other dogs. There's something about the freedom of the outdoors that gets my tail wagging like crazy! But don't worry, I know how to behave around humans too. I'm great with children and adults alike, and I just love the attention and affection they give me. One of my favorite pastimes is finding a cool spot on a warm day and just lounging around. I'm a big fan of the AC, and if there's a bench nearby, you can bet I'll be curled up on it, soaking in the breeze. Can you imagine how relaxed and content I'll be chilling out on a boat or lazing around in the garden? It's a dog's dream come true! Now, here's the important part: I'll be neutered before adoption. It's a responsible choice to ensure a healthy and happy life for me. I'll be ready to join your family and become your new best friend. I promise to bring joy, laughter, and endless cuddles into your home. So, if you're looking for a truly special family dog, look no further. I'm right here, patiently waiting for my forever home. Don't miss out on the chance to have me as a part of your family. Apply today and let's start our amazing journey together! I'm super friendly towards all humans, and I love engaging in exciting games of fetch in the yard or chasing after sticks. Now, I must admit, I can get a little defensive when people pass by the fence, which means I tend to bark quite loudly. However, this quality could actually make me a great guard dog, keeping an eye out for any potential intruders. It's worth mentioning that I would probably thrive best in a home without other dogs, unless my new family is willing to invest the time and effort into properly introducing me to their existing furry friend. Safety and harmony are important, after all. On the health front, I've already been neutered and have all my vaccinations up to date, so you won't have to worry about that. If you're looking for a loyal and spirited companion, don't wait any longer. Apply today to schedule a visit with me. I've been patiently waiting for my forever home, and I can't wait to meet you! I go by the name Kate, and it is so great to meet you. At 8 months old, I'm filled with boundless happiness. I possess a one-of-a-kind charm that leaves the experts at Pet Savers puzzled about my precise breed, but I believe I'm a delightful mix of an American English Coonhound with a touch of Bluetick Hound. I embody both obedience and affection, making me a truly remarkable companion. My captivating eyes are nothing short of stunning, and rest assured, my vision is flawless. I have already been spayed and am up to date on all my vaccines. I am eagerly anticipating the moment I can meet my new family and embark on an exciting new chapter together. Pleas apply today to meet me. The name's Cash, and I'm here to share my story with you. I'm a 6-month-old Mountain Curr Labrador Mix, and life has already thrown me a few curveballs. As a result, I can be a bit timid when meeting new people, but hey, who can blame me? I've been through quite a lot for someone my age. Once I warm up to someone, though, I am fiercely loyal. I may start off a little shy, but once I feel safe and secure, you can count on me to be by your side through thick and thin. I'm just longing for a family that will provide me with the love, care, and reassurance I need to flourish. I'm a social pup and get along well with other dogs, and it's assumed that I will get along with children too. Having some little buddies to play and grow with sounds like a dream come true. The good news is that I'm all set and ready to go! I'm up-to-date on all my vaccinations, and I've been neutered. Now all I need is a loving family to call my own. Could that be you? Don't hesitate! Apply today to meet me and see if we're a perfect match. I'm eagerly waiting for the chance to meet my forever family and start this new chapter of my life filled with love, warmth, and lots of tail wags. Let's make it happen! With her wagging tail and warm, expressive eyes, Sugar captures the hearts of everyone she meets. Her gentle demeanor and friendly nature make her the perfect companion for all - from playful pups to wise elders, and everyone in between. Sugar's health and well-being are top-notch, thanks to her responsible owners who have ensured she is heartworm negative, up to date on all her shots, and spayed. These measures ensure that Sugar can focus on spreading joy and love without any worries. With her fantastic social skills, Sugar effortlessly befriends other dogs. People of all ages instantly fall in love with her, as she emits an aura of warmth and trust, putting even the most hesitant individuals at ease. Sugar maintains a calm and composed demeanor, making her the perfect fit for various living situations. Whether it's a bustling family home or a serene retiree's sanctuary, Sugar adapts with ease and is always ready to shower her love on her human companions. She is content with a minimum amount of exercise, making her an ideal furry friend for those with busy schedules or limited mobility. Sugar has already mastered the sit and stay commands, a testament to her intelligence and willingness to learn. This clever girl would undoubtedly cherish the opportunity to add more tricks. If you're looking for a furry companion to brighten your life, spread happiness, and be a loyal companion through thick and thin, look no further than Sugar. This kind and gentle soul is ready to fill your life with endless love and joy. Adopt Sugar today and experience the unconditional love of a furry best friend like no other. I'm Creek, a spirited and affectionate 7-month-old German Shepherd, and I can't wait to share my tail-wagging tale with you. Let's take a stroll through my world and discover what makes me the incredible companion I am. Right from our first meeting, you'll notice my radiant personality lighting up the room. I'm a bundle of energy, forever excited to embark on new adventures and make the most of every moment. Whether it's chasing after a squeaky toy or prancing around the yard, I'm all about having a ball. But you know what really gets me pumped? Being in the company of people — their laughter, gentle pats, and warm presence make my tail wag like crazy. Oh, you bet! Once I form a bond with my humans, I'm in it for life. Through thick and thin, I'll be your steadfast companion, offering solace, guardianship, and loads of those adorable wet-nosed smooches. My loyalty extends to fellow canines as well. If there's a doggie playdate at the horizon, I'm ready to jump in! Meeting new furry pals and showcasing my zoomies prowess — count me in for all the tail-wagging fun. Speaking of fun, I come from a breed known for its intelligence and enthusiasm. I'm on a mission to learn and experience, so a home that's ready to engage my mind and body is exactly where I belong. Whether it's tackling new tricks, going on exciting expeditions, or simply lounging together, I'm all about embracing the journey with you. So, here's the scoop: I'm on the lookout for a special home that's familiar with my breed's needs or has done their research. A place where I can thrive, learn, and be the best doggo I can be. If you're seeking a faithful, playful, and affectionate sidekick, look no further — I'm your Creek, ready to make pawsitive memories and embark on endless adventures together! I'm Sarge, a lively and lovable 2-year-old German Shepherd, and I'm ready to share my pawsome story with you. From the moment you meet me, my vibrant personality shines through. I'm a dog with boundless energy, always eager to explore and have a blast. Whether it's chasing after a tennis ball or frolicking around the park, I'm all in for a good time. Being around people is my absolute favorite thing — their laughter, their pats, and their company make my tail wag like crazy. Loyalty is practically my middle name! Once I connect with my humans, I'm in it for the long haul. I'll stand by your side through thick and thin, ready to offer comfort, protection, and, of course, plenty of wet-nosed kisses. I'm not just loyal to my humans — I'm a total social butterfly when it comes to other dogs too. Playdates at the dog park? Count me in! I'm always up for making new furry friends and showing off my impressive zoomies skills. Now, I've got to tell you about my breed. German Shepherds like me are smart cookies. We thrive when we have a job to do, whether it's learning new tricks, going on adventures, or just being your devoted sidekick. It's not just about loving us — it's about understanding us and giving us the mental and physical stimulation we need to be our best selves. I want to be in a place where my potential is recognized, where I can shine and be the best pup I can be. A home that appreciates my need for both playtime and learning time would be the pawfect fit for me. I know I may be all about the fun and games, but deep down, I'm a dog on a mission to find my forever family. I'm ready to be the loyal, goofy, and loving companion you've been searching for. Want to make memories, share belly rubs, and embark on new adventures together? If you're looking for a four-legged bundle of joy and energy, I'm your Sarge, reporting for duty! Siren's journey began on a playground, where fate led her to a caring teacher who couldn't resist her charm. Now, she's ready to share her story with you and find her forever family. Siren's radiant personality shines brightly through her young and curious eyes. She's a testament to the resilience and joy that a loving heart can bring, even in challenging circumstances. Despite her start in life, she's a true testament to the power of love and care. This sweet girl is an absolute delight to be around. Her affectionate nature is apparent in her love for both kids and adults — there's nothing she enjoys more than being in the company of people. Whether it's receiving gentle pats or sharing moments of play, her tail wags with sheer happiness. Siren's warm presence has a way of making everyone around her feel cherished. During her time at Pet Savers, Siren has also shown herself to be a social butterfly with her fellow four-legged companions. Her interactions with other dogs have been nothing short of wonderful, showcasing her friendly and gentle demeanor. She's a true example of a harmonious playmate, never displaying aggression or anxiety. Siren's journey from the playground to our care has shaped her into a remarkable pup who's ready to embrace the love of a forever family. Her potential to be a loyal and loving companion is crystal clear, and we're excited for the day she finds her perfect match. Being a young dog, Siren possesses an incredible capacity for learning and adapting. This makes her transition into a new home a smoother and more joyful experience. With the right guidance, she's ready to blossom into the dog of your dreams — one who's eager to explore, play, and cuddle up after a day of adventure. If you're drawn to Siren's captivating spirit and can envision her by your side, don't hesitate to apply today. A world of love and companionship awaits with Siren, and we're confident that she'll fill your life with joy, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Let me give you a glimpse into my world