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So You Want A Boxer? Mar 17, Jun 22, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. So you want a Boxer? I personally have a soft spot for Boxers thanks to fond childhood memories. Both were fawn colored and great with kids. One of my pet sitting clients was also a black brindle colored Boxer who loved to play catch me if you can in his yard. His name was Bogart and he was the most beautiful Boxer I have ever seen, and I swear he was aware of his good looks! Known as brachycephalic dogs, their nasal passages are much shorter than those of dogs with long snouts. That makes them more prone to overheating on hot summer days than dogs with regularly sized nasal passages. The same applies to tail docking. Besides a more natural look, undocked Boxers with a full tail are also better swimmers and can communicate more effectively with other dogs and humans too. It simply means teaching your Boxer to follow rules that are important to you. For example, no pulling on walks , not being allowed on furniture, no jumping on guests, waiting for your OK to eat, not racing through an open door, etc. They enjoy being close to their humans, including adults and children. For instructions, check out our blog post 21 Dog Training Commands. Boxers Are Classified As Working Dogs Did you know that thanks to their courage, strength and stamina, Boxers were originally used to hunt wild boar and bears? A Boxer is a joyful, silly, fun-loving, affectionate and occasionally stubborn breed of dog. He is what he is. Do not think you can mold him into a dog that will accommodate your lifestyle. To even try could mean breaking the spirit and essence of this spectacular breed. One must weigh carefully, the decision to bring a Boxer into his or her life and home. This is not the breed for everyone. In fact, he can be a regular nightmare for some. Because… Boxers rule but they also drool! They pass gas, give wet kisses, jump up to greet you and snore too! If the sound of any of this makes you wince, you are not right for a Boxer! The basic fact that Boxer Rescue has to exist is evidence enough that too many people get a puppy because he is adorable, cute and playful. People seem to forget that a cute Boxer puppy turns a big, handsome, full grown adult dog that requires a lot of your time and attention. A Boxer in his adolescence is NOT easy to handle for the novice or unprepared person. Boxers are a very friendly and affectionate breed! They crawl in your lap, jump up on you and love to give those sloppy wet Boxer kisses. Boxers require daily exercise! Taking a quick walk down the street is not sufficient. Of course, an older adult Boxer needs less exercise than one under 4 years, but even the silver deserves to be kept happy and fit by engaging in some amount of exercise each day with his human. Many Boxers end up in rescues or shelters because their families did little research and were not aware of the incredible amount of energy they have. A tired Boxer is a well behaved Boxer! The Boxer breed is especially susceptible to seasonal flank alopecia. Providing a quality food, vitamin supplements with Omega Fatty Acids, Flax Seed or Salmon Oil in addition to regular brushing, usually keeps shedding to a minimum. Boxers are not considered high maintenance when it comes to grooming, but remember to clip those nails regularly! Most can recognize the need to be more patient and gentle with these fragile beings; however, some are better at executing it than others! Boxers have the tendency to bowl over young children when they get excited or while playing. If you would find this unacceptable, do not get a Boxer dog!!!! Boxers with People While Boxers in general, tend to be protective towards their family members, some are better at it than others! A Boxer should never be acquired for the sole purpose of guarding. This is not a dog to be left alone unattended for hours on end. They MUST live indoors with their families. It is common to find a Boxer who suffers from separation anxiety. They need to be around people and they thrive on this special companionship. Boxers can develop unwelcome behaviors such as digging, barking and chewing if ignored or not cared for properly. They have the potential to do a great deal of damage they are powerful chewers if they are not in a suitable environment. The Boxer generally makes a fine Therapy Dog. If you want to run around and play, so will they. Boxer Health Boxer guardians should have a bit of money tucked away for unplanned vet visits besides the annual check-up for vaccines and heartworm test. Boxers are predisposed to cancers—namely mast cell tumors and lymphomas. Click here for a list of health concerns specific to the Boxer breed. Dog food of poor quality can exacerbate or bring about a skin condition and other health problems. Boxers are powerful and strong dogs. They require committed and capable handlers and caregivers. Boxers do not respond well to repetition. Instead, they excel when given a few short training sessions. Repeating a command when the Boxer has already done it correctly can be counterproductive. The Boxer is intelligent! HE knows he did it right—YOU know he did it right. Move on. Many Boxers excel at agility! If you desire a dog who will do what you say when you say it, every time you say it, do not acquire a Boxer. A Boxer lives to please his human. It is imperative that you use positive reinforcement techniques when training a Boxer. Physical, harsh, or violent reprimanding is never recommended, nor is it acceptable for any animal. Chewing Most Boxers love to chew. Coffee tables, remote controls, shoes, chair legs, door frames etc… are all fair game. It is imperative that you provide your Boxer with stimulating toys or activities to do when you cannot be around. It is your duty to provide a chewing outlet for your Boxer. A busy dog is a happy dog. We suggest a KONG filled with treats or another delectable concoction, a food cube, treat ball, or nylabone type product. Eating Habits Some Boxers are messy eaters. You may find more kibble on the floor around their bowls, stuck to the wall, or caught in their jowls, than what actually made it into their tummies. Many Boxers send spit, slobber and chunks of food flying across the room after they shake their heads and many consider the couch cushions their personal napkins. Boxers who are socialized on a regular basis, from puppyhood, generally relate very well with other dogs. Many Boxer breeders and rescuers will agree that placement of Boxers of the opposite sex male with female, spayed and neutered of course! The information on this page applies to well-bred and temperament tested Boxer dogs from reputable breeders. Boxers have become a commercialized breed. You can help keep the number of Boxers who end up in rescue down by NOT purchasing a Boxer puppy unless you have ascertained that your lifestyle is one that would meet the needs of this breed. Pets are not rentals for people to keep until they outgrow their purpose. Please be a committed pet guardian for life! Check out this great video all about the Boxer breed!! For the Boxers Florida Boxer Rescue utilizes a secure online donation service. You can choose to pay with your credit, debit card, or direct by eCheck. If you would like to mail your donation, please send to: Hwy 85 North Crestview, FL Please note: the above address is a drop box intended to receive donations, and other mail correspondence. Because of the large geographic area that we cover in Florida, we do not have a central physical location. The organization is fully staffed by dedicated volunteers and all Boxers in our program are in foster homes where they can receive love, attention, and any medical assistance needed.

Their main goal is to produce GSDs with an impressive temperament that adheres to the standard of the breed. For years, dogs from this German Shepherd breeder have been actively participating in various national and international breed shows. They also have them undergo tests to make sure they are free from degenerative myelopathy. This gives assurance that the puppies which will be born are of high quality and champion lineage. A guarantee is also given to customers upon purchase. The German Shepherds in Van Der Otto are bred to be excellent protectors for kids and families and as working dogs. This is a result of the dog experience of the founders. Since they are ex-law enforcers, they have seen the exceptional traits of a German Shepherd first-hand. During pregnancy, the females are kept in the home of Otto and are given the attention needed. Puppies are also exposed to socialization at an early age as they believe it helps in the growth and development of the dogs. Von Der Otto has two properties where puppies and dogs are brought to run freely and train. German Shepherd pups are trained to attain superb temperament to be family companions or protectors. This breeder is also involved in training shepherds for k9 sports, law enforcement, and therapeutic services. Another great thing about this breeder is that they have dedicated facilities where the dogs could freely play and train. Their acre property is solely structured to provide the dogs the space they need to enjoy and train. Training obstacles are also present in the vicinity. Different training programs were established to address the needs that vary from simple tasks to advanced training. As early as five months old, puppies can already be enrolled and trained in a special program in this breeding facility. If you are interested in purchasing a German Shepherd puppy in Jagermeister, it is highly suggested that you should make a reservation as early as possible. In addition, although their open field is spacious, they only have limited space for boarding and training programs so you should make an appointment earlier. They started with only four young German Shepherd pups which over time have grown into more than 50 litters. One of the edges that Austerlitz has been upholding to is the dedication of each member in studying and improving their breeding process. All of the breeders and trainers in their facility have at least 20 years of breeding experience with some even granted with AKC Breeder of Merit. They see puppy raising as a delicate task that must involve rigorous planning to accomplish. They even have their own puppy raising protocol which they call puppy culture! A vast amount of effort and attention is given to puppy training, health examination, emotional stability exercises, and behavioral training. From an early age, the trainers in the facility are already teaching the German Shepherd puppies basic polite communication and early toilet training. Producing excellent companion dogs with the ability to become outstanding working companions is the specialization of Austerlitz. They only breed shepherds with exclusive German bloodlines to hone their intelligence and obedience further. Some of the GSDs in their facility have proven their value by winning regional and national competitions. For years, they have been dedicated to selectively breeding healthy and fine European German Shepherd puppies. Nutritional completeness and consistency in the diet are also observed in the nutrition of the dogs. This German Shepherd breeder also makes sure to adhere to the standards in breeding German Shepherds as provided by kennel organizations. The application process is quite simple as they have an application form that is accessible on their website. Upon purchase, you will also be entitled to a lifetime return policy. However, if you want to verify their legitimacy, read our ultimate puppy buying guide for some proven tips on how to safely find a breeder online or how to find a puppy for sale while avoiding scams. There are still many places where you can try to search for your GSD puppy and here they are! This is the place where registered German Shepherd breeders promote themselves. You have the assurance that the puppies sold in AKC Marketplace are pure-breed and high quality. It is the parent kennel club of all German Shepherd clubs in America. A lot of registered German Shepherd breeders promote and sell puppies in the organization. You can try contacting their website or visiting the nearest club near you. Navigating through their website is easy. You can find different breeds of dogs in their listing and German Shepherd is one of them. PuppySpot — PuppySpot is another online platform that enables registered breeders to advertise their puppies. You can find a diverse listing of puppies including German Shepherds. Transporting the puppies is not a problem since PuppySpot works with licensed professional delivery companies to deliver your puppy safely. Euro Puppy — This international puppy finder website has been servicing people around the world for 20 years. Euro Puppy also ensures that all the dogs in their site have met the standard health requirements and are safely transported no matter where. The reason why German Shepherd puppies are expensive compared to other dog breeds is due to the fact that the cost of breeding and raising a German Shepherd is not a joke — especially if the breeder is reputable. Since GSDs are mainly used as working dogs and show dogs, training is imperative in raising them. After purchasing the puppy, what you need to be aware of then are the expenses for the food, health maintenance, supplies, beddings, toys, and other pet essentials. Looking for German Shepherd puppies in your area is easier than you think it is. There are a lot of reputable German Shepherd breeders across the country nowadays. Here are some ways you can do to find a German Shepherd puppy in your area: Ask for referrals from trusted and knowledgeable people. There is no arguing that veterinarians would know who among the German Shepherd breeders in your area are reputable. If you have a local vet, ask for referrals. They will definitely not sell you out. You can also try asking German Shepherd owners. More often than not, they are a member of an organization where breeders advertise. Join groups online or use social media platforms. A lot of breeders nowadays are also using social media platforms to promote their puppies. There are also dedicated groups for German Shepherd breeders and owners in different sites. Visit rescue centers. I know. There is no assurance about the lineage of the puppies in rescues. However, if you are not after the lineage and blood origin of your soon-to-be pet, you might find a treasure in rescue centers. You will not only find a companion, but you will also save a soul. Check local classifieds. If nothing worked, you could try this as your last resort. You can scan through the printed ads or posters in your area which advertise puppies. Nonetheless, always be cautious in dealing with unknown breeders as they might be involved in puppy mill breeding. Final Thoughts Ensuring that the puppy we will bring to our home is raised in a desirable environment and well-trained is essential as it will tell what kind of behavior the puppy will develop. With the top ten German Shepherd breeders on our list, finding the best German Shepherd puppy for you is now easier. If you are really determined to own one, make sure that you are emotionally and financially ready as you are not just buying a plush toy — but a creature that is alive. Just a reminder! Always be careful in dealing with suspicious breeders. Always ask for the certificates and medical history to avoid being scammed. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. If you are someone who wants to pet or buy genuine German Shepherd and looking for top breeders in the United States, you are in the right place. After a deep research, we have handpicked one of the best German Shepherd breeders in the US who sale purebred German Shepherds. In order to make their German Shepherds social, confident, and human-friendly these breeders train and raise them in a family environment instead of mills and crates. In some cases it could exceed this range. It is assumed that she is the most expensive German Shepherd ever sold. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links. Tiltonhaus German Shepherds Tiltonhaus German Shepherds is a family — owned, fully licensed business. All their breeding stock have been DNA tested for several genetic diseases and their hips and elbows certified. Older puppies may be priced higher as training progresses. Location: Deer Park, WA. Their German Shepherd are thoroughly selected from the top European pedigrees. You can find world class German Shepherd puppies and professionally trained young protection dogs for family, law and enforcement, search and other businesses. You can order dogs online from VBH. It is offering services since , pioneers in this business. K-9 or K9 means Police Dogs, specifically trained to assist the members of security and law enforcement agencies. The have experience of over 22 years. You can buy German Shepherds online. Wustenberger Land Wustenberger Land K9s is globally recognized as one of the best German Shepherd breeders and trainers. You can find black German Shepherds as well. The young protection German Shepherds pricing vary depending on the level of training and title. The pricing is not revealed. You can contact them via the phone number and email given on the website. Top Shepherd Top Shepherd Kennel like other breeders is also a family-owned German Shepherd breeder having experience of more than 25 years. The prices of young protection dogs have not been displayed. You can contact them to find their prices. To find the ideal dog for you they ask to choose the type of dog while filling the inquiry form like what type of dog you want i. The prices are not given. You can contact them on Contact US Page by submitting an inquiry form to set an appointment. Regis Regal Regis Regal is also one of the leading German Shepherd breeders in the United States operating since , offers lifetime health guarantee for puppies. They have not revealed the prices of puppies and young dogs. You can inquire via email, phone number and contact form. It accepts all Credit Card payments. They train family protection dogs, police and dual purpose dogs. The VA stands for Vorzuglich Auslese, is the highest achievable award by a German show dog which is granted only at the annual Sieger Show. The prices of young dogs are not applicable. They accept payments in cash or through all major Credit Cards such as Mastercard, Visa etc. Their main goal is to breed a GSD that has the capacity to obtain the Schutzhund titles. They breed short-haired black and red German Shepherds for families and homes, occasionally they do have long-haired GSDs as well. They have not reveled the prices of puppies and dogs. For payments you can use Credit Card with PayPal. They are suitable for family protection, personal security, Schutzhund, search, guarding, seeing eye, etc. The pricing for puppies and dogs is not revealed. You can contact them via email address and contact number. Location: Howe Rd. Remember that some breeders provide lifetime health guarantee for their dogs. The pricing for puppies is different for different colors. They have experience of 25 years in raising German Shepherds. The PayPal payment method is also available. All their dogs are microchipped with an advanced pet identification number and retrieval system called HomeAgain. It helps to recover dogs in case they are lost. They ship all over the world. It provides large natural environment and world class facilities for German Shepherds which are rarely found in other breeders. They sell their dogs in four categories i. You can make a call to find the prices. Location: rd Ave. The prices of puppies and trained young dogs have not been revealed. You can contact them via phone number and email. Location: 11 Laurelwoods Dr. All their breeding dogs parents are OFA clear of Dysplasia. They are tall, have big heads, straight backs, thick bones and deep chests. They train their dogs for all purposes such as family companion, personal protection, search, sports, etc. All their dogs are AKC registered. In addition, they provide lifetime health guarantee for their puppies. Their puppies come in solid black, sable, black and tan, black and red, both short hair and long hair. It primarily focuses on producing family companion GSDs. They support PayPal and all major Credit Cards. Hope you would have liked our recommended GSD breeders. Share your feedback in the comments section below. Also Read. Sound in mind and body, strong, functional, intelligent, trainable, courageous, and resilient. These are the natural qualities that can only be realized through the incredible genetics of purebred German Shepherds. We only import the best-of-the-best. Certified champions straight from Germany! Due to his home being burglarized in , Wayne decided to train dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection. His untrained Staffordshire Bullterrier was unable to protect his home and he then decided to obtain a Rottweiler for protection. Wayne continued to train Rottweilers up until the early 90s where he purchased his first German Shepherd. He was raised along side German Shepherds which had a huge impact toward his love and respect for the breed. At Kraftwerk K9, we honor the history of the German Shepherd. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our Available Dog page!

Chihuahuas are toy breed dogs , and as such, they do not have large litters. Generally speaking, a Chihuahua will only produce one to three puppies in the first litter if healthy and well-bred. Much younger mothers may only deliver a smaller litter. How Long Is a Chihuahua Pregnant? The average gestation period is about 60 days , although it can be between days for each litter. The first trimester days Second trimester days Third trimester days In the first stage, a Chihuahua will start to show signs of pregnancy within three weeks after ovulation has occurred. During this period, she may be moody and vomit from morning sickness. Her tits may also become grander, and her nipples darker in color at this point as well. Though this is not advisable and should only be done by your vet, it could lead to an accidental miscarriage. The third stage of a Chihuahua pregnancy is when puppies become viable outside the womb with proper care. After 58 days gestation, they can survive if they are born early through a cesarean section or induced labor. They will need immediate medical attention to stay alive because they are incredibly vulnerable at that point. The period that a female is capable of getting pregnant in dogs is called the estrus cycle. There are no pregnancy signs during the first few days, either right after she comes into heat or before it starts. It is hard to tell whether a female dog is pregnant without an ultrasound. They will help with ultrasounds, nutrition counseling, and other health concerns as well. The more you know ahead of time, the better chances your Chihuahua has at a smooth pregnancy. Can Chihuahuas Give Birth on their Own? Chihuahuas require more attention and care than other breeds. A Chihuahua can give birth naturally or via a C-section, where vets often recommend the latter to reduce the risk of injury or death during labor due to their small size. Therefore, you should only breed your Chihuahua under veterinary supervision. Chihuahua Birth Complications Chihuahuas have a small uterus which makes it difficult for them to carry large litters without complication. If they have more than four or five puppies at once, there could be problems with the pregnancy and birthing process. Highlighted below are some of the main complications. An enlarged uterus is another result of the small uterus not holding enough puppies for full pregnancy. Chihuahuas are a very small breed of dog that can weigh up to six pounds and stand only about four inches at the shoulder when fully grown. Despite their tiny size, they can have puppies with relative ease compared to other breeds of dogs. The average Chihuahua will only have one litter in her lifetime, but some may be able to give birth multiple times if she was spayed too late. However, the size of your Chihuahua will not affect how many or what sex they produce during their breeding cycle. When Can a Chihuahua Get Pregnant? Chihuahuas can get pregnant when they are four months old, but this is not advisable. It is best to wait until they are over six months old as the risk of them having problems with their reproductive system increases if they become pregnant or give birth before this time. The answer to this question is yes. Generally speaking, there are no significant health risks in a small breed dog having puppies. It is, therefore, essential for chihuahua owners to keep a keen eye on the mother and the pups if they want them all to survive. It is nearly impossible for you to guess exactly how many puppies you will get from your pregnant Chihuahua. However, you can engage your vet, who will do an x-ray. 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. Red Blue The Labrahuahua will usually take on the coloration of the Labrador retriever parent over that of its Chihuahua parent. Chihuahuas can have natural markings such as a jacket, brindle, or spots. While it is rare for a Labrahuahua to have markings, you may come across a Lab Chihuahua mix that displays the markings of its Chihuahua parents. This means the Chihuahua genes are strong. Labrahuahuas notably have the thick, rounded ears similar to the Labrador retriever parent rather than the thinner pointy ears of the Chihuahua. The Labrahuahua is full of life, energy, and most importantly love. These dogs adore their humans and will do anything for a good, long snuggle any opportunity they get. They are incredibly affectionate with the people they are comfortable with. Labrahuahuas are wary of strangers and may bark quite a lot at them initially. However, as they get used to each other, the Labrahuahua will warm up to strangers quickly and go looking for love and cuddles. Unfortunately, the flip side of this is your Labrahuahua can be very needy and suffer when they are left alone for any period of time. You will need to put routines and training in place to avoid the onset of social anxiety in your Labrahuahua. The Chihuahua does not get along with other dog breeds or pets but will get along well with others of its own kind. The Labrador retriever gets along with just about anything that moves. Fortunately, the Labrahuahua does get along with other dogs provided it is socialized properly. Labrahuahuas are excellent companions for children. They are small and are therefore not intimidating, but they are not as dainty and snappy as Chihuahuas are. Labrahuahuas adore children and the endless fun they can provide through games, cuddles, and dropped snacks. Just like all other dog breeds and hybrid breeds, Labrahuahuas need individualized care. A careful look at the needs of Chihuahuas and Labrador retrievers can help you understand why your Labrahuahua needs the care it does. Grooming Owning a dog is a privilege, grooming that precious ball of fluff is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Coat Labrahuahuas have short coats; however, they are also fairly thick and dense. This means they need frequent brushing to loosen up the hair and prevent it from becoming compacted. Brushing them once a week should be sufficient. Labrahuahuas shed seasonally and will need additional brushing during their shedding time. If they are not being brushed often enough, they will become itchy and may develop sores on their bodies from scratching, or compacted fur pulling on the skin. A silicone brush can be used to gently grab the loose hair in the coat and massage the skin at the same time to promote healthy oil production. A deshedding brush is handy to use as well as it will help your Labrahuahua shed during their seasonal shedding time. Your Labrahuahua will need a bath every three to four months, depending on how dirty they get and how frequently you keep up with their grooming. Nails On top of all the brushing and bathing, your Labrahuahua may need its nails trimmed once every three months to keep them short, functional, and healthy. This may increase in frequency as your Labrahuahua gets older and is less active. Teeth The last item on the grooming list is teeth brushing. Chihuahuas frequently suffer from periodontal disease because of the small size of their skulls. Exercise Labrador retrievers and Chihuahuas are both active dogs that need a lot of physical exercise. Your Labrahuahua needs one hour of exercise a day broken up into three minute sessions. Exercise can come in the form of running around, going on hikes, playing games, training, and doing obstacle courses. Labrahuahuas are fairly clever dogs. Both parent breeds are intelligent and need a substantial amount of stimulation everyday to prevent them from becoming bored. Nutrition Chihuahuas and Labrador retrievers need different kinds of nutrition owing to the difference in the size and needs of their bodies. However, supplying your Labrahuahua with a healthy, well-rounded , balanced diet is fairly simple. Check out our article dedicated to the 10 best natural dog foods. The Labrahuahua has a few health issues to be concerned about and these come from the parent breeds. However, Labrahuahuas will be healthier than either parent as they are more genetically diverse because they are a hybrid breed. The major health concerns you should be aware of are luxating patellas, elbow and hip dysplasia, eye issues, and heart conditions. Patella luxation is common in Chihuahuas and other smaller dog breeds. If your Labrahuahua is on the smaller side, this could be a problem. Labrador retrievers frequently suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia as do many other large dog breeds. If your Labrahuahua is on the larger side, this could be a potential problem. Entropion is an eye disease. Labrahuahuas are likely to suffer from entropion as both parent breeds commonly suffer from it. Like entropion, both parent breeds often suffer from heart conditions such as cardiomyopathy and mitral valve disease. Therefore, this is a common problem seen in Labrahuahuas. The best way to protect your Labrahuahua is by being proactive with yearly vet visits. Taking your dog to the vet every year is a necessity as they need vaccine boosters and yearly physical check-ups. Your vet will be able to tell you if anything is wrong as your dog ages. This is because the process of breeding is a lot more hands-on and breeders involved than other hybrid dog breeds, such as a Chiweenie, where both parent breeds are small. Before purchasing your Labrahuahua from a breeder, make sure you do your homework on the breeder. There are many backyard breeders or puppy mills that have very poor breeding practices and pass themselves off as reputable breeders. You should be able to go and meet the breeder, view their breeding stock, and meet the puppies before you purchase your puppy from them. Look for online reviews or even speak to previous customers. Can I find Labrahuahuas at an animal shelter? Do Labrahuahuas get along with other pets? Fortunately, Labrahuahuas take after their Labrador retriever parent in this regard. Labrahuahuas get along fairly well with other household pets such as cats, other dogs, and even large reptiles. It is important to socialize and train your Labrahuahua from an early age as to what is and what is not appropriate behavior around your other pets to ensure a happy home life and harmony among all your furry, feathered, and scaly friends. Will my Labrahuahua bark a lot? Labradors do their fair share of barking when trying to alert their owners to something they see, hear, or smell. Unfortunately, the Labrahuahua can go either way in terms of barking frequency. Check out our article dedicated to correcting bad barking behavior to help you keep your Labrahuahua from bothering the neighbors at all hours. As a hybrid dog, the Labrahuahua can land anywhere on the spectrum between either of its parent breeds. This is a guide on the average Labrahuahua, always remember that hybrids are unique and will be different in personality and looks, even among puppies from the same litter. Temperament: Playful, loving and independent. Chihuahua Poodle Mix Appearance A Chihuahua Poodle mix is a small, lightweight dog that you can carry around with you. Those who inherit more Chihuahua will be long and slender. Whereas those with more Poodle in them with be shorter and chunkier. Their eyes can be light or dark and their noses are usually brown or black. They walk and run with a real spring in their step. Height and Weight Males stand between inches tall and weigh between pounds. Females stand between inches and weigh between pounds. So as you can guess this mix is no different. Black, white, grey, and many shades of brown are all possible fur colors. They may be all one color, or a mix of two or three different ones. Their fur is medium length and can be styled to your fancy. While letting your pup hitch a ride in your bag can be fun, it is important that even the tiniest dogs get time on their feet to walk. The