white and black german shepherd puppy

This is appropriate if you intend to replace a worn-out or damaged collar and are certain that the replacement will be the same size. Measure from the center of the buckle to the current sizing hole for the most accurate results. If your dog has had not any collars before, use measurement tape. If you lack a loose tape measure, you can use any available string, yarn, or ribbon. Now, let go and mark the location on the string where your finger met the end of the string. Then, use a tape measure to determine the length of your string measurement. Not only will a puppy require time to adjust to their new collar, but you will likely need to replace it multiple times to accommodate its growth. You want your dog to develop a bond with their collar and view it as a normal, comfortable part of their life, so take care to select the proper size to facilitate this. Choose The Right Materials Of The Collar Collars for dogs are constructed from a variety of materials that prioritize comfort, aesthetics, and longevity. Golden Retrievers are medium to large dogs who put their collars through the wringer, so durability should be a top priority. The widest variety of designs, colors, and widths can be found in nylon and polyester, the most popular materials. Polyester and nylon are highly flexible and relatively simple to clean fabrics. Cotton Fabric Cotton is highly durable, insulating, and capable of controlling moisture. In addition, they are simple to clean, cost-effective, and simple to maintain. Numerous collars are made of cotton in a variety of patterns and hues. Some collars have an inner fabric sleeve wrapped around a nylon band to increase their durability. Bio Thane Some dog collars are made of the waterproof material Bio thane. Bio thane is composed of polyester and polyurethane and polyvinyl layers. Its waterproof qualities make it ideal for Golden Retrievers, who are likely water-loving canines. Leather Leather is an organic material that is both durable and versatile. They are an excellent option for Golden Retrievers with allergies or sensitivities, despite being more expensive. In contrast to collars made of synthetic materials, it is easy to clean and can be used for years without fading. Neoprene Neoprene is a rubber-based material that has a wide range of applications. It has exceptional water resistance and does not retain moisture, which can lead to odors or mildew growth. Neoprene dog collars combined with nylon or polyester are extremely sturdy and long-lasting, able to last for years. Polyester Or Nylon Due to their popularity, nylon or polyester collars typically have the greatest variety of styles, colors, and sizes. Polyester and nylon are highly flexible synthetic fabrics that are also easy to clean. Different types of collars are necessary for thick and thin furs. The collar size and style are influenced by factors such as hairstyle. These are some tips for selecting the appropriate collar for your puppy. Little Fields Farm is the place to go if you want to find additional dog collar options. This list is not exhaustive, but it does contain some examples. Rope Collars: Rope collars are both comfortable and durable without irritating the skin. Flat-Front Dog Collars: These are the most common collars that are used daily. They consist of a flat, fabric-based collar with a plastic or metal buckle. Safety Considerations When it comes to choosing a collar for your pet, safety should be a top priority. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind: Choose a secure buckle or clasp: The collar should have a buckle or clasp that is secure and will not come undone easily. This will help prevent your pet from escaping and getting lost or injured. Avoid choke chains and prong collars: These types of collars can cause pain and injury to your pet, especially if they are not used correctly. Check for proper fit: A collar that is too loose or too tight can be dangerous for your pet. Make sure the collar fits snugly but not too tightly, and can be adjusted if needed. Consider breakaway collars: If your pet spends time outdoors or unsupervised, a breakaway collar can be a good option. These collars are designed to come apart if they get caught on something, reducing the risk of injury or strangulation. Choose a collar made of safe materials: Some materials can be harmful to pets, such as those that contain toxic chemicals or are easily chewed or swallowed. Choose a collar made of safe materials, such as nylon or leather, and avoid those made of cheap or unsafe materials. Your dog should wear a flat collar at the base of its neck. Golden Retriever puppies will grow quickly, so get a collar that can be adjusted, is easy to put on and take off, and, ideally, has a place for a nametag. It would be enough to have a flat collar with a buckle made of soft, long-lasting materials. No matter whatever option you go with, your four-legged companion needs plenty of exercise and opportunities to run around and play in order to remain healthy and content. When it comes to puppies, particularly short-haired breeds, you should look for a soft collar made of a non-abrasive material. Fabric collars are a good option, and collars made from a breathable fabric that is also machine washable are even better. When should a puppy wear a collar? Even if your puppy is still too young to go outside for walks, getting them used to wearing a collar is a good idea and will prevent any tiny tantrums further down the road! Collars should be worn most of the time, even around the house, but taking it off every so often to let the skin breathe is recommended. Try leaving the collar off for a couple of hours every time you brush or bathe them. Can an 8-week-old puppy wear a collar? Responsible breeders recommend puppies should not be brought home until 8 weeks old, and you can start getting them used to their collar shortly after this. It may be a good idea to let them settle into their new environment before introducing something new, but getting them used to their collar in their second week at home is a good idea. Should puppies wear collars at night? Most dog collars are designed to be non-abrasive, and perfectly safe for pups and older dogs to sleep in. This can also help puppies get adjusted to wearing a collar for the majority of the time. However, many vets also recommend including a contact telephone number, in the event your dog goes missing. Although microchipping has been mandatory for pet dogs since , tags are still a legal requirement and provide a quicker way to get in contact with you if your dog is found, without their microchip needing to be scanned first. We hope our puppy collar size guide has been helpful, as well as our dog collar FAQs! If you enjoyed our puppy collar size guide, you might like our other article, What do I need for a New Puppy? The idea of a lost puppy is terrifying, but an ID tag will help them return home. Although this silicone ID tag is more expensive than standard tags, I love that it is silent and attaches right to the collar. Crate and or containment gate Puppies are curious creatures that often need boundaries. You can accomplish this with a crate and containment gates. Crate training can be a lifesaver, and most dogs fall in love with having their own space. I recommend a crate with an adjustable divider so you can give your puppy more room as they grow. Another option is to use a Cumbor containment gate to limit access to certain areas of your home. Food and water bowls There are endless options of food and water bowls. If your dog eats fast, I recommend adding slow feeder attachment. These aids in proper digestion and reduce overeating behaviors. Food and treats Your vet is probably your best source of information for selecting the right food. They create personalized plans for your dog and deliver the food right to your door. I shared my journey of picking the right food in this blog and video. Toys and chews All dogs have slightly different preferences in toys, so I would start with a variety of items to see what interests your puppy most. Ellie still has her first toy, Dino, from 5 years ago! The safest way to deliver bully sticks is to use a Bow Wow Buddy safety device so they cannot swallow or choke on the last end. Check out this blog for all things grooming. Bonus Recommendation! Online Access to Dog Training We recognized the need for convenient and effective dog training solutions, which is why we created The Hapco. Within our app, you'll discover a wealth of resources, including: video tutorials. Small to Medium 1. Dog collars are made from a variety of materials that are built for comfort, aesthetics, and durability. Golden Retrievers are medium to large dogs that can put their collar through the wringer, so durability should be one of the top things on your list! Nylon or polyester are the most popular materials and offer the greatest range of designs, colors, and widths. Nylon and polyester are highly flexible fabrics that are also relatively easy to clean. Cotton Fabric Cotton offers great durability, insulation, and the ability to control moisture. Many collars are made of cotton in a number of different designs and colors. Some contain a cloth sleeve on the inside around a nylon band to increase the longevity of the collar. Biothane Some dog collars are made of Biothane , which is a waterproof substance. Biothane is made of polyester and layered with polyurethane and polyvinyl. Its waterproof properties make them ideal for Golden Retrievers that are more than likely, water-loving dogs. Leather Leather is a durable, organic material with plenty of styles. Although they are more costly, they are an excellent choice for Golden Retrievers with allergies or sensitivities. Unlike collars made of synthetic materials, it is simple to clean and may be used for several years without fading. Neoprene Neoprene is a rubber-based substance that is used for a variety of applications. It has exceptional water resistance and does not retain moisture, which can lead to the development of odors or mildew. Neoprene dog collars combined with nylon or polyester are incredibly strong and durable and able to last several years. Polyester or Nylon Nylon or polyester collars often have the greatest range of designs, colors, and sizes due to their popularity. Nylon and polyester are highly flexible, synthetic fabrics that are also relatively easy to clean. However, unlike slip or choke collars, you can set the limit to which the collar can close. Rope Collars: Rope collars are both comfortable and long-lasting, without being abrasive on the skin. Flat Front Dog Collars: These are your everyday collars that are the most commonly found. They are a flat, fabric-type collar that fastens with a plastic or metal buckle. Training or Aversive Collars This group of collars includes: Shock collars Prong collars Slip collars or choke chains They are designed to give a firm correction in the form of discomfort or pain when an undesirable behavior is displayed. A shock collar delivers an electric shock, or vibration which is controlled remotely. This is a form of correction to a specific behavior, and while their use is justified in some adult dogs that have aggression, they are not suitable for use on puppies that need positive reinforcement. And the most common training collar is the slip collar or choke chain. It does exactly that if used incorrectly, choke the dog. When it comes to puppies, there are a lot of things that people get wrong. These collars are not meant for beginners and should be used with care by experienced trainers only. You should avoid using them on young pups and only use this as a last resort when all other training methods have failed. If your pup is exhibiting behavior severe enough to warrant a stern correction, it might be better for you to seek help from a professional. We use the 8mm size for our dogs. Alvalley is a high quality brand for all lengths. For an adult dog, use an 8 mm or larger. For a young puppy, an 8 mm leash works fine, but I prefer the smaller 6 mm Alvalley Snap Lead one for ease of use when working at home. This size fits easily into the outside pocket of a treat bag. If going for a walk, use a more substantial leash such as the 8 mm Alvalley leash. For at-home use, a 6 mm collar is fine. I like to attach a snap lead permanently to a martingale collar for ease of use. The collar and leash can easily be slipped off and on as needed. Puppies and even some dogs like to chew the plastic ones. At 10 weeks of age, we are using very small bowls for ease of use during training. Golden Retrievers tend to act like they are starving and eat too fast, even at their correct weight. These bowls slow them down so that they will come closer to chewing their food than inhaling it. I like to use buckets instead of bowls for water. Puppies love to dig in their water which makes a mess out of it. Hang the bucket on the outside of the crate by the handle that is on the bucket. Then attach the clip for security by using only one side of the clip to attach the handle to the crate. Leave the other end of the clip just hanging. Never put water inside a crate with a dog. I recommend the 2-quart size for one or two big dogs. This size is also a good size for a puppy. I use two snaps to stabilize the bucket. Though wire crates usually have a divider so that you can size the crate down, we recommend that you go ahead and purchase a 24 inch wire crate along with the correct size for your dog when he is grown. Most puppies can use the 24 inch crates for about 2 months after they are weeks of age. It is also helpful to have a smaller crate when traveling. If you want this option with a Summer Brook puppy, you can have a small icrate shipped to our home address for you to pick up when you get here. The best size crate for adult girls is a 36X24X27 inch wire crate. For an adult boy, use either a 42X28X30 or 36X24X27 inch wire crate. We prefer wire crates in most cases because they give more ventilation and Golden Retrievers like it to be cool. Midwest Life Stages : These are heavy duty and come in both double or single door options. I prefer the crate with the double door because you will have the opportunity to use it turned sideways with the entrance on the side as well as the end. The Icrates are also two inches shorter and two inches narrower than the Life Stages crate. They are larger at the bottom than the top so they fit better in the back of an SUV or van. They are crash tested and have excellent safety records. These crates are a bit difficult to set up and take down so we only recommend them for those that want a crate that stays in a vehicle most of the time. They are perfect for families that take their dogs with them a lot and want a somewhat permanent fixture in their vehicle. This crate is very lightweight and sets up and folds down quickly and easily. We love these crates for motels and dog shows. Wood Crate Denhaus Townhaus : I recommend this crate if looks are important to you. This crate looks just like a nice end table. Though it was expensive, mine has held up well for several years. Crate Pad Primo Pads: These are my favorite crate pads. They are made of a heavy-duty vinyl and I have yet to have a dog chew one up. The vinyl is cool so that my dogs like them even in the summer. They come in a big variety of sizes so that they will fit your crate like a glove. These pads are not sold anywhere except from the manufacturer. Order your Primo Pads here. This is a raised cot-like bed that is cool and comfortable. There is a new Kuranda Bed that we have not tried ourselves but it looks amazing. It is a raised cot like the aluminum bed that we have loved for years but it is sized to fit perfectly into a crate! We have purchased both the aluminum as well as the less-expensive PVC Kuranda beds. Our aluminum beds still look brand new but our PVC beds are starting to warp a little after a few years. We like the Ballistic Nylon fabric which has held up for us for several years. The large is the correct size for both boy and girl Goldens. We have two of them and they are as comfortable as many human beds. We have the extra-large size but a large would be plenty big enough for a girl. At first, your puppy will have to be watched almost every minute when they are out of the crate or pen in order to establish good potty habits and also to teach them not to chew. Until you teach them otherwise, some puppies will try to chew everything, including the furniture and even the woodwork on the walls so I have found the pen to be a huge help. If you get a pen, you need to begin training your puppy not to jump on the sides right away. Never pet your puppy or let him out while he is jumping. Reward him for sitting. They open and close easily and in both directions. The Richell Pens look really super nice. They also can be set up as room dividers. We own at least a dozen sets of these pens and have used them in a large number of configurations. However, like most exercise pens, many puppies will eventually learn to climb or jump out of them. Families must be on top of training their puppy not to jump on the sides. Unlike the Richell pen, most, if not all pens have doors that open in only one direction. If you get one of these pens, set your pen up so that the door opens to the outside. If you are getting your puppy from a breeder other than Summer Brook, plastic pens are a good option for a 7 to 10 week old puppy. It is easier to house train if you start off not allowing your puppy in too large of an area. It also has the added convenience of being able to be easily removed by simply pushing a button that locks it in place. However, this gate must be mounted to the wall. Baby Gates that are Mobile Regalo Extra WideSpan Walkthrough Safety Gate : This gate can span a space inches For a pressure-mounted gate, the Regalo gates do very well and are a good simple solution if you only want a gate for a few months until your puppy is house-trained and can be given the full run of the house. However, understand that many puppies cannot be totally trusted in large areas until they are over 6 months of age. It takes some until they are close to a year. Doggy Door Why to Use a Doggy Door If you are able to put a doggy door in, this is by far the easiest way to house-train a puppy. Also, it provides an ideal way to leave a dog when they have to be alone. I teach our puppies to use a doggy door before they go home. In the last days before they go home, I section off a small area inside next to our kitchen with free access to a doggy door that leads to our side yard. When I keep a puppy past 8 weeks, I gradually increase the size area of the indoor area as they show dependability. I reserve the times when they are free in the house to the 30 minutes right after they have pottied. We highly recommend it. If you have a particularly aggressive chewer then I would buy the Extreme Kong but if your dog is average then I would use a Classic Kong. Bob-a-lot : You can fill this toy with a lot of food; the dog has to work at getting the food out by pushing it around. JW Pet has other great toys too. If you have a particularly aggressive chewer then I would buy the Extreme Kong but if your dog is an average chewer then I would use a Classic Kong. Puppies love them and they keep our puppies happy in their crates. Toys for Month Old Puppies.