and all the reasons why I'm the perfect furry friend for you. First off, I'm a dainty gal, tipping the scales at around 20 pounds. Don't worry, I might grow a bit more, but not too much — just enough to fill your heart with joy without taking up all the space on the couch! One thing you'll notice about me right away is my sweet and charming demeanor. I've got this undeniable puppy charm that just draws people in. I thrive on attention — belly rubs, ear scratches, you name it — I'm all in! The more love and pets I get, the happier I am. I'm a social butterfly, and I absolutely adore hanging out with others. I've got great manners when it comes to playtime — I play nicely with other pups, and I especially love being around kids. There's something about their energy and laughter that just makes my tail wag like crazy. Whether it's a game of fetch or a simple cuddle session, count me in for all the fun activities. Speaking of cuddles, I'm a pro snuggler. There's nothing quite like cozying up on the couch with my favorite humans after a day of adventures. I've got this uncanny ability to make you feel loved and cherished, and I promise to be your constant source of comfort and companionship. I know it might sound a bit cheesy, but once we meet, I'm pretty sure you won't be able to resist falling in love with me. My irresistible charm and gentle nature tend to have that effect on people. Don't hesitate — apply today to give me a chance to be the light of your life. I'm Zelda, and I can't wait to shower you with love and create beautiful memories together! Life hasn't always been easy for me, but I'm here to tell you my tale. I'm a dapper 5-year-old boy who found my way into the hearts of some amazing folks after being discovered as a stray. My past might be a mystery, but one thing's for sure — I'm ready to create a future filled with joy and cuddles. You know, they say I've got a face that can melt hearts, and I've got the wagging tail to match. I've got a kindness in me that stretches as far as the horizon, whether it's hanging out with other dogs, making new human pals of all ages, or just being the ultimate companion. My nose is my best friend — I love to sniff around and take in all the fascinating scents the world has to offer. Every walk is an adventure, and every corner holds a story waiting to be uncovered. I'm a bit of an explorer, you see. If you're searching for a loyal and loving buddy who's eager to embrace every moment with you, then look no further. Ready to make some memories together? If your heart skipped a beat while reading about me, why not take the leap? I'm on the hunt for my perfect forever home, and let me tell you, I come with a touch of diva charm. But don't worry, it's all in good fun! You see, I have this thing about doing things my way. Call it a diva trait if you will, but I just know what I like. I'm not afraid to express my preferences, and that's what makes me, well, me. I love having the freedom to follow my own schedule and explore the world at my pace. When I'm in the mood for snuggles, I'll let you know, and believe me, it's a heartwarming sight when I'm at my happiest. Cuddles are my jam! But hey, I'm not all about constant attention. Just like any sophisticated lady, I value my alone time too. It's nice to have those moments of peaceful solitude to reflect and relax. Now, I may come across as a bit particular, but that's just because I know what I deserve. I have this feeling deep down that the right match is out there — that one person or family who gets me and appreciates my quirks. If you think you could be that special someone, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's meet, spend some time together, and see if we're the perfect match. Who knows, you might just be the one to join me on this fabulous journey of companionship! Apply now, and let's make some pawsitive memories together! I'm a lively 9 months old, and I've got an exciting story to share! From the very start, my life has been about curiosity and smarts. I love learning and exploring, and my human pals say I'm really smart. I'm not just an ordinary pup! But you know, where there's brainpower, there's a need for a special friend to keep me busy. I'm looking for a partner who can match my brainpower and give me fun challenges. Whether it's teaching me new tricks, playing puzzle games, or going on adventures, I want things to do to keep my clever mind busy. So, if you want a clever friend, I'm your guy! But don't worry, I'm not all about work. I love being social and getting attention. I enjoy cuddles, belly rubs, and I'll give you sloppy kisses too. You know what makes me really happy? Having a job! I'm a natural worker and I feel great when I have things to do. If you want a furry co-worker, count me in! One important thing to mention: I get along well with other dogs and people of all ages. I'm friendly and easy to get along with. Whether you have other pets or kids, I'd be happy to be part of your loving family. Apply now to meet Coors—the coolest, smartest, and most charming hound around! I'm a 1-year-old mixed breed dog, and I'm told that I'm as sweet as can be. I weigh around 40 pounds and I have a beautiful brown and white coat. I love spending time with other dogs and people, but I can be a little shy at first until I get to know you. I've been well taken care of by the staff here and have been up to date on all of my vaccines. I've also been spayed, so I'm all set to go to my new home! I'm hoping to find a family that will give me lots of love and attention, and who will keep me active and engaged. I love going for walks and runs, playing fetch, and exploring new places. If you're looking for a sweet and affectionate companion who will bring joy and energy to your life, then I might be the perfect match for you. So why wait? Apply today and let's get started on our new adventure together! What's very clear, though, is that he's incredibly sweet and makes all uncertainty disappear. Optimus is just two months old and is getting his important health checks and shots done so he can find a forever home. While Optimus is waiting to be neutered, we'd love for you to think about bringing this charming puppy into your home. Don't worry about the wait — go ahead and apply, so you can stop by and meet him. Who can resist that cute face? We definitely can't! Stay tuned for updates as Optimus takes steps towards a happy future! Despite my wonderful personality, I still find myself getting overlooked at the shelter, but I'm hoping my charm will shine through to the right person. I'm a social pup and get along with most dogs, but it's always best to have a proper introduction to ensure we're a good match. July marks my one-year anniversary at Pet Savers, and while they've been wonderful to me, I'm more than ready to find my forever home! I can't wait to show you how wonderful I truly am! Please let us know ahead of time if you are interested! Greetings, I am a dashing Labrador Retriever mix born in the year .Unfortunately, my previous owners were deployed and couldn't take me along, so now I find myself looking for a new home to call my own. I am a well-cared-for dog, and my health is up-to-date with all the necessary vaccinations. It's no secret that I love treats, and I'm always on the lookout for a snack. However, I'm not just all about the food. I have a zest for life and am eager to stay active and happy. As much as I enjoy socializing, I must admit that I do not get along with other dogs. Therefore, I would be best suited to a home where I can be the only furry companion. If you're looking for a devoted and charming dog that will bring joy and love into your life, then I'm the perfect fit for you. Please don't hesitate to contact the shelter to arrange a meet-and-greet with me. I can't wait to meet you and start our new adventure together. Top o' the mornin' to ya! I'm Bruce, a small but mighty 4-year-old pit mix who's on the hunt for a loving forever home. I was dropped off at a kind person's house, but unfortunately, their other dog didn't take kindly to me, so now I'm here at Pet Savers, hoping to find my pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I'm a friendly pup who gets along well with other dogs, and at about 45 pounds, I'm the perfect size for snuggling on the couch or taking long walks in the Irish countryside. I'll admit, I don't have the best manners just yet, but I'm a quick learner, and in the short time I spent getting my photo taken, I figured out that jumping wasn't getting me anywhere and responded well to the "sit" command. I'm excited to continue learning and growing in a permanent home, and I promise to be a loyal and loving companion to whoever is lucky enough to adopt me. So, if you're ready for a new adventure with a fun-loving and eager-to-please pup like me, apply to meet me today. Who knows, we might just find a pot of gold at the end of our journey together! As a mellow and easygoing fellow, I'm open to any type of family! I've had the pleasure of attending events at Pet Smart, where I've enjoyed receiving countless pets. I adore children and am content to lie down while they shower me with affection. Additionally, I get along great with other dogs. Despite my relaxed nature, I do enjoy going for walks or frolicking in the yard. The caring staff at Pet Savers have worked diligently with me, and I must say, I'm quite well-trained. Above all, all I yearn for is a loving family that will shower me with affection. If you and your family are interested in meeting me, I ask you to submit an application today. Let me tell you about Cassie, the incredible terrier mix that has captured our hearts here at Pet Savers. Cassie found herself on the euthanasia list, but we knew deep down that she was destined for something greater. She's a special soul, full of potential and love. Cassie is around 3 years old and weighs about 21 pounds. She's a calm and composed dog, slightly timid at first, but once she gets to know you, her warm and loving nature shines through. Now, Cassie is currently heartworm positive, but don't worry, we've got her covered. She'll be starting treatment soon to get her back to full health. We believe that with the right care and support, she'll bounce back and thrive. One look into Cassie's eyes, and you'll understand why we're so smitten with her. They're the kind of eyes that melt hearts and make you weak in the knees. Trust me, it's impossible to resist her charm. If you're searching for a one-of-a-kind dog, look no further. Cassie is ready to embark on a new journey with a loving family. So, whether you want to reach out to us or apply right away, don't miss out on this incredible opportunity. Cassie is waiting to bring immeasurable joy into your life. I'm an energetic dog who loves to play and have fun. I weigh around 50 pounds and am just the right size for snuggling and playtime! I'm looking for a family who loves to be active and go on adventures. Long walks, fetch, or even some agility training would be right up my alley! I'm always up for a good time and love to stay active. I had a bit of a rough time when I was a stray, but the folks at Pet Savers took great care of me and helped me recover