Chihuahua originated in Mexico, while the Poodle is a European breed. The mix is thought to have begun in the United States. Chihuahua Poodle mixes are safer for owners with dog allergies due to their minimal shedding. The Poodle is one of the smartest dogs there is and all Poodle mixes are renowned for this intelligence. They makes cute and cuddly lap dogs and love to be carried or held. As it is very easy to spoil them rotten they can develop a bossy streak. They will spend their day following you around right at your heels. Even as they grow up they never lose the curiosity and playful behavior of puppyhood. Every day is a big adventure for this lovable little pooch. They are surprisingly independent for a toy breed and do not mind spending time alone. These playful pups will keep themselves and their owners amused with all kinds of tricks. Just about anything will keep them entertained. Their energy comes in quick bursts and they enjoy short play sessions throughout the day. Both parent breeds are known for being very chatty dogs so you will likely hear a lot of yapping from your mix. Reducing excessive barking whilst they are a puppy should be a priority. These dogs will eagerly socialize with their family but can be shy and anxious around strangers. This anxiety will lead to much more barking and yapping. Keeping your pup close by your side while you take them out to socialize will help them feel much more comfortable. They tend to be very suspicious of other pets but will get along with other toy dogs with similar personalities. Never keep one with a large dog or an especially pushy breed. Young children are often too noisy and rambunctious for these delicate dogs to handle. These delicate pooches can snap or bite if handled roughly. Owners should be able to keep up with its bursts of wild energy throughout the day. These dogs are not at all difficult to care for and are in fact easier than other toy breeds. Housetraining and finding the right diet are the biggest challenges of the breed. Exercise Requirements A Chihuahua mixed with Poodle will keep its youthful energy throughout their life. When they want to walk or play they will bark and tear around the house until you take them out. They will need short walks a day — each walk should be about 10 minutes each. Your dog should be on leash while walking. When they are tired they will wait patiently for you to pick them up. For the rest of the day you should let them burn their energy as necessary. You can teach them how to jump small hurdles and catch a ball. Your dog will be happy playing indoors or out, so long as they have enough space. Giving them their own play room in your house is a good idea. Number of Walks Per Day: .Total Exercise Needed Per Day: 45 minutes. Feeding and Diet Finding a nutritious diet to a small dog can be very difficult. It is easy to give them too much or too little dog food. These formulas are packed with all of the nutrients your little pup needs to fuel their day. Split one cup of kibble a day into two half cup meals. A good small breed formula will be packed with protein and have very little carbs and fats. It should have a high vitamin content and no extra fillers or additives. This leads to weepy or crusty eyes, redness and irritation. Dogs that suffer from this chronically will need their tear ducts flushed every few months. With little planning ahead you could get reimbursed for every vet bill from now on! The best way to determine the type of coat your puppy is to check out the parents. Toy Labradoodle Temperament Similar to appearance, the temperament of mixed breeds can be a mashup of both breeds. However, in this case, both parents are responsive, playful dogs that make wonderful family companions. The Labrador, in particular, is famously friendly and outgoing. These affectionate dogs bond easily with all family members and get along with everyone, including other dogs. Miniature Poodles can be a bit aloof around strangers and other dogs. But will be loyal and loving to their family. This breed is highly touted for their keen intelligence and trainability. Combining two such spirited breeds is sure to create high-energy offspring. Toy Labradoodles require regular exercise and playtime with those they love. These smart little dogs are capable of learning when as young as 8 to 10 weeks of age. Even dogs that are not necessarily prone to aggression or other unwanted behaviors act up. You should always use positive reinforcement training methods to train any dog. Exercising Your Toy Labradoodle Despite their smaller size, toy Labradoodles come from two very active, working breeds. Physical activities such as walking, running in the yard, and playing games are important. And so is mental stimulation to avoid boredom. Especially, in hot, humid weather. Toy Labradoodle Lifespan Labradors have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, Miniature Poodles from 10 to 18 years. Small dogs tend to live a bit longer. But you can expect a toy Labradoodle to live anywhere from 10 to 18 years. Toy Labradoodle Health As a designer dog, the toy Labradoodle is at risk of the same possible health conditions that affect both parents. And when looking for a puppy, make sure the breeder regularly tests for any genetic health problems in both parents. With the toy Labradoodle, you should look out for several potential health problems. For instance, Labradors and Poodles are both genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia. This condition is characterized by abnormal formation of the hip socket and causes the hip joint to deteriorate over time leading to arthritis. Another one is Progressive retinal atrophy PRA , a leading hereditary cause of blindness in dogs. The degenerative disease starts with night blindness. Eventually, resulting in the complete inability to see. And unfortunately, PRA affects both breeds. Labrador Health Concerns Other health conditions that affect the Labrador include hereditary myopathy gastric dilation more commonly known as bloat. This includes orthopedic disorders like patella luxation or dislocation of the patella. In addition, Legg-Calve-Perthes occurs when the head of the femur bone spontaneously degenerates. Toy Labradoodle Grooming and Feeding Requirements Grooming requirements will depend on the type of coat your toy Labradoodle has inherited. Typically, curlier coats require more grooming to prevent matting. Plus, they may also need to be clipped by a professional groomer once a month or so. Regardless of coat type, you should brush your toy Labradoodle at least once or twice a week. Some toy Labradoodles shed a lot. Especially, during shedding season. Toy Labradoodles should be fed high-quality food suitable for their age and size. Toy Labradoodles are generally good-tempered, loyal dogs who love to play. But can be too exuberant to have around young children. As these dogs are usually intelligent and trainable. Of course, this is provided they get enough exercise and attention. Toy Labradoodles may be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Rescuing a Toy Labradoodle Since Labradoodles are such a popular hybrid breed, many shelters are dedicated to them. Unfortunately, if a dog is in great demand, unethical breeders see this as an opportunity to make some fast money. And often, health problems and temperamental issues are associated with bad breeding practices. And sadly, many of these dogs wind up in shelters. They may just need some extra time and tender loving care. Adopting an older toy Labradoodle allows you to see exactly what the dog looks like. And luckily, toy Labradoodles retain their puppy cuteness throughout life. Finding a Toy Labradoodle Puppy The popularity of mixed breeds and miniaturized versions of them continues to soar. It cannot be overstated how important it is to find a good breeder. Pet stores and online ads that will send you a puppy sight unseen should be avoided at all costs. In almost all cases, these dogs almost always come from puppy mills. Here, they live in dirty, cramped conditions receiving sub-par food and very little veterinary care. A reputable breeder will always put the welfare of their dogs ahead of profit. Make sure they can provide documentation proving their breeding stock has been tested and cleared for genetic health conditions. A reputable breeder will readily provide this. Cons Prone to serious health conditions Needs a lot of exercise for a small dog May suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too much Likely to shed Can be too rambunctious for families with young children. Pros All the lovable aspects of a Labradoodle, but in a smaller package Sociable with people and pets Intelligent and highly trainable Make wonderful companions for active people. Toy Labradoodle Rescues Choosing to rescue a toy Labradoodle instead of buying a puppy is a wonderful idea. Active and needs lots of exercises History Of The Breed The labradoodle has been around since the s as a mix of the Labrador retriever and a full-size poodle. This breed was developed to create dogs with the loyalty, intelligence, and trainability of the Labrador retriever, with the low shedding coat of the poodle. The loyalty and high intelligence of poodles made them a great personality match for a Lab as well. Despite being bred as companion dogs, standard poodles are actually pretty big. They are at least 15 inches tall and can weigh anywhere from 45 to 70 pounds. When you combine that with a Labrador, which is inches tall and can weigh 70 pounds, you get a pretty big dog. They tend to be around inches tall and can weigh pounds. They are dogs that take up quite a bit of space! Of course, you can get a smaller labradoodle by breeding a Lab with a miniature or a toy poodle. This is not as easy to do as there can be a huge size difference between the pure-bred parents, but some breeders have been working for several generations to gradually reduce the size of their labradoodle pups. Mini Labradoodle Appearance There is still quite a bit of size difference between the miniature Labradoodles that you can get from a breeder; they can weigh anything from 15 to 30 pounds, and most will measure somewhere between 14 and 16 inches tall. The appearance of miniature Labradoodles can be more predictable than that of standard Labradoodles as they are usually bred from two labradoodle parents, rather than directly from the parent breeds. They will almost certainly have the low-shedding coat of a poodle since this is one of the principal traits that is controlled for. They could have a wool coat that needs daily brushing to release hair that gets caught up in the wiry texture or a fleece coat that is wavy. These may shed slightly more, but this coat is easy to care for. They can vary significantly in color since poodles come in a variety of colors, unlike Labradors which are yellow, black, or chocolate. They can be apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver-beige, or white. They may also be bicolor, though this is relatively rare. Temperament Labradoodles are highly intelligent dogs. Both Labradors and poodles are considered among the most intelligent breeds and can learn a new command with as few as five repetitions. Their offspring will certainly inherit this intelligence. Labradors are also highly trainable because they are eager to please and love having something to do! They are also reward-driven. This means that mini Labradoodles will be highly trainable as well. Both parent breeds love people and tend to form tight attachments with their families quickly. They are also pretty relaxed with strangers and are more likely to want to make friends than raise the alarm when someone shows up at the door. This is one of the reasons that they make excellent guide dogs or other working dogs. You should always pay attention when your miniature labradoodle starts barking. They can be a bit more standoffish with other pets, but socialization from a young age can teach them to make friends. You should take the time to introduce new pets into the home and let them get to know each other from a distance first when dealing with these dogs. Because both parent breeds love being around people, so do their miniature Lab children. They can become highly stressed and even develop depression. It is also common for them to become destructive when they feel frustrated. Since they are highly intelligent pups, they need a lot of mental stimulation. Teaching them tricks can be a great way to activate their minds, and puzzle toys can keep them distracted for a while, though they tend to figure things out pretty quickly. Be warned that they are also excellent escape artists, so all escape routes from the house need to be secured. Labradoodles love children and instinctively know how to be careful and protective of them. Of course, you should never leave children unattended with any dog for the safety of both, but a miniature labradoodle will love playing with kids, and the two high-energy forces can work to wear one another out. Activity Levels Despite their smaller size, miniature Labradoodles need almost as much exercise as their larger labradoodle cousins. They need at least an hour of active exercise each day, preferably split into two 30 minute periods. In addition to formal exercise, they do best when they have some outdoor space at home that they can potter around in and use to let off a bit of energy throughout the day. Nothing will make these dogs happier than accompanying the family on hikes and other adventures. Thanks to their Lab parent they also love the water and tend to be excellent swimmers. Health Concerns A miniature labradoodle may live as little as 10 or as long as 18 years, which can be very difficult to predict, but you should expect your canine companion to be with you for quite some time. While they are generally healthy dogs, they can be predisposed to a few health conditions that pet parents should be aware of. The first is gastric dilation, which is basically bloating. Gaining weight can be an immediate sign of this, but it wreaks havoc with many of their systems. This is another good reason to watch what you feed them, and consult your vet about relevant medication. These collapses can be life-threatening, so it is important to monitor your dog during exercise and rein them in if they show any sign of muscle weakness or lack of coordination. Consult your vet for long-term treatment. This can also be a sign of centronuclear myopathy, which is not unknown in this breed. Hip dysplasia can be another common issue, which is exacerbated if you overexercise your dog as a puppy. Restrict exercise until they are fully grown to ensure against abnormal growth. Eye conditions including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are also pretty common, but most breeders should be screening for this. How To Find A Mini Labradoodle Puppy Labradoodles are a popular breed, so there are many active breeders, but finding one who specializes in miniature Labradoodles can be more challenging. Thankfully, there is a big community that loves this type of dog so there are many forums where you can ask around and get advice. Having read our guide to the miniature labradoodle, are you considering whether you should adopt one? Consider the following to make your final decision. This can lead to destructive frustration and serious depression. They do best in households when there is nearly always someone about, or when they can go to work with you. Their good behavior and low shedding mean that they are good dogs to take with you to other places. You also need to take the time to train these dogs, as they need lots of mental stimulation to keep them entertained. Are you willing to commit the time to their development? Despite their small size, these are high-energy dogs. As well as formal exercise, they will love joining you on weekend adventures and would rather be on the trail than sitting in front of the TV watching Netflix with you. Do you have the type of lifestyle that your dog will enjoy? Do You Have Kids? Miniature labradoodles are great with kids and they know how to both be protective and play gently. The key is to teach children how to treat dogs gently as well. They might not be the best fit for very young families just because they have lots of energy and need lots of attention. It can be a challenge to juggle the needs of young children and an energetic young pup at the same time. There are, however, lots of things to look out for to make sure these pups stay healthy and happy. They will bark during play or if they want to get your attention, but excessive barking is uncommon and is normally something that you should pay attention to. Do labradoodles chew furniture? Find our recommendations for the best puppy chew toys here. Can mini labradoodles be left alone? These dogs should not be left at home repeatedly for long workdays, though. These dogs do best when they have company for most of the day. Do labradoodles bond with one person? All dogs have a tendency to bond more strongly with one person than everyone else. This is usually their principal caregiver, but they have big hearts with room for everyone in the family, plus most of the strangers they meet. The miniature labradoodle is a smaller version of the original labradoodle that can do better in smaller family homes; however, they still have the same high energy and need at least some outdoor space to call their own. If you have always wanted a labradoodle, but resisted adopting one because of its size, the miniature labradoodle might be exactly the dog you are looking for. Do you have experience with miniature Labradoodles? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. However there are two different ways breeders are breeding the Mini Labradoodle. Some have Toy Labradoodles. These two smaller sizes of Labradoodles are achieved sometimes by surgical insemination or artificial insemination, but not all breeders perform this method of breeding. The resulting puppies may or may not be miniature in size. The theory is that they will be somewhere in between the Miniature Poodle's size and the Labrador Retriever's size. Some breeders are producing a much smaller Labradoodle by adding in a third breed. By first downsizing the adult breeding female Labrador Retriever, some breeders have crossed a Labrador Retriever with a Cocker Spaniel to produce a smaller dog. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in any breed. Ask the breeder you contact which method of breeding they used to produce the Mini Labradoodle. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Height, Weight Standard: Height 22 - 24 inches 53 - 60 cm Standard: Weight Females 45 - 60 pounds 20 - 27 kg Male 55 - 77 pounds 25 - 35 kg Miniature: Height 17 - 22 inches 44 - 56 cm Miniature: Weight 30 - 50 pounds 14 - 25 kg Males being larger than females. There are a few different ways breeders are producing Labradoodles. This is not the best cross for people with severe allergies. The resulting dog is smart and confident and is gaining popularity thanks to its high trainability and low-shedding coat. In this guide, we will study everything you need to know about this gorgeous designer dog breed. What is a Chi-Poo? As the name indicates, these cute small dogs with soft wavy hair are obtained by mixing a Miniature or Toy Poodle with a Chihuahua. A Chipoo or Chidoodle may be a small dog but it is cute, smart, loyal, and highly protective of the people it loves. Origins Every breed of dog, even the ChiPoo, has wolves as its ancestors. Humans started domesticating and training wolves nearly 14, years ago. Mostly, people wanted animals to do various jobs and, over the years, they bred different species of wolves which created different dog breeds. The Chihuahua breed originated in Mexico and is one of the ancient dog breeds known to exist since the time of the Toltec tribes. Aztec paintings depict the Chihuahuas as much larger and heavier. Soon the Aztecs started breeding smaller and smaller Chihuahuas and even considered them as their treasure. Today, the smart Poodle is ranked second in the list of most intelligent dog breeds and is also extremely popular due to its hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat. In the s, the demand for cross-breed or designer dogs increased when the first hybrid dog- a Labradoodle — was created by crossing a Poodle with a Labrador Retriever. People loved the Labradoodle for its high intelligence and low-shedding coat. Soon dog lovers were demanding smaller cross-breed dogs. The exact origin of the Chi-Poo is unclear but it might have been existing for nearly 3 decades. Chi-Poo Physical Attributes Chipoo owners are curious to find out how big a Chipoo will get when they first bring home this sweet pup. Chidoodles are not purebred dogs so there are no standards as far as their physical attributes are concerned. Most ChiPoos weigh between 5 and 20 lb. They measure between 5 and 15 inches .Chidoodles have medium coats which can be straight, soft, long, short, or curly. The coat colours seen in the designer breed are cream, white, brown, black, brindle, silver, grey, blue, merle and fawn. Chi-Poos will need different frequencies of grooming based on the kind of coat they inherit. In general, you might want to brush your dog every days and wash or bathe it once a month. Is the Chipoo hypoallergenic? Like most Poodle mixes, the Chipoo sheds a lot less than the average dog breed. Therefore, if an individual is highly allergic to pets, then even the supposedly hypoallergenic Chi-Poo or any Poodle mix for that matter could still trigger an allergic reaction in them. Chi-Poo Temperament and Personality Chidoodles are known to be very smart like their Poodle parent although the Chihuahua is also quite bright. They are confident, highly trainable, and assertive dogs; sometimes overly so. This can hinder training so they need a consistent and experienced dog owner who will show them how to behave appropriately by rewarding their good behaviour. ChiPoos are sure to make excellent pets for families with slightly older children. It is important to understand that these small dogs are quite fragile so it is best not to have very boisterous kids playing roughly around them. Chidoodles make excellent lapdogs. This makes them ideal pets for elderly people but they still need a walk or two every day. This is important to prevent obesity in these small dogs. Are Chipoos yappy? Since Poodles and Chihuahuas are both very reactive and tend to bark at everything in their surroundings, the Chidoodles are also quite the barkers. You might find your little dog barking at every sight or sound. To curb this barking habit, you must train your dog to only bark on cue. You also need to desensitize and socialize your little pet to various experiences from an early age. This is very important to prevent separation anxiety , fear, and other behavioural issues in your Chipoo. Are Chi-Poos aggressive? Like their Chihuahua parent, Chi-Poos can have a wide range of personalities. Like terrier breeds, some Chipoos are in-your-face aggressive but others could be shy or timid. In general, aggression is not an inherent trait in the Chidoodle breed and, as such, must be nipped in the bud. No dog owner must tolerate aggression and must use training, socializing, and desensitization to ensure that their ChiPoo puppy turns out to be a friendly, loving adult dog with a sound temperament. The rates are not standardized or regulated so you will find a lot of variation. In addition to considering your Chi-Poo puppy price, you must also consider the lifetime costs that come with dog ownership. What is the Best Food for a Chipoo? Like all dogs, your Chipoo needs a balanced diet consisting of proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. You can choose between high-quality kibble or go in for canned or wet food. In general, kibble may be a better choice since, like all small dogs, the Chi-Poo is prone to dental issues. Kibble with the proper texture can help eliminate plaque and tartar to some extent although your pet will also need daily oral care. You can divide this into 2 or 3 smaller meals although puppies will need at least 4 meals. This is important to prevent digestive issues in your young pet while it is still adjusting to the new surroundings. As your dog passes through different life stages, discuss with your vet the right diet to feed it. Some Chi-Poos are known to have food sensitivities so you may have to choose hypoallergenic dog food or special prescription diets to prevent symptoms. How Long Does a Chipoo Live? What are the Common Health Issues in the Breed? ChiPoos are known to have a lifespan of nearly years. The breed is quite healthy but, like all designer dogs, there is a chance that it inherits afflictions commonly seen in the parent breeds. From time to time, the following health issues are seen in Chidoodles: Idiopathic epilepsy — Since Poodles are known to suffer from idiopathic epilepsy, your Chipoo could inherit this disease. It is characterized by seizures, often without a cause. Luxating patella — Both Chihuahuas and Poodles are known to have this issue. It causes the knee cap to pop out of its normal position causing lameness. Legg-Calve Perthes disease — This results in the degeneration of the femoral head. Hypoglycemia — this condition is seen in Chihuahuas. It causes low blood sugar which can lead to lethargy or dizziness in the affected dogs. Tracheal collapse — this condition is also seen in Chihuahuas and it causes shortness of breath and a permanent honking cough. To minimize the chances of your having to deal with these health issues, only buy your ChiPoo from a reputable breeder. Good breeders conduct appropriate health checks on their parent dogs and only breed ones that have received the appropriate health clearances. Subscribe for free poodle mix breed information and exclusive offers on the best products for your pup! Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this. They are usually low shedding, and incredibly personable due to their history as service animals. Chihuahua One such dog that is destined for a different role in life is the Chihuahua. This tiny breed has become a huge hit historically, due to its small size and feisty yet affectionate charm. Discovered in the 19th century, the Chihuahua descends from a once common but now extinct breed of dog that served as companions to the Toltec people. The Techichi was a Mexican breed that has been made reference to across the country and was said to greatly resemble their modern counterpart in both size and shape. Nowadays Chihuahuas are known as one of the smallest breeds on the market, making them an ideal fit for life in living situations that err on the cramped side. They come in both a deer-head or, apple-head skull conformation, each with a distinctive look giving the breed some variety and prospective owners some additional breed-specific choice. Is the Labradoodle Chihuahua an Ethical Cross? While not impossible as Labradors and Chihuahuas have been crossed previously , the insemination process is in questionable ethical territory. This is due to the fact that the Labrador is so much bigger than the Chihuahua, making natural insemination impossible. Of course — your opinion will depend on which way your moral compass sways — however, it is a fact that achieving this breed must be an act that is closely monitored, from artificial insemination through to pregnancy and whelping. Due to an increased risk of complications arising from the physical incompatibility issues, it is crucial that a keen eye is placed on the puppies and the mother, to ensure both are happy and healthy throughout the process. As this is a rare breed, there is no official name. Therefore, we will be drawing direct inspiration from closely related breed names. In this instance, we feel the name best representing all three breeds is the Labra Chi-Poo! Luckily, the Labradoodle mix makes for a more rugged dog all in all. With a compromise made on a slightly larger dog which may be a bonus for some! Another pro on the resilience front is the health of the breed. It is commonly known that crossbreeds are typically very healthy dogs, as the mixing of DNA reduces the chance of inherited diseases and negates the impact of those who do still encounter the issues. This vigor in the health department should come as a great relief to Chihuahua lovers all around, as they are prone to illnesses on top of the risk of physical injury — meaning vet bills can quickly start to pile up. The Labra Chi-Poo can be a healthy and rugged dog, making it a great choice for those of you anticipating some rough and tumble with your new furry friend. The Labra Chi-Poo is not without faults of its own, and it is important you know these when considering investing. One of the first issues is barking. Chihuahuas are loud by nature. Partly due to their size, and partly due to their aggressive demeanor — you would be shocked at the racket these little dogs can make. While the mixed temperament of the Labradoodle should quell any incessant barking otherwise present, you should still expect your dog to be making a bit of noise from time to time. While not a disadvantage for some, the higher endurance of this dog does mean it will have much more energy than your typical lap dog. The Labradoodle loves to explore and play, and it is a dead guarantee that this active lifestyle will be translated to your new pup. This of course means you will need to factor in more time than usual to ensure this little dog is sufficiently sated in the exercise department — a dealbreaker for those looking for a low-maintenance pet to come home to. But what can you expect from the Labra Chi-Poo? Because of the disparity of the mixed breeds physically, a lot of this information is guesswork, however, what we can do is give you an informed estimate of the sort of dog you will be buying should you decide this breed is the perfect choice for you! Neither are huge dogs, to begin with, however, so this dog is bound to be on the smaller side when compared to other breeds. A good approximate weight is 10lbslbs. Again — a good middle ground mediating between the Chihuahua and Labradoodles. You have two heavy shedding breeds in this mix — and while the Poodle is very common among designer dog breeders for their low-shedding coat, you may find that this dog still leaves its fair share of residual hair. Colouring will be your basic single color white, cream, fawn, chocolate, or gold. These are again typical colorations of both Labradors and Chihuahuas, so you are all but guaranteed a monochromatic dog. Maintenance With a shorter coat, it is matting and tangles that will pose the most problems when it comes to maintenance. The advantage of a shorter coat is that the Labra Chi-Poo will not be at risk of fast-growing hair and the hazards that it may pose — however hygiene is still key. While resilient, these little dogs are not immune to the wear and tear of everyday life, and as such you should be brushing a couple of times a week and taking your four-legged friend to the groomers every weeks to ensure there is no grime build-up or other maintenance-related issues that can cause problems down the line. Health Health problems include common issues such as luxating patellas and hip dysplasia. These are present in this breed despite that cross-breeding vigor, and as such any limping, or movement impairments should be seen to post-haste. As well as this, if you have a mix with an apple-head Chihuahua, the eyes are at an increased risk of infection. Dry eye and Entropion, as well as cataracts and glaucoma in old age, are all worth keeping tabs on down the line. Temperament Highly intelligent, extremely loyal, sassy, and feisty is the sort of personality traits you can expect from your Labra Chi-Poo. While more laid back than other small dogs, they are always looking for things to do and engage with, and so they should be kept stimulated with toys and activities to play with. Their intelligence makes training rather easy, and if socialized early they can be very friendly and happy dogs, however with both children and other dogs you will need to keep an eye on your pup — as their hot-headedness can get them into all sorts of mischief! Exercise Needs and Feeding Requirements This breed will require minutes of exercise a day, and if you are planning on achieving this through walks, it would be advised you take frequent breaks, or split the walk into morning and evening to give your dog time to rest its body. Food-wise 1 cup of dry food will suffice in keeping your dog on a healthy and balanced diet. Again, this may need to be split into two to allow time to digest properly. Conclusion As far as crosses go — this one is pretty out there. Crossing the crown jewel of companion dogs with the most notorious hothead seems like an odd pairing whatever way you cut it, however, the resulting pup will have the lovability and eccentric energy to will keep you entertained all day long! But for some, the Labra may be a sticking point. If this is the case — fear not, as the Goldendoodle Chihuahua mix might just be the perfect dog for you!