Top Labradoodle Rescues in Maryland Considerations for Rescue Adoption Rescue animals can have a past that has led to trauma or anxiety. Therefore, patience with newly adopted animals is essential, as they may take time to adjust. Just as it takes time to build a relationship with other people, it will take time to build trust with a new pet. After adoption fees, you should expect other planned and unplanned expenses. To be prepared for anything, you should have a rainy day fund for any pet costs down the road. This amount is dependent on where you live and the age of the dog you adopt. Sometimes dog adoption fees include veterinary and medical costs. You will also need to buy a leash and collar, toys, a crate, food, water bowls, treats, and dog food. Extra expenses include vet visits, medications, insurance, training, dog walking, and pet sitting. Also, check out the Price of a Labradoodle for more information on the cost of Labradoodles. Getting Approved By a Rescue Rescues carefully choose what homes will provide lifelong care to each animal, and their standards are often high. The process of getting approved by a rescue can be a long one, but there are some things you can do to speed it up. Answer all applications questions honestly and in detail Check with your landlord if you can keep pets in your home Install a fence or show that you have access to a fenced area—or show that you can walk the pet often Pick out a trainer and veterinarian to show you have prepared for adoption Schedule a playdate with the pet you are interested in What to Know Before Adopting a Labradoodle Before your family plans to adopt a labradoodle, you should consider whether the breed is the right fit. The Labradoodle was first bred for those who wanted an allergy-friendly dog with service dogs abilities. As a result, they rarely shed and are in tune with their environments. The fur of a labradoodle is usually curly, and the color ranges from light to dark. Overall, Labradoodles are a healthy breed but are inclined to suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. They are friendly and outgoing dogs who love socializing but are equally as calm—making the labradoodle the perfect dog for those who like to play and relax. Helpful Tips for New Dog Owners Labradoodles are high-energy and loving, require little to no grooming, and their size is perfect for families with small children. Be prepared for the costs of a pet, including training, veterinarian costs, toys, food, collars, crates, beds, and more. Reach out to the rescue when you have questions. Be patient with training; it takes time for puppies and dogs to acclimate and learn in a new environment. Be aware of the time commitment—having a dog will change how you structure your day and travel plans. Plan on going on more walks to give your new dog the necessary exercise stimulation. Take time off when you adopt a dog to ensure they get the attention they need. Conclusion The average lifespan for a labradoodle is between years. Many dogs in shelters have lived through some tough times, so you must be ready to care for them to meet their needs. Leave us comments or suggestions you may have for excellent adoption agencies in this area. We look forward to reading your thoughts! Please share this article with friends and family members you think would be interested in adopting a labradoodle in Virginia. Meet our writer Jen Clifford is an animal behaviorist and veterinary technician with more than a decade of hands-on experience working in small animal and specialty veterinary clinics. Age 84 looking for a medium size labradoodle, 20 to 40 pounds. Trained ready for a friend and companion. If any are available please contact me at [email protected] , of .Thank you, This non-profit organization has rescued over dogs throughout the years with the help of over 30 volunteers. As a non-profit organization, every donation you make goes straight into supporting the rescue dogs to get a better life. Secondhand Mutts — Social Dogs Pick My favorite thing about Secondhand Mutts is that they ensure their dogs can socialize in a daycare environment without cages. Their adoptable dogs are fostered in real homes, so your adopted dog will already be familiar with living in a home and household items. On top of that, to prevent overpopulation, their dogs are spayed or neutered. Additionally, their dogs are fully vaccinated, groomed, and temperature-tested before adoption. Much like Dogs Unlimited Rescue, Secondhand Mutts tries to match the right dog to the most suitable house based on their personalities, needs, and more. Also, they keep the dogs socializing with each other without cages. Before going to the first place that claims to have Labradoodles up for adoption, there are a few factors that you have to consider. Adoption Fees Some adoption fees can be as low as a few dollars, and others can cost thousands. So, before settling on a resume shelter, check their website or call them and ask about the adoption fees or any additional fees you might have to pay. Serving Policy Some organizations operate in a first-come, first-served policy, while others try to match the perfect dog to the owner based on their personalities and needs. The Ohio Valley Labradoodles specializes in saving Labradoodles and finding them forever homes. In addition, they provide the dogs with utmost care and medical attention whenever needed. Heritage Manor is another organization that focuses on Australian Labradoodles. Lastly, The Sanctuary specializes in senior dogs because potential adopters often overlook them. So, if you want to give some love to a senior dog that needs a forever home, this is the place to go. Sharing is caring! Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. They are generally very friendly and are an ideal best friend. Labradoodles are very playful and have a high energy level. Long walks, hiking or jogging will definitely be a part of your future life as dog-parent to a Labradoodle. These dogs tend to do well with children in the home, but sometimes are better suited for older kids since they could knock smaller family members over with their size and exuberance. Are you looking for a dog park buddy? The Labradoodle could be the perfect match for you! They usually like to play with other dogs, so a good romp with some canine friends is ideal for them, with proper oversight and introductions. They would be a good choice if you have other pets in the home, given their general good nature. Still, cautious introductions of new pets are always a must! Labradoodles usually want to please their parents, so can be easily trained with positive methods. Upkeep Labradoodles have a lot of energy to burn! You should expect to dedicate at least minutes per day to giving your Labradoodle an outlet for their energy, whether in the form of a structured walk, playing in the yard with them, training, or a trip to the dog park to socialize. Their enthusiasm could easily turn to destructive behavior if not given this outlet. They would do best in a home with a fenced yard, so this energetic dog may not be the best option if you have a low-energy apartment life. Grooming needs will vary, depending on whether your Labradoodle inherits smoother or curlier fur from the Labrador and Poodle breeds. You can expect to devote some time each week to regular brushing and bathing, but some may require a trip to a professional groomer every weeks. Labradoodles of Long Island has many wonderful Labradoodles that are up for adoption. Dog lovers from Montauk to Manhattan come to us for adoptions for Labradoodles. So please, give us a call today for more information adopting a Labradoodle! The number for our office is .When you call, we can provide you with all the necessary information regarding Labradoodle adoptions. We are a trusted home breeder of Australian Labradoodle puppies. The Labradoodles we breed are treated as a member of our family and live in our home. We breed for the joy of these puppies and the eventual happiness they bring to their new families. Committed to Raising Quality Labradoodles At six weeks, families are invited to come to visit with both the mommy Labradoodle and her puppies. We want you to see firsthand how special Australian Labradoodles are and how well you acclimate to them. Each puppy comes with their own lineage back to Australia. These multigenerational dogs all maintain the integrity of the breed. For your assurance, all of our breeding dogs are tested by a veterinarian. And they are all hip, elbow, heart and eye certified by OFA. Our puppies are vaccinated age-appropriate and receive their 8-week distemper. They are also dewormed and microchipped. And all puppies have a two-year health guarantee. Once they are between 8 and 9 weeks old we can send them to their new home. These dogs are highly intelligent, loyal and friendly, which makes for an excellent pet! We have been breeding puppies since and have become a trusted name for many prospective dog owners. For more information about our adoptions for our Labradoodles, please contact us today. We gladly answer any questions you may have at the moment. The number to call to speak to our office is .When you call, we can answer any questions you have about the adoption process. We look forward to hearing from you!

The last thing you want to do is put a puppy in a home that isn't ready to take care of it. A puppy will need to be housebroken, trained , and exercised. If you plan to buy a puppy for a child, be sure to speak to their parents. Are you okay with grooming it regularly? Do you have enough space for a big dog or would a small or medium dog work best? Animal shelters can be great sources of both mixed-breed and pure-breed dogs. If you are looking for a specific breed, call ahead. Pet stores often get their animals from what are known as puppy mills. Puppy mills also called puppy farms treat their animals poorly and take advantage of their dogs, and their puppies are often unhealthy. A great place to start is to ask your vet or local humane society for recommendations. Their kennels should be spacious and clean. Breeds only a few types of dogs and is knowledgeable about those breeds. Provides you with a written contract and health guarantee for your puppy. Alternatively, you can make a handmade IUO. You can include a stuffed animal puppy with your gift certificate or IOU. Consider bringing in a foster dog instead. Your recipient will be able to learn the responsibilities of animal adoption. If they fall in love with the dog, awesome job! If they don't fall in love with the pup, that's okay! Fostering is just a temporary home. What an amazing Christmas Fantasy. There is nothing more magical then receiving a puppy at Christmas time. Opening that box and realizing there is something moving inside. Those first happy puppy kisses. The look of joy on your loved ones face. It is hard enough finding good puppy owners. This is the last place you want to go. These puppies were bred for cash, and anyone who breeds for profit will put minimal care into the puppies. Puppy Mill Puppies in disguise. Can you pick them out? Probably not. They are professionals at deceiving new puppy owners. What problems can happen? Your texts and calls are not answered. And no one ever heard of Mr. Nice at the phone number you call. Right Start looking for your puppy in September. Find a good breeder and ask for references. Its Christmas. Does the person know they are getting a 10 year commitment? How do you know this is the puppy that person would have chosen? Children want to play, not raise a puppy? Will your child get up at 6am every morning to let the puppy out? Are you giving a puppy because YOU want the puppy? Do they know what they are getting into? All off these can cause a puppy gift to back fire. Make sure they want a puppy, and are ready to take care of one. Look at their lifestyle. If they are more into social life than sports, then they might not be a good match for a puppy. Are they home a lot? Do they go for walks? Do they normally get up early? Most people will not change their lifestyle for a dog. Reasons Not to Give a Puppy To teach children responsibility — it never works To give to someone you are dating. If you break up you may end up fighting over the dog. To make someone who is depressed happier. Its temperament is set in this time. We see it all the time. The Nightmare After Christmas — Puppy Obedience Training Christmas puppies cannot go outside and get the same mental stimulation as summer puppies can. What is a Christmas Eve Box? Time to start planning the perfect Christmas for your dog. A dog Christmas box is the ultimate way to get your pooch feeling festive - without requiring a bath - and provides an excellent opportunity to spoil your beloved pup. But what exactly is a Christmas Eve box and what on earth do you put in one? A Christmas Eve box is usually filled with little gifts like chocolate, PJs, games, and books. Originally inspired by the German tradition of opening presents the night before Christmas day, Brits have co-opted the custom and now regularly present each other with a box of goodies the night before. If you, like us, are devoted to your dog, you might want to consider brightening up their Christmas Eve with a dog Christmas box. The limitations are obvious - how exactly does one communicate to a beloved pup that the festive season is upon them? An embarrassment of riches is our suggestion. Not one chew , but two. A ridiculously soft new bed. The squeakier the toy , the better. Pair of antlers? Why on earth not? The Pet Brands gnome dog toy is, first and foremost, a gnome. That alone should secure its place in your shopping basket. Planning a long, post-Christmas dinner walk? The Sports Pet launch toy will help you to throw the ball far, giving your pooch longer distances to run and adding to the fun. The complete kit consists of a launcher designed to prevent any uncomfortable twisting, an official high-bounce ball and a premium carrying sleeve for tidy storage. Everyone deserves a tasty treat over the holidays, including the dog. Not that the dog needs to know any of that. Whack a bow on it, et voila! Practical Dog Christmas Eve Box Ideas Did your mum ever wrap stuff up that was more of a practical necessity than a present? Stuff like shower gel, socks, flannels? Dogs need practical presents, too. With the new year comes January, and the likelihood of daily rainy walks. The Joules raincoat is a brilliant, water-resistant, lightweight, lined raincoat for dogs -perfect for those wintery walks. A firm rubber base means it doesn't slide around and it can contain up to ml, which is sufficient for even the largest dogs. Explore our range today to curate the perfect poochy Christmas Eve box. Not one chew, but two. The squeakier the toy, the better. The complete kit consists of a launcher designed to prevent any uncomfortable twisting, an official high bounce ball and a premium carrying sleeve for tidy storage.