wonderfully. Now I'm just a sweet and playful pup who's ready to meet my new family! So if you're looking for a furry companion who will always be up for a good time, look no further than me, Blossom! Let's make some happy memories together. My name is Banjo, and I'm a happy and unique 2-year-old pup! I may be small, but I'm mighty - I only weigh around 15 pounds! I've been waiting patiently at Pet Savers for my forever home, and I'm so excited to meet my new family. So, I'm looking for a home where I can be the center of attention and not have to share my humans with any furry siblings. But don't worry, I promise to shower you with love and loyalty every single day! L et me tell you, with just a little bit of extra love, I can do some amazing things! I'll make sure to bring lots of joy and happiness into your life. Fill out an application and let's start our new adventure together! I can't wait to be a part of your loving family. I may not be winning any fetch awards, but I will definitely win over your heart with my snuggling skills. If a late night snack, snuggling and sitcoms is your thing — we may be a perfect match. I get along with other dogs, am UTD on vaccines and neutered. Please fill out an application if you like to pay me a visit. The name's Copper, and I'm a pit mix that's just bursting with energy and playfulness! I'm tipping the scales at around 50 pounds, and I'm always eager to meet new people and make new friends. I absolutely love showing off my mad skills and doing tricks, especially when there are treats involved. Don't worry though, I'm happy to share with my furry and human pals alike. I'm totally up-to-date on all my vaccines, and the doc says I'm in tip-top shape! But here's the deal: I've been hanging around here for way too long, and I'm ready for my forever home. So, if you're looking for a fun-loving, cuddly companion, please fill out an application and come see me! I promise I'll bring plenty of smiles and tail wags to your life. We're just excited to find a forever home where we'll be loved and appreciated for the gems we are. I'm a medium-sized mixed breed with a whole lot of energy, so if you're looking for a couch potato, move along, friend. But if you're someone who can keep up with my zest for life and endless enthusiasm, we're gonna have a blast together! I'm a firm believer in the power of exercise and playtime, so let's go run, jump, and fetch until we're both panting and happy. All jokes aside, I'm a loving and loyal pup who just wants to be part of a family that will cherish me for the rest of my days. So if you're ready for a lifetime of laughs, love, and wagging tails, let's make it official and become best friends forever! Apply today! I was treated and waited patiently for my adoption day. I was adopted a few months ago, but it just wasn't a good match. Now I'm back and looking for my true forever home. I am an energetic young dog and I weigh about 45 pounds. I listen pretty well for growing up in a shelter and may even be potty trained. I will need a home where I'm the only pet due to some food and dog aggression. Is there a home out there looking for a dog like me? I would love to meet you! Est D. My name is Remington and I am what some call an old soul! I love to relax in the sun and can be content on my own. Once I warm up to a humans; I will be their best friend. I just need a little time and patience. I enjoy playing in the yard and getting treats. If you think I'm the big dog for you please apply today. Thank you! My name is Keelo! Check out my handsome spots! I am a large lab mix that came in with my sister Molly when my previous family fell on incredibly hard circumstances. Though I may be large in size, I am incredibly gentle and do not jump. I got along well with other dogs, but if there is a dog in your home, I would like to meet them before I'm adopted to make sure we get along. I am house trained, walk on a least well, and get along with kids. I really enjoy relaxing in the warm sun, so I think it would be great to have a backyard with a secure fence. I am such a sweet dog, won't you come see if I am the right fit for you? Please fill out an application today. I got all dressed up for my photos in my best sweater! I'm a pretty hyper little girl, and love running around and playing. I get along with dogs and kids, but have no experience with cats. I am up-to-date on all of my shots and house-trained as well! One of my bad habits is getting excited on walks and pulling, but I'm sure I'll learn with you! Won't you apply for me soon? They do not know my age, but I am most likely a senior and possibly boxer mix. I weigh about 50 pounds. I am relaxed, calm, and affectionate. They do not know much about me so I may not be house-trained. I am such a gentleman though! Is there a loving home out there? I know I will be a great fit for someone. The vet found out it was malignant and removed it immediately. I've been watched carefully since then and have made a full recovery. Now I would love to find a loving home all my own. I am a terrier mix and about 30 pounds. I can be a little territorial, but get along with some other dogs. I also listen fairly well and will learn new commands quickly. I'll be waiting to meet you! I have grown a lot since then - up to about 50 pounds - so I got a new photo! I love showing off my fun ears and adorable smile. I used to be scared and shy, but now I enjoy playing fetch and getting attention. I would love a home all my own that wants to train me to do tricks! Pet Savers does not know if I am house-trained, since I was found abandoned and now live in the outdoor area of the shelter. I am sure it would not take me long to learn all sorts of new things! Apply for me today if you want to add my cuteness to your home. I am high energy so I need to find someone who can train me. A home without any other pets or small children would work best for me. I work well with treats and love to listen. If I could just find someone who has the patience to work with me I would make a great companion! Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Shreveport location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Dog Training Elite Shreveport recommends starting dog training as early as possible, soon after a puppy is ready to leave its mother. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands, and smart German Shepherd puppies do great with early training. Dog Training Elite Shreveport has adult dog training programs as well. A complete puppy training typically takes a few months. Adult dog training can take longer or shorter, depending on whether a dog needs to unlearn bad habits in addition to being trained. Working with a German Shepherd and the owner directly in the home allows dog trainers to create personalized training plans for individual dogs, as well as address any unique needs or issues. Once a dog has completed in-home training, they can take group classes for more in-depth training - Dog Training Elite Shreveport offers both puppy and adult dog group classes. Beginning training in the home also helps owners bond with their dogs so when the dog trainer leaves, no progress is lost. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter. Empowering Owners We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. Personalized We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. Environment Specific We train wherever issues tend to arise i. Supportive We support owners in the off-hours when training is "not in session". Involved We work with all members of the household. Satisfaction Ratings Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors. Also, be consistent about rules - establish at the beginning, for example, whether or not your dog is allowed on the couch. An energetic dog with little to no exercise can become a destructive, disobedient dog. Training is a great way to give German Shepherds the mental and physical stimulation they need. Dog Training Elite Shreveport has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs alike based on positive reinforcement. German Shepherd training with our in-home option is entirely possible. Read on to learn more about the Dog Training Elite Shreveport training method. All Sizes. All Ages. The Dog Training Elite Difference Dog Training Elite Shreveport uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Shreveport never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out. The Dog Training Elite Shreveport training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Ready to turn your dog into a loyal and loving companion? Find a German Shepherd trainer near you today! We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone in need of training services! We were a bit overwhelmed with getting her to listen to us and our daughter. The training was tailored to what we needed, started at a base level and built up on the lessons from the prior session. The one-on-one lessons were very helpful and we are looking forward to the group sessions to continue building upon the baseline. Our pup is definitely a part of the family. They are extremely good at what they do. I can now leave my house without having to worry about passing out, because I know I can rely on my dog. They care for every single pup they meet and treat them with care, no matter the issues. It's hard not to love them immediately. Being a part of their team has been an amazing experience. They aren't just friends, they're family! There are no other dog trainers I would recommend more than them! She worked with our 1 year old female Shiba Inu on her resource guarding along with many other issues and it has literally changed our lives. I highly recommend DTE to anyone who has a fur baby! Thank you Jennifer for being the awesome trainer that you are! Jen helped pick Kira from the pound and through Jen's patient training, she is becoming an amazing service dog! They are not just trainers, they are a part of our family. The first time I talked with them on the phone they asked great questions about my puppy and made me feel like they were on my team already. I felt immediately at ease and confident that these ladies would help me learn how to train my puppy and create a better relationship with her. I was feeling overwhelmed and hopeless about the situation. After visiting my home to assess the situation, Jen told me that the biting problem would be the first issue to go! But she was right!! Within the first training session, Jen addressed the biting problem and my puppy has stopped nipping and biting entirely. It was a huge relief to see such quick progress and it has only gotten better from that point on! Matti and Jen truly love and understand animals, plus they are so respectful and empathetic when it comes to people! They are patient with both pets and people, and I have no doubt they will get you and your pet where you want to be!! Jenn and Matti are driven to develop the best possible relationship between each owner and their dog so that they can experience all the fun activities and joy that dogs bring to our lives. If you would like to make your dog a bigger part of your lifestyle, I encourage you to contact the dynamic duo at DTE Shreveport.