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. While both make wonderful family pets, the improved health and longevity of the English Cream Goldens has earned them a special place in our hearts, and we want to give you a chance to enjoy the boundless love and companionship these amazing dogs have to offer. All Golden Retrievers are descended from a line originally bred in Scotland in the late 's, and they come in a spectrum of colors ranging from pale cream to golden red. The other nicknames are used by Americans to differentiate the American Goldens from those bred to conform to the European breed standards. In addition to their distinctive pale cream coat, the European standards typically produce Goldens with a blockier head, slightly shorter frame, and a more mellow temperament than their American counterparts. We love the English Cream Goldens for their striking good looks and gentle, intelligent and eager-to-please disposition. This generally affords them longer, healthier lives and is most likely due to the greater genetic diversity among the European bloodlines. Our emphasis when breeding is on optimal health and temperament of our puppies. European bloodlines provide greater genetic diversity for improved health and longevity. Our golden retrievers and their puppies are raised with love as pets and family members. Besides a gorgeous coat and sweet eyes, an English Cream Golden Retriever puppy is perfect for any family, small or large. Your puppy will be loving, sweet, friendly, good with kids and other pets, and adaptive to many situations. Whether you want to have a pet for your children or for yourself, an English Cream Golden Retriever is right for you. Why Choose Our Puppies? When you want a healthy and happy puppy for your home, look no further than West Coast Cream Goldens. We pride ourselves on breeding only healthy puppies ready for any home. While the puppies are with us, they receive regular health checks by a vet, as well as crate training, potty training with a dog door, and socialization with other dogs and people in our household. We look forward to providing you with a wonderful puppy you can love for years to come! Our Girls are Champions as well! They emotes style, heavy bone, gorgeous head. My girls are the total package! Our English cream golden retriever puppies have loving and calm temperaments, square boxy heads, regal conformation and keen intelligence, and should have beautiful and flowing white coats. They are well socialized. We grate train and potty trained using doggy door. All puppies will go to their new families vaccinated, wormed, and with a health guarantee. If you live too far away to pick up your new companion in person, shipping is an option at additional cost. We look forward to sharing with you the happiness that this truly marvelous breed has brought to our lives. AKC limited reg. Share this:.

Located in beautiful Southern California, we strive to breed superior quality family dogs that will not only make great companions and protectors for your family but that also represent the German Shepherd breed well with the exceptional temperament the breed is known and loved for worldwide. We breed only top German V and VA bloodlines that possess superior health and temperament through generations of hip and elbow certified and temperament tested dogs. Additionally all of our dogs are tested for Degenerative Myelopathy to be sure we are producing puppies safe from this disease. Additionally all of our dogs are DNA tested Clear for the MDR1 gene that can cause mild to severe reactions to a variety of medications. Please visit our testimonials page to read review from many of our clients through the years. Also be sure to visit our Dogs For Sale page to see retired females and males we currently have available to the right homes. Check back often as we are always updating photos of our available puppies. With keeping a small number of dogs we have time to give plenty of love and individual attention to them and the puppies when we have them. Our dogs are not kept in kennels, they live with us as part of our family, with room to roam outside on our one acre property and a warm spot inside to sleep. All puppies are raised inside our home in a clean and healthy environment. All whelpings are supervised by us and assisted as needed to ensure the best start and to protect the health of the mother and her puppies. All puppies are well socialized with small children, cats and our other dogs. Temperament is very important to us, our breeding dogs have wonderful temperaments that they pass on to their puppies. Puppies are temperament tested so that we can help you to find the perfect fit for your family and your needs. We actively show our dogs on the local, national and international level thereby striving to breed dogs of quality bloodlines and structure that adhere to the German SV standard for the German Shepherd dog. We make every effort to continue to learn and to improve our bloodlines by importing dogs of superior quality with top German VA bloodlines to bring you the highest and best quality puppy for you and your family to enjoy. Our hope as breeders is that we can provide the best quality German Shepherd puppy with an outstanding temperament that will in turn make a lasting impression on you and your family like they have in ours. I have so many customers that have been lifelong fans of the German Shepherd, that have grown up with German Shepherds and long for that companionship again with the dog of their childhood. I look forward to providing the dog of your dreams to you and your family! Call today to begin your future with a great German Shepherd Dog of your own. Call or email for an appointment to visit us and to meet our dogs and puppies. We breed to the world standard and concentrate on the working ability and structure of the the German Shepherd breed. Our trained driver can transport your German Shepherd to our kennels for puppy purchases, dog training or dog boarding. Trust that your German Shepherd will be transported with care: our driver is knowledgeable about the breed, trained in dog handling and transport, and our transporting service is bonded and insured. This service is exclusive to Nadelhaus purchased German Shepherds. We do not transport dogs that were not purchased or imported through Nadelhaus. Pricing below are estimates only. Our transportation services are generally limited to Northern California, but we encourage you to contact us with any inquiries for your location or for a price quote. Join and learn directly from Nadelhaus founder Traci Needles, who has over 25 years of experience breeding and training German Shepherds. Over 50 videos on the following topics covering German Shepherd puppies, housebreaking, crate training, obedience, feeding, grooming, wellness, and much more. New videos are added every month. We couldn't be happier with our Nadelhaus Shepherd. Traci picked the perfect dog for my family. Great disposition, physically healthy, and structurally put together like a true German Shepherd quality dog should be. Can't say enough about the ongoing support from Nadelhaus. Love you Traci! Her temperament and size is perfect! We have had other German Shepherds in past but I honestly have to say she is a miracle!! Sweetest German Shepherd ever!! Our little Leo is a delight. He slept all the way home in the car, is loving doing his business in the garden already! Last night was a little rough for us. We all slept but you know how that goes. Leo will learn and we will all adjust. We'll be in touch when we have questions, but just wanted to thank you again. We continue to use Traci for boarding and training. She is an invaluable source. He is absolutely one of the most beautiful things I have seen in my life. In addition to being absolutely gorgeous, he has amazing temperament and is a hit with kids and adults. He is our own nanny dog! We are so glad we went with Nadelhaus, and will definitely go back to Traci for our next pup. We are in love with the breed and the amazing Nadelhaus pups! We are a two-hour drive from the North Bay and nearly a 3-hour drive from San Francisco. Our customers come from all over including Sacramento, the Central Valley, the Bay Area, Southern California, and even from out of state. Not only do we breed German Shepherd puppies, we offer puppy and dog training , dog boarding , and can import fully-trained German Shepherds. What is the price to buy a Nadelhaus German Shepherd puppy? Our Puppy Application page will provide you with more information on the application, deposit, and matching process. Once you have read through these steps, you can click through to the application form and view the prices for both Nadelhaus German Shepherd puppies as well as import German Shepherd puppies. If I buy a Nadelhaus German Shepherd puppy, can you ship it to me? If you are not able to pick your puppy up from our facility in Northern California, we can ship a puppy to you. Shipping rates vary by location and include a health certificate vet visit, transportation costs, and an airline approved crate. Contact us for shipping details. Will my puppy have its shots and vaccines? Puppies need a series of vaccinations throughout their first year of life. All of our puppies receive their vaccinations and are de-wormed to the date of pick-up. They are vet checked at six weeks old. Once a puppy is picked up from Nadelhaus, new owners will need to schedule remaining shots for their puppy with their local veterinarian. Will my puppy be micro-chipped? Visit akcreunite. Can I have a German Shepherd puppy imported from Europe? Puppies bred at Nadelhaus sell quick and even with a deposit, there is generally a wait list for our puppies. If you are interested in skipping the wait list, consider having a puppy imported from Germany. Importing a German Shepherd puppy is a special opportunity to acquire a very beautiful dog with special bloodlines. Both the female mother and male stud are often top V and VA dogs in Germany and come from very popular and highly sought after bloodlines. If you are interested in importing a puppy, simply fill out the same puppy application and click the checkbox that you would like to import a puppy.