There are a variety of reasons to crate train your dog. Use your crate: [25] X Research source To keep your puppy safe when you cannot watch her. To keep your belongings safe when you cannot watch your puppy. When your puppy is home alone. To give your puppy a place to calm down. When traveling. To keep your puppy away from children or other dogs. To aid in house training and other behavioral training. Never use your crate to punish your dog. And once your dog is no longer a puppy and can be trusted not to destroy the house, do not crate your dog when you are away. Save the crate for special times — i. For the most part, your dog should enter her crate voluntarily. The type of crate you use is up to personal preference, though many find that wire crates are the most durable and comfortable long-term solutions for dogs as well as being used at most kennels where you might board your dog. The most important thing is that you get the right size crate. If it is too small, your dog will not be comfortable. If it is too large, it will provide the den-like space dogs crave. Your dog should be able to stand in the crate without hitting her head, to turn around comfortably, and to lie on their side with their paws stretched out. Also buy a divider if purchasing the crate for your puppy. Your dog should enjoy her crate. It should provide a comfortable place for her to relax, so much so that she should choose to spend time there. Make sure to: [28] X Research source Put the crate in a room where you spend lots of time, so your puppy does not feel abandoned. Keep it a comfortable temperature: out of direct sunlight and far from fireplaces and radiators. Place soft bedding inside. Place chew toys inside to give your dog something to do. Cover your wire crate with a towel or crate cover. This will give it more of the den-like feel your dog craves. If you do it well, crate training will be much easier. Throw some new dog toys in, too. Let your dog explore the crate on her own. Let her go at her own speed. Every hour or so put more treats in the crate when your dog is not looking. Be sure to subtract all these treats from their daily food allowance. Also start feeding your dog in the crate. At first, put the bowl just inside so they only have to poke their head in. After 2 or 3 successful feedings, move it to the middle, then all the way back. Show your dog a treat and toss it in the crate. Move away and wait for her to leave the crate. Always use your cue words. Repeat the whole ritual several times a day until your dog is happily entering the crate to fetch treats. After tossing a treat in once or twice to warm your dog up, use your command word without a treat. If she enters, praise profusely and give a treat or two. Also praise her when she leaves. Repeat this training several times a day for two or three days, until your dog is entering and leaving the crate on command. If your golden puppy struggles with this step, go back to the previous one. Ask your puppy to enter the crate and sit. Slowly close the door. If you have to bang it shut before your dog escapes, then she is not ready for this step. When the door is closed, praise and give treats, then open the door and let her leave. Gradually lengthen the time they must sit in the crate before you let them out. Do sessions of training where they wait ten seconds, then 30, 45, and a minute. When your dog can comfortably stay in the crate for a minute, you will want to start moving away while she is in the crate. In the first session, move only a few feet away before you come back. Move to different areas of the room and keep looking at your dog. Next, try training sessions where you move around the room without paying attention to your puppy. Add moments when you step out of the room briefly and return. Finally, leave the room. At first, stay out for only five minutes. Gradually increase the time you are gone to 30 minutes. Go back to the previous step or reduce the time you are leaving her. Always remove your puppies leash and collar before putting her in the crate, as they are choking hazards. For a puppy, these will need to be shorter trips, as a puppy cannot be expected to go more than 3 hours or so without urinating. She needs to be able to get up and stretch her legs. Vary the time you put your dog in the crate. Sometimes do it ten minutes before you go. Sometimes five. Sometimes right before you head out the door. Praise your dog for entering her crate, then go. Now that your puppy is comfortable in her crate, she can sleep there overnight, but be sure you can hear her. Puppies often need to pee in the middle of the night. We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. Well, besides their beauty, both Golden Retriever puppies and adult doggos typically are very people-oriented dogs who exhibit good behavior, lots of affection and gentle temperaments. Golden Retriever breeders will tell you that these intelligent dogs have lots of energy and usually respond well to training. Here's how it works: When your dog performs a skill or behavior that you like, you give them treats, toys or praise. In time, your dog associates that skill or behavior with good outcomes and becomes more likely to repeat it. There's one catch, though: Positive reinforcement works best when pet parents stay consistent. For example, every time they ask a dog to sit or shake —and it is done correctly—a treat or toy should be given. Use a happy tone of voice rather than a stern one, avoid yelling, and exercise patience. Goldens are highly motivated by food and often by play. When you use highly rewarding training treats or dog toys during your dog training sessions, you reward the specific behaviors you are trying to teach your dog and you build an enthusiastic learner. Teach your dog to love learning. In the same vein, make sure your expectations are reasonable for your dog. For example, puppies need shorter training sessions—around three to five minutes each—because their bodies and brains are not well-developed yet and their attention span is shorter. Regarding age-appropriate training for puppies, Dr. George recommends the following: Potty Training: This should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. Take your pup out to go potty several times per day and within a few minutes after eating. Socializing: You can begin socialization—aka introducing your puppy to new people, places and experiences—within a week or two of bringing your puppy home. George advises. Obedience Training: Start training your pup around eight weeks of age. Training your dog early will make it easier to take them to visit the vet, go on walks and thrive in other social situations. Even adult dogs who are new to you and your home may not be ready for high-level training because they still are adjusting to the new environment and people in their lives. Feel it out and practice patience. On that note, because Golden Retrievers are often large, strong and energetic dogs, you may want to consider a gentle leader head collar, such as the PetSafe Gentle Leader Dog Head Collar. This gives you additional leverage whenever you are walking your pet in an exciting environment. Clicker training is extremely effective and is used worldwide to train all kinds of species. This method uses a special sound to mark a specific behavior. Speed up the process by including dog training during daily activities. Is it time for dinner? Are you about to take a walk? There are many opportunities to practice commands in everyday situations, so use that to your advantage! Encourage each family member to practice basic skills with the dog, including: Sit. You can spot these pups by their signature cream-colored coats that are many shades lighter than what you will see on a more traditional American golden retriever. But if you are a new and emerging pet parent, you might find the idea of keeping a dog somewhat intimidating. With some research and the right preparatory steps, you will do great with your English Cream Golden Retriever! To assist you, we have developed a small guide that will take you from an under-experienced pet parent to a commendable dog owner! You may wonder if you could get one from a dog rescue, but that is highly unlikely. The English Cream Golden Retriever breed is rarely found at rescues or shelters. It can even be difficult to find them among breeders, especially those that are qualified, pet-focused, and professional. We also would not recommend working through a puppy broker, as they frequently get their puppies from puppy mills. Your best bet is to find a breeder that specializes in the breed and has English Cream Golden Retriever puppies for sale to ensure you are purchasing a happy, healthy puppy. Choosing your English Cream Golden Retriever breeder is just as important as choosing your puppy. Puppies from irresponsible breeders may not be what the breeder claims they are. Oftentimes these puppies are also more prone to health problems as they age. Irresponsible breeders may skip screening parent members for health issues before breeding, which is unethical. In short, such breeders should be avoided. You will also want to know about how the pups are born and raised. How the breeder handles the puppy, has the puppy been vaccinated, and so on. The right breeders will be positive, open, and honest with you and give detailed answers regarding how their breeding program works. With the right breeders, you as the buyer oftentimes have to pass their own screening! The breeder will most likely introduce you to a litter of available English Cream Golden Retriever puppies and have you select the one you like. Without training, you as the pet parent will have to go through those steps: potty-training, crate-training, behavior and safety regarding territorial behavior and food, and so on. You can look out for small things, however. For instance, see how they react around their littermates and see their energy levels. Are they dominant around their littermates? Are they barking too much? You will also want to see how they react to outsiders; are they curious or fearful? These small observations may give you insight into the slowly budding personality of the puppy. Puppy Vaccinations A visit to the vet should already be scheduled as soon as you get a puppy. A vet will give your puppy a physical examination to root out any problems he may have been born with or similar medical issues. You will also be able to discuss when your puppy should be spayed or neutered. But aside from this all, you need to give special attention to puppy vaccinations. Vaccinations will protect your puppy from dangerous and deadly dog diseases. After that, you will have to get your puppy booster shots annually for the remainder of their lives. Until you can confirm that your puppy is properly vaccinated, keep them shielded from stray animals and other dogs that may be carrying diseases. Even with your dog healthy, you should keep a list of the nearest emergency animal hospitals ready. This way, if your puppy ever gets injured, you will be ready to make sure your puppy gets the help he needs on time. Puppy Proof Your Home The next step is to prepare your home for your new puppy. So, you must ensure your environment is safe for your puppy to walk around. You should start by covering your wire cords and power cables. A growing puppy may develop chewing and biting habits which can be dangerous if they start chewing on stray power cables. Next, make sure your bags, your medications, and even your trash are not easily exposed. Sadly, pets are inadvertently and accidentally poisoned every year by ingesting toxic substances found in them. You also want to remove any poisonous herbs or plants from around the house; not all are safe for dogs. Keep an eye out for low-hanging fruit: your puppy will want to test you! Anything on a low table or countertop that looks like it could be food or a toy should be considered. Push sensitive or breakable items into the center of tables or countertops and out of reach of dogs. You can gate off areas to prevent them from getting into these areas and make their space larger over time. Prepare for Grooming Needs Keeping your puppy groomed is one of your many responsibilities as a pet parent. You also need to purchase a good dog shampoo and a dog brush. This will remove any dried mud and dirt and remove any dead hair that can build up over time. As for shampooing, use a puppy-friendly shampoo, and do not overbathe your dog. Rinse out the shampoo thoroughly whenever you use it. As a rule of thumb, you should bathe your dog at least once every 30 days or so. Every dog is different, and for some pet parents that have dogs that love rolling around in the mud, a consistent supply of shampoo or a membership to a local self-wash station may not be a bad idea! Necessary Pet Supplies You may already be listing supplies to have ready for your new puppy. If you want to save your furniture, you should stock up on plenty of puppy chew toys. A dog bed — one with a removable, washable cover, is a good choice. A dog harness, leash, and collar to secure them for when you go on walks. Grooming supplies such as a nice shampoo, a brush, a nail clipper, a doggy blow dryer if their coats get too big, they may need a little assistance to dry them , and a dog toothbrush and toothpaste, trimming shears, and ear cleaning solutions. Bond with Your Cream Golden Retriever As soon as your puppy enters your home, you want to start bonding with them. This should really be no issue at all! The puppy-parent relationship is a special one; invest in it as much as you can and cherish every moment. This includes making extra time for your puppy on your schedule. Not only will this help strengthen your bond but also help your furry buddy become more comfortable around you, and grow more secure with their daily routine. This could include playtime, a walk, a trip to the park, or a playdate with another neighboring puppy. If you plan to play games with your puppy, keep them short and simple at the start. Be sure to treat them whenever your puppy performs well and offer words of encouragement. English Cream Golden Retrievers love that sort of encouragement! This is considered a vital part of their socialization periods when the puppy starts engaging with their surroundings. This includes other pets, pet owners, and visitors. Remember, a well-socialized puppy is a more behaved, relaxed puppy that will be safe around intrusions on their environments such as other dogs, people, or children. Pet parents play a vital role in how fast their puppies achieve these goals. At first, they will probably not be able to sleep through the night, and this can last until they get to about 4 months of age. They will also soon start teething and develop a habit of chewing or biting on things to relieve the pain. Then the growth period may slow down considerably. By the 1 year mark, English Cream Golden Retrievers will have usually reached their full height. But there is still plenty of training and mental growth left to do, even if they seem mature. You should train your puppy early on. Having your English Cream Golden Retriever learn to sit, stay and come when you call by their name are basic tasks you should start with. Then you can go on to more complex tasks such as potty-training, fetch, drop, roll over, shake, and all sorts of other creative tricks. If your dog does well, you can slowly start teaching games that use fun toys for enrichment. Remember to make this as enjoyable for the puppy as can be. They should associate it with fun and not something they dislike. Just give them loads of love, plenty of treats, and kind words of encouragement! Conclusion Planning for a puppy is a big undertaking! There are a lot of things to consider. 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This is not something that you should be overly alarmed about but it is something that you will need to correct as quickly as possible especially when it is young. To correct this behavior you can try training it not to growl using the method in the next section below or you can get help from a certified animal behaviorist. Fear It could be that, in certain situations, your German Shepherd remembers being mistreated in the past and this has caused it to become apprehensive. This could be the case if it growls when you try to pet it or when you go near it. Related post: Why is my German Shepherd afraid of everything? Pain It could be that your German Shepherd is injured. When dogs are in pain it is common for them to growl. If your German Shepherd is unsure of what is about to happen and it thinks that something bad will happen then it could start to growl. Another common growling scenario here is when playing tug of war. These types of dogs seek to control other dogs and people that live in their environment. After the vet has taken care of it and the pain has gone away then the growling should hopefully go away as well. The other option for you would be to remove your German Shepherd from the environment. Train it to not growl One option that you have is to train it not to growl. The sooner you do this the better and ideally, you would start it from an early age. You can watch the video below to see what I mean by this. However, this is actually the best time for you to teach it to stop growling. Instead, wait for it to calm down an then try to rectify it. Alternatively, get help from a professional trainer. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. Humans very often equate growling with outright aggression. How can he express fear or anxiety? What does the growl mean? What are the causes? The meaning of the growl can vary widely. Indeed, German shepherds will use the growl in different ways and at different times depending on who they are and how they express themselves and communicate. In general, we can say that growling signals 3 situations the dog may be experiencing fear, pain and defense. Growling German shepherds that have no reason Good news, there is no such thing unless the dog has a neurological problem, for example, but it is very rare and there are other signs. If your German shepherd is growling, stop whatever you are doing and figure out WHY. This is the only way you can fix the problem. What were you doing? What was he doing? In which place? Say nothing and leave with lowered head: inhibit yourself. Or say something calmly, shouting, pushing the other, fighting. It all depends on who you are. If you scold him, and even worse if you use punitive methods such as training whip, rolled newspaper or even spanking, taking by the skin of the neck, howling, etc. He saw it like that. It starts with a growl! He warns you that he is afraid or in pain or that he will defend himself. This is the start of a phase of aggression, but it is only a message. You are doing it wrong with him, the relationship of trust is breaking down and he does not understand you. You need to reconsider the way you reprimand and reward him! The dog that growls at people Growling German shepherds may be afraid or suspicious of people. This can come from a lack of familiarization with all human morpho-types man, woman, child, tall, short, fat, white, black, with hood, on a bicycle, on a scooter etc. For example, if your dog has been abused or has had a traumatic experience, he may be afraid of people who fit that morphotype or go so far as to generalize to all unknown humans. In such a situation, a dog needs to gradually get familiar with humans without ever forcing the process. The dog will come forward when he is ready. If you force him, he will be even more reluctant and will go into a state of panic. The German shepherd who growls at his master or family members If your dog growls at you, or at a family member, he may be doing resource protection. It is then interesting to watch the event and analyze it. Who, what, where, when, how and what, in order to determine WHY the dog is growling. This helps to act on the cause. Check that this is not one of the reasons mentioned above. Growling German shepherd showing signs of discomfort Growling German shepherds may not be comfortable getting a hug or other form of physical contact. Indeed, some dogs are not tactile so they do not appreciate the petting and cuddling that we humans love. If your dog is not inclined to come asking for petting and contact, he may simply not like it. When you pet him, does he turn his head away from you? Is he moving away? Also check that it is not painful. I am thinking in particular of old dogs with osteoarthritis. It is not visible but our caresses can cause pain. Finally, a dog does not like to be restrained in the arms of humans. These two things make your dog more uncomfortable. If you have children, it is up to you to manage how kids interact with your dog and ensure your children respect his living space. Growling at meal time This is a great classic when you get close to your dog and his bowl while he is eating. This can happen with a puppy as well as an adopted adult German shepherd. Where does it come from? In puppies, this may be due to having had a single bowl for the whole litter. This set up food competition and pushing the dog to eat fast in order to have as much food as possible. In adopted adult dogs, they may not always have had enough to eat and this creates a resource protection reaction. Clearly, he protects his food because he is afraid of running out of it. In these cases, teach your dog that you are there to give and not to take. So, do not put your hand in the bowl and do not take it away from the dog. This creates the opposite effect of what is wanted. On the contrary, give him something extra when you pass by! Remove the bowl only when it is empty and your dog has walked away. The dog who growls when he plays Growling German shepherds may not like the fact that you take his toy away while playing. In this case, he is afraid of losing it and again here, he is trying to protect his belongings. Once the trust is in place, you can play take a toy and give it back immediately and your dog will likely forget the sense that you are going to take it without giving it back. There is another growl, the dog can growl while playing. When excited, he may growl to show his desire to play over and over again. No worries, this is perfectly normal and in no way a threat or a sign of discomfort! Should I be concerned if my German shepherd is growling? Try to understand what is going on, especially if the growl is sudden. Call on a canine expert to explain the reason for the behavior and how to resolve it. Growling German shepherds communicate their discomfort in all kinds of ways. When it comes to the growl, yes, this is the beginning of an aggressive phase. There are different stages before it comes to an actual assault. Know that the next phase may become worse if the dog feels misunderstood, not respected, in danger, etc. Ask yourself what stage he is at. The growl is nothing more than a warning, a threat and it should not be underestimated, but it should not be feared either. How to stop your dog from growling? You will no doubt understand, the answer is clearly to find the