Our vet wanted us to get one for sensitive stomach and skin. The reviews on other dog issues sounded like our so we tried. She loves the food compared to our old stuff. Seems to be helping with digestive issues but she has very stinky farts. Will keep feeding to see if it gets better. Vet says to give a new dog food a few months so will order again. If it does not improve I will start the search again. My dog actually likes this food thus far His digestive system improved no more diarrhea or loose stool. So far so good. Glad I switched 1 Rated 5 out of 5 stars By mandy on Aug 3, iams dog food my German Shepherd is very picky and always gets the runs but with iams German shepherd he hasn't have any problems 0 Rated 5 out of 5 stars By Traci on Apr 25, Pups Love It First time we have tried Iams and my girls love it! Very affordable! We switched from a popular brand that lowered their weight per bag and raised the price. We changed her to this food and though she has probably slowed down her growing, she has also quit limping. She enjoys her food, has solid stools and is doing great! I switched her with no problems and she likes it 1 Rated 5 out of 5 stars By treats on Mar 12, So nice not to have to go to the store I have troubles going to the store so this makes it so much easier and it gets delivered to the door. I want to see how long it takes for her to eat the whole bag, then I will get it on auto ship after that. I used to feed her Beneful. This is a question that many German Shepherd owners ask, as they want to make sure their beloved furry friend is getting all the nutrients they need. The good news is that there are plenty of healthy dog food options out there for German Shepherds. You should eat foods that include high-quality animal-based protein sources like lamb, beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes. In addition, the meal should be plentiful in fats, vitamins, and minerals. Are eggs good for German Shepherds? Yes, eggs are a great source of protein for German Shepherds. In fact, they are one of the healthiest foods you can feed your dog. Eggs are packed with nutrients that are essential for a German Shepherd's diet, including vitamins A, D, and E. They also contain omega-three fatty acids, which are important for a dog's coat and skin health. What is the best food for German Shepherds with allergies? If your German Shepherd has allergies, it's important to find a hypoallergenic best dog food for German Shepherds that will not trigger their symptoms. There are many brands of hypoallergenic dog food on the market that use alternative protein sources, such as duck or venison. These foods are often grain-free as well, which is ideal for German Shepherds with allergies. What is the best food for German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs? If your German Shepherd has a sensitive stomach, you'll want to find a dog food that is easy on their digestive system. There are many brands of dog food that offer formulas specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs. These foods often have limited ingredient lists and use easily digestible ingredients, such as chicken or potato. What is the best food for German Shepherds with joint problems? If your German Shepherd has joint problems, you'll want to find a dog food that is rich in omega-three fatty acids. These essential nutrients help to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints. There are many brands of dog food that offer formulas specifically for dogs with joint problems. These foods often contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which are known to help relieve joint pain. Now let's chat in more detail about the best dog foods for your furry friend. It is made with all natural ingredients and has no fillers or preservatives. The kibble is also enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for dogs' skin and coat health. The addition of zinc proteinate and other chelated minerals to the formula is a plus, as it leads to better absorption and nutrition. We also note the inclusion of various probiotics for better digestion and salmon oil, which is beneficial to both skin and coat. Highly suggested! All of their recipes are made with whole ingredients and cooked in small batches. The meals are portioned according to your dog's weight and activity level. Wilderness is a grain-free and protein-rich product with over a dozen options and recipes, which makes it ideal for people who want to rotate their diets. It's reasonably priced, and it gets high marks from consumers. Probiotics, high-quality fiber, and digestive enzymes are included in this formula to aid your dog's digestive health. These components create mouth-watering, healthy food that will sustain your canine companion throughout the day. The foods in this recipe include multiple probiotics for improved digestion, chelated minerals for maximized absorption, and nutrient-dense food. It's inexpensive to buy as well as simple to suggest. Eagle Pack Power Adult Dog Food Image courtesy Eagle Pack The majority of the animal protein in Adult takes the form of fresh chicken and pork meal, as confirmed by the nutritional label. The all-time classic, fully grain-inclusive design that is free of legume concentrates. Antioxidant preservatives are used in a safe and natural manner. There's no BHT or ethoxyquin. It has high animal protein levels, as well as vitamins and minerals that have been boosted through the use of freeze-dried raw pieces. It's designed to unleash your dog's potential to thrive and put the advantages of raw nutrition into every bowl, using cage-free duck as the first ingredient for powerful, lean muscles. It also contains a probiotic boost for digestive health, greater amounts of omegas for healthy skin and coat, and more antioxidants for immune health—all from the highest-quality ingredients from all over the world. This high-protein, low-carb diet is designed for sporting dogs and plush animals with rigorous exercise requirements. It's also perfect for growing pups and pregnant or nursing females. This formula has DHA to support cognitive development, as well as calcium for strong bones and teeth. Iams ProActive Health also has 22 essential vitamins and minerals to keep your puppy healthy and strong. It's nice to discover a Southwest Canyon recipe that includes natural preservatives, which implies the food does not contain any BHA, BHT, or other harmful chemicals. A major brand and a healthy all-age option for any German Shepherd. Champion Petfoods, the well-known maker of Orijen, has long promoted a meat-based "biologically appropriate" diet. This is a tried and true design that makes this particular dish an excellent choice for developing Shepherd pups. This natural dry food is developed to give complete-body nutritional support for puppies of all sizes. It's made with high-quality proteins and whole grains, all of which are complemented by omega fatty acids—such as DHA—necessary vitamins, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics. This balanced, nutritious dry dog food is intended to promote teeth and bone strength, healthy brain growth, general health, energy and vitality, optimal nutrient absorption, and healthy muscle development. It's free of GMOs, by-products from processing animals into pet food ingredients meat meal , fillers, or artificial preservatives to ensure that your dog gets the healthiest food possible. This is a tried-and-true approach that has been developed and studied for decades. It includes controlled calcium and phosphorus ratios, making it ideal for German Shepherd puppies. This large-breed dry food is made with high-quality proteins and whole grains. It's free of chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives. This recipe is designed to support the health of large breed puppies with an optimal balance of calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. It also includes DHA from fish oil for healthy brain development. This recipe includes DHA for brain development, calcium and phosphorus for bone growth, and antioxidants to support the immune system. It's also free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. You can feed your dog either dry or wet food, and he may sample two distinct flavor profiles: rice and oatmeal for salmon. Because it contains no allergens like wheat, corn, or soy, there's less of a chance that your dog will suffer an upset stomach. It also includes omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which help to promote skin, coat, and joint health. Image courtesy Blue Buffalo If you're searching for high-quality, all-natural wet dog food, Blue Buffalo Wilderness is a wonderful alternative. This dog food is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for an entourage diet. It's made with real beef and chicken, can be served as a delicious treat, or blended into your dog's regular dry food. The Blue Buffalo puppy food contains no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives; making it a healthy choice for your dog. All dishes are prepared in collaboration with veterinarians and come in a variety of delicious flavors, including beef, lamb, and turkey. All of the meats are imported from the United States, although only lamb comes from Australia. It's also gluten-free, so if you're allergic to grains, you'll be safe. There is a large selection of carbohydrates, which are mostly in the form of potatoes, and there are numerous healthy vegetables and superfoods including lentils, peas, salmon oil, and flaxseed. It's made with real meat, vegetables, and fruit. This recipe is grain-free and free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It's also high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It's made with real beef, vegetables, and fruit. It also contains sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, and flaxseed. This formula provides your German Shepherd puppy with the high protein diet they need for proper development and growth. Taste of the Wild is one of the most popular brands among dog food reviewers. It's included as our last on this list but has ranked high among some of the best dog foods for German Shepherds because it's high in protein and free of grains. What foods are German Shepherds allergic to? German Shepherds are known to be allergic to a variety of things, including wheat, corn, soy, and even some meats. If you're not sure what your German Shepherd is allergic to, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to recommend the best food for your dog based on their specific allergies. If your German Shepherd is having any sort of adverse reaction to their food, such as scratching, biting, or licking themselves excessively, then they may be allergic to something in their food. Consult with your veterinarian if you're not sure what's causing the reaction. What is the best dog food for German Shephard puppies? Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so it's important to find a food that's specifically designed for puppies. Look for a food that has high levels of protein and fat, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Puppies also need more calories than adult dogs, so make sure the food you choose has a high calorie content. As your puppy grows, they will need less calories and protein, so you'll need to switch to a food that's designed for adult dogs. Consult with your veterinarian to find the best food for your German Shepherd puppy. What is the best food for an adult German Shepherd? The best food for an adult German Shepherd is a diet that is high in protein and fat. This breed of dog is known for its high energy levels and need for exercise, so a food that can help them maintain their energy levels is important. A diet that is too low in calories can cause your German Shepherd to become overweight or obese, which can lead to health problems. When choosing a food for your German Shepherd, it is important to read the label carefully and choose a food that is right for their age, weight, and activity level. Can a German Shepherd drink milk? Yes, German Shepherds can drink milk. Milk is a good source of calcium and other nutrients that are important for this breed of dog. However, it is important to choose a low-fat or skim milk to avoid adding unnecessary calories to their diet. What is the best way to feed a German Shepherd puppy? The best way to feed a German Shepherd puppy is to start them on a diet that is high in protein and fat. Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, so it is important to choose a food that will give them the nutrition they need without making them overweight. As your German Shepherd puppy grows, you can slowly transition them to an adult dog food. It is important to make sure that they are getting the right amount of calories and nutrients for their age, weight, and activity level. What are some common health problems German Shepherds face? Some common health problems German Shepherds face include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and allergies. This breed of dog is also susceptible to obesity, so it is important to choose a food that will help them maintain a healthy weight. German Shepherds are also prone to joint problems, so a food that is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin is important for this breed of dog. What is the life expectancy of a German Shepherd? The life expectancy of a German Shepherd is between nine and thirteen years. This breed of dog is known for being a healthy and hardy breed, but there are some health problems that can shorten their lifespan. It is important to feed your German Shepherd a diet that will help them maintain their health and keep them at a healthy weight to help ensure a long and happy life. Is it OK to put a raw egg in dog food? The answer is complicated. While some experts believe that raw eggs are perfectly safe for dogs, others believe that they can be dangerous. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. If you decide to feed your dog raw eggs, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure the eggs are fresh. Second, only feed your dog eggs that have been properly refrigerated. Finally, don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw eggs. If you're still not sure whether or not to feed your dog raw eggs, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you make the best decision for your pet. What are the benefits of raw eggs for dogs? There are a few potential benefits of feeding raw eggs to dogs. Some people believe that raw eggs can help increase a dog's energy levels, improve their coat, and even help with joint pain. While there is some anecdotal evidence to support these claims, there is no scientific evidence that raw eggs offer any health benefits for dogs. Our Criteria for Ranking the Best Dog Food Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet's health and well-being. With the plethora of options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which dog food is best for your furry friend. To simplify this process and help you make an informed decision, we have established a set of criteria for ranking the best dog food products. These criteria are based on scientific research, expert opinions, and the specific nutritional needs of dogs. Ingredients Quality: High-Quality Protein: The primary ingredient should be a high-quality animal protein source, such as chicken, beef, or fish, to support your dog's muscle development and overall health. Whole Grains and Vegetables: Whole grains and vegetables should be included to provide essential carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Absence of Fillers and Artificial Additives: No Fillers: The best dog food should not contain fillers like corn, soy, or wheat, which offer limited nutritional value and may cause allergies. No Artificial Additives: It should be free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can harm your dog's health over time. Meat Meal vs. Whole Meat: Preference for Whole Meat: Whole meat sources are preferred over meat meals or by-products, as they are less processed and retain more nutritional value. Digestibility and Allergen Consideration: Hypoallergenic Options: For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, hypoallergenic options that avoid common allergens like poultry or grains should be available. High Digestibility: The dog food should be highly digestible to ensure your pet absorbs the maximum nutrients from each meal. Life Stage Appropriateness: Age and Size-Specific Formulations: The best dog food should offer formulations tailored to your dog's life stage puppy, adult, senior and size small, medium, large. Transparency and Sourcing: Transparent Labeling: Brands should provide transparent information about ingredient sourcing and processing methods. Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing: A commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing of ingredients reflects a brand's responsibility toward animal welfare and the environment. Health Benefits and Special Considerations: Support for Special Health Needs: The best dog food may offer formulations to address specific health concerns, such as joint health, dental care, or weight management. Customer Feedback and Reviews: Positive User Experiences: Customer feedback and reviews are valuable indicators of a product's performance, safety, and palatability. Price and Value: Affordability: The cost of the dog food should be reasonable and commensurate with its quality and ingredients, offering good value for pet owners. Recall History and Safety: Safety Record: Brands with a history of recalls or safety issues should be viewed with caution, as the safety of your pet is paramount. But with our list of the 25 best dog foods for German Shepherds in , you can rest assured that you're giving your furry friend the best possible chance at a long and healthy life. When choosing dog food, consider factors such as your dog's age, size, activity level, any allergies or sensitivities, and consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations. What is the difference between dry and wet dog food? Dry dog food kibble is convenient, has a longer shelf life, and can help with dental health. Wet dog food contains more moisture and can be more palatable for picky eaters. Some owners choose to feed a combination for variety. Is homemade dog food a good option? Homemade dog food can be an option but requires careful research and balance to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients. Consulting with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist is recommended. How can I tell if a dog food is of high quality? Look for high-quality protein sources, whole grains and vegetables, minimal fillers and additives, and adherence to AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition. Checking customer reviews and consulting experts can also help. Should I choose a dog food based on my dog's breed? While some breed-specific formulas exist, it's more important to consider your dog's individual needs, age, and size when selecting dog food. What should I do if my dog has food allergies or sensitivities? If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, consult your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient dog foods. Is grain-free dog food a better choice? Grain-free dog food isn't necessarily better. While some dogs may benefit from grain-free options, it's essential to ensure the food still provides balanced nutrition, as some grain-free diets have been associated with certain health issues. How often should I feed my dog, and in what portion sizes? Feeding frequency and portion sizes depend on your dog's age, size, and activity level. Puppies typically require more frequent meals. Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food packaging and adjust based on your dog's needs. Can I mix different brands or types of dog food? Mixing different brands or types of dog food can be done, but it should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on the best way to transition your dog to a new diet. Should I be concerned about recalls when choosing dog food? Yes, it's important to stay informed about recalls. Check the FDA and manufacturer websites regularly for recall information. Brands with a history of recalls may be worth avoiding. What is the role of my veterinarian in selecting dog food? Your veterinarian can provide valuable guidance on selecting the right dog food based on your pet's specific needs, health conditions, and dietary requirements. How can I ensure my dog stays hydrated when feeding dry dog food? Always provide access to clean, fresh water. Wetting the dry food or incorporating wet food into the diet can also increase moisture intake. Can I give my dog human food as part of their diet? While some human foods are safe for dogs, it's essential to know which ones are and to avoid potentially toxic foods. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding human food to your dog's diet. Remember that each dog is unique, and their dietary needs may vary. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian and open communication about your dog's diet are key to ensuring their health and well-being. Related Content.

Check out this great video What we offer Training Our dogs will be tested in the NAVHDA Natural Ability Test with a team of three judges giving them a score on their desire for water, tracking ability and their search and pointing ability. We feel that it is good to have an outside team of professionals take a look at all pups at this age and we totally respect their scores and appreciate the time that they put into the NAVHDA Program. Our dogs must have strong, sound hips and elbows and be solid in the field and this is all tested in the field as the dog matures. Our dogs are bred for real world hunting, not for field trials and not for the show bench. The versatility of the Pudelpointer is unmatched in other breeds making them the best choice for serious bird hunters. A favourite disability assistance breed in many countries, Labradors are frequently trained to aid the blind, those who have autism, to act as a therapy dog, or to perform screening and detection work for law enforcement and other official agencies. Additionally, they are prized as sporting and hunting dogs. Photo Gallery. We've got the best variety of Cavapoos for you. We are so thankful to live in beautiful Southern Oregon where we enjoy being outside in the country with our dogs. We currently do not ship puppies. Rottweilers for Sale in Roseburg, OR. Our breeders are true dog lovers and professionals of the highest standards. Roseburg Oregon Pet Classifieds has members. If you're not seeing what you're looking for, try our shelter and rescue search. Find your puppy for sale in Roseburg North, OR. Loves kids and playing. Buy, Sell or Adopt Pets in Roseburg. The puppies and their parents go through regular check-ups and health screenings. Check out our selection of Cavapoo puppies for sale to find your own sweet Cavapoo today! We can deliver within Oregon and surrounding states for a fee. This crossbreed was created to be gentle like the Cavalier and to be smart and low-shedding like the Poodle. Call or Text -- Todd Photos and contact info on Advertigo website. Here, at Premier Pups, we work side by side with our nation's finest and most respected breeders to produce healthy and happy litters of Yorkie Poo puppies. All of our German Shorthaired Pointer puppies for sale in Oregon have been independently screened and certified. Find your puppy for sale in Roseburg, OR Puppies. If you are unable to find your Chihuahua puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Chihuahua Dogs for Adoption. Puppies for Sale in Roseburg, Oregon. He's crate trained and knows sit and stay. The Toy and Mini Poodle puppies at Premier Pups are raised in a warm and loving environment by dedicated. We are located about 30 minutes west of Roseburg, Oregon Our dogs are our loved pets who enjoy life with us on our little farm. She is a sweet pup who does great with dogs her size but need slow. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Both love to be held and snuggle up together with their person. German Shorthaired Pointers Puppies makes the perfect addition to any active family. A true family dog, he gets along well with kids, cats and other dogs. Sealyham Terrier Puppies for Sale. Premier Pups has got you covered. At Premier Pups, we specialize in raising healthy and happy Cavapoo puppies. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. They accompany us as we do our chores, tend the garden and take our daily walks. Manny is housetrained, knows how to use a doggie door and is crate trained. Partnered with the best and most trusted breeders in the United States, Premier Pups strives to deliver happy and healthy Boston Terriers for adoption. See All Items for Sale. Dogs for Sale in Roseburg, OR. Here at Premier Pups, we work hand in hand with the nation's top breeders to raise happy and healthy French Bulldog puppies. All About Me! This little boy is perfect for those wanting to skip the majority of the puppy stage but still get the puppy experience! He is a little slower to. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets. We can also meet half-way for those outside of our surrounding states. Our Puppy Agents and care specialists. Our Shih Tzus are raised with passion and care by our dedicated and loving staff members. They are extremely loveable, fantastic with children, and filled with the energy they are eager to exert on any adventure. Our Frenchies are cared for by passionate Puppy Agents from the moment they are born until they are ready to go to their new homes. Because an adoption can happen at any time, we encourage you to give us a call about a dog or puppy you may have an interest in. Husky puppies and dogs in Roseburg, Oregon. Sire is a lb son of German import with plenty of champions in his bloodline. We will do our best to work with each new puppy owner to get your new family member to you. Find your puppy for sale in Roseburg, OR. This little boy is perfect for those wanting to skip the majority of the puppy stage but still get the puppy experience! Pets for Sale in Roseburg, OR. Pups will come fully vaccinated and microchipped ,wormed up to date. Puppies for Sale in Oregon. Sweet playful puppies! Healthy and Happy! Not registered but parents are on site! Though they vary in size, they are typically smaller than the Poodle. Please let us know what your needs are and we will do our best to help however we can. Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center. Purebred German shepherd puppies born on December 20th and ready for forever homes. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find. Searching for available Yorkie Poo puppies near Roseburg, Oregon? Premier Pups is the way to go. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and. Over 4 weeks ago on Advertigo. You're in the right place! Partially house broke, pad trained and crate trained parents are embarked and clear of any. Puppies and Dogs For Sale in Oregon. Partially house broke, pad trained and crate trained… parents are embarked and clear of any major health concerns… will be under 10lbs as an adult! Here, at Premier Pups, we align ourselves with the nation's most reputable and responsible breeders to offer you happy and healthy Shih Tzu puppies for adoption near Roseburg. Males and Females vet checked st shots and wormed ready for their forever families. He is a little slower to warm up but once he does he is an absolute love bug! Chihuahuas for Sale in Roseburg, OR. Click on the photo for additional information. Awesome German pedigree Rottweiler puppies available born Feb. Our puppies come from health tested parents and are raised in our home. Roseburg, OR .Unbound Blessings — "A righteous man regards the life of his …. Dogs for Sale in Roseburg, OR 1 - 15 of .If you are looking for a quality boy then look twice at this guy. They loves to play but really wants to be at your heals looking…. Lookingglass Doodles, Roseburg, Oregon. Please contact the owner of the female and litter regarding purchasing a puppy. CNM Clear. EIC Clear. Bueller achieved his Master Hunter title in July by passing his first five Master tests without fail. Bueller also has a Working Certificate title. Bueller weighed .DM Clear. CMS Clear. HNPK Clear. HUU Clear. Narcolepsy Clear. PKDef Clear. PRCD Clear. SD2 Clear. Degenerative Myelopathy Clear. Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis Clear. Skeletal Dysplasia 2 Clear. D-Locus Dilute Clear. Callie has a Senior Hunter title. This litter has been sold. One male pup available as of May 27th. OFA Cardiac Clear. D Locus Dilute Clear. Bueller weighs .Dam is Charming Charlee of Azalea Charlee. Matlock was Qualified All-Age with back-to-back wins in the first two Qualifying trials he was entered in at the age of 27 months. Matlock had 8 All-Age points and needed a win for his FC title. Matlock was retired early due to injury foxtail. Due to an illness in the family, this chocolate male is available as of June 29, .Gruden has two wins in field trials at the Qualifying level and is a Master National Finalist. CNM: Clear. EIC: Clear. Degenerative Myelopathy: Clear. Skeletal Dysplasia 2: Clear. Gruden is retired from breeding. This is his last litter. CNM Clear by parentage. EIC Clear by parentage. Gruden has two 1st, three 3rd and two 4th placements in field trials at the Qualifying level and is a Master National Finalist. Eye OFA Clear .Gruden has three 3rd and two 4th placements in field trials at the Qualifying level and is a Master National Finalist. CNM Clear Embark. EIC Clear Embark. PRA: Clear Embark. Gruden has two 3rd and two 4th placements in field trials at the Qualifying level and is a Master National Finalist. All pups from this litter will carry both the chocolate and yellow genes. Macular Corneal Dystrophy Clear. Skeletal Dysplasia2 Clear. Jules has a Junior Hunter title. Gruden has 3rd and 4th placements in field trials at the Qualifying level and is a Master National Finalist. Dam is Bella Rose of Azalea Bella. Brees has 2 passes towards a Master Hunter title. HNP Clear. SD Clear. Callie has a Junior Hunter title. PRA Clear. Dam is Jem's Mighty Fortress Bailey. Brook has a Junior Hunter title. PRA-prcd Clear. Nike was the only chocolate Labrador out of 98 dogs entered. Skeletal dysplasia Clear. Zola has a Master Hunter title. Degenerative Myelopathy Normal. Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis Normal. Skeletal Dysplasia 2 Normal. Mc Kay has a Junior Hunter title. Gruden has 3rd and 4th placements in field trials at the Qualifying level. Gruden was a Master National Finalist. PennHip 0. Cardiac OFA Normal. Thyme has Dock Dog Champion titles. Eyes Clear. Rita has a Senior Hunter title. Libby has a Junior Hunter title. This Litter Has Been Sold. Eye PRA Clear. Wanjai has a Senior Hunter title. Nike and Dianne competed in 7 out of the 10 series in the National Amateur in June .Sam only competed in two field trial Qualifying stakes. Owner's first daughter started college. Needless to say, college tuition was more important than keeping Sam in training with a pro. View Sam's pedigree and information here. Maya has a Master Hunter title. Sunny has a Master Hunter title. Pups have blocky heads, calm temperament, and are very birdy. Eyes Clear .This breeding is the last vial of Radar's frozen semen. Steve and Bella are avid pheasant and chukar hunters in eastern Oregon. Nike and Dianne have qualified to compete in the National Amateur this June. Boomer is Qualified All-Age and has two 4th place Open placements in field trial competitions. Boomer also has several Judge's Awards of Merit in field trial competitions. Ziva is owned by our cousins in Southwest North Dakota. Ziva lives to pheasant hunt and is a calm well socialized family dog. John and Tessa can ship pups. Or pick up your new pup on a North Dakota pheasant hunting trip. Natasha is a large female. Cora has a Junior Hunter title. Deede has a Senior Hunter title. Radar has a 4th place finish in the Qualifying field trial stake. Penn Hip rating at the 90th percentile for the Labrador breed. Abe won a 5 point major toward his Canadian Show Champion title in November .Pepper has a Junior Hunter title. Gruden's sire was a top Derby dog and has produced two top Derby dogs in field trial competitions. Boomer is Qualified All-Age and has an Open 4th place in field trial competitions. Ziva is owned by our cousins in southwest North Dakota. Bree has a Junior Hunter title. Pups will receive an eye CERF examination by a veterinary ophthalmologist at age 7 weeks prior to going to their new homes. Facebook at Andy Walker Valley Thunder. PRA Optigen Clear .Cardiac Clear. We co-own Cabela with Jason and Bethani. All puppy sales and guarantees will be through Umpqua River Labrador Retrievers. Eye OFA Normal .CNM Clear by Parentage. Nike has an Open 4th place finish in field trial competition, is Qualified All-Age in field trial competition, and has a Master Hunter title. Nike also has a Certificate of Working Ability Excellent. Nike has an Open 4th place finish in field trial competition, is Qualified All-Age in field trial competition and has a Master Hunter title.

She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. Labrador retrievers are an adorable and popular dog breed that can make a great addition to your household. Aside from a physical examination, you can do a professional DNA test on the dog to check its genetic makeup. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Does the fur appear short, and have a thick texture? The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Did you know? There are silver labs, but silver is not an acceptable color in the breed standard as this color is believed to have come from a cross with the Weimaraner. However, dogs with this coat color may still be registered with certain kennel clubs. If the dog is a yellow or black lab, check that the puppy has brown eyes. In the case of chocolate labs, check for brown or hazel eyes. Check to see how long its legs are; while a Labrador should have longer legs than a Dachshund, its legs should be shorter than a Husky. Purchase a dog genetics test, which will give you a specialized testing kit. Some DNA tests will look for genetic markers, while cheaper tests focus more on the different breeds. Tip: Try to keep the puppy from sharing food or playing rough with the other dogs, as this might hurt the integrity of the saliva sample. Package the saliva sample according to the instructions given by the company. Seal the envelope or package carefully, so the sample is completely secure while it travels to the lab. Generally, you can find the test results listed by breed, followed by a percentage; however, this might differ, depending on the company. If this is possible, use a cotton swab to collect saliva samples from 1 or both parents. Store these samples carefully, so you can send them to a professional company. Seal the envelope or package carefully to secure the sample, and keep it safe in transit. Go to source Seeing a CH or confirmation champion title on the pedigree certificate means that the dog is close to the ideals in the breed standard and is related to a dog that was able to win over other dogs at a show with at least 15 conformation points. Go to source A dog with this lineage can make a great candidate for showing. If your dog has documented parentage with the American Kennel Club, you can search their database and purchase a certificate that affirms this. You can also register your dog through the American Kennel Club once you have proof of their pedigree. Go to source Fees for pedigrees very depending on the type. Dog domestic dog The Labrador Retriever, or simply Labrador, is a British breed of retriever gun dog. It was developed in the United Kingdom from fishing