Only interact with dogs that are safe and you know for sure will have positive reactions to your new German Shepherd. Forcing them will only make them develop stress and anxiety in new situations and with animals. Think quality, not quantity, when socializing your German Shepherd. There are tons of new things your dog needs to get comfortable with. Use treats and positive encouragement when they investigate a new situation with confidence. Train daily. Make it fun. Punishment will only cause your dog to fear you and increase anxiety. Crouch down to offer them a gentle scratch and pet. This connects their name to paying attention to you and marks you as a positive leader, which is important for obedience training and living with their new family. Always work on rewarding good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. The goal is to build trust in the first few weeks and months that you have your new dog to create a bond. And dogs are actually happier when they are trained rspca. Keep the sessions short, but have multiple training sessions throughout the day. Never end training on a bad note. For example, give them a command they know for sure so they finish with success. Read this guide to learn all about the basics of proper German Shepherd obedience training , including a helpful training schedule and the foundation commands. Be prepared for chewing by offering the right options. Biting and chewing are natural instincts for dogs and puppies. These actions provide them with opportunities to investigate the different amounts of pressure to use in relation to the purpose of their biting. Your job as their new owner is to help your pup understand and educate them on what is appropriate to bite, nip, and chew. This teaches them your signal and cue. They should let go or look a bit startled. Follow their release with praise or a tasty treat when your dog stops the unwanted behavior. Do NOT physically punish your dog! Instead, redirect them to a proper chew toy. Sometimes puppies teethe and their gums are sore and need something to chew. Other times adult German Shepherds have a desire and natural urge to bite for relaxation and to reduce anxiety. Only use safe, non-toxic chew toys, which are found listed here, in the best strong chew toys for German Shepherds to avoid boredom. Avoid accidents by managing the home environment. Create a set routine and schedule and stick to it to avoid accidents and train your puppy faster. Say hello to your new sloppy family member… They not only shed everywhere but also dump water out when drinking, spill their food, and… Have total disrespect for your carpets! You must have them in a secure area or watch them all the time to avoid any accidents. No matter what you will clean up some kind of bodily function when owning a German Shepherd. So, do yourself a favor and stock up on pet stain and odor remover! Use food-dispensing toys and slow feeders to keep them at a healthy weight. This is a food toy called a Kong Wobbler. Keep to a schedule so that you can control their food intake and watch their weight. Instead, use rubber toys in which you place part of their food to help control their voracious eating. I like to use a Kong Wobbler for both puppies and adults. Even better? Puppies are more responsive to the Ignore method of training. As a new German Shepherd owner, you might think you need to appease your dog all the time or give in to their excessive attention-seeking. In my experience, this is one of the most effective training methods that you can use when owning a German Shepherd. Put simply, here are the basics to use the Ignore method of training: You ignore the behavior that you want to stop or reduce. On the flip side, you give attention to the behavior you want to encourage. The hard bit is ignoring a very intelligent German Shepherd who is persistent! Give your German Shepherd a job at home so they stay entertained. This represents big challenges as a German Shepherd owner. You must be smarter than your dog! But the jobs can be as easy or difficult as you have the time and energy to train. This is not a mentally lazy dog, but a breed with extremely high intelligence and a huge breadth of application for that intelligence. Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialisation, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the pub — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a lead, and lots of rewards. Lead walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping centre or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favourite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviours like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favourite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. A general rule of thumb is that a puppy can hold her bladder for approximately one hour for every month old they are. Most puppies find their way to a new home at months old, so they should go for a toilet break every hours to start. How often should my puppy poop a day? Typically, most pups will go once or twice a day — although some may go four or more times! How many hours should a German Shepherd puppy sleep? On average, a German Shepherd puppy will sleep for 18 hours a day. Some pups sleep longer than others but they usually sleep between 15 and 20 hours in a hour period. As puppies get older, they sleep less. The average 4-month-old puppy sleeps a little over 11 hours a day. Should I sleep with my German Shepherd puppy? You should not sleep with your German Shepherd puppy during the first few months home. Yet you can let your pup sleep beside you in a crate or a dog bed. Until they are completely up, they flop around, go up and down. You can help your puppy to strengthen her ear muscle by whistling and making funny noises that perk up her ears. When do German Shepherds start teething? Starting at 4 months old, German Shepherds will begin to lose their puppy teeth. But some puppies start losing their teeth earlier or later. You may discover a discarded tooth on the floor. Or you may see a few drops of blood on her chew toy. And it is not uncommon for a puppy to swallow her tooth, which is perfectly normal. When do German Shepherds get all their adult teeth? An adult German Shepherd should have 42 adult teeth. The small incisors in front usually come in first, followed by the big canines, the premolars and the molars. All adult teeth should be in place around months old. Puppies use their mouth to explore their environment, so nipping is very common. This behavior, called teething, can last until the puppy is 6 months old when all her adult teeth have started showing. German Shepherds grew into their full size between 18 months to 2 years old. But they are not considered adult dogs until they reach the age of 3 years old. If your pup is still young, one of the most effective ways to calm her down is to give her regular mental and physical exercise. The rule of thumb is that you should give a puppy 5 minutes of exercise for every month old they are. For example, a 4-month-old puppy would need 20 minutes of exercise. When do German Shepherds get their full coat? She will start the coat change on her face first. Then her fluffy puppy coat will be replaced by the smoother adult coat down her back, towards to trail and gradually down her sides. When do German Shepherds start shedding? While their shedding is especially intense during the spring and fall, they lose their undercoat during the rest of the year. Other Than Vacuuming When should I bring my puppy for the first vet visit? You should bring your new puppy to see a veterinarian no later than 2 days after coming home. Some breeders require this within 48 hours as included in their sales contract. It is very important for your vet to examine your puppy to look for signs of disease. When should a German Shepherd puppy get her vaccination? Your German Shepherd puppy is recommended to get her first vaccination distemper and parvovirus between weeks of age. Here are the recommended vaccinations from AKC for your reference: Some dogs do not need every vaccine. You should always discuss it with your vet. When should my German Shepherd puppy be wormed? A German Shepherd puppy should be wormed for the first time at 2 weeks of age, then at 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks old fortnightly until 12 weeks of age. After this, they can be wormed monthly until they are 12 months old. When do female German Shepherds go into the first heat? Female German Shepherds started their first heat as early as 7 months old, but this may vary from dog to dog. During that time, they may begin mounting other dogs or could become touchy or grumpy. There will be discharge and many owners use feminine pads and a diaper-type arrangement to keep the house clean. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior AVSAB recommends that pet guardians begin taking puppies on walks and public outings as early as one week after their first round of vaccinations, at about 7 weeks old. Instead of going for a marathon for the first time, it is advised to build up the distance with your GSD with time. Remember dogs cannot sweat like humans to reduce their body temperature. When can I walk my German Shepherd without a leash? Never let your dog go off-leash where there might be traffic or where he could injure himself. PART V German Shepherd puppy socialization guide Socialization helps them learn what to expect from the world around them and gives them the tools they need to navigate it as they get older. This includes new people, dogs, and animals, learning how to interact with new environments, and being exposed to a wide variety of sounds, smells, and sights. Socialization is especially important in German Shepherds starting from as early as 8 weeks old. This is because this breed is hard-wired to be protective of their owners as well as their property. Failing to socialize can make the dog become aloof to strangers. Other common signs of unsocialized in dogs include: Fearfulness or skittishness around unfamiliar people or animals Aggression towards other dogs or people Lack of confidence in new or unfamiliar situations Difficulty with basic training commands Inability to handle being handled or touched Puppies that are well-socialized are more likely to be healthy, obedient pets that make great additions to any household. They are intelligent dogs that can be challenging to train for first-time owners. However, with the right mindset, you can train your German Shepherd to become an obedient and well-behaved canine citizen in no time. At what age should I begin training my puppy? What should I teach my puppy first? Is it ok to crate my pup overnight? What are the basic commands every puppy must learn? How to motivate my puppy? Last but not least, we have compiled an easy-to-follow training guide. This training guide is our best effort in compiling a collection of training resources for any new GSD owner to kick-start training a new puppy — without wasting your time searching forever online. Each part is only one page long with at least one video for a demonstration. German Shepherds are powerful guard dogs that make great pets. However, raising a German shepherd puppy is not an easy task. Make sure you purchase more than enough food a few days before your puppy arrives and create a space for storing them in your home. Puppy-Proof Your Home German Shepherd puppies are curious creatures that love putting their nose in everything around the house. So, the first thing you should do to keep your pup safe is puppy-proof your home. Puppy proofing your home can help you keep your new pet out of certain rooms in the house. You can use baby gates to keep your dog confined in a particular part of the house. You can also cover or replace all the electrical cords in the home. Puppy proofing the house can make it easy for you to train your new pup. Build a Feeding Stand Dogs are possessive creatures; therefore, your new pup cannot feed or drink water using just any bowl in the house. So, make sure you get some high-quality bowls for the new addition to your family. The bowls should be big enough to feed your dog for several years. And instead of putting the bowls on the floor, you can even build a feeding stand for your new pup. A food stand can help you prevent food spillage and save you some cash in the end. It can even stress it out. Make sure you pick a place in the house with less traffic; after all, no pet loves eating in a high traffic place. Create More Space in Your Home for the Dog Adopting a pet means creating room for an extra member of your family in the house. Finding it when your pup is itching for its walk can be quite tedious. So, find out which house plants and flowers can affect your German Shepherd pup. And if the ones in your home are poisonous, you can replace them before your new pup arrives. One of the best ways to keep them from danger is by ensuring your backyard has a high fence. A high fence can help you keep your pet out of danger by keeping it from wandering out of your compound. If you plan on giving your pet free reign, then make sure your fence is high enough. Most pet parents already have other animals in their home. Therefore, you should prepare a safe space for introducing your current pets to the new addition to your home. After all, cats are territorial creatures that need their own space. Create a Dog Potty Area A dog potty area can come in handy, especially when potty training your new pup. Look for a nice place in your compound with less traffic and build a potty area for your new dog. It can be a particular corner in your backyard. A pet door can allow your dog to enter and leave the house at any time. Plus, if the potty region is in your backyard, a pet door can help you prevent your pup from soiling itself in the house. Conclusion Other than protecting us, a German Shepherd pup can bring joy into your life. Make sure you pet-proof your home and create space for your new pup in the house before it arrives. Preparing your home before the pup arrives can make it easy for it to adjust to its new home. Guest Post by:.

Lentil, a 9-week-old French bulldog rescue puppy with a severe cleft palate and lip, is making humans from Taiwan to Germany drool, but it's Philadelphia that he calls home. His Facebook fan page, called "My name is Lentil," has more than 48, likes, and people the world over look forward to the daily video and photo posts from Lentil's "foster mom," Lindsay Condefer, of Fishtown. Lentil has been featured on German television, BuzzFeed and the Huffington Post, but his greatest work may yet be ahead of him. Advertisement Condefer and area doctors hope that Lentil can usher in a visitation program between patients at the University of Pennsylvania's Veterinary School of Medicine and those at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Condefer also plans to have Lentil work with the Children's Craniofacial Association to bring a greater understanding of those with facial deformities. Lentil was one of a litter of four French bulldog puppies, all of whom had facial deformities, born to a breeder in New Jersey at the beginning of February. Two of the pups died at birth, and the other two were turned over to the French Bulldog Rescue Network, which is now raising money for Lentil's treatment. The president of the network called Condefer, a volunteer, and asked if she'd be interested in two "tube feeders. Condefer, who owns Chic Petique in Northern Liberties and runs Street Tails Animal Rescue, a nonprofit that specializes in special-needs animals, couldn't say no. She picked up Lentil and his sister, Edamame, when they were 4 days old. Edamame died just 17 hours later. Lentil weighed in at only 5. On Feb. She now posts several photos and usually one video a day of the pup, also known as "The Bean. Everything alright? Gotta check in on the baby! Condefer has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and interest in Lentil. Morrissey's daughter, Rachael, now 19, was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, and has undergone 15 surgeries. A friend found Lentil on Facebook and alerted the Morrisseys. We had never even thought of a dog or any other animal having a cleft or any cranial-facial issue," Morrissey said. It's just different for humans, and I thought that was interesting. One day, Condefer hopes to bring him to CCA retreats. Condefer says she plans to have Lentil get only the surgeries necessary on his nose, lip, hard palate and soft palate to get him eating and functioning on his own. Just leave it," she said. John Lewis, assistant professor of dentistry and oral surgery at Penn Vet, said it's rare to see so many defects in one puppy. Still, he said, Lentil is a good patient. Lewis said the goal, when Lentil is a big enough for surgery, is to create barriers in his oral and nasal cavities to prevent food and liquids from getting where they're not supposed to. Until then, Lentil will keep regaling his online followers with his unbearable cuteness and his inspiring story. Advertisement Advertisement About Us. Condefer Meet Lentil, a 5-month-old French bulldog who was born with a severe, double sided cleft in his hard and soft palate, lip and nose. Lentil now works as an "ambassadog," helping adults and children with cranial and facial deformities. Courtesy of Lindsay K. Condefer Lentil was born with the congenital defect. His breeder decided to give him away, and he was soon fostered by Lindsay Condefer, a former technician at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine who volunteers with the French Bulldog Rescue Network of Philadelphia. Courtesy of Lindsay K Condefer Cleft palates and lips happen to dogs, just like humans. While it is true we see broad-faced and short-faced dogs, they can occur in any breed. It's not necessarily a genetic issue," Dr. Courtesy of Lindsay K Condefer and Children's Craniofacial Association Dogs typically present with a unilateral cleft on the left side of the snout. What made Lentil's case different is he had a cleft on both sides of his face and it extended through the hard and soft palate. The hard palate cleft was the most concerning for doctors because it could potentially cause life-threatening injuries. Courtesy of Lindsay K Condefer and Children's Craniofacial Association Lentil helps children with facial defects feel better about themselves. Because his hard palate was open, Lentil's nasal passageways were susceptible to infection. Food and liquid could easily go down the his windpipe and not his esophagus, which could cause him to choke to death. Lentil had to be tube-fed every three hours in order to make sure the pup got the right nutrients. Courtesy of Lindsay K Condefer and Children's Craniofacial Association When Lentil reached four months old, doctors decided it was time to fix his cleft hard palate issues. Courtesy of Lindsay K Condefer Dr. Alexander Reiter was the lead surgeon on the case. He determined that while the hard palate issues were necessary to fix, the soft palate and facial issues were just cosmetic and should be left alone. Courtesy of Lindsay K Condefer "In a human, if a child has a cleft lip, this is something that stands out," Dr. Alexander Reiter said. Dogs and cats do not know what they look like. They don't have a perception of themselves. John Lewis, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine who assisted with Lentil's surgery, had just come back from giving a talk at the Center for Human Appearance at the University of Pennsylvania, and realized that Lentil could become a valuable teaching tool in helping patients, especially children, deal with facial defects. Courtesy of Lindsay K Condefer The team decided to create a program that would connect canines and people with cranial and facial deformities. John Lewis explained. Courtesy of Lindsay K Condefer Lentil prepares for his hard palate surgery. Courtesy of Lindsay K Condefer Lentil during his hard palate surgery. Courtesy of Lindsay K Condefer "Lentil has become more than just a patient. He has become an 'ambassadog' for less fortunate people in the world that suffer from cranial defects, especially children," Dr. All rights reserved. March 16, at p. An adorable bulldog puppy with a cleft palate has taken the Internet by storm with his cute face and admirable fight to survive. The tiny French bulldog named Lentil was born Feb. Along with his sister, Edamame, who was also born with the condition and died days after birth, Lentil was rescued by people working for the French Bulldog Rescue Network in New Jersey. This is the reason foster mom is tube feeding me — and why we celebrate each day and keep my page positive!! Life is a blessing … and we are cherishing just that! But the process is difficult. And breathing can be difficult, too. When Condefer, who runs a natural pet foods store in Philadelphia called Chic Petique, first encountered Lentil, along with his sister, he was a meager six ounces. They looked like little beans, so I named them accordingly, Lentil and Edamame. Just WOW …. That was so thoughtful — it brought me to tears when I saw it … and also a thank you to Michele at Diesel and Juice! This is just so special!! In another few weeks, Lentil will be able to go for his first surgical consult, where veterinarians can begin to assess the correct course of action. Until then, however, Condefer is treating everyday with her darling doggy as a gift. Lentil and his sister, Edamame, were born with cleft palates and deformed snouts. Though they were both taken into the care of a devoted fosterer, Edamame did not pull through, passing away shortly after her birth. Lentil, however, is still around. The tiny puppy is the subject of a blog and Facebook fan page — with lots of photos — and every day his number of supporters grows. Lentil still had his eyes shut when he was taken in by his fosterer via the French Bulldog Rescue Network, and he must be fed through a tube every three hours. Despite the challenges Lentil faces, he continues to gain about an ounce per day, which will make him a better candidate for corrective surgery. At a mere seven weeks old, Lentil has already seen a string of specialists. He has a consultation scheduled with a doctor at the University of Pennsylvania who has experience correcting similar deformities in other animals. He may have come from harrowing beginnings, but it looks like the little dog is well on his way. Not bad for someone only seven weeks old who needs to eat through a tube! In , a French Bulldog puppy with a cleft palate found his way into the arms of Lindsay Condefer. His name is Lentil Bean. Condefer plans to incorporate multiple stalls, run-ins, a chicken coop and more by late spring. It all happened organically, which makes it that much more beautiful. There is a reason for [Lentil]. Also a lover of French bulldogs, she is a longtime advocate for the French Bulldog Rescue Network, a volunteer-based organization dedicated to putting these dogs into the care of families. The organization contacted Condefer about Lentil, knowing she was qualified to care for the cleft palate dog. The Facebook users who follow My Name is Lentil have created an online community that Condefer never imagined possible. It is, in a sense, a group of people around the world who send birthday cards and other encouraging messages to children with craniofacial differences. In , Condefer learned of a young girl in Mississippi with a cleft palate whose birthday was around the corner. The families can scroll through them during the surgery, they know the world is behind them. For more information about the GoFundMe page, visit www. For more information about Lentil and other projects of the Bean family, visit www.