cause! To this point, we have mainly covered the interaction between growling German shepherds and humans. It obviously also exists between dogs and it is much more effective because they speak the same language. If your dog growls at or is growled at another dog, do not intervene. Humans only scramble canine communication when they intervene and in fact make matters worse. Your dog will follow you. If your dog has a tendency to growl, use a lanyard. Your dog and yourself must understand that a growling dog is asking for space. This is especially important with a puppy. If you have an adult dog who does not respect the communication signals of other dogs, it may be necessary to consult with an expert to understand and manage such situation. The safety of your dog is at stake! Related topics of interest to our readers. Below, I will show you a number of reasons why your German Shepherd could be growling at you and the signs to look for. It wants your attention The reason why it growls at you could be that it wants your attention. This would be more likely if it does it at specific times such as when it would normally go out for a walk, get fed or get attention in some other way. Protecting food or possessions It is common for German Shepherds and other dogs to growl if someone approaches them when they are eating. If your German Shepherd does this then be careful since they will often become aggressive if you go too close to it when it is eating. If your German Shepherd is still a puppy then it will be very important for you to train it out of the behavior while it is still young. You can watch the video below for some tips on how to do so: Fear It could be that, in certain situations, your German Shepherd remembers being mistreated in the past and this has caused it to become apprehensive. This could be the case if it growls when you try to pet it or when you go near it. Related post: Why is my German Shepherd always afraid? Pain It could be that your German Shepherd is injured. When dogs are in pain it is common for them to growl. Enjoyment Sometimes a dog will growl when it is enjoying itself. An example of this would be when it is playing a game such as tug of war. These types of dogs seek to control other dogs and people that live in their environment. They will often be more difficult to train since they will be less compliant to humans commands. However, even if it is older regular and consistent training should help a lot. If it is also aggressive then the best option for you would be to get the help of a dog behaviorist or trainer. Aggression It could be the case that your German Shepherd growls at you because it is being aggressive. This would be more likely if it shows its teeth when it growls at you, it has its ears erect and it moves stiffly from side to side. If it is the case that your German Shepherd seems to growl at you in an aggressive way then the best option for you would be to get the help of a dog behaviorist in your area. Things to consider Before trying to get your German Shepherd to stop growling at you it would help to figure out exactly why it is doing it. Below, I will mention a number of important things to consider. Consider the type of growling It would help to consider the way that it grows at you. If it shows its teeth, lunges towards you, stands more erect and moves stiffly then it would be a strong sign of aggression. In this case, it would be best to keep your distance from it and to get the help of a professional dog behaviorist. With that being said, even if they do not show signs of aggression they can still become aggressive. So, it would still be important to be cautious when it is growling especially if it does it when eating. When it started It would also help to consider when your German Shepherd started to growl at you. If it never used to growl at you but it suddenly started doing it then it would help to think about what else happened at around the same time that it started growling at you. Some things that might have happened could include: Moving homes Someone was aggressive towards it Someone moved away or another pet died When and where it does it The timing of when it growls would also likely tell you a lot about why it is doing it. For example, if it only seems to growl when you have not fed it for a long time then it would suggest that it is reminding you of that. How to stop it from growling There are a number of things that you can do if you want to get your German Shepherd to stop growling. Below, I will show you a number of things that you can do about it. Positive reinforcement training One option would be to try positive reinforcement training. This is where you reward your German Shepherd for behaving the way that you want it to. To use it to get it to stop growling you would do something such as: Stop giving it attention when it starts growling Give it attention when it stops growling Stop giving it attention again if it starts to growl Repeat the above and reward it with treats when it does not growl when it normally would Avoid reinforcing the behavior While positive reinforcement training can work well it can also work against you. If your method of getting your German Shepherd to stop growling is to give it things that it wants such as a toy, a walk or attention then it could be that it has learned that growling will get it those things. Instead, an alternative option would be to stop giving it attention until it stops growling and then to reward it when it does not growl. Get help from a trainer If you are unsure of why your German Shepherd growls at you or you do not know how to get it to stop then the best option for you would be to get the help of a dog behaviorist in your area. This would especially be the case if it is aggressive when it growls as well. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. Breed Info German Shepherds, and dogs generally, can growl for a number of reasons, not just aggression. This article will help you better understand German Shepherd growling as well as answer your question of why do German Shepherds growl? Remember that not all growling is aggressive, and if your GSD is growling try and determine the reason. Your German Shepherd is growling while playing or excited Growling occasionally while playing is common. This commonly happens when playing tug of war with your dog. As long as the growl is all in good excited fun there is nothing to be concerned about. We will talk more about how to tell if this is not just an excitement growl later on. They could growl because they think their food is threatened if someone or something gets too close to it. For example, this can happen if you adopt a German Shepherd. This is something that you can train your German Shepherd not to do. Your German Shepherd is guarding someone Growling to guard or protect someone is not always a bad thing. They may growl to protect the child they love from the perceived threat. Many people want larger dogs like German Shepherds for that sense of security, that if something threatening were to happen their GSD would step in and they would feel safer. If your German Shepherd is guarding someone look for the reason why. Often times, it will be an obvious threat they are trying to protect their people from. For example, one day I noticed my GSD was licking her paw way more than normal , so I reached for her paw to inspect it. Well she growled at me! That was not a normal reaction for her, so I immediately knew something was off. I talked to her calmly and said Allie girl, let me take a look. I made her feel comfortable first before reaching in again. Next time I reached in she let me take a look. They could not be feeling well or injured so they are trying to protect or heal themselves. Your German Shepherd is scared German Shepherds can also growl because they are scared of something or even someone. They have learned that the vet may mean pain or shots or other unpleasant examinations. So, they learn to fear the vet. This could also happen with things. It depends. To determine if the growling is just a harmless way of communication, or if it is something more concerning you should look to the following factors: 1. Look at the situation that is causing your dog to growl? Were they threatened or someone they love threatening, are they scared, or just playing? If you find the growl was warranted based on the situation there is nothing you should worry about. How often does your dog growl? The frequency of the growling can also indicate whether it should be addressed. For example, if your dog growls at you every day randomly, you certainly want to figure out the cause. However, if you play with your dog daily and your dog is harmlessly play growling that is less concerning. You will have to interpret the growling your own, but I know I can clearly tell if my dog is growling in a playful manner vs growling at a deer she wants off her yard. Identify a trainer that can help you address that behavior 3. If you are comfortable training your dog yourself, look for resources that help you train your dog out of the growling in that situation. Have patience and work with your dog until the behavior has been corrected. If they feel threatened for some reason they may bite. Give your dog time to calm down before reaching out. First, you need to determine what the cause of the growling is. Remember growling is a way they communicate. Seek veterinary or training assistance. Final Thoughts I hope this article helped you better understand German Shepherd growling. It is important to keep in perspective that not all growling is bad or a sign of aggression. Sometimes our dogs are just trying to communicate with us with the few sounds they have. If you do think your GSD is growling aggressively, seek out a trainer. Most behavior is learned and can be corrected with a positive training regimen. Why does your German Shepherd growl? Let me know in the comments! For example, some may have separation anxiety. Some German Shepherds may get aggressive when protecting. These dogs will likely not stray far from their stash and may get aggressive with anyone getting close to their prized possessions. Your German Shepherd may growl to show their worry and uncertainty. Some might whimper or whine, coming to you for comfort and affection to deal with the feeling. This pain can include long-term issues like chronic illness or digestive issues. Some of these dogs might need medication and may use a growl to signify that they are having a flare-up of pain and need a dose of a vet-prescribed painkiller. If you suspect your dog is in pain, always take them to the vet. German Shepherds who are anxious may use a wide range of noises to convey their need for companionship and affection. If your dog has suffered abuse or poor treatment, it may be plagued with negative memories that make them feel scared, helpless, or other challenging emotions. Some dogs may even have nightmares about these memories that cause them to growl or bark in their sleep. These dogs are famously affectionate and loving. German Shepherds will likely express their happiness in various ways, including barking , growling, and whining. These growls will likely turn into barks and accompany a wagging tail. Your German Shepherd may also lick and jump on you to show they are happy. Be mindful of these signs to ensure they are not stressed. Growling can be a good indication your dog is having fun. Be mindful of the other signs your dog is exhibiting. If your dog is wagging their tail and growling while tugging on a toy, they are likely having a good time. German Shepherds will also listen to verbal commands more when playing than they will while being aggressive. How To Stop a German Shepherd From Growling at Their Owners Helping your German Shepherd with their growling behavior may mean doing behavior training with them or taking them to a professional behaviorist. There are also plenty of ways to make your pup more at ease. Instead of understanding you, they will think you are angry with them. These dogs are protectors and loyal, but they are still sensitive and may need plenty of time and careful attention to redirect their negative behaviors. Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement is when you offer your dog a positive reward for doing exactly what you want or expect of them. Giving your dog a treat for not growling when someone comes in is an ideal positive reinforcer. Offer your dog plenty of praise and love to help make them feel better. Be Patient Have patience with your German Shepherd. They will likely need plenty of time to battle their instincts to protect and growl when they are meeting someone who could be a threat. Training may take weeks or months but will be worth it in the end. Training will help your German Shepherd feel more secure and confident. These dogs need proper training to feel like they can perform how their owners want them to perform. These dogs will likely need weeks or months before they feel comfortable in public. Other Warning Signs Before Growling When your dog is being aggressive, there are usually other warning signs that will accompany a growl or come before a growl. The things to look out for include the following: Hair standing on end. And not all of them are due to aggression. While sometimes this is due to aggression, in other circumstances it could be because they are scared. Growling is one of the last stages of dangerous behavior. When the behavior is continued your german shepherd is much more likely to end up biting. Some common reasons for growling include Negative Memories If your German shepherd is remembering a bad time in their life which seems to be reenacting itself, then they will often end up growling. While the situation your german shepherd is in may not be negative, they could have associated negative emotions with it at some point, if they were scared. For example, if they growl when you try to take a toy from them then this is resource guarding. However, some dogs are also predisposed to this kind of behavior. Often the best choice is to speak to a vet or dog behaviorist to get the issue sorted out. For example, my dog often growls and barks when we put something new in the garden. Once again, this is most likely to happen with dogs that have come from dog shelters or dogs that have been abused in the past. With that being said, some german shepherds are naturally more cautious than others as well. Secondly, they often get themselves in situations that can cause them to get hurt. First of all, look for any obvious signs of injury. If you think pain is causing your german shepherd to growl then take them to the vet as soon as possible. In fact, some times they may be growling for positive reasons. However, you should keep an eye on it just in case more aggressive behavior follows. For example, I knew a dog who would sometimes growl when you were stroking them or rubbing their belly. At first I was worried, I was bothering them, however, when I looked at their body language it said something completely different. They were wagging their tail excitedly, and every time I stopped stroking them they would get up and begin nuzzling into me to get their belly rubbed again. This behavior can also be followed by pacing as well as jumping up and biting , howling, whining , barking at strangers , and barking at other dogs. Things To Remember Before Training Your German Shepherd Before you train your german shepherd to stop growling there are some important things you need to remember. If your dog is growling, you should aim to change the behavior, not punish them. There Are Often Other Warnings Before Growling If your German shepherd is growling in an aggressive way, there are often lots of other warning signals that will occur before and during the aggression. When a dog is trained well, they will become used to a range of different scenarios as well as how to act in them. Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here , to learn exactly what the course has to offer! The likelihood is a brute force approach is only going to make it worse. What Not To Do First of all, if your German shepherd is growling, there are a couple of things you should avoid doing at all costs. If your German shepherd is growling at you, you may feel the need to give them a treat to get them to back off. However, this will only reinforce the negative behavior. What Should You Do? However, you should ALWAYS consult a dog behaviorist when your dog is showing signs of aggression that you fear may escalate. In the meantime, however, you should do the following. Prolonged eye contact. Restraining them or pulling them while walking. Find out how to deal with a german shepherd that pulls on their leash. If you know what causes their growling then come up with new solutions to avoid the situation. If they let you put the leash on without growling then you can give them a treat. If they sit patiently and let you groom them then reward them with a treat. It is the best solution for training your german shepherd in the long run. Your dog is likely to do the same thing. And this can often be the reason why your german shepherd is growling at family members. Recap As you can see a german shepherd growling at their owner is a complicated issue. Here are some main points to remember from the article: German shepherds growl at their owners for a number of reasons. Some reasons are negative, some reasons are positive. Normally your dog will exhibit other warnings before and during negative growling. Avoid scolding or rewarding your german shepherd for growling. If your dog is growling then you should seek the help of a professional. Lastly, remember your dog growling is normally caused by a build-up of stress in their environment. If you liked this article or you have any more questions then leave them in the comments below! Otherwise, have a great day. Related Posts:. Digital Marketing When a German Shepherd growls at you, backing up and staying away seems to be the best bet. However, do you know there are more than one kind of growl? Growling, like barking or whining, is one of the many ways that dogs communicate. But not all growls result in aggression. The different kinds of growls that dogs make can express different meanings, such as fear, resource guarding, playfulness, affection, frustration, and pain. This article will help you better understand why your German Shepherd is growling and what you should do about it. Their hair will also raise up at the back. One of the most significant signs of an aggressive growl is that a dog would inch forward to reduce the distance between him and the target. See this in action in this video, when a Rottweiler gets aggressive and tries to jump toward the woman: When aggressive growlers are with other dogs, it may mean they wish to show dominance and start a fight. What should you do? A dog who is aggressively growling is dangerous. He is ready to attack. If you are on a leash, immediately leave the area. There are many causes of dog aggression. And it may lead to serious problems if left untreated. If your dog continuously growls aggressively, you should seek professional advice from a dog trainer or behaviorist. A fearful growl is often characterized by a low rumbling growl with a closed mouth. In contrast to the aggressive growl, a fearful dog will increase the distance between itself and the threat by backing up. If a dog growls at you out of fear, the best thing to do is just give them their space for a while. Instead of going after your dog, you should let your dog come to you for something pleasant, such as a treat or a toy. This is often exhibited with a low growl with sharp barking. This video below shows you exactly what it is like when a golden retriever is disturbed by an unfearful pal getting too close to his food bowl. Some companion dogs tend to become obsessive over their owners. Often, the best way to ease their growling is to simply back away from the property. This should solve the issue quickly and with no additional stress. A lot of dogs will growl when playing games such as tug-of-war. Or they might growl at other dogs when wrestling or chasing. This kind of growl has nothing to worry about. If you observe that the growls are getting more intense, you may simply wish to stop play for a while until things calm down before resuming. Once the energy winds down, you can start playtime again. Their body language is relaxed and loose. More often, they are leaning against you. In general, an affectionate growl like this is nothing to worry about either. Listen to how gentle it can be in this video: What should you do? You should keep petting or rubbing your dog in a gentle way. Or he is put into an uncomfortable situation. It usually has a varied pitch and frequency to them. Your pup may even start to whine while growling. Their body language is less stiff and looks like he is losing control. For instance, your dog may growl in frustration when he is forced to have his nails cut and take a bath. It hurts, I might need help. These growls are normally accompanied by yelping. Yelping is a high-pitched sound that can range from a small squeak to full baying. Sickness and injury can be another reason why dogs growl. You should observe your dog carefully. Did he hurt himself? Is he limping in another direction? Or do you notice any behavioral change? If the pain or infected area has deteriorated, the intensity of the growling will increase. The painful growl is a clear signal that your dog can take it no more and the best way is to take him to the veterinarian. Knowing the difference between different kinds of growls will help you take better control of the situation. A good part of this is understanding the implication of the growl and the body language. And do you wish to speak dog? Or even teach your dog to talk to you? The most common reasons dogs growl are fear, possession aggression, territoriality, and pain. Some dogs also growl when playing. In this case, the growling does not necessarily indicate aggression. Should I stop my German Shepherd from growling? The short answer is no. Growling is one of the many ways that dogs communicate. In the future, he may choose not to warn you by growling, but go straight in and bite. The key to getting a dog to stop growling is not to suppress the growls, but rather to understand the causes and deal with the underlying problem. Should I ignore my dog if he growls? Do not ignore the growl and continue to approach or force the dog to do something against his will. Instead, try to understand what your dog is trying to convey to you and see what you can do about it. For instance, if he growls in pain, you should take him to a vet. Why would a German Shepherd growl at a child? If your dog growls at your child he is sending one of the warning signs that he is very uncomfortable with the situation or proximity of the child. Be grateful that your dog chose to warn with a growl rather than going straight to a bite. Immediately separate the dog from your child. Take your dog to the vet to see if he is sick or in pain. More posts on German Shepherd aggression.