dogs imported from the colony of Newfoundland now a province of Canada , and was named after the Labrador region of that colony. It is among the most commonly kept dogs in several countries, particularly in the European world. The Labrador is friendly, energetic, and playful. It may also be trained as a guide or assistance dog , or for rescue or therapy work. Another early advocate of these Newfoundland fishing dogs was the 2nd Earl of Malmesbury , who bred them for their expertise in waterfowling. The dogs Buccleuch Avon and Buccleuch Ned, given by Malmesbury to Buccleuch, were mated with bitches carrying blood from those originally imported by the 5th Duke and the 10th Earl of Home. The offspring are the ancestors of all modern Labradors. John's water dogs bred by European settlers in Newfoundland were first introduced to Britain from ships trading between Canada and Poole in Dorset. These were then bred with British hunting dogs to create what became known as the Labrador Retriever. Early writers have confused the Labrador with the much larger Newfoundland and the Lesser Newfoundland , with Charles St. John even referring to the Lesser Newfoundland as the Newfoundland. Colonel Peter Hawker describes the first Labrador as being not larger than an English Pointer , more often black than other colours, long in its head and nose with a deep chest, fine legs, and short and smooth coat, and did not carry its tail as highly as the Newfoundland. John's breed of these dogs [6] [7] in the fifth edition of his book Introductions to Young Sportsman, published in .Black Chocolate There is a great deal of variety among Labradors. The following characteristics are typical of the conformation show bred bench-bred lines of this breed in the United States and are based on the American Kennel Club standard. Size: Labradors are a medium-large breed. They should be as long from the withers to the base of the tail as they are from the floor to the withers. The AKC standard includes an ideal weight for dogs of 25—36 kg 55—80 lb and for bitches as 25—32 kg 55—70 lb. The coat is water-resistant, so the dog does not get cold when taking to the water in the winter. That means that the dog naturally has a slightly dry, oily coat. Acceptable colours are black, yellow, and chocolate. The eyes should be kind and expressive. Appropriate eye colours are brown and hazel. The lining around the eyes should be black. The ears should hang close to the head and be set slightly above the eyes. Jaws: The jaws should be strong and powerful. The muzzle should be of medium length and should not be too tapered. The jaws should hang slightly and curve gracefully back. Body: The body should have a powerful and muscular build. The tail and coat are designated "distinctive [or distinguishing] features" of the Labrador by both the Kennel Club and AKC. If a dog carried wild type alleles at all three loci, the dog will have a yellow coat. If a dog has a loss-of-function mutation at MC1R, it will also have a yellow coat, regardless of their genotype at the other two loci. Within the breed, this trait is not visible. Show and field lines[ edit ] Head and muzzle appearance: field left , and show right , showing the shorter muzzle length, more solid appearance head, and "pronounced" stop of the latter As a result of specialised breeding, there are significant differences between field and trial-bred and show-bred lines of Labradors. In the United States, the former are sometimes mistakenly referred to as "American" and the latter as "English", in fact, both field and show types are bred in both countries and all Labrador Retrievers are descended from British lines. In this experiment, German Shepherds had the highest chance of not completing it. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers had a higher success rate after going through longer training than the training required for Labrador Retrievers. For retrieving the Labrador Retriever has a soft mouth , a trait that allows it to carry game and waterfowl without damaging it. It continues in that role today, along with the Leonberger , Newfoundland and Golden Retriever dogs; they are used at the Italian School of Canine Lifeguard. During the Vietnam War they were used as scout dogs to track down dead or wounded soldiers or enemy positions. Notable issues related to health and well-being include inherited disorders and obesity most are missing all or parts of the appetite-regulating POMC gene. As of , it was widely considered the most popular breed in the world. Labrador Retrievers, with their affectionate nature, boundless energy, and unwavering loyalty, have earned a special place in the hearts of dog lovers around the world. Known for their friendly, loving temperament and their extraordinary intelligence, Labs make excellent family pets, guide dogs, service dogs, and even skilled workers in fields like search, rescue, hunting, and law enforcement. So, how did the Labrador Retriever, or Lab for short, go from their humble beginnings as hardworking fishing companions in Newfoundland, Canada to one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide? Labrador Retriever History Although the name might suggest Labrador Retrievers came from Labrador, Canada, this well-known dog breed originated from nearby Newfoundland in the s. At the time, small water dogs were bred with larger Newfoundlands to create a breed called the St. These dogs were raised by fishermen to help retrieve fish and nets from the icy waters of the North Atlantic. The new breed was perfect for jobs like these because their thick coats repelled water and their webbed paws made them excellent swimmers. Labrador Retrievers Grow in Popularity Labrador Retrievers continued to live exclusively in Newfoundland until the early s when they eventually made their way to Poole, England. The Earl of Malmesbury, a British nobleman and sports enthusiast, had seen the breed in action and immediately brought them home to England. By , Labradors were officially recognized by the English Kennel Club. By , the American Kennel Club recognized Labrador Retrievers as an official breed and they quickly became a loving pet to families across the country. Is a Labrador Retriever Right for You? Today, Labrador Retrievers are as ready as ever to work and please their pet parents. When determining if a Labrador Retriever is the right dog for you, it will require careful consideration of your lifestyle and preferences. Labs thrive in active households that can provide them with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. They are also highly social, affectionate, and outgoing so they do best in families with children and other pets. If you're prepared to invest time, effort, and love into their care, Labrador Retrievers can become a central member of your family, bringing you joy, laughter, and endless fun. Learn about other popular dog breeds with our Breed Library! Get more information when you join our Best Friends Club! Purebred dogs can be identified in three possible ways: Can you tell by looking? Purebred dog characteristics are not a certainty when it comes to identification. I have a steady stream of people coming to my forum, posting questions in the comments boxes at the foot of my articles, and writing emails to ask: is my dog purebred? The question is very often accompanied by photographs, or detailed descriptions of the characteristics of the dog. A visual assessment is what most of my readers are hoping I will give them when they send me photographs. So what exactly is a visual assessment of a purebred Labrador? Purebred Dog Characteristics A visual assessment of pedigree involves looking at a dog and comparing his appearance with the breed standard. This involves a detailed knowledge of the breed standard. Purebred Lab Breed Standard Breed standards vary slightly from one country to the next. So, here, we will just be focusing on the AKC breed standard. This standard says that a purebred Labrador Retriever should weigh between 55 and 80 pounds, growing to between .The three recognized colors are yellow, black, and chocolate. But, yellow is accepted in a variety of shades. Dilute colors and mismarks can be AKC registered but are disqualified from the show ring. I want to give you a couple of examples to illustrate the problems involved with this approach. She has a thin, whippy tail with an upwards curve, overlong ears and a long narrow face. These features, combined with her ginger coat mean that very few people recognize her as a Labrador at all. I have been asked if she is a Vizsla cross, a Lab x Greyhound, and other unlikely combinations. In fact this purebred Labrador Retriever has an impeccable pedigree full of noble ancestors with famous names. But if someone made a visual assessment from a photo of her, unless they were familiar with working line Labs, they might well put her down as a crossbreed. The father is a show line lab, and his looks have dominated in this particular dog. A visual assessment would wrongly put him in the purebred category when he is actually no such thing. Mixed breeds like this can inherit any blend of traits from their parents. Are Visual Assessments Any Good? I hope you can see from these examples how worthless visual assessments usually are. While I can point out that your dog may have faults that will eliminate him from the show ring, I cannot possibly tell you whether or not he is purebred by looking at him. Purebred Dog Colors Can you tell if you have a purebred black Lab or a purebred chocolate Lab from their color alone? Unfortunately the answer here is no. So, a mixed breed could easily have a solid coat in one of these colors. Do purebred Labs have white on them? The current Labrador breed standard is very clear on what a purebred Labrador should look like. But not all Labradors meet that standard. But equally a mismark can occur in purebred Labrador Retriever puppies too. Common Lab Mismarkings Big white chest patches are fairly common in mismarked Labs. It is even possible to get a purebred Labrador with tan points like a rottweiler or patches of brindle fur. These types of puppies are genetic accidents and the puppies are usually sold as pets to owners who appreciate their unusual friend. Purebred Dog Pedigree Papers If you buy a purebred dog, the breeder should give you the registration document with the names of both parents. Most breeders will also give you a copy of the pedigree which lists the ancestors of those parents, together with any titles they may have, back through five generations. Pedigree Papers Have Limitations If you have the correct pedigree papers, then your puppy is probably a purebred dog. I say probably because there is room for dishonesty with this system. It is possible for a dishonest stud dog owner to mate his female dog to one stud dog and register the puppies to another. Which brings us to our final method, DNA identification. There are various laboratories offering this service. The laboratory will examine the sample you send in. This greatly reduces the chances of your dog being cross bred. Ask to see the registration documents! Do not accept any excuses, your breeder must have registered the litter in order for you to be able to register your puppy. Meet the mother and make sure that you like the way she looks. There is always another litter. Let someone else who loves unusual markings buy that puppy. It is possible to find a purebred black Lab with white markings, or a purebred chocolate Lab with brindling. After Buying Your Purebred Puppy Once you have purchased your puppy try not to worry about whether or not he is purebred. Remember that many purebred dogs have mismarks or poor conformation, so if you have pedigree papers for him, he is probably purebred no matter what he looks like. Try to ignore any other people that criticize your purebred dog, or try to convince you he is not a purebred. After all, the most important thing is that your dog is happy, healthy, and a great addition to your family.