Do every chore you need to do before your pug arrives. This way, your pug would have all the attention it needs as it settles down for the first time. Avoid doing the following things. Allow it to settle and be familiar with its new home first before doing so. Start to crate-train your pug. Crate training is essential for pugs for many reasons. For instance, it will help them learn much quicker and have toilet training at the same time. You can do this by putting your pug into its crate the first thing after it arrives at home. You can add a nice treat for your pug to eat in the crate. Begin the house training. As soon as your pug starts to settle, try to make some schedule for house training. It would be best if you do it at the same time of the day. This way, your pet will learn to abide by a specific routine. You can also do this with potty training, mealtimes, playtimes, and other activities. Thus, you may find it overwhelming to choose which one would be best. Research to find out more about your chosen Pug breeder. Though we offer you a list of Pug breeders, you still need to get to know your chosen one. You can contact the phone number and visit their website to learn more about what kind of breeder they are. If you can, it would be better to visit their address. This way, you can avoid going into business with unreputable breeders. Ask the right questions. Once you have your breeder, reach out to him or her and ask the right questions. Visit your future pup in its current home. If you have connected with a breeder, chances are it will give you weeks to prepare your home. In those weeks, the breeder will also prepare the puppy. Between those weeks, you should get invited to meet and bond with your future pup. When you do, try to see and check the environment and how your puppy reacts. Such things will tell you a lot about how the breeder has been treating the puppy. Your breeder should ask more about you. A good breeder wants the puppies to be under good parents in the future. Other states. They are super friendly and goes with kid and other small home pet like cat. Babies will come with papers stuffs and 6 weeks health guarantee. Our puppies are AKC registered. They are potty trained, well socialized, current on vaccinations and wormings and ready now for new families! Serious buyers should only Text ME at xxx xxx-xxx2. Free Shipping is Included. Both parents can be seen as they are our family pets. Parents and puppies have been brought up around children. All puppies will be vet checked, wormed and have their vaccination before living. Please only serious inquiries as these pups mean a lot to us. We will only see these pups go to the best homes possible. We will feed them on Royal Canin puppy food which is one of the best quality foods available. Puppies will be KC Reg, Micro chipped, vet checked and have 1st vaccinations. Puppies have been handled since birth and are well socialised with other dogs and children. View Detail Ready Now!!! Pug Puppys Lovely litter of fawn pug Puppys for sale male and females available with price difference. Contact me for info via email txt or phone cheers. Please contact contact petzlover. Find more Pug puppies for sale in closest states: Tennessee , Kentucky , Illinois , Arkansas , Iowa , Mississippi If you have never owned a Pug before, or are interested in reading more information, check out our Pug Dog Breed Information page. Latest Dog Articles Most common digestion puppy's diseases We don't like to think of our new puppy falling sick with puppy disease. But youngsters get sick quicker and take longer to get well than adults. It's vital to recognize sick puppy behavior, signs and symptoms of puppy illness, and how to know when you ca How to Defend Yourself against a Mad Dog According to World Health Organization about citizens require emergency care treatment on a daily basis for dog bite injury. Also, about 4. Now, those are insanely alarming statistics. But they are tru Dog Care Tips Few things in life are more fun and rewarding than bringing a dog into your family. Your dog will offer your family years of love and loyalty — as long as you provide him with food, shelter, responsible care, and love in return. Exercise Grooming The pug has origins majorly from China and Netherland. The Modern pugs are imported from China; the earliest breeds have also been known to originate from there. However, the pugs have a history with royal families in the Netherlands and England. The Modern style pugs were brought in to Britain in from China. The pugs were tended by the ruling families in China. The imperial court kept pugs because they were treasured by the Emperors who assigned guards to protect them while they the pugs lived in extravagance. Keeping pugs in Europe started at the House of Orange in the Netherlands. The pug became the official pug of the house after it saved the Prince of Orange from Assassins. Although these pugs were said to have been brought from China, the pugs from Europe at that time, as seen in pictures depict longer legs and nose. The pugs became prominent in the United States in the nineteenth century. They easily became family companions and show dogs. They became recognized by the American Kennel Club in .This occurred in , it was the first time a pug would be winning the show since it began. The pug would do anything to please its owners this is what makes them suitable to keep in many homes. Their loyalty is unwavering, they do well with children their calmness and sturdy physique allows them to tolerate children easily. Their Alertness makes them good security dogs but they are not predominantly used for security purposes. Pugs are stubborn, but this does not transform into aggressive manners. The pug thrives indoors. It is usually kept close to families that own it. It is classified by most Kennel Clubs as a toy dog. Despite their adaptation to heat, pugs cannot thrive well outdoors in hot and humid regions Pugs do not require high-intensity exercises; however moderate exercising will be sufficient. A reserved and reasonable amount of space for the dog to move around is ideal. The pugs have a fine coat that is sufficient to protect them from heat and cold. Maintaining a pug has low requirements. However, wrinkles and eyes have to be cleaned daily. Our Pugs puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Pug Puppies for Sale.

Purchases you make through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission Let's be honest: pet parents love to spoil their four-legged friends. Whether it's a new chew toy or the healthiest, best-tasting, top-of-the-line food, there is no limit to what you would buy for your dog or cat. To help you shop smarter, we've rounded up the 15 most popular products at Petco. From the number one scratching post for cats to the cult-favorite Thundershirt for dogs, these are the things other pet parents swear by. Shop at Petco 1. One of our experts uses the all-natural rubber toy with her own pooch—she says she simply fills it with some peanut butter and it keeps her dog entertained for hours. That's why crates are a godsend for many pet parents. This one is top-rated by Petco shoppers for being spacious and secure it has a strong bolt latch and for having convenient features like a removable divider—so you can adjust the space as your pup grows—and a composite pan for easy accident clean-up. And if you don't want your brand-new couch getting destroyed, you'll need a scratching post like this one from Petco. Made with woven sisal, it won't snag your cat's nails like a carpeted post would. Reviewers also like how strong and sturdy the post is and they say it holds up well over time. Greenies Dog Dental Treats If you're a dog owner, chances are you've heard of veterinarian-recommended Greenies. The popular dental dog chews—which have over 1, reviews at Petco—are famous for both cleaning your dog's teeth and freshening their breath. The natural, easy-to-digest treats are praised for being loved by dogs very important! K9 Advantix Flea and tick medication is a must-have, especially for those living near wooded areas. One popular choice is the K9 Advantix II topical medication , which comes veterinarian-recommended and lasts up to four weeks between each dose. It's also a good alternative to the Seresto collar, which has been found to have risks associated with it. PetSafe Drinkwell Original Pet Fountain Dogs and cats alike can stay properly hydrated with this popular pet fountain , which continuously circulates and filters water so your four-legged friends are getting the freshest, cleanest water. Reviewers like that it has such a large capacity it can hold up to 50 fluid ounces and that the free-falling stream encourages pets to drink more. ThunderWorks Anxiety Jacket If your dog freaks out every time it storms, they might benefit from the popular Thundershirt. With hundreds of five-star reviews at Petco, the machine-washable shirt is praised for how effectively it is at easing dogs' anxiety by providing gentle pressure. Pet owners also say it can be used for other stress-inducing situations like travel or trips to the vet. Grain Free Cat Food You try to eat healthy so why not help your cat do the same? This wet cat food has received tons of praise from fellow pet parents because not only is it free of grains, but it's also free of artificial flavors and preservatives. Nylabone Dogs might be man's best friend but everyone knows that chew toys and bones are dog's best friends. Get both of those things in one with the popular Nylabone. Made of incredibly durable rubber, the chew bone is a favorite among dog owners who have "extreme chewers. Enter this game-changing litter box , which cleans itself in seconds. Da Bird Step away from the laser pointer—hundreds of cat owners say this feather teaser is their kitty's favorite toy. According to reviews, not only is it fun for cats to jump and paw at for hours but it's also well-made, so the feathers can withstand even the roughest of play sessions. Bitter Apple Dog Training Spray Take it from someone who babysat her sister's puppy for a week— this spray will save your sanity and your things. I sprayed it on everything I didn't want Berkeley to chew on and the bitter apple taste immediately deterred him. It worked so well, in fact, that eventually, even just picking up the bottle was enough to make him stop chewing or biting. WholeHearted Dog Food If you've ever shopped for dog food, you know the amount of options available is overwhelming. But nearly 1, pet owners agree that this WholeHearted grain-free dry dog food is some of the best. They like that their dogs love to eat it, yes, but also that it's packed with nutritious ingredients real chicken is the first ingredient listed! Dog Car Harness While your dog might love sticking their head out the window or roaming around the car while you drive, it isn't exactly the safest option. That's why so many pooch parents like using this strong harness , which is crash-tested for dogs up to 75 pounds. With steel buckles and five adjustment points, it clips easily and securely onto your car seat. Cuddler Cat Bed Your cat deserves all the luxuries the world has to offer, which is why we love this cuddly cat bed from Petco. It's small and fuzzy—just like your favorite feline—and blends in with just about any decor you have at your home. The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time. Litter Box Training Your Puppy A step by step guide exclusively from Midwest Chihuahuas I get a lot of questions about litter training so I wanted to take a few minutes to explain the in's and outs of getting your puppy or dog accustomed to the litter box. I have had great success with litter box training and HIGHLY recommend it to people who own toy breed dogs, especially the very small such as Chihuahuas and Yorkies as their little bladders are not as capable as larger dogs, even those over .Choice of litter is VERY important. DO NOT use cat litter for training you puppy!!! I have heard of people doing this and it is BAD. Cat litter can get stuck in their pads and they can lick it off their coat causing expensive and harmful gastro-intestinal complications. It is in an orange bag and can be purchased at any fine petstore. If you don't see it at your pet store, ASK. They might carry it for you or tell you somewhere that does. Starting Out Oftentimes when you get your puppy, it will have started being trained to paper or "wee wee" pads that sit on the floor. If you did get a puppy like this, great, as this is an easy transition to make. If your puppy has no idea and won't use the pads either, hope is not lost. First off, get your pup to use newspaper or a pad in a designated area or two of your home. The boxes state adult size and weight so this is an easy step. These are great boxes with a "lip" for your little one to get in. I don't use cat boxes so I can't comment on how they might work. I believe in sticking to what works. If you like the paper can go over the edges of the box. Your puppy might need the same encouragement to use the paper with the litter under it, but give it to them. You are on the right track. Your pup now knows where to go and how. Your puppy might need a little encouragement with the litter, but has, over time, learned this is the way to keep you happy with their potty habits. Easy for cat to enter and exit, and suitable for cats of all ages and sizes Available in two sizes and two colors, navy or gray High walls to prevent litter for splattering Made from BPA-free, recyclable plastic No assembly required Only available from Chewy No place to store a litter scoop We tested this litter box with three adult cats who live together. All have their own quirks and habits when it comes to potty time, but all of them immediately took to the Frisco High Sided Cat Litter Box. Cats love being able to observe their surroundings when they use the bathroom, but a box that's too open risks spreading litter around on your floor. The Frisco High Sided finds the right middle ground between your needs and your cat's. Its U-shaped entrance allows for easy entry and exit, and your cat will still have decent visibility over its side walls, which are high enough that cat won't kick litter out when they're trying to bury their waste. All three walls surrounding the low-barrier walk-through point are 10 inches high for the x-large size and 8 inches for the medium size to keep litter contained. The entryway is 5. The high sides