While some people use their bathtub, many prefer bathing their Poodle in a large plastic tub with a hose outside. If your Poodle has a white coat, you may want to purchase a purple or blue-colored shampoo. These shampoos have properties that help make a dull coat appear more brilliant. When brushing your Poodle , start at the skin level and work your way out to the tips of their curly hair. With your Poodle in a safe and comfortable tub, hose them down with warm water. That way, you can test to see if they have any allergic reactions. The important part is that you end up scrubbing every inch of their fur and skin from head to tail. If you have a nervous dog, make sure to use positive reinforcement techniques, including talking to them in a soothing voice and using treats to reward them for good behavior. If you thought you had to be careful with getting water down to their skin when getting them wet, you need to be even more cautious with the rinsing process. As a result, you could end up watching them display skin allergy-like symptoms despite not having an issue with their shampoo. Repeat the Process If your eyes just grew twice as large by reading this title, I get it. But hear me out—you only need to repeat the last two steps shampooing and rinsing. The benefit of doing so is that the first wash will remove dirt and oil, and the second wash will leave your Poodle sparkling clean. So, given that Poodles have such a dense coat of curls, it makes sense that shampooing their fur twice is beneficial for them. Dry Your Poodle You should dry your Poodle thoroughly with a towel after a bath. The coat will dry better with some help. Instead, use a towel to dry them well. Take special care to dry their face well, including their ears. Standing water in the ears is one of the leading causes of ear infections in dogs. So, grab the cotton you gathered and dry their ears. Some conditioners and creams require rinsing after application. In other cases, conditioners are leave-in. I recommend bringing your Poodle to the groomer every six to eight weeks. 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. How often should I groom a poodle's hair? When to bathe a poodle puppy for the first time Poodle puppies are very delicate, just like babies, and must be handled with care during bath time. If the puppy lives with the mother, it is important to wait until they have weaned to prevent the parent from not recognizing their own puppy. The mother will clean and care for the puppy herself when the puppy is considered to be dirty. On the other hand, it is important not to bathe a puppy if is has just started their vaccination schedule because bathing could their effects. The recommended age to bathe your poodle puppy for the first time is 3 months old, once the administration of their vaccines has ended. You should bathe your puppy once a month because dogs have a natural protective lipid layer on their skin. If you bathe them excessively, you will get rid of this layer that protects them, so it is not advisable to bathe them too much. Tips to clean them without bathing If your puppy is very dirty and smelly you don't have to let them stay that way. There are some very effective tricks that will help keep your unruly puppy clean: Wet wipes: Use baby wipes to clean specific areas of hair that are dirty and then brush the fur thoroughly. It is the easiest and cheapest option. Wet sponge: Wet the sponge and rinse it well. Apply to the dirty areas. You should then dry your dog to prevent them from catching a cold. Wrap them in a towel and use a dryer if necessary. Dry foam: You will find professional products to dry-bathe a dog in pet shops. All you need to do is apply the foam and then brush it thoroughly to remove traces of the product. Bathing a puppy poodle, step by step A poodle's first bath will undoubtedly be the most important because this will determine whether the puppy is fearful of the water in the future. It is a fundamental part of the socialisation process. Of course, don't fill the tub with too much water; the level should not cover your puppy too much. Choose a safe place with no drafts. Remember that the puppy poodle can get a cold very easily, so they should not be too cold. Wet your dog with a sponge or with your hands and when they are completely wet, apply the shampoo. We recommend you look for a special shampoo for puppies, with an acid pH, and carefully massage it into your puppy's skin. Don't forget to reach all areas - legs, belly, groin. .You should try to make this experience as positive as possible, so that the puppy associates it as something they like and enjoy doing. When you have finished, rinse your puppy well. At the end of the bath, you must take precautions to prevent the puppy from getting too cold, as puppies do not regulate temperature as well as adult dogs can. Wrap your poodle in a towel and when it is fairly dry, use a dryer at its gentlest setting. Products to bathe poodles Although you can use more generic products on your poodle, it is advisable to use shampoos, conditioners and sprays specific to the breed. It may also be good to use shampoo for white-haired dogs if your poodle has white or light fur. This will make the stains in the fur disappear. Take advantage of the situation to remove the stains from your poodle's eyes , which usually accumulate as time goes by. How often should I bathe my poodle? There are sebaceous glands in your dog's skin that help keep the skin stable and give the hair stability. It is very important to understand that excessive washing or using of inappropriate products will result in a dermatological alteration which can cause allergies, for example. You should bathe your poodle approximately every 21 to 35 days, which is enough time for the skin to regenerate and regain its natural oils. After this period of time, you can bathe them without any problems. Bathing an adult poodle, step by step Remember to use specific products such as those mentioned earlier, so that your dog's ph is not altered: Fill your tub with warm water without the water level being too high. Help your dog into the tub, but make sure they don't slip! Wet your dog using your bath hose so that their entire body is wet. We recommend starting with the legs: rub them thoroughly to remove any dirt. Carry on with the torso, genitals and neck. Don't get the head wet or soapy. Once completely lathered, you can begin rinsing the entire body. Take your time when rinsing to remove all traces of soap in their fur. When you've finished, cover them with a towel and wait so that it absorbs some of the water. Next, simply use the dryer until they are completely dry. Use a brush to make your poodle look better. Don't forget that after the bath, you must apply an anti-parasite pipette to prevent fleas and ticks from settling into their freshly washed coat. How often you clip it and groom a poodle depends on the choice of hairstyle. If you're not sure how you want to style it, don't hesitate to visit our article on 10 haircuts for poodles. However, and in general, on average you should clip your poodle's hair every 40 - 50 days. Even though you can cut your dog's hair at home , it is highly recommended to go to a dog groomer until you have the necessary experience to do it. The different types of cuts require expert hands who know how to shape and what they should look like. For example, you should cut the hairs around the ears carefully and avoid getting them inside the ears, which can cause moisture and fungi. If you want to read similar articles to How often to Bathe a Poodle and Groom them, we recommend you visit our Beauty tips category. Shampoo color enhancing if the coat is dull or yellowing Creme Rinse or conditioner Several clean, soft bath towels Young puppies and toy Poodles often do best in the kitchen sink. Prepare this as you would the bathtub by having it clean and having all your supplies within reach. Before you begin the bath, use cotton to gently plug your Poodle's ears so that water cannot enter the ear canal. If your Poodle has any type of chronic ear troubles, you can put a bit of Vaseline on the cotton to make double sure that water does not enter. For show dogs - All topknot, ear wrappers and bands must be removed. While it is not mandatory, if you show, you may find it helpful to part the long mane down the center of the back with a pin brush, letting the long hair fall to ether side. Phase 3 - Shampooing Most owners know this, but it is so important that it must be mentioned: Never use human shampoo. It is vital that the shampoo be Ph balanced for canines, it is essential for healthy skin and coat. All shampoos are either acid, alkali or neutral. The degree of acidity or alkalinity is measured on a Ph scale that runs from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Anything between 0 and 7 is "acid" and anything between 7 and 14 is "alkaline" You need to use an alkaline based shampoo on a Poodle. Coats can become stained, colors can become uneven.For this reason, some owners may wish to use color enhancing canine shampoo , which does not contain any dyes but rather intensifies the natural color of the Poodle's coat. For white and light colored Poodles, this will help to remove yellow or grayish discolorations. For black or brown Poodles, it will help to remove any red or orange tipping and make the coat more solid. There are 2 methods for shampooing a Poodle, the most common being to stand the dog in the tub and then use warm water with the spray hose or container to wet the coat thoroughly, avoiding wetting the head or ears. It is very important that the coat be extremely wet, to the roots, before you apply the shampoo. If you are using a hand held spray, hold the nozzle as close as possible to the dog's body, this will force the water to the skin and flush out any dirt. For show dogs, the Poodle should be shampooed and rinsed 2 times. If you are keeping your Poodle in oil treatments, 3 cycles may be necessary. Please do refer to the AllPoodleInfo Book for full chapters on bathing both pet and show Poodles correctly. Phase 4 - Rinsing When rinsing, it is very important to be sure all traces of shampoo are removed. The final rinse should begin at the head, with the eyes covered and ear flaps held down by your hand. If any shampoo remains it can cause the coat to look dull, cause irritation that can result in scratching and it will be more difficult to do an scissoring. Phase 5 - Applying Conditioner or Cream Rinse Shampooing does a great job of cleaning, but unfortunately can cause tangles at the same time. Conditioner is an important step in bathing a Poodle. The shampoo does little to protect the hairs. The conditioner or creme rinse will moisturize the hair and skin, smooth the cuticle, restructure the hair shaft, restore elasticity and add depth of color. Excess moisture should be squeezed from the Poodle's coat 1st and then the rinse or conditioner applied by gently working it into the the coat with your fingertips. You may also be interested in: Removing a tangle from a Poodle - You'll want to take time to try and remove any knots from the coat since clipping them off and add up over time and lead to quite a messy, uneven coat. How to remove Poodle tear stains - If your Poodle has stubborn discoloration of hairs under or around the eyes, you will find this information to be helpful. How much food to feed a Poodle - This section covers all feeding questions including when to offer meals, how much to give and the types of feeding options that owners have. Are you a Member yet? When you sign up to become a Member, you will be able to receive a friendly notice when new information is added to the site. Poodle Coat Issues - Common yet troubling issues that can happen to the 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. Categories Poodle How often should you be bathing your poodle? The correct bathing frequency can be the difference between your poodle having healthy skin and coat, or a trip to the vets! As explained above, the best frequency is every weeks. This is more than enough to keep her clean and healthy. However, If your poodle gets particularly dirty only a week after her last bath then, by all means, go ahead and bathe her again. That will be fine. I will go into this further below. Bathing at this frequency is good for two important reasons: 1. To preserve natural oils. Bathing at this frequency should not remove too many of the natural oils. Natural oils are constantly produced by the skin and are responsible for keeping the skin and hair moisturized and strong. The moment that these oils are removed in excess it leaves the skin dry and scaly and the hair brittle. Then, the body will realize this and suddenly produce an excess of oil to compensate. Unfortunately, this only leads to further issues, with clogging of the pores, matting of the coat, and a smelly greasy coat. Which then requires another bath, right? Sufficient to keep her clean. Many owners prefer to bathe their poodles on a weekly basis. So is this okay? Well, it seems to be working well for many others, so it may also work well for your poodle too. But I would without a doubt, pay very close attention to how her body responds. Keep tabs on the texture of her hair, how she feels and how she smells. If all is well, then weekly will be fine for your poodle too. The kind of shampoo and conditioner you use on your poodle is important anyway, but at this increased frequency, could be the difference between whether your poodle reacts badly or not. The Best Kind of Shampoo For Your Poodle The shampoo and conditioner can make all the difference when it comes to bathing your furry friend. The best and only shampoo and conditioner you should be using on your poodle is a natural-ingredient dog shampoo. This means avoiding the use of human shampoo and even regular dog shampoo. The issue with regular dog shampoo is that it contains far too many harsh chemicals, alcohols, detergents, parabens and fragrances. Yet, will still do a great job at cleaning. Baby shampoo is designed to be incredibly mild, yet still has some basic cleansing ingredients included. Popular Article: Why is my poodle so clingy and needy? Brush first Brushing first is a must. This will help to brush out any loose hairs as well as detangle her coat before getting wet. For poodles, a pin and bristle brush is by far the most appropriate. Use lukewarm water only To keep this as pleasurable as possible, the water should not be too hot or too cold. Lukewarm is ideal. This will avoid your poodle getting too cold, and avoid the chances of her skin drying out by using water too warm. If your poodle stays still then a leash might not be needed. With enough positive associations with bath time, a leash might not be necessary for the future. Even small dogs can slip and really injure their legs, hips, and joints. A simple, but important precautionary measure to take. Quality non-slip mat 5. Cotton balls in the ears To avoid ear infections, use some cotton balls placed just inside the ear to keep her ear dry. Of course, keep the balls large so there is no risk of them going deep inside. Shampoo thoroughly Use your fingertips to really get the shampoo down through her coat and onto her skin. One of the most common mistakes owners make is not sufficiently lathering up the shampoo and massaging it into the skin. Shampoo twice Yep, double shampooing is such a thing. Shampoo, rinse, then repeat. This ensures you really clean her skin and coat sufficiently. This will leave her smelling extra amazing! Believe it or not, your voice is the single most important sound to your poodle and you can do a lot with it when using the right tone. Any amount of shampoo residue could lead to scratching, irritation, dry skin, and even infections! This is an easy mistake to make so be sure to rinse thoroughly. Dry with a towel and hairdryer Pat your poodle down with a clean towel as much as possible, then use a hairdryer on a cool to low heat setting. Be sure to keep the hairdryer moving at all times, remaining about centimeters away from her. She should be dry to touch, before being allowed to do the post-bathtime zoomies! Leaving her wet could result in her getting too cold, too quickly, which could end up being a medical emergency. This is the final touch and helps to detangle and separate the curls in case they became knotted throughout the bathing or drying. Trending Article:.