About the German Shepherd The German Shepherd is a breed of medium to large-sized working dog that originated in Germany. As part of the Herding Group, German Shepherds are working dogs developed originally for herding sheep. Since that time, however, because of their strength, intelligence, trainability and obedience, German Shepherds around the world are often the preferred breed for many types of work, including disability assistance, search-and-rescue, police and military roles, and even acting. The German Shepherd is the second-most popular breed of dog in the United States and fourth-most popular in the United Kingdom. Average Height: Male in. Bred originally for herding, and later used heavily for police and military work, the German Shepherd dog requires a very special and balanced temperament in order to fulfill its purpose. Temperament, workability, versatility, drives, nerves and all other aspects of the dog can be assessed and verified via training, competition and judgement from officials. Even if you do not want to compete in any sports or work your dog, you still want a dog that is capable of it. Saying you "just want a pet, not a show or working dog" could leave you with an unsound dog who is not capable of doing the things it was bred to do. Just because your German Shepherd will be a family companion, doesn't mean you have to settle for anything less than a sound, healthy and trust worthy dog. We never breed for size, color, or anything superficial. We only breed our highest quality dogs. Call or text .Jeska and Mambo had a successful breeding and she welcomed her puppies on June 22nd. These puppies will be ready to go home around August 19th and they come from remarkable parents! Both have been shown, IPO titled, were born in Germany, and come from some of the best dogs in the world! These puppies would be great prospects for showing, breeding, competition, IPO, or service work. They will be truly remarkable companions if that is all you seek. Please reach out to reserve your new best friend today! To do this we carefully select all of our breeding dogs to make sure they come from World Class Champion Lines with great health and amazing temperaments. In doing this we can carefully select the traits that we want to continue to see throughout this remarkable breed. Many of our clients provide pictures of their puppies as they grow and it is clear that our puppies grow up to be truly exceptional and stunning representations of the breed. The puppies that we produce would be top prospects for show, competition, breeding, or IPO however we find that most of our clients are looking for a truly top-quality companion. To obtain this level of quality you would previously have had to import a puppy from Germany. By carefully selecting our breeding adults we are able to offer the same if not higher quality from right here in the USA. We love what we do and take great pride in raising each and every puppy as one of our own. This starts from day one and goes up until we say goodbye to them as they are heading off to their new home. When the puppies are born, we provide around the clock care and supervision to ensure each puppy has a solid foundation and healthy start to life. As they grow and age, they get more interaction by the day. All the puppies get played and interacted with daily with the help of my son as well as the adult dogs who love to help care for them and show them how to play and behave. By raising the puppies inside they get use to all the sounds and smells of a regular house which I have heard makes the transition to their new home a lot easier. Not only are the puppies raised inside but our adults also live inside with us as well as these dogs are our family. Raising and taking care of the puppies is a truly unique experience and I take great pride and joy in what I do. It is very difficult to say goodbye to the puppies after giving them so much care and time during the 8 weeks I get to help raise them however it always makes things easier when I see the wonderful homes and families that they are going off to. Please reach out today to learn more about acquiring your new best friend and thank you for considering us here at Cleveland German Shepherds. We breed pedigreed quality german shepherd dogs for health and temperament as loyal companions and faithful, loving family members. No puppies where found matching your criteria. Start searching today and find the right puppy for you. Our amazing puppies are selectively bred and receive. Price varies depending on the breeder as well as the color of the pup, its. Partnered with our nation's most trusted breeders, we strive to produce and deliver healthy and happy Mini Australian Shepherd puppies in the Jeffersontown area. This big brindle pound boy is Haggard! Gentle pets and strong watch dogs, GSDs are noble, large, muscular dogs bred for their intelligence and working ability. More info on our news page!!! Tags: Great Dane. Father is a 62 Arctic wolf and German shepherd mix, and mother is a 70 Timber wolf 4 Years. The puppies born of a blue GSD that are expressing the color blue themselves are born a very striking shade of blue. All our puppies are. Hillsboro, Ohio Plush or short, large long-haired snow white coats. Hennehaus Shepherds Welcome to our kennel. However, some residents are allowed to keep wolves as pets as long as they are in a cage or under other similar conditions. The average can be impacted by a few very expensive puppies listed or sold or even a few cheap puppies often advertised or priced to display the deposit-only price. AKC registered puppies. We occasionally have older started puppies, young trained adults and quality. Deposits are non refundable but are transferable to another litter All of our puppies are exposed to early neurological stimulation. Will be UTD on vaccinations and microchip. Hagrid is a timid boy who needs lots of patience in order to feel comfortable. While you can reach out to me anytime appointments will need to be scheduled to meet the dogs and the puppies! Haus-Neufus, located in Ohio, is devoted to the promotion of Long Coated German Shepherd Dogs that conform to breed standards, both physically and in. Hagrid is an 8 year-old German Shepherd who weighs 75lbs! Find German Shepherd dogs and puppies from Ohio breeders. Many people who have owned these beautiful dogs actually prefer them to their normal coated littermates. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale. Male long-haired German Shepherds grow to the height of 24 to 26 inches and can weigh 66 to 88 pounds. To do this we carefully select all of our breeding dogs to make sure they come from. Find your German Shepherd Dog puppy for sale. They are a loyal family pet and by nature, they are very. Long Haired German Shepherd Adults. They are fully dewormed and have their shots. Small breeder in Ohio of loving intellegent loyal family dogs. Purebred German Shepherd Dogs and Puppies. As of , there are no wild wolf populations in Ohio. Long coat is a recessive gene that may be produced in progeny of normal or long coated dogs and is usually detectable by weeks of age. German Shepherd dogs are very energetic and fun-loving, the breed is very fond of children once a relationship is established. German Shepherds and many other breeds, come in two coat lengths: normal and long. Lancaster Puppies advertises puppies for sale in PA, as wellTo do this we carefully select all of our breeding dogs to make sure they come from World Class Champion Lines with great health and amazing temperaments. Eden Shepherds quality german shepherd puppies for sale. Say hello to Hagrid! He is nervous with new people and will need a couple yummy more. Breeder of all popular and rare colors; black and red, black and tan, sable, solid black, solid white, silver, silver sable, black sable, liver, panda and blue German Shepherds with standard, plush, and long coat. We also import European German Shepherds. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we. Types of German Shepherd Puppies. Female long-haired German Shepherds are smaller in size when compared to the males and grow to the height of 22 to 24 inches. Wisecup Shepherds Ohio , United States. Puppies For Sale in .The visible difference remains the length and texture of the hair. See the litters page for more info. Specialties: When families come to visit us, they quickly realize they're in German Shepherd heaven. Nadelhaus breeds German Shepherds puppies year round and while the majority of puppies we sell are short hair, we do have occasionally have long haired puppies. I am located in Midland, Michigan on 8 acres. Call or text me if you have any questions! In short, they have to be great with kids and show self-control around animals. That's because we have a ton of open space and greenery for our dogs to explore. We can actually train any dog you bring us, and we're always willing to board. Our pups have also been popular with youths who compete in 4H and junior handler classes with their dogs. See definition of long on Dictionary. January 18, We are planning 2 litters in the spring !!! Each one is AKC purebred, socialized, and can be trained for many different purposes, including helping children on the autism spectrum. Brixie is a confident, happy female who is housebroken and knows her basic obedience commands. Browning Haus, we have German Shepherd puppies for sale in Mi, we have black and tan and solid black German Shepherd puppies for sale, puppies are micro. Oct 27 Fish need homes Skiatook. Our dogs, Sunny and Majestic, are part of our farm, trained to work with us, never in a kennel, extremely friendly, good natured, playful, and good with other animals. I am working hard to better the breed and raise Text x x .Confident German Shepherds also learn commands faster than other breeds. He is vet checked and ready to go home! A note on Black German Shepherds: Although we are mainly a24 views, 0 likes, 0 loves, 0 comments, 0 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Dovetail Pembroke welsh corgi puppies: corgi puppies corgi puppies for sale. White shepherd puppies out of excellent working and champion dams. When they are born their eyes are a very bright blue and they stay blue until 10 weeks of age. Look at pictures of Great Dane puppies in. GSDs are known and loved worldwide for their beauty and affable personalities. Options for purchasing your puppy. Skipper - German Shepherd. Long Coats. This particular 7-acre site borders Big Walnut Creek, providing plenty of space for exercise and exploration. To do this we carefully select all of our breeding dogs to make sure they come from World Class Champion Lines with great health and amazing temperaments. White german shepherds breeders since .Our babies are sold quickly, so reach out to reserve your furever friend or to ask any questions. They then turn to either gray to a gold color. German Shepherds are categorized according to their outer coat as medium-length normal or long-haired. Some of Golden Haus K9's pups have become therapy dogs and. Our Missouri facility also offers free limited training for each puppy you purchase from us. Make the Wise Choice! Black and red long haired German Shepherd puppies are particularly beautiful as their luxurious coats shimmer in the sun. Longhair — a top coat of fur about 3'' long with the same undercoat as the stock. Akc registered pups in michigan prochazka3n20ranch pups available today call they come with akc paperwork full rights vet che saint johns michigan german shepherd. About Us. Crimes that are considered class 5s in Ohio include illegal gambling, breaking and entering, and. Sire is large and coated, with pedigree to back him up, dam is stocky, thick female with exceptio. Long coat is a recessive gene that may be produced in progeny of normal or long coated dogs and is usually detectable by .We're still a long way from the station. Please look at. Now Taking Deposits for the Planned Litters. Uptown Puppies has the highest quality German Shepherd puppies from the most ethical breeders in Ohio. At Sunset View Farms, Our focus is on breed improvement through sound structure, movement and proper. Pick a puppy you would like to have from a litter that interest you. I am an AKC Maltese puppy! Puppies will be wormed and up to date on shots. Gentle pets and strong watch dogs, GSDs are noble, large, muscular dogs. For example, you may be looking for white German Shepherd puppies for sale Ohio. We can connect with our laptops or smartphones and buy things online instantly from the comfort of our own homes. First, the vast majority of adverts selling puppies online are fake. In most cases, the dogs never existed, and buyers are duped out of hundreds or thousands of dollars. Many of the puppies for sale on Craigslist have come from puppy mills. These places are run purely for profit and will cut corners to boost their income. They keep their dogs in basic accommodation usually kennels , which are often filthy. The puppies are often weak and sickly, and many die pretty early on. There have also been hundreds of cases where people have bought purebred pups, but these turn out to be mutts. The answer is clear: Avoid Craigslist when buying animals! If you find a reputable local breeder, they will welcome you to the site to visit with them and meet the parent dogs. Some may allow you to see the pups, but access is sometimes restricted to stop them from getting sick. Check out the breeder thoroughly, and be sure to ask questions. A good breeder will tell you to do this anyway, as they have nothing to hide and will be only too pleased to connect you with happy customers who will provide testimonials. Even so, these beautiful animals can be found in shelters across America, along with thousands of other dogs. Instead of buying from a breeder, why not consider giving one of these dogs a forever home? If you think you could provide a loving home to a dog in need, take a look at the following site: 1. They are simply two devoted dog-lovers who spend much of their time helping homeless dogs. All puppies can be a challenge. Like other dogs, the GSD will go through teething. It will need potty training and obedience training. They are very social animals that need company, especially human company. Without this, they become frustrated and sometimes aggressive. German Shepherds shed a lot! Your GSD pup can come in one of 11 standard colors , not just the classic black and tan you often see. GSDs have a lifespan of between 7 and 10 years, and they have a few health concerns to watch out for, including arthritis and hip dysplasia. All good breeders test for the main health problems, which is another reason to use them. In conclusion, the German Shepherd is a wonderful animal that deserves a home that can match its energy and intelligence. Related articles:. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article.