prevent splatter, even when cats kick and dig, and the perimeter sufficiently knocks off any remaining litter from kitty paws to reduce the amount of tracking. The edges are curved at the top to make the bin easier to pick up for cleaning, and it's easy to wipe down with soap and water. The durable box is available in two colors, navy or gray, and is made out of BPA-free, recyclable plastic. But it doesn't come with a slotted scoop or space to conveniently store this essential tool nearby, so you might find another one of our top tested picks more suitable for your maintenance schedule. Photoshopped Indoor Potty Systems This Omeuamigo potty tray may seem like a good option at first glance until you realize that the featured pictures are photoshopped. Additionally, this product has very few reviews, and the ones that do exist are fairly negative. Some dog litter boxes come with a material inside for absorbing liquids while others require you to select the filler of your choice. Litter: The traditional choice of cat owners, regular litter can also be used with doggos. You can sift litter, making it easy to clean, but dogs will often end up tracking it around the house. And some puppers may even be inclined to chew or eat it. We really only include it to be thorough. Consider the size of your dog. Choose between disposable vs reusable options. Think about how you will clean the litter box. Figure out your budget. However, if you do have some disposable income to throw at the problem, you can consider fancy options, such as self-cleaning models. Some of the most common situations in which they may help include: Owners with mobility issues. Dogs with bladder-control issues. Some dogs simply have more trouble holding it than others — particularly small breeds with tiny bladders. While belly bands may provide some help with this issue for male dogs, an indoor bathroom facility will often be more convenient to use. Owners living in high-rise apartments. Even if you have an elevator, bathroom trips are still quite an ordeal. Young puppies going through the house-breaking process. Not only do they help teach your dog that there are right and wrong places to relieve themselves, they also help contain the inevitable messes that accompany the process. Owners who live in areas with inclement weather. If you live in an area with long, cold winters or sweltering summers, you may find a litter box or some other type of indoor potty to be very helpful. Owners who are away from the home for long periods of time. While it is never ideal to leave your dog alone for lengthy periods of time, it is sometimes unavoidable. Indoor potty spots help keep your dog from having to sit cross-legged all day long, waiting for you to get home. Dogs who are recovering from illness or injury. If your dog has been battling illness or recovering from an injury, your vet may recommend keeping him as calm, quiet and still as possible. By utilizing an indoor bathroom of some type, you can reduce the number of trips your dog needs to take outdoors. Dogs who are afraid of the outdoors. If your is dog scared of going outside , you may want to try an indoor potty while trying to build his confidence. It is also worth mentioning that most litter-box-style products work better with smaller dogs than larger dogs. Nevertheless, many owners of dogs in the to pound range find indoor bathrooms effective. Having a backup potty option can provide you with valuable peace of mind and is worth considering if you have the space. In the event that your dog does need to go inside, at least it will be in a contained space. Most litter boxes and indoor bathrooms are appropriate for 1 or 2, although some handle poop better than others. Keep in mind that litter boxes are not designed to completely eliminate trips outside — they are designed to reduce the number of trips you must take. Accordingly, most owners still take their dog out to poop once or twice a day, and primarily use the litter box as a place to tinkle. Unfortunately, dog urine can contain leptospirosis bacteria which is zoonotic, meaning it could be passed on to people and other species. Make sure your pooch is safe and secure so that you can focus your attention on thoroughly addressing the mess. Remove as much waste as possible. Be sure to check out some of these dog poop disposal ideas before you settle on a solution. Immediately cleaning up doo-doo is doubly essential if your dog has a bad habit of eating dog poop — yikes! Rinse down the potty with hot water. Rinse or wipe out any residue using hot water. Make sure you get rid of disposable potties as needed. Puddle Spread to your floor? Here are some strategies that might make it easier for Fido to go inside. Bring the outside in. If possible, it may be helpful to bring this plant inside and place it on top of the indoor potty. It could be enough of a cue for your furry friend. Place the potty near the door. If your pooch is used to going outside, placing the indoor potty near the door may make for an easier transition for Fido. You can also try bringing the indoor potty outside, have your dog go on the potty outside, and then move the potty inside. A potty trained pooch may not understand that he can go on the indoor dog potty. You could try leashing up your pooch and taking him on a walk around your home, only to stop for sniffing by the dog potty. Praise your pooch! Whenever you do catch your dog using the indoor dog potty, be sure to reward with lots of praise and treats. Try another texture. Some dogs may naturally take to one potty type over another. You may have to tinker with different potty styles before landing on the ideal solution for your furry friend. Typically a bathroom in the main portion of your house is the best option. What kind of litter is best for dogs? Some pet parents have success with paper pellets, while others prefer clay litter or dog-safe wood shavings. Try out small batches of litter to see what works best for your dog. Is litter box training a dog a good idea? Litter training your dog is helpful if you often work long hours or if your dog struggles to hold his bladder. An indoor pottying area like a litter box offers your pup a place to safely and comfortably do his business without ruining your floors or furniture. Is there a dog version of a litter box? Yes, there are several dog litter boxes available, ranging from the standard bins you may envision for a cat to those that are more pad-like in design. Each has its own list of pros and cons to consider. The most important aspect is to choose a dog litter box that works for your pup to ensure he actually uses it. Can dogs learn to use a litter box? Yes, dogs can learn to use a litter box like a cat. When he potties in the litter box, offer praise. Lather, rinse, and repeat until he happily trots over on his own to do his business every time. How did it work for you? Was your dog comfortable using it, or did he fail to understand the point? Like it? Share it! I never liked cats before I had my own; in fact I remember being horrified when I used to babysit kids with cats. After calming the kids down from their night-time fears, my own would set in. Any sound, glow or creek in the house would scare me. I was literally on edge until the parents came in the door. The culprits of these noises? No paranormal activity here, just a couple of cats staring at me in the dark and creeping around. So, What Happened? My husband and I discussed getting a pet. My husband said that we should get a cat. She was white with chocolate brown ears, boots and tail. We took her out to play in that little cavernous room in the pet store that closes the deal literally every single time and that was that — we got a cat. A little over a year later, we thought that Malee would enjoy a friend at home while we were out working all day. We searched around for a cat we thought would match her personality well. One day, a few months into our search, we met a little black kitten at a PetSmart adopt-a-thon who was petrified of us and completely in love with us at the same time. That cat we called Paislee due to her amazing striped pattern, and to have a similar name-ending to Malee and now those two have the run of the house. Smelly things We look over a lot with those cats. The hair can be something else, hence our Dyson purchase but 2 days after getting little Malee. Discovering my cat allergies has been a good time as well I keep the Reactine folks in business and am currently contemplating allergy shots. But I have to say, acclimatizing to living with a litter box has by far been the biggest challenge for me. If a day goes by where it is not scooped, I freak out. This is horrible — what, do I live in a toilet? Strategic planning We have one box for the cats to share. We are planning on getting a second one so that each cat has her own private space. Further to that, managing the odours comes down to how often you are scooping the litter i. I think we have a pretty solid no pun intended routine. I tried the other litter mats that are made out of rubber look like rubber spaghetti clumped together which absorb anything read: accidents meaning mine got tossed. If the cats get any litter around the area we just sweep it up. They are pretty good at containing it to that area though. The Litter box We used to have one with a top closure and a charcoal filter. We ditched the lid and the cats much prefer the open space. It airs out better. We now use a biodegradable and disposable litter box , and the cats absolutely adore the texture of it they scratch it for fun. I like this plan better, and would not have gone for it if the litterboxes were not biodegradable. The Litter Liners Again, we used to use these however they became cumbersome and superfluous. They seem like a product that was developed to sell in pet stores Johnson, we need to raise our sales numbers this quarter…think of a way to sell the customers something they already have…. If you find your litter box is absorbing odours into the plastic, you can replace it every year. It is cleaner and looks nicer than a box of baking soda and needs changing once every 6 months. I am not a fan of air fresheners they give me a screaming headache , so I avoid them at all costs. If you are going to use something, stick to a natural solution like a half-lemon left in a dish near the litter box, an open bowl of vinegar, a box of baking soda or a charcoal air filter. The Litter We were just downright cheap when it comes to litter. I mean, how can you justify spending premium dollar on a toilet-y sandbox for cats? Cheap, readily available clumping litter. It makes a total mess; it is dusty and grainy. It does not help with odours. It helped with odours somewhat, but we were not totally satisfied. Malee was brought up on that litter so we kept using it until Paislee came along. I was not a fan. The house smelled, the stuff was messy, dusty and got everywhere when we were changing or scooping it. Cheap or not, it sucked. The thing with litter is, there are so many different kinds of kitty litter and they all come with their own host of warnings, costs and environmental issues. So after months of contemplation, we decided to give some other litter types a whirl. We purchased a small package of Feline Pine compressed pine pellets and Swheat Scoop wheat litter. The pellets are similar in size to that of compressed newspaper and have an interesting reaction. The pellets break down as they urine and it turns into sawdust. Feces sort of sit on top of the litter or catch a few pellets in it while the cats are cleaning up. I found that it got quite dusty with the urine breaking down the pellets, but if you keep the amount of litter to a couple of inches it is manageable. It also holds odours in pretty well — I have to say, I did not noticed a wretched smell coming from the box after we switched to that brand. When Feline Pine ran out, we started using Swheat Scoop. We sprinkled it in a cleaned out litter box and gave it a try. It has no scent and is not dusty. Again, the cats were impervious to the change. What I liked is that it behaved the same way clumping litter does, making both number ones and number twos easy to clean up after and still allows the rest of the clean litter to sift through the scoop back into the pan for future use. It leaves no dust at all and does not break down once wet, and finally, it traps in odours well. Someone told me about crystal litter , and I was very unsure about these multi-coloured granules. However, we gave it a whirl and the cats seemed fine with the change. The cool thing is, they change colour when they are no longer functional sort of like your toothbrush , and they are unbelivevably amazing when it comes to trapping odours. I have not come across a better kind of litter. Crystals are the winner. The Litter Schedule I just want to preface this by saying that this is an ideal schedule; we do not keep it all the time. We do as best we can. When we do keep to the schedule, the results are the best. The litter gets scooped twice daily; in the morning when I feed them and at night when he feeds them. He cleans the box out weekly and changes the litter. Do we stick to our plan always? No, but it really helps in managing that smell when we do. The Box Cleaning Routine To clean a plastic litter box: Empty the litter into a garbage bag and pre-soak the litter box with disinfectant and baking soda for 10 minutes. Hose out in the backyard yes, even in the winter and dry with paper towel. The mat and surrounding area gets a quick clean up as well a sweep to the tiles and the mat just gets sprayed down with disinfectant and dried. Litter is refilled. We put in about 1. They just need enough coverage to kick around and clean up after themselves. Like a typical cat, Malee eagerly awaits the clean litter box so that she can hop in and move litter around to better suit her feng shui, literally one millisecond after the last litter granule falls in the box. What is your routine? What brands of litter do you use? Have you found any methods that are very effective for managing litter boxes? For more cleaning tricks check out our E-Book Bundle! It gives you three fantastic e-books full of cleaning secrets that I have learned throughout my 20 years in the cleaning business. Cleaning Expert Melissa Maker is here to help with her game-changing 3 Wave Cleaning System that will help you clean your house faster and easier than you ever thought possible!