About Us Why Australian Labradoodles? We raise Australian Multi-Generational Labradoodles for many reasons. The Australian Labradoodle has become a breed that is noted for its high intelligence, asthma and allergy friendliness and no to low shedding, and easy trainability. Their playful and endearing personalities make them loving and loyal family companions. Combine all this with excellent health and fantastic temperaments and you have the dog we love! A Love For Dogs Our Labradoodles are hand raised and whelped in our home with love and lots of attention from our family, extended family, and full-time staff. Our dogs have plenty of room to run and play indoors or outdoors. We take great care in socializing our Australian Labradoodle puppies so they will be a treasured companion from our family to yours! Our Australian lines come from the two main research and development centers, Tegan Park and Rutland Manor in Australia. We are a gold paw breeder with the Australian Labradoodle Association of America ALAA and go above and beyond their minimum requirements for health testing. Along with my family and full-time staff, we raise genuine quality miniature, medium, and standard Australian Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodles. After researching the breed, it became apparent to me that the Australian Labradoodle was the right choice for my family with a history of allergies and asthma. We fell in love with these incredible dogs and one thing led to another! We have been in business now for sixteen years. She has a loose curly fleece coat and will be 50lbs full grown. Marion has a medium energy level. Marion is a sweet girl that loves people and toys. She has completed her Preschool Training and now knows how to sit, walk on a loose leash, and go to her bed on command. She has also been well socialized and is doing well on her house-training schedule. She has a wavy fleece coat and will be around 50lbs full grown. Jolie has a playful medium energy level. She loves to play, be with her people, and cuddle! She has completed her Preschool Training and now knows how to sit, walk on a loose leash and go in her bed on command. She has also been well socialized and is doing well on her house training schedule. She has a wavy fleece coat and will be around lbs full grown. Lily has a playful energy level. She absolutely loves toys and is very confident. She has completed her Preschool Training and now knows how to sit, walk on a loose leash, and go in her bed on command. He has a wavy fleece coat and will be around lbs full grown. He has completed his Preschool Training and now knows how to sit, walk on a loose leash, and go in his bed on command. He has also been well socialized and is doing well on his house-training schedule. Molly has a playful medium energy and loves to explore. She is fun, loves treats, and is a good worker. She has a curly fleece coat and will be around lbs full grown. Olive has a medium energy and is very confident. She is explorative, loves people, and sweet. He has a curly fleece coat and will be around lbs full grown. Dude has a medium-lower energy. He is a pleasing boy that loves toys, to cuddle, and is very sweet. Gus has a medium energy. He is very playful, loves treats and toys. Posie has a medium, playful energy. She is playful, fun, and a best friend type of puppy. Reese has a medium, playful energy. She is a sporty girl that absolutely loves toys. Pebbles has a medium energy. She is gentle, sweet, and loves people. Charm has a medium energy. She loves to cuddle and be in your lap. She would make an excellent emotional support puppy. Cheerio has a playful medium energy. She is sporty, outgoing, and playful. Raisin has a playful medium energy. She is a good worker, gentle, sweet, and loves to cuddle. Froot has a medium energy. She is a good worker, gentle, loving, and loves toys. Toast has a medium energy. He is a cuddly, loves people, and loves toys. Graham has a medium energy. He is very sweet, gentle, and would make a great emotional support puppy. My husband and I have been happily married for over 33 years and have devoted our lives and our hearts into raising happy healthy puppies. We feel really blessed to be able to spend our days together. We have 3 children so all the puppies get tons of cuddling. The puppies are well socialized, very well adjusted, beloved, happy puppies. By the time they leave for their new homes, they will have had all their wormings completed and their first set of shots. We have a puppy care kit complete with a puppy baby blanket which smells like mommy that goes home with each puppy. Our puppies come with a 2 year Health Warranty. We offer Puppy and Dog Training Services. Our Puppy Training package is a good way to get an excellent head start on potty training and basic puppy manners. Our Dog Training services range from basic training to very complex cases that require intensive behavioral modification. We can help your doggie be the best furry companion possible. We offer Puppy and Dog transportation as well. We had great success and fun raising Labrador Retrievers for over 7 years. Although we enjoyed every minute and have had SO many happy families write and share stories and pictures of their labs with us , we have always been sorry that several of our friends and family members, who love dogs, are unfortunately allergic to dog-dander. And so, we began researching a different dog breed which could be owned by those fur-sensitive but dog-loving individuals. We wanted a breed that would have the all around terrific family personality of our labs. We found Labradoodles to be a perfect match for any family who might suffer from allergies or wish to have a low to non-shedding dog. Goldendoodles have the same low to non shedding coats as the Labradoodles but have a slightly longer coat length. They have the same great characteristics as the labradoodle and are just as smart, loving and family friendly. Double Doodles are the awesome mix of both doodles! We have now been raising puppies for well over 25 years and Doodle puppies are just the best. Doodles combine all the wonderful loving traits of a Retriever with the intelligence and loyalty of a Poodle. Doodles are low to non-shedding and tend to be non-allergenic. Doodles are a healthy breed of dogs due to "Hybrid Vigor" which means they are not prone to breed specific health problems. They make an ideal family pet. Signed Puppy Contract required with each deposit Our Puppies are here!!! The producers, production staff and anchors just loved the puppies. Approved Breeder Strict adherence to the Breeding Code of Ethics Click on the yellow links to see great pictures of puppies we have sold in the past - Happy at their new Homes! Labradoodles were featured in Life Magazine They really are the perfect dog!!! I traveled to Australia in December to meet with the originators of the Australian Labradoodles. I got a chance to tour their facilities and meet the labradoodles and puppies. It was a great trip! He is medium size approx 30 to 35lbs , with a loose curl non shedding silky soft fleece coat. He is dark chocolate colored He is a laid back and very sweet, he is a goofy boy. He is a fun loving comical young dog, he will have you laughing. He is doing very well with his puppy training and eager to please. He would make a great family companion in any household. He is crate trained and knows how to use a dog door. He is good for the groomer and up to date on all puppy care. We do not leave him unattended in our home as he is still a puppy. He will need redirecting in his new home as he has only know our home our family and friends, this will take about a week or two. Her parents are Charlie and Hero. She is a very happy go lucky little girl, with a loving personality. She is well socialized and she is good with children. Buttons is doing well with puppy training and she is eager to please which has made her easy to train. She is crate trained and knows how to use a dog door. She sits, comes when called and we are working on the leash. She is very easy to groom and up to date on all shots and puppy care. We do not leave her unattended in our home as she is still much a puppy. She will need redirecting in her new home as she has only know our home our family and friends, this will take about a week or two. She can be spayed at 8 month. He is standard size approx 50 to 60lbs , with a wavy curl non shedding fleece coat and he is beautiful blue merle color. He has a very laid back disposition and a goofy but sweet personality. He is doing well with his puppy training and eager to please. She is a mini to small medium size approx 25lbs , with a loose curl non shedding fleece coat. She is a chocolate merle with a white chest,one green eye and one blue eye. Blossom is a happy playful little girl with comical personality. She loves playing in the water and she is a very social with everyone she meets. She is very smart and eager to learn which has made her easy to train. Blossom is crate trained and knows how to use a dog door. She does very well for the groomer and she is easy to bathe. She comes when called sits and she is walking on a harness and leash. She is also doing well in our home however I do not leave her unattended in our home as she is still a puppy. Blossom is up-to-date on all shots and worming and she can be spayed at 8 months of age. He is medium size approx 35 to 40lbs , with a curly non shedding coat. He is a red phantom with a with white on his chest. He is a very laid back little lover boy. He is medium size 35 to 40 lbs with a curly non shedding coat. Cyress is doing well with his puppy training, eager to please. He would make a great therapy companion. He is good for the groomer and eager to please. Why choose an older puppy? We have raised these puppies in our home from birth and are much further in their development. Depending on the age, they may already be crate trained, doing well with potty training, basic puppy training, etc. They are very well socialized with other dogs and lots of people. Many bad habits that puppies form from age eight weeks on will be avoided, such as chewing, barking, jumping on you, etc. Why do we have these puppies? Often times they are breeding prospects held back as potentials and then released. A few are selected to be raised into older puppies for people wishing for a puppy that has started training as a family member or as therapy and service companions. Older dogs available: Why choose an adult dog? Trained, loving dogs! Why do we have adult dogs available? These dogs are awesome! Raised by a family or us in their home as a guardian family. Additionally, we are committed to a lifetime of support for our dogs and their families. Please fill out our online puppy application if you are interested in one of our puppies. To adopt a puppy, please fill out our online application ; no deposit is required until your application has been reviewed and approved. These puppies are priced according to their age and level of training. All older puppies are in excellent health and will be spayed or neutered according to age. Our puppies have a 3-year health guarantee and are up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations, worming, grooming, and a flea treatment. You may qualify for guardianship. There are often older dogs and puppies available in our guardian program. Their adorable curly fur and expressive faces make you want to cuddle them — and these little guys love nothing more than a good squish. All this and more makes our labradoodle puppies for sale one the most in-demand in our center. Activity-loving families adore these dogs for their propensity towards sports, and anyone who prefers low-shedding pooch benefits from their wooly or fleecy fur. Labradoodle puppies for sale are so cute and come in such a wide range of colors that it makes choosing your new best friend super-hard! While spearheading the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program, he conducted the crossbreeding of a standard poodle and Labrador retriever in view of it being a hypoallergenic guide dog for blind people. The first example of this type of dog, called Sultan, went to live with a lady in Hawaii, where other breeders saw him as an inspiration and this is how Australian Labradoodle puppies started. Both the International Australian Labradoodles Association and the Australian Labradoodles Association of America are working hard to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so these dog breeders can register this type of dog as a purebred dog. Its gentle, obedient and intelligent personality combined with a hypoallergenic coat make it ideal for family members with allergies, but it also makes an excellent service or therapy dog. Labradoodle Puppies Lifespan When properly taken care of, healthy dogs tend to live anywhere from 10 to 13 years. The lifespan of our Labradoodle puppies for sale is slightly above average at 12 to 14 years. Here are the life stages of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles: Puppyhood: First five months Adolescence: Between five months and two years Adulthood: Between two and three years Middle age: Between seven years and 10 years Senior: Over 10 years Labradoodles need the most attention and care in the first and last stages of their life. During puppyhood, their minds are highly impressionable, which is ideal for training. During their senior years, Labradoodles are more susceptible to health problems, which means owners need to keep a watchful eye. Labradoodle Size The size of labradoodle puppies for sale directly relates to the size of their parents and which generation of breed Labradoodle breeders chose. The larger the puppies, the larger the adult dog will be, and the faster their growth will be coming out of the puppy stage. A standard labradoodle puppy will weigh from pounds by the time it reaches two months of age. By a year old, it will have grown dramatically to up to 80 pounds, depending on the size of its parents. Medium Labradoodles occupy a spectrum of sizes between standard and mini Labradoodles, with the specifics depending heavily on the details of the breeding pair that birthed them and the breeding program they come from. Labradoodle Puppies Temperament While Labradoodle breeders originally bred the Australian Labradoodles as therapy dogs, their fun, friendly personalities made them popular pets. Now you can find these sociable dogs in homes across the globe. Here are some of the top personality traits of our Labradoodle puppies for sale. They tend to do best in active households where they can work off all that pent-up energy. You can fulfill their needs through the following activities: Walks or jogs: Labradoodles make great walking companions and can even keep up with you during a jog. Playing in the yard: Enjoy a game of fetch with your furry friend in the yard or just let it loose on its own. Dog sports: If you stay active through sports, consider making your labradoodle a part of your routine. Bring it on bike rides, go for a run together or kick a ball around in the yard. Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course for your dog using household items. Scavenger hunt: Creating a scavenger hunt for your canine is a great way to exercise its body and brain. In general, Labradoodles need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. You can also enroll them later at a Labradoodle puppy alumni school for proper training. Friendliness What makes Labradoodles the perfect puppy compare to other dog breeds is their ability to get along with just about anyone. They inherit this trait from their Labrador retriever parent, a breed also known for its outgoing nature. You can trust your labradoodle to form friendships with everyone, from children and older adults to strangers and other puppies. Thanks to their affectionate, sociable personalities, Labradoodles make great pets for first-time owners, families, or anyone looking for a companion. Intelligence Thanks to their poodle parent breeds, Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent dogs. Because Labradoodles are intelligent, they often crave mental stimulation. Labradoodle Puppies Grooming Our Labradoodle puppies for sale have a variety of coat textures that dog owners enjoy, but in general, their low shedding coat needs brushing at least twice a week. Not only does this keep them tangle-free but it also removes excess debris from their coat, keeping them fresh and hygienic. Regularly trim the hair around their eyes and in between their paws to prevent these problem areas from causing irritation. Pooches with fleece coats tend to have longer fur and benefit the most from going to a professional groomer — although every dog loves getting pampered once in a while. At Pride and Prejudoodles, we send a can and a bag of the foods we use for free with your hand-delivered bundle of joy. If you need to change it for any reason, it must be done gradually to avoid stomach upsets. Just bear in mind that a diet is such a crucial aspect of wellness that feeding them good quality food will add years to their lives compared to opting for low-quality feed. Pride and Prejudoodles is here to help. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies for adoption. Many times we have adults that we are thinking of retiring, to increase your chance of adopting one of our dogs please complete our adult application online FIRST and then send an e-mail. Please be specific about your interest in an adult. Provide as much information as possible about your lifestyle and family. Please specify why you feel an adult is best for your family vs a puppy. When these dogs retire from our programs they stay with these families. It is very rare for a dog to be returned to be re -homed, I have personally had only 2 in 17 years. When our dogs that live with us retire from our program they will be fully tested and in an age range of years old. They are priced based on age, training and health testing. We would almost never have any dogs available that would be 6 mo -3 years of age. Watch our website we will post adults in advance of being available so that we can make the best possible match. With a reservation we will keep a puppy for additional training, and taylor the training to your specific situation. Additional fees will apply. We also offer older trained pet puppies!!! The hard part is already done for you! Here is a sneak peek! We occasionally have medium labradoodle puppies available. After health and proper structure, temperament of the dog is of the utmost importance. Our English labs have been carefully selected from all over the world for the best breeding stock for health, temperament and structure! All of our lab parents are either therapy or service dogs and have been fully health tested for hips, elbows eyes, and full genetic disease panels. Initially bred in the s in Australia to provide assistance and guide dogs for people with dog allergies, the Australian Labradoodle quickly became a beloved family pet that offers the best of both worlds: a wonderful family oriented people pleaser, highly intelligent, with low to no shedding and no doggie odor. Our puppies are easily trained for just about anything you want them to do. They can be trained for guide dogs, service dogs, assistance dogs, therapy dogs, diabetic alert dogs, companions for kids with autism, hunting, swimming, running, fetch, flyball, obedience, rally obedience, or a 4-H project for your child. They love agility and excell in agility and obedience classes. The Labradoodle also makes the most awesome family companion, a calm loving snuggle bug in the house and ready to romp and play when you go outside. They do well with people of all ages including babies, kids, adults, older people and even the physically and mentally challenged. They get along great with other dogs, cats and many other pets. If you are interested in being a guardian home for one of our breeding dogs call Pat at .We reserve the right to retain potential breeding stock puppies from any litter. We reserve the right to deny anyone one of our puppies. We also reserve the right to change mating pairs based on circumstances. Contact Our Breeders!

By Chris Who does not love a Poodle? Poodles are one of those breeds that are easily identifiable. These gorgeous dogs come in three different sizes, and regardless of the size, they are highly intelligent , active, and beautiful. PuppySpot is a reputable dog marketplace where you can browse and find compatible puppies right from the comfort of your home. They have placed over , puppies into homes in the US! They were originally bred as hunting dogs and now serve as therapy dogs, service dogs, assistance dogs, and guide dogs. The breed secured the number-one position for the most popular dog 22 years in a row, 38 years ago. While they may hold the fifth spot on the list of the most popular dogs today, they are still very dear to many. If you, too, are smitten by these cute dogs and are thinking of adopting them, here are a few trustworthy breeders we recommend. Our Breeder Selection Criteria When you look for Poodle breeders in California online, you will get several search results, but not all breeders are reputable. A dog breeder and a prospect owner talks about dog adoption. So we have compiled a list of breeders who are ethical and responsible. These breeders: Register their pups with AKC Test all the parents in their breeding program for genetic illnesses. Raise the puppies using appropriate methods. Breed for quality and not quantity. Provide breeder support. Vaccinate and deworm their puppies. Initiate training. Share immense love for dogs. A white Poodle puppy sits and seems like it needs grooming. The breeders rear their litters under the puppy culture program, making sure that the pups are properly socialized and have the best temperaments. All the parent dogs in the breeding program are registered with the AKC and are health tested, both orthopedically and genetically. Their site shares complete details about the tests that their dogs have gone through. The puppies come with AKC registration and a 1-year health guarantee against genetic illnesses. The puppies are dewormed, microchipped, and given age-appropriate vaccinations before going to their forever homes. A trainer and a veterinarian evaluate them for temperament and health. Along with your puppy, you also get a large goodie bag and lifelong breeder support. Puppy pick-ups start at 6 weeks, in order of the deposits received. If you want to reserve a puppy, you will have to fill out the application on the website. If there is no upcoming litter, you can register for their waiting list. Contact Details:. Caring Stewards of the Poodle Breed Great puppies are not created out of chance or luck. These healthy, well adjusted, beautiful puppies are a result of the work of a ethical, responsible, knowledgeable, experienced breeder. This caliber of breeder is dedicated to work to improve their the breed. They never compromise the health, temperament, or beauty of the future puppies or their adult dogs. Do YOU agree? All have friendly, happy temperaments. All have been Vet checked for overall health and breeding fitness. All of our puppies are sold as PETS, and have a limited registration status. We live on a small farm and have a wonderful place to raise happy, healthy puppies. My grandmother and mother began raising Poodles at this same location over 50 years ago, I became involved as a child. Now my daughter, and granddaughters are involved as well and we continue with the legacy. We raise puppies that are wonderful from the inside out, and offer them to families who can provide excellent homes. We take great pride in the quality of our dogs and puppies. Our Vets, and owners of our puppies are a testament to the good health and temperaments of our puppies. You can see the environment where puppies are raised and the interaction between breeder, the parents and their puppies. The puppy and parents should appear healthy and friendly toward the breeder. If they seem a little shy around you, remember they do not know you yet. It is very important that you be provided need to be provided with an Opti-Gen test for the sire. Each pedigree showing the AKC Registration numbers of the parents. Every puppy should have been examined by a veterinarian before it is offered for sale. The breeder will have a written letter from a licensed Veterinarian noting the microchip number of the puppy and stating the findings of the examination. If any one of these areas are not normal, you should not buy the puppy. We will ask you about your previous canine experience, in order to assist you in getting the right puppy to fit your lifestyle. The health information pertinent to this size and breed is Vet checked to determine if the Poodle has a healthy heart, patellas that do not luxate, no hernias or cleft palates, or any other abnormality. Progressive Retinal Atrophy , the leading genetic cause of blindness in this breed. All Sires receive an Optigen Test Certificate. A Sire that has a normal clear certificate cannot produce puppies with the PRA blindness gene. The following diseases have no test that can be conclusive, unless symptoms occur: seizures, cushings disease, or leg perthes. Breeding Poodles should have no family history that has any of these diseases in its lines. We only breed parents that are physically correct and have had no family history of disease. Each are Veterinarian checked to determine that they are of breeding quality. The temperament of the parents must be in a normal range of intelligence, friendly, happy, not overly active or overly shy. Poodles like to be in the center of things and are easily trained to do astonishing tricks involving both brains and agility. They have performed in circuses for centuries, beginning in Europe, and have been part of the Ringling Circus in its various forms from its inception. Dedicated, loving family homes only. My puppies only go as pets but if you are a breeder looking for full registration I do know some breeders I can refer you to who sell with full rights. Thank you for respecting my choice to sell as companions. I only want to place this dog ONCE as new homes are a hard change and he deserves to be in a permanent home until he passes at a ripe old age. He is a wonderful black male, neutered and roughly 20lbs and on the large side of miniatures. Here is a description of him and pictures. If interested please fill out a puppy home questionnaire and we will go through the normal screening process to find him the right home. Please note he is currently in WA state near seattle. Luka is an affectionate and smart boy who loves being around his person. He has been trained in a variety of ways, including obedience, tricks, rally, nosework and agility his favorite! He is great on-leash and on walks and has exposure to both natural and urban environments. He is dog friendly, although dogs of equal size and larger are best suited for his playstyle he tends to forget his own strength. Luka has had exposure to small children, but can become nervous if the child is loud or energetic. He is currently groomed by his owner and does well with baths, nail trims and grooming, and can be touched anywhere. He can be quite vocal and excited when meeting new or familiar people he adores people! He also loves to play — fetch, tug-o-war, and chase are some of his favorite! The ideal family for Luka needs to be able to be with him most of the time. His current owner works from home so he is used to having someone around. If the family is not able to be with him because of work, etc, he would need a support system such as another dog for company or a dog sitter. Luka has separation anxiety that causes him a lot of distress and should not be left alone for more than a couple hours at a time. Aside from this issue, he would make a great family dog for a family with older children, especially if they would like to do 4H or continue with his sports training. He would also do great in a home with a relaxed environment as a companion dog or with someone who has the capacity to take him everywhere. All puppies leave here with all the parts they were born with.

Long or medium, water resistant Coat Colors Bi-colored, range from black, cream, sable, black, and amber. Above all, know that these dogs are by no means small! In fact, they can grow to be quite large. This mix will grow to be somewhere in between how big its parents are. Male and female German Shepherds have a better big difference in height and weight. While males grow up to 24 and 26 inches cm , females get to be about 22 and 24 inches cm. As far as weight, males can be 65 to 90 pounds kg heavy while females are only between 50 to 70 pounds kg. The Golden Retriever looks a bit different. Again, there is a difference between the sexes. Females can grow as tall as .Males are inches 58 — 61 cm tall and pounds 29 — 34 kg heavy. But what does this mean for your Golden Shepherd? As mentioned above these dogs grow to 20 to 26 inches cm tall and 60 to 85 pounds 27 — 39 kg heavy. It really is just a guessing game with this breed. Hands down, they the best out of the best when it comes to guarding. Golden Retrievers are on the opposite end of the spectrum. They are very easy going, love all strangers, and are loyal to any family members. These dogs are social and beloved because of their awesome people pleasing skills. The Golden Retriever German Shepherd Mix could inherit any combination of these behaviors from their parents, just as the same as their appearance. Their cleverness makes training easy. Kids and Golden Shepherds get along great. Your dog will always be up for some fetch or tug-of-war. Since there is hunting blood in their veins, watch them around smaller animals. Or you might witness lots of chasing. Be on the Lookout for These Possible Health Problems source As mentioned in the first paragraph Golden Shepherds have a life expectancy of around years if they receive enough love and high-quality care. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers have numerous health issues that can pass down to their puppies. Work closely with your breeder to prevent this from happening to you. German Shepherd Health Risks These dogs have been bred for multiple centuries. Because of this, they run into many medical problems. However, here are the top three problems that you might run into. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is a pretty common disease for most, but unfortunately, the German Shepherd is more prone to it than others. In fact, 1 out of 5 German Shepherds are expected to have this. This could be blamed on their energetic personality and big stature. Regardless, hip and elbow dysplasia is when the hip or elbow joint frequently pops out of its socket. As you can expect, this can cause the bones to wear down over time and, eventually, cause lameness. Perianal Fistula In other words, doggy diarrhea. It can be particularly alarming as it is often accompanied with bloody poop. It all starts when the skin around the anus begins to gets infected. Osteoarthritis Or, when the joints begin to wear down after normal living. Most specifically for German Shepherds, it happens around the spine. If you take good care of your German Shepherd, as well as schedule regular vet visits to be proactive in their health, you can expect 11 happy years together. The most alarming of these is cancer. Aside from this, you can expect .Here are several of their other health problems: Atopic Dermatitis : Otherwise known as allergies! Most commonly, dogs can be allergic to pollen, animal dander, plants, insects, food, and medication. This breed is known to have lots of issues with this. Aortic Stenosis : This is a medical condition that affects the blood flow in the chambers of the heart. Eventually, this can thicken the heart walls and lead to serious heart issues and even failure. Just like with German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Many do debates whether this is true. The unfortunate side of this is that examples have shown us over time they may change into something not as healthy. A great example of this is the English Bulldog. Yet, on the other hand, mixing combines the positive traits of two types while getting rid of the negative. It takes a lot of time and hard effort, but it can happen. Regardless of this debate, whether your pup is healthy comes down to the breeder you choose and the parents. But what should you specifically work on? Make sure to socialize your Golden Shepherd early in case they adopt the nervousness around strangers from their German Shepherds parents. Have visitors, other animals, and children over often. The more experience they have around strangers, the better. Plan for many daily walks. Because of this, a house with a yard is better. But an apartment can work if given enough daily exercise. Since German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are prone to having joint problems and your pup could inherit these issues, be cautious when exercising. As well, overeating can be a problem because extra weight increases the load on the joints. Make sure to use a brush that can reach both layers of the coat. Heading to the bathtub too often can damage their skin. As well, pay attention to how long their nails have grown and clip when necessary. Brush their teeth weekly to avoid the buildup of plaque and stinky kisses. And check their ears weekly for too much wax. This depends on where you buy from and the pedigree. The good news is that there are breeders everywhere! Also across Canada and the UK. As we mentioned before, do your research! Make sure anyone you purchase from is raising healthy and happy pups. Do a quick search in your area on sites like:. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Golden Shepherd Highlights Golden Shepherds are mixed breed dogs. The main colors of Golden Shepherds are black, tan, red, cream, and blue. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. They shed quite a bit. The Golden Shepherd not only loves kids, they enjoy the commotion they bring with them. Though, as with all dogs, playtime with kids should always be supervised. Golden Shepherds have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour-long walk per day. Hiking and other adventurous activities are strongly recommended. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create Golden Shepherds as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though Golden Shepherds got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up Golden Shepherd rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Golden Retriever rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Golden Retriever parents, you can expect the Golden Shepherd to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. Golden Shepherd Personality Golden Shepherds make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their Golden Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Golden Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. Golden Shepherds like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reinforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Golden Shepherds are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. Golden Shepherd Feeding An ideal Golden Shepherd diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. As with all dogs, the Golden Shepherd dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Golden Shepherd diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs—including weight, energy, and health—to make a specific recommendation. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors with their family. Like all dogs, however, Golden Shepherds need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Golden Shepherd Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Golden Shepherds because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Golden Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. This hybrid breed, sometimes referred to as a golden German shepherd, is utterly adorable, incredibly smart, very loyal to his family members , and, above all else, supremely lovable. Golden shepherds make great pets for families that have plenty of time and energy to dedicate to daily exercise and affection. Appearance Golden shepherds, like other hybrid breeds, get their traits from both parent breeds. Half German shepherd, half golden retriever, they may closely resemble one parent or the other, or they may look like some combination of the two—it all depends. Golden retrievers typically stand 21—25 inches tall and weigh 55—75 pounds. As this breed's name suggests, their fur color falls somewhere along the yellow spectrum—from creamy white to dark golden. They have feathery tails that are almost always wagging happily. German shepherds tend to be about the same size as golden retrievers, weighing between 50—90 pounds and standing 22—26 inches tall. These regal-looking canines are typically black and tan but they can also have black, black with red, sable, or white fur, too. Similarly, golden shepherds may have the floppy, folded-over ears of a golden retriever or the alert, upright ears of a German shepherd. No matter which parent your golden shepherd puppy looks like, he's basically guaranteed to be cute. A full-grown golden shepherd will likely be a medium- to large-sized dog , so consider how much space you have before bringing one home. Temperament For lovers of German shepherds and golden retrievers, golden shepherd dogs are the perfect happy medium. These good-natured pups get the brains of a German shepherd, the happy-go-lucky attitude of a golden retriever, and the family-friendliness of both parent breeds. Golden retrievers are cheerful, fun-loving dogs with delightful personalities—there's a reason they're so popular, particularly among families with kids. They love to romp and play, but they're equally as happy snuggling up on the couch for movie night. Golden retrievers absolutely adore getting attention from their human owners—pets, scratches, praise, and cuddles are their favorite—so they're all-around top-notch companions who would gladly follow you anywhere. They are friendly with new people and almost always steal the spotlight at parties. They love going for walks and learning new cues and tricks , so some daily blend of physical and mental stimulation is important for keeping a German shepherd happy. They love their human family members deeply and are often referred to as "Velcro dogs" because they like to be in the same room with their people at all times. They'll readily alert you to a delivery at the door, too. As a German shepherd and golden retriever mix, golden shepherds will likely have varying personalities that incorporate attributes from their parents, according to Nicole Ellis , CPDT-KA, pet lifestyle expert with Rover. This makes them ideal for families that spend a lot of time at home or young professionals with remote jobs. Puzzle toys and feeders can help keep your golden shepherd engaged, too. Care Grooming a golden shepherd is relatively low-maintenance, though be forewarned: Your dog will likely shed a fair amount golden retrievers and German shepherds both shed heavily in the spring and fall and moderately year-round. To keep your golden shepherd looking his most handsome, brush his coat at least once a week and bathe him with shampoo formulated specially for dogs as necessary. Regular brushing can also help keep the shedding in check, to a degree, but you may also want to invest in a good vacuum cleaner , too. Courtesy of bella. Also, brush your golden shepherd's teeth nightly or at least as often as you can manage! Set a reminder to clean your golden shepherd's ears regularly , too. Though your golden shepherd may naturally be a very social dog, thanks to his golden retriever lineage, it's still important to socialize him from a young age. This way, he'll be comfortable around new sights, smells, sounds, people, and other dogs. Puppy kindergarten training classes can help your golden shepherd puppy learn new cues while also interacting with other pooches of all shapes and sizes as well as their owners. As you search for a training facility or begin to prepare your own training plans , keep in mind that golden shepherds respond best to positive reinforcement that involves a reward, such as high-value treats , petting, and effusive praise, Ellis says. Health A golden shepherd's health and expected lifespan depend greatly on the health of his two parents. German shepherds, which typically live 7—10 years, can be susceptible to certain genetic diseases and conditions, including elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia , epilepsy , bleeding disorders, eye conditions , degenerative myelopathy hemangiosarcoma , and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Golden retrievers tend to live slightly longer with average lifespans between 10—12 years. Like German shepherds, golden retrievers may also experience elbow and hip dysplasia and eye conditions including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Golden retrievers are also susceptible to allergies and hypothyroidism. The good news is that hybrid breeds tend to have fewer medical problems than purebred dogs, she says, though you should still be aware of these common concerns. History As with other hybrid breeds, the exact history of the golden shepherd is unknown. We do know that golden retrievers were developed in the mid-to-late s in the Scottish Highlands by Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord of Tweedmouth, who wanted to develop a skilled hunting dog who could tackle the region's rugged terrain. German shepherds hail from Germany, where they were developed in the late s by a German cavalry officer named Capt. Max von Stephanitz. These intuitive dogs learn quickly, which is why they're such a popular choice for police work, search and rescue missions, and other important jobs. Today, golden shepherds are primarily companion animals and pets. There aren't many golden shepherd breeders in the U. But check with local animal shelters and rescue groups regularly, as they may have a mixed-breed dog with some German shepherd and golden retriever in his DNA or dogs with similar characteristics to these two pups! Fun Facts If you're training for a marathon or planning a big summit, a golden shepherd will gladly accompany you on your training runs and hikes. These pups are very sporty and have a lot of endurance not to mention that they'd get to spend time with you, their favorite person! Large breeds like golden retrievers and Germans shepherds can become overweight if left to their own devices. Keep an eye on your dog's weight and talk with a veterinarian about the best way to keep him fit and healthy. Golden shepherds are good contenders for dog sports like agility, rally, obedience, and more. They love a good session of fetch in the backyard, too. Was this page helpful? Furthermore, since they have deep ears, these dogs accumulate ear wax quicker than the other dogs. These dogs need 45 — 90 minutes per day of exercise These activities also reduce the chances of having health issues in the future. This said trait may result in an unintentional aggressiveness to strangers. To fix this issue, these dogs should have proper training and enough socialization in their early years. Note sure the Golden Shepherd is right for you? Ever wonder what a Golden Retriever Corgi looks like? These dogs are very loyal to their owners and are also intelligent which prevent the dogs from causing trouble. They are generally patient, attentive, and eager to learn and work. They are an affectionate and a great companion 2. Guarding Ability Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs are large and muscular dogs due to the genetics of the parent breed German Shepherd. These features allow you to have dogs that can protect you and the people around you. Environmental Adjustments With proper training, these dogs are remarkably adaptive. This characteristic gives you an easy time particularly if you move around frequently to regions with many changes in the weather and environment. So, If you want to travel with your pet, this breed is the one for you. Their body is longer than it is tall. Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs weigh from 60 lbs to 80 lbs while their height can range from 20 inches to 25 inches. This breed has variations in coat types and colors. Their coats are commonly long, dense, thick and doubled; resulting in a higher chance of constant shedding. These energetic dogs like outdoor activities such as swimming, long walks, and jogging but you need to be wary of extreme heat because of their thick coats. Early socialization training for these dogs is valued. This breed tends to be reserved and nervous towards strangers. Nonetheless, they can learn to be friendly immediately by going out regularly. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix dogs usually express extreme loyalty and a loving personality to their owner and the family they belong to. The German Shepherd mixed with Golden Retriever is not an official dog breed yet; however, the following organizations recognize them as a designer mixed-breed. A reliable breeder should provide you with valuable documents. If everything checks out, a contract that shows clear briefing of the conditions is essential. Doing research and exploring your community is the best way to find reliable breeders. Remember, adopting a dog will always cost less. Visit your local animal shelter to ask about the availability of this dog breed. Moreover, try looking into the private dog rescues as some dogs may be transported there. Grooming Your Golden Retriever German Shepherd German Shepherd mixed with Golden Retriever dogs require regular coat brushing because their coat tends to be tangled and matted together. Regular brushing promotes a shiny and healthy fur for this mixed breed. Here are some products that you might need for this pet. Pro Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats This slicker brush either has a flat or curved head with lots of thin wire pins which help to untangle and shed loose fur. This mixed breed features a double-coat that requires constant brushing making this item a must-have for all dog owners. Dog nails can hurt other people or animals when they get playful. Sometimes, dogs snap their nails off unintentionally, and the pain can be excruciating for them. To use, gently hold their paws and snip off small bits of the toenails. Promptly discontinue if any bleeding occurs. Apart from the items suggested, bathing is one of the most important steps in pet care to remove unpleasant odors and dirt on their coat. When giving a bath, make use of dog shampoo to avoid accidental allergy attacks and fleas. This dog breed typically has large ears that can accumulate wax. Observe your dog for symptoms of ear problems; healthy dogs do not habitually bother their ears. Wax, dirt, and other elements may cause ear infections. For better cleaning and disinfection, use liquid ear cleaners and cotton balls. Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs need regular trimming, so make it a habit to schedule appointments with your veterinary clinic at least once or twice a month. Make sure they get trimmed around the eye area for better vision , around the anus for hygiene , and the chin for easy eating. Mixed-breed dogs are ordinarily healthier than their parent breeds, yet this specific breed is more prone to certain health conditions than others. Most of these health problems are seen as the dog gets older. This breed enjoys being active and playing which can cause a harmful impact and damage on their bones and joints. Receiving an average level of activity would prevent them from having these problems. Here are some more health hazards that you need to be aware of: Allergies Both parent breeds are prone to allergies and German Shepherd Retriever Mixed dogs share this trait. Their common allergies mainly affect their skin and flea bites or certain foods typically cause these. Fleas are tiny parasites that dogs can accumulate from outdoors. You can prevent this by avoiding physical contact with environmental allergens. The symptoms include mouth or nose bleeding, blood in the urine, and excessive bleeding, and unfortunately, there is no cure yet. Joint Dysplasia In dogs with joint dysplasia, the joints fail to develop correctly, scraping and grinding upon each other instead of sliding smoothly. Bloating Bloating in humans and bloating in dogs are different. It is harmless in humans, however, in dogs it is deadly. Immediate treatment for bloat is needed. It would be best to take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible because there is no first aid that you can do at home. Learning some first aids for this breed of dogs can also help. Awareness over these usual problems of the Golden Retriever crossed with German Shepherd breed will result to their proper care. Your furry friend should get the best, so pick their food wisely. You can find lots of options in the best dry dog food list. Whelps need energy to be active, which means lots of proteins too. Food that gives them everything their body needs is on the best puppy food brands list. Older canines have different requirements, so skim through the best senior dry dog food list. It will help them stay healthy and show off proudly. Steer clear of the worst dry dog food at all costs. You can also find some ideas on the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food lists, which may contain some food that your pooch will love. Because of their energetic personality, these dogs need a diet that can fulfill their nutrition needs. Dogs may be omnivores, but they highly rely on protein to survive. It is also the building block of their muscles. Although dogs love fat in their meals, it is necessary to maintain the amount of fat that you give them. Too much fat is harmful to their well-being and too little creates skin problems. Make sure that your dogs are hydrated, especially if you live in a hot place. Ingredients and supplements for joint and bone development are also needed to prevent possible injuries for this very active dog. Giving your dogs vegetables, fruits, and other minerals is proper for their growth. However, you need to be wary of the portions since it varies depending on their age and body size. Avoid products that contain these ingredients since they are not good sources of carbohydrates for dogs. The Golden Shepherd tends to be a friendly, energetic, and affectionate dog that is loyal to their family and tends to be protective of them. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more. A Golden Shepherd tends to bring the all-around friendly personality of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and devotion of the German Shepherd into one dog. They love their families and tend to get along with everyone including children. These dogs are not necessarily suspicious of strangers, but they are alert and will tend to bark if they see something they feel you need to know about. Golden Shepherds are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they are high-energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as plenty of time is dedicated to giving them the daily exercise they need. They tend to do well in most climates. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because Golden Shepherds are devoted to their families and thrive on spending time with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health issues common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. As a larger, barrel-chested dog breed, the Golden Shepherd, like their parent breeds, is also at a higher risk for bloat. The Golden Shepherd is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. This makes them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes can still be a great idea because they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy while also strengthening your bond with them. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long or causing issues. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can get the vet before it gets more serious. Because many dog owners overlook this, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. The Golden Shepherd comes from two high-energy dogs, so they require a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are the minimum. But, a Golden Shepherd will likely be up for more activity if you are. A trip to the dog park for some off-leash time, playing frisbee or chasing a ball, hiking, swimming, running, and more can all help this dog expend some extra energy. You want to keep their activity low-impact as they are still growing, but once they finish growing, try different activities to see what you both love doing together. You could even try training them for dog sports! A fully-grown Golden Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Golden Shepherd generally lives for years. Currently, we do not have any Golden Shepherd puppies available, but we can alert you when new Golden Shepherd puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Golden retrievers and German shepherds are two of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Both medium-to-large dogs that are highly intelligent, easy to please, and great with families, it was only a matter of time before someone created the golden shepherd by mixing these two breeds. But what can you expect if you decide to adopt one of these amazing dogs into your family? Read on as I take you through exactly what you can expect from a golden retriever-German shepherd mix, including their size, appearance, temperament, and the care they need to thrive. Is the golden shepherd the right dog for you? Learn more below! Essential Statistics Breed: Mix of golden retriever and German shepherd Height: 21 — 26 inches Coat Type: Medium-long high shedding coat Colors: Black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, liver Lifespan: 7 — 12 year lifespan Temperament: Highly intelligent, easy to train, playful, friendly, does well with families Exercise: High energy and exercise needs History Of The Breed Golden retrievers were first bred in the United Kingdom to retrieve shot waterfowl. Their soft mouths allow them to retrieve ducks and other game without damaging them. As a highly intelligent breed that is eager to please and with a naturally good nature and understanding of how to act around children, goldens have been popular working dogs since the s, and you will often see them working in search and rescue and disability assistance. German shepherds , also known as Alsatians, were first bred in Germany just before the start of the 20th century as herding dogs. When natural sheep predators began to die out in Germany at the start of the 20th century, German shepherds were taught to do other kinds of work. While German shepherds are not an aggressive breed, they developed a bad reputation in the 20th century when the German Nazi army started using them as working dogs. The breed was also adopted by gangsters and bootleggers in the United States. Fortunately, today, their reputation is largely recuperated, and they are often seen working with police and in roles such as search and rescue. Golden shepherds were first bred around .The intention with this mixed breed was to create a dog with the courage, quickness, and alertness of the German shepherd but also with the good nature of the golden retriever, which is also intelligent, highly trainable, and easy to please. The results are excellent working dogs and family pets. Golden retrievers are usually 21 to 25 inches tall and will usually be the mother in a first generation golden shepherd coupling. They weigh 55 to 75 pounds. German shepherds are slightly larger, measuring 22 to 26 inches tall and weighing 50 to 90 pounds. As you would expect, their golden shepherd offspring measure 21 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 90 pounds on average. Both parent dog breeds have medium-to-long coats that are known to be high-shedding, so you can expect the same from a golden shepherd. Being a mixed breed, they can come in an extensive range of colors, including black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, and liver, and they will often be bicolor. The color of their coat tends to be highly unpredictable in the first generation. Because they are high-shedding, they do need regular grooming, which means brushing at least once a week to keep shedding under control. Still, there is no escaping all that dog hair, and you will definitely need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner. The way their facial features will develop is less predictable, since they are still a new breed and breeders are still learning to control for desirable features. They can also either have the pointed ears of a German shepherd or the drooping ears of a golden retriever. Either way, they are sure to be a gorgeous pup! Golden Shepherd Temperament And Intelligence Golden retrievers are known for being playful and friendly dogs that love everyone they meet and therefore make terrible guard dogs. They are playful and loyal to the family with whom they have developed a bond. While they can be wary of strangers or anything that seems out of place, they are more likely to alert you with a bark than attack. You can expect a golden shepherd to be playful and friendly, but a little bit warier of strangers than your standard golden retriever. Both parent breeds are highly intelligent and also eager to please. German shepherds, in particular, are also independent thinkers and problem solvers. This means golden shepherds are easy to train, as they learn new commands quickly and enjoy the rewards that come with completing them, but they are also good at knowing what is required of them in new circumstances. Golden shepherds, like both of their parent breeds, are incredibly loyal and will want to be around their people all the time, whether that is out and about, or curled up on the couch at home. This can lead to frustration and destructive behavior. They are naturally protective of children, and despite being large breed dogs, they are very aware of their own size and strength and know how to play gently with children. However, it could be a struggle to have this breed with very young children, as they have lots of playful energy, and this can be overwhelming for smaller folks. Golden Shepherd Energy And Exercise Golden shepherds, like both their parent breeds, are high-energy dogs. Additionally, golden shepherds need at least an hour of fairly intense exercise each day. This means running around the dog park and sniffing everything, playing catch, and going for a swim rather than just a casual walk. They should be getting less exercise as puppies, despite their apparent energy, as too much exercise can undermine their proper development. While they are growing, they should have about five minutes of exercise per day per month of age. So at four months, they need 20 minutes of exercise each day, and at six months, they need half an hour. As adult dogs, they will love joining you on longer adventures, such as hikes and boat trips and will have no problem keeping up. Bear in mind that, while they are natural swimmers, if you go out on a boat, they should be wearing a flotation vest. As well as formal exercise, they need to be able to move around and play throughout the day, and a decent-sized backyard is the best thing for this. Golden Shepherd Health Concerns Of course, when you adopt a dog into your family, you will want to closely monitor and care for their health. This means ensuring they are vaccinated for all the most transmissible canine diseases, such as Parvo , protection against fleas and ticks , and proper dental care, which ideally means daily brushing. But certain dog breeds are also more susceptible to certain health conditions than others. With mixed breeds, they could be less susceptible to some of the most common ailments of their parent breeds, or they could be more susceptible to certain conditions. The best thing to do is inform yourself about the common health issues for both parent breeds and monitor your puppy for all of them. This means for golden shepherds, you will want to be on the lookout for: Elbow and hip dysplasia, common in both parent breeds Eye conditions, common in both parent breeds Bloating gastric dilation volvulus , common in both parent breeds Epilepsy, common in German shepherds Allergies, common in golden retrievers Hypothyroidism, common in golden retrievers Degenerative myelopathy hemangiosarcoma, common in German shepherds Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, common in German shepherds Of course, just because some dog breeds are more susceptible to these conditions does not mean they will get any of them, and your golden shepherd could pass their entire 7-toyear lifespan without being affected by any of these. But if you know the symptoms, you can catch any problems early and ensure a better quality of life for your dog. One other health concern with both the parent breeds of golden shepherds is obesity. They love their food, and we love to reward them with delicious treats. Remember, every treat you give them also contains calories! Also, never feed them off your own plate. They already tend to think they are human, and this can just lead to begging at the table and food theft! Plus, a lot of the foods humans eat are toxic to dogs. This not only includes chocolate and fake sugar, but also common kitchen staples such as onion and garlic. Invest in good quality food for your dog and avoid giving them table scraps. No doubt having read my guide you are interested in bringing a fantastic golden shepherd into your family. These are the questions you should ask yourself to determine whether you are a good fit for this unique breed. Do you have an active lifestyle? Your dog is going to need lots of exercise and is happiest when they can accompany their humans in energetic activities. Are you out of the house a lot? Golden shepherds love company and need to be around their people most of the time. They need a home where there is usually someone about or where they can accompany someone to work. Do you have much space? Golden shepherds thrive when they have space to use their energy, and they are fairly big, so they can make a small apartment feel claustrophobic. Are you willing to accept dog hair as a part of life? Are you a first-time owner? Golden shepherds are easy to train and control, so they are actually great choices for first-time owners. Do you have kids or other pets? Golden shepherds are great around kids and other pets if they are properly socialized. But these big dogs with lots of energy could be challenging if you have very small children. Let these questions guide you as to whether a golden shepherd is the right dog for you. In short, if you are low on space, time, or energy, a different breed might be a better match. If you find a breeder selling for less than this, be wary, as you may be dealing with a puppy mill. You may also find golden shepherds in your local shelter , because despite being amazing and pliable dogs, their energy and attention and exercise needs often prove too much for some owners. What do you think of the golden shepherd? Does it mix the best aspects of the German shepherd and golden retriever? Is this the kind of dog you would like to adopt